An Overview of Amazon DSP (Demand-Side-Platform)

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AO2 Insider

A man standing in a warehouse
Jake Silberstein
Read time:
8min
June 10, 2024

In the landscape of digital advertising, Amazon's Demand-Side Platform (DSP) is a powerful tool for advertisers looking to reach their target audience with precision and efficiency. With its granular controls, access to premium inventory sources, and robust targeting options, Amazon DSP offers advertisers a unique opportunity to elevate their advertising strategy and drive results. Let's delve into what sets Amazon DSP apart from other ways to deploy advertising and how it can benefit your advertising campaigns.

What is Amazon DSP?

Amazon DSP, or Demand-Side Platform, is a programmatic advertising solution that allows advertisers to buy display and video ad placements across Amazon's network of owned and operated sites, as well as third-party websites, apps, and devices. It provides advertisers with advanced targeting capabilities, real-time bidding, and detailed reporting to optimize campaign performance.

Key Differences from Sponsored Display Advertising

While both Amazon DSP and Sponsored Display Advertising aim to promote products and drive sales on Amazon, there are several key differences between the two:

  1. Targeting Options: Amazon DSP offers more advanced targeting options, allowing advertisers to reach specific audiences based on demographics, interests, shopping behavior, and more. Sponsored Display Advertising primarily targets shoppers based on their recent shopping activity on Amazon.
  2. Inventory Sources: Amazon DSP provides access to a wider range of inventory sources, including premium publishers and private marketplaces such as Sky News, the Guardian, and others. This allows advertisers to reach audiences across a broader spectrum of websites and apps, whereas Sponsored Display Advertising is limited to placements within the Amazon ecosystem.
  3. Granular Controls: With Amazon DSP, advertisers have granular controls over their campaigns, including the ability to include or exclude specific inventory sources, adjust bid strategies, and optimize targeting parameters in real time. Sponsored Display Advertising offers less flexibility and customization in campaign management.

Minimum Spend Threshold

Amazon DSP typically requires advertisers to reach a minimum spend threshold to access its platform and launch campaigns. While the exact minimum spend varies depending on factors such as region and campaign objectives, advertisers should budget accordingly to meet these requirements.

Benefits of Amazon DSP

  • Enhanced Targeting: Reach your ideal audience with precision targeting based on demographics, interests, shopping behavior, and more.
  • Access to Premium Inventory: Tap into premium inventory sources and private marketplaces to expand your reach and increase brand visibility.
  • Granular Control: Optimize campaign performance with detailed controls over targeting, bidding, and optimization strategies.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Gain insights into campaign performance with real-time reporting and actionable data to drive informed decision-making.

Drawbacks to Consider

  • Complexity: Amazon DSP can be complex to navigate, especially for advertisers who are new to programmatic advertising. The platform requires a learning curve to understand its features, targeting options, and optimization strategies.
  • Minimum Spend Requirements: Amazon DSP typically requires advertisers to meet minimum spend thresholds to access the platform. This barrier to entry can be prohibitive for smaller businesses or advertisers with limited budgets.
  • Cost: Advertising on Amazon DSP can be more expensive than other digital advertising platforms. Advertisers may need to allocate a larger budget to achieve their desired results, especially for competitive product categories.
  • Limited Control Over Ad Placement: While Amazon DSP provides granular controls over targeting and optimization, advertisers have limited control over where their ads appear across the web. This lack of transparency can raise concerns about brand safety and ad placement quality.
  • Performance Measurement Challenges: Measuring the performance of Amazon DSP campaigns can be challenging due to the variety of metrics available. Advertisers may need help to accurately attribute conversions and assess the true impact of their campaigns.

Is DSP right for your brand?

Amazon DSP offers advertisers a powerful platform to elevate their advertising efforts and drive results. With its advanced targeting options, access to premium inventory sources, and granular controls, Amazon DSP provides advertisers the tools they need to reach their target audience effectively and efficiently. Whether you want to increase brand awareness, drive sales, or promote new products, Amazon DSP offers a comprehensive solution to meet your advertising goals.

Sellers, are you thinking about enrolling your brand in Amazon DSP? Contact us to learn more! We can audit your catalog to ensure DSP is your best option.

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