How to Find the Right Amazon PPC Software for Your Needs?

Amazon advertising is a powerful tool for businesses to showcase their products and reach millions of potential customers. Even today, most of Amazon's advertising is in a lower funnel, yielding substantial returns for customers. 

However, managing Amazon ad campaigns today is becoming complex with its growing number of features and functionalities. Relying solely on manual methods makes the entire advertising process inefficient.

This is where choosing the right Amazon PPC software becomes critical for managing your campaigns effectively and scaling your Amazon business. 

The best Amazon PPC software solutions automate routine tasks, optimize campaigns for better performance, and save you valuable time. But, with a wide range of tools available, from rule-based platforms to AI-powered solutions, selecting the one that aligns with your needs can feel overwhelming.

In this post, we will explore and evaluate the intricacies of Amazon ads automation, the available automation techniques, tools, and best practices to harness the full potential of this advertising platform.

Understanding Amazon Advertising

Before getting into automation strategies, it's crucial to understand the basics of Amazon advertising. Amazon offers several ad formats, including Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Display ads, each serving different objectives and targeting options.

Sponsored Products

Sponsored Product ads appear in search results and on product detail pages, driving traffic to individual product listings. 

How it works: Advertisers bid on relevant keywords, and ads appear in search results and product detail pages.

Sponsored Brands

Sponsored brands help boost brand and product visibility with a custom headline, logo, and multiple products.

How it works: Ads appear at the top of search results and drive direct traffic to an Amazon Store or product page.

Sponsored Display

Sponsored display ads target audiences on and off Amazon. It helps you reach relevant audiences with programmatic ad displays.

How it works: Browsing and purchasing behavior data is analyzed to display relevant products to potential customers.

Understanding the Need for Automation 

Managing Amazon ad campaigns involves multiple tasks—campaign creation, bid management, keyword optimization, and more. While smaller sellers may start with manual operations, this approach becomes increasingly tricky as ad spend and campaign complexity grows. 

Let’s explore different approaches to Amazon PPC management and their suitability for various needs.

1. Manually operating through Amazon Ad Console

The Amazon Ad Console is a straightforward and free campaign management tool popular among sellers with smaller ad budgets (<$5,000/month). Many advertisers new to Amazon PPC advertising rely on the platform’s user-friendly interface to set up and adjust their campaigns.

However, manual operations come with several limitations:

• Time-intensive: Managing bids, budgets, and keywords for multiple campaigns can be overwhelming.

• Risk of errors: Manual adjustments are prone to mistakes, leading to wasted ad spend or missed opportunities.

• Limited scalability: Manual management becomes unsustainable as campaigns grow in size or complexity.

This is why automation is essential for scaling effectively.

2. Rule-based or formula-based tools

Rule-based tools automate tasks based on predefined conditions, giving advertisers greater control over their campaigns. For example, advertisers can set rules like increasing bids if ACOS < 20% or pause ads when conversions drop.

Best For: Intermediate to advanced advertisers who want granular control over campaign adjustments.

Advantages: Allows for precise optimization ensuring campaigns meet performance goals.

Limitations: Requires expertise to set up and manage rules effectively.

Formula-based tools take this a step further by using complex ‘if-then’ logic to handle bid changes, keyword harvesting, and budget allocation dynamically. But they miss out on the dynamic nature of bid-based ads, in which impressions depend on competitors' bids also. 

3. AI-based tools

AI-based automation tools use artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to analyze data and make real-time adjustments. These tools can predict trends and adjust campaigns dynamically without requiring user intervention.

• Best For: Sellers managing large accounts with diverse SKUs or those seeking minimal manual involvement.

• Advantages: Highly adaptive, efficient, and suitable for scaling.

• Limitations: Limited control over algorithmic decision-making. May not suit advertisers who prefer hands-on management.

  
  

4. Retail-aware ad automation tools

Retail-aware ad automation tools combine Amazon Seller Central or Vendor Central data with advertising campaigns to help you run more effective ads. These tools integrate retail data such as inventory levels, pricing, and organic rankings with your advertising efforts.

