In e-commerce, advertising is key. It helps drive traffic and boost sales. Two premier platforms for sellers online are Etsy and Amazon. Each of these has its own set of advertising options. In this blog, we will compare Etsy Ads and Amazon Sponsored Products. It also helps sellers come up with the best advertising strategy. Next, we will explore the Etsy ad dashboard and how the Amazon ads work. Then, we are going to compare these tools so you’ll know which one works best for your business.
E-commerce sellers on the right advertising platform are often faced with a dilemma. Etsy and Amazon offer great advertising options. However, they cater to different sellers and products. Knowing the details of each platform can greatly impact your ad success and your profits.
Key Benefits / Why It Matters
Understanding Etsy Ads
Etsy Ads help sellers on the Etsy platform. They offer an easy way to promote listings right in Etsy’s marketplace. The Etsy ad dashboard is easy to use. Sellers can set daily budgets, track ad performance, and adjust their campaigns when needed. A key benefit of Etsy Ads is reaching a targeted audience. These buyers are already looking for handmade, vintage, or unique goods.
- Targeted Audience: Etsy Ads connect with buyers seeking unique, handcrafted items. This makes this platform perfect for artisans and small businesses.
- Ease of Use: The Etsy ad dashboard is user-friendly. It’s easy to navigate, so sellers of all experience levels can access it.
- Cost Control: Sellers can set daily budgets. This helps them manage spending and keep advertising within budget limits.

Exploring Amazon Sponsored Products
Amazon Sponsored Products are a key part of Amazon’s advertising tools. They help boost visibility and sales for products on the platform. Amazon, unlike Etsy, offers a wider variety of products and sellers. It serves everyone, from small businesses to big companies. Amazon ads blend into the shopping experience. They show up in search results and product detail pages. This boosts product visibility a lot.
- Wide Reach: Amazon ads tap into a massive audience, providing exposure to millions of potential buyers worldwide.
- Advanced Targeting: Sellers can use keyword targeting and product targeting. This helps them reach specific audiences with their campaigns.
- Performance Insights: Amazon offers in-depth analytics. This helps sellers monitor ad performance and make informed decisions.
Additional Expert Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Best Practices for Etsy Ads
- Optimise Listings: Ensure your product listings have the right keywords, clear images, and detailed descriptions. This will improve organic visibility and enhance the effectiveness of your Etsy Ads.
- Monitor and Adjust: Regularly check the Etsy ad dashboard to monitor campaign performance. Adjust budgets and bids based on performance data to maximise return on investment.
- Seasonal Promotions: Leverage seasonal trends to highlight relevant products during busy shopping times, such as holidays and special events.
Common Mistakes in Amazon Ads
- Neglecting Keyword Research: Not doing proper keyword research can lead to low ad performance. Use Amazon’s keyword tools to identify high-performing keywords relevant to your products.
- Ignoring Negative Keywords: Using negative keywords is key. They stop ads from showing up in unrelated searches. This helps save your budget and ensures better results.
- Neglecting Data Analysis: Regularly check ad performance data. This helps you spot trends and make smart adjustments. Ignoring data insights can lead to missed opportunities for optimisation.
Advanced Insights / Expert Recommendations
Strategic Use of Both Platforms
For sellers who operate on both Etsy and Amazon, a strategic approach to advertising can yield significant benefits. Consider the following recommendations:
- Diversified Advertising Strategy: Use Etsy Ads and Amazon Sponsored Products to connect with various parts of your target audience. This diversification can enhance overall brand visibility and sales.
- Cross-Promotion: Leverage each platform’s strengths by cross-promoting products. For instance, use Amazon’s wide reach to drive traffic to your Etsy store for unique or customisable items.
- Budget Allocation: Allocate advertising budgets based on platform performance and sales goals. Regularly check which platform gives the best return on investment. Then, adjust your budgets as needed.

Leveraging Analytics for Success
Both Etsy and Amazon provide valuable insights into ad performance. Sellers should leverage these analytics to refine their advertising strategies:
- Etsy Analytics: Use the Etsy ad dashboard to track metrics such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and cost per click. Identify high-performing products and focus advertising efforts on these listings.
- Amazon Analytics: Amazon’s advertising platform offers detailed reports on impressions, clicks, and sales. Use this data to optimise keyword targeting and adjust bids for maximum impact.
Cost Comparison: Etsy Ads vs Amazon Sponsored Products
When choosing an advertising platform, cost is an important factor. Both Etsy and Amazon offer flexible pricing, but the way they charge you can be different.
Etsy Ads Costs
Etsy Ads work on a cost-per-click (CPC) basis. This means you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. You can set a daily budget. Etsy will then choose where to place your ads based on your listings and that budget.
- Starting Budget: You can start with as little as $1 per day.
- Cost Control: You can increase or decrease your budget anytime.
- No Extra Fees: You only pay for clicks, not views.
Amazon Sponsored Products Costs
Amazon ads also work on a CPC model, but the competition for keywords can make prices higher than on Etsy.
- Keyword Bidding: You choose how much to bid on specific keywords.
- Flexible Budgeting: You can set daily and campaign budgets.
- Higher CPC: Popular keywords can cost more due to higher competition.
Which Is More Affordable?
- Etsy Ads may be better for small shops with lower budgets.
- Amazon Ads can be more expensive, but they reach a larger audience.
- Your actual cost depends on your goals, audience, and how well you manage your ads.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Ad Platform for Your Online Store
Each platform has its pros and cons for e-commerce sellers. This is true for Etsy Ads and Amazon Sponsored Products. Etsy Ads are effective for sellers who want to reach those who value handmade and vintage goods. Amazon Sponsored Products offer a broader reach and better targeting options. Knowing the pros and cons of each platform helps sellers choose wisely. This assists them in achieving business results.
Sellers can boost their product visibility and sales with a smart advertising strategy on both platforms. They can mix things up by using the unique benefits of each platform. Check your ads’ performance often. Use the data to adjust them. This way, your ads will get better results.
So, while weighing your advertising options, exploreEtsy and Amazon’s ads. Test out different campaigns, track the results, and change your strategy when necessary. Keep being aware and just do. Enhancing your e-commerce strategy will strengthen your advertising and help meet your marketing goals. What will your next step be in refining your advertising strategy?