How They Work:

• Inventory Integration: Automatically pause ads when inventory is low to prevent overselling or negative customer experiences.

• Avoid PPC Cannibalization: Prevent your ads from competing with your organic listings, ensuring efficient use of ad spend.

• Data Integration: Utilize real-time data from Seller Central/Vendor Central to make informed decisions about ad campaigns.

• Best For: Sellers who want to align their advertising efforts closely with their retail operations for holistic optimization.

By understanding the strengths and limitations of each approach—manual operations, rule-based tools, AI-based tools, and retail-aware automation—sellers can determine the right level of automation for their needs and move toward tools that streamline campaign management.

What Are the Best PPC Tools for Automation?

Several tools and platforms are available to streamline the automation of Amazon ad campaigns. Here are the top five:

1. atom11

   
   

atom11 is the only retail-aware Amazon PPC software in today's market. Along with table stakes ad automation features like keyword harvesting, negation, and bid automation, atom11 brings together retail data and analytics. 

With atom11, you can combine inventory, organic rank, and pricing data with ads to effectively manage your ad spend and advertising costs. This helps improve spend efficiency and boosts total sales.   

Key Features

• Analyze sales data to find trends between advertising, inventory, pricing, and sales.

• Track Amazon competitors and product suppressions to take retail-aware actions.

• Set up and preview automations and evaluate their performance to make adjustments as required.

• Get customized reporting dashboards with downloadable reports to track important metrics and campaign performance.

Pricing 

• Beginner: Flat $199/month

• Professional: Starting at $499/month

• Enterprise: Custom pricing

To see atom11 in action, read how we helped Betterled Consulting achieve a 23% improvement in Amazon ads performance. Learn about our powerful time-based reporting and retail-aware automation in this detailed case study. 

2. Pacvue

   
   

Pacvue is one of the priciest tools in the market for ad automation. Its rule-based and AI ad automation software enables you to optimize campaigns, monitor them, and make adjustments in real time. It also streamlines campaign management with automated rules to manage bids and settings. 

However, according to a few users, Pacvue’s latency and load time require improvement. Plus, its support team takes a lot of time to resolve issues. 

If you’re a Pacvue user struggling with these issues, check out these Top 10 Pacvue Alternatives. 

Key Features

• Automate campaign optimization based on business goals.

• Get recommendations on bid adjustments, keywords, and campaign management.

• Improve keyword performance with harvesting and find important keywords with placement modifiers.

Pricing

You will have to contact their team for pricing. 

3. Perpetua

   
   

Perpetua is an automated tool to manage ads using target ACoS. It uses a different approach to manage ads – i.e., a goal-based approach. 

Instead of campaigns, you build goals on Perpetua. Goals are created on ASINs, and they automatically change keyword bids to match the target ACOS provided by the ad manager. However, this approach overrides any changes you make on Amazon Ad Console. Hence, you are always at the mercy of the software to take advertising actions. 

Key Features

• Receive recommendations to improve campaigns and efficiency of ad spends.

• Measure the impact of your advertising efforts across channels with custom reporting.

• Create, execute, optimize campaigns automatically by putting in your strategic goals.

Pricing

• Essentials: $695/month (Up to 10k in monthly ad spend)

• Growth: $695/month + % of ad spend (Over 10k in monthly ad spend)

• Premium: Custom pricing (Over 500k in monthly ad spend)

4. Teikametrics

   
   

Teikametrics is an AI-powered platform that helps sellers and brands optimize their Amazon advertising campaigns. It offers features like automated keyword bidding, campaign optimization, and competitive insights to maximize ROI and drive growth.  

However, several users complain about the tool’s complex user interface, lack of clarity, and poor customer support. 

Key features

• Gain performance insights, track progress and metrics to make data-driven decisions.

• Adjust bid changes automatically in real time with bid automation.

• Set target ACoS and other limits to align strategy with objectives.

Pricing

• Essentials: $99/month (Up to $5K monthly ad spend), $199/month ($5K-$10K monthly ad spend), and $199/month (Over $10K monthly ad spend) +3% of monthly ad spend Over $10K

• Pro: $999/month + negotiated flat rate based on Ad Spend Budget

• Enterprise: Custom pricing

If you are looking for easy-to-use PPC automation software? Check out these top 10 Teikametrics alternatives.

5. Scale Insights

   
   

Scale Insights is a rule-based software that allows you to set up customizable rules for ad automation. It lets you view and control ads, track performance data, and gain insights to boost organic sales and conversions. 

However, this PPC tool has a steep learning curve with little support available. Also, Scale Insights limits its data availability to ads only.   

Key Features

• Optimize keywords and target bids to achieve goals.

• Rule out non-performing and negative keywords based on search term performance.

• Schedule advertising activities at a specific time.

Pricing

They have a tiered pricing plan based on the number of ASINs you want to automate. 

• Scale 5: $78/month

• Scale 10: $98/month

• Scale 20: $178/month

• Scale 35: $288/month

• Scale 50: $388/month

• Scale 75: $548/month

• Scale 100: $688/month

This can make it difficult for businesses to predict ongoing costs as their number of ASINs and advertising needs grow. 

| Related read: Top 7 Amazon PPC Management Software for Sellers and Agencies in 2025.

6 Criteria to Consider When Selecting the Right Amazon PPC Software

Since there is no one-size-fits-all solution when selecting the right Amazon PPC software, it’s important to consider various factors that align with your needs. Here are some key criteria to help you select the best tool:

1. Assess your business needs

Skill level

• Beginners: Consider ease of use when choosing software. Look for PPC tools with a user-friendly interface, guided setups, easy navigation, responsive support, and accessible tutorials to help you start smoothly.

• Advanced users: If you have more experience, consider software that provides advanced features like custom rule creation, detailed analytics, and greater control over campaign parameters.

Advertising goals

• Efficiency improvement: If you want to save time on routine tasks, AI-based tools might be suitable.

• Granular control: For precise optimization, choose rule-based or formula-based tools that allow you to set specific parameters.

2. Level of control vs. automation

Desire for control

• Rule-based tools: Choose rule-based tools if you want granular control over bidding strategies, keyword management, and budget allocation. These are ideal for advertisers who want to customize their campaigns extensively.

Preference for automation

• AI-based tools: Choose AI-based tools if you want automated campaign management with minimal manual intervention. These are suitable for those who prefer a hands-off approach.

• Retail-aware tools: If you’re looking for automation, efficient campaign performance, and smart decision-making, choose retail-aware tools like atom11 that integrate retail signals (like inventory levels and competition) with advertising efforts for higher sales.

3. Integration capabilities 

Retail data integration

• Inventory management: Choose software that automatically pauses ads when inventory is low to prevent overselling and negative customer experiences. See how a US reseller avoided stock-outs with atom11 by pausing ads at low inventory.

• Avoiding PPC cannibalization: Choose tools that adjust bids based on organic rankings to help prevent your ads from competing with your organic listings, ensuring efficient use of ad spend. Again, atom11 can help here.

Platform compatibility

• Amazon integration: Ensure the software seamlessly integrates with Amazon Seller Central or Vendor Central.

• Third-party tools: Check compatibility with other tools you use, such as inventory management systems or analytics platforms.

4. Pricing model

Percentage of ad spend

• Overview: The cost is a percentage (typically 1.5–4%) of your total ad spend.

• Considerations: Can become expensive as your ad budget increases.

• Examples: Pacvue, Perpetua, Teikametrics.

Fixed or tiered fees

• Overview: Predictable costs that don’t fluctuate with your ad spend.

• Considerations: Suitable for larger sellers or agencies.

• Example: Atom11 offers fixed and tiered pricing for enterprise clients and agencies.

Based on the number of ASINs managed

• Overview: Pricing depends on how many product listings you manage.

• Considerations: Cost-effective for sellers with a smaller catalog.

• Examples: PPC Ninja, Scale Insights.

Free trials and demos

A 7-day or 30-day free trial or demo allows you to test the tool’s features and usability before making a commitment.

5. Scalability

• Feature expansion: Ensure the software can handle an increasing number of SKUs, campaigns, and complexity as your business grows.

• Performance consistency: The tool should maintain efficiency even as your ad spend scales up.

  
  

4 Best Automation Strategies for Amazon PPC Campaigns

Automating your Amazon PPC campaigns is essential for improving performance, saving time, and maximizing your advertising ROI. By implementing the right automation strategies, you can streamline campaign management and focus on scaling your business. 

Below are some key automation strategies to consider:

1. Bid management automation

Effective bidding is crucial for the success of your Amazon ad campaigns, as it directly impacts ad placement and visibility. Automation in bid management helps you adjust bids efficiently based on real-time data.

Automated bidding

Automated bidding leverages machine learning algorithms to adjust bids in real-time based on various factors such as keyword performance, competition, and cost-per-click. The system analyzes historical data and market trends to make bid adjustments without manual intervention.

Rule-based bidding

Rule-based bidding involves setting specific parameters or rules that automatically adjust bids when certain conditions are met. For example, you can set a rule to increase bids by 10% if ACOS is below 20% or decrease bids if the click-through rate drops below a certain threshold.

Choosing between automated and rule-based bidding

• Automated bidding is ideal if you prefer a hands-off approach and want the system to make data-driven decisions on your behalf. It’s suitable for advertisers who manage large campaigns and want to save time on manual adjustments.

• Rule-based bidding is better if you desire more control over your strategies and specific performance goals. It’s suitable for advertisers experienced with PPC management who can dedicate time to monitoring and adjusting rules.

2. Keyword and search term optimization

Optimizing keyword targeting is essential for driving relevant traffic to your product listings. Automation can streamline the process of identifying high-performing keywords and eliminating underperforming ones.

Keyword harvesting

Automated tools analyze search term reports to discover new keywords based on actual user queries. This expands your keyword portfolio and uncovers new opportunities for your campaigns.

Negative keyword management

Automatically add irrelevant or low-converting search terms as negative keywords. This prevents your ads from appearing in irrelevant searches, saving ad spend and improving ROI.

With atom11, you can create custom rules to harvest high-performing keywords, negate non-performing keywords, and create campaigns and bids as per your choice. Additionally, it has an automatic feature that harvests keywords that are performing well and adds them to your campaigns. 

3. Budget allocation and campaign management

Managing your advertising budget effectively optimizes your ad spend for the best possible return.

Rule-based budget management

Establish predefined rules to automatically adjust your budgets based on performance metrics like ROAS (Return on Advertising Spend), sales volume, or ACOS. For instance, you might increase the budget for campaigns with high conversion rates.

Campaign structure optimization

Automatically organize your campaigns by grouping products with similar performance metrics. This makes managing bids, budgets, and targeting settings easier, leading to more efficient campaigns.

4. Creative optimization

While a significant portion of ad spend goes to Sponsored Products, which don’t require custom creatives, optimizing ad content remains important for Sponsored Brands and Sponsored Display ads.

A/B Testing

Automate the rotation of different ad creatives to determine which combinations of headlines, images, and ad copy perform best with your target audience. This helps in refining your ads for better engagement.

Creative insights

Use tools that analyze ad performance data to provide actionable insights for improving your creatives. Recommendations might include changes to copy, imagery, or call-to-action buttons to enhance ad effectiveness.

Note: Most ad tools do not heavily focus on creative optimization because approximately 70% of ad dollars are invested in Sponsored Product ads, which do not require custom creatives.

Implementing these automation strategies can enhance your Amazon PPC campaigns’ efficiency and effectiveness. Automation saves time and helps make data-driven decisions that can lead to better ad performance and higher sales.

Conclusion 

Automating your Amazon ad campaigns offers numerous benefits—from saving time and improving efficiency to enhancing accuracy and overall performance. By effectively leveraging the right Amazon PPC software and automation strategies, advertisers can optimize their campaigns, drive sales, and maximize ROI on the Amazon Advertising platform.

However, automation is not a one-size-fits-all solution. So, tailoring your approach to your specific goals, target audience, and market dynamics is crucial. Experiment with different automation techniques, monitor results closely, and iterate based on insights gained from data analysis.

Atom11 specializes in making your life as a seller or agency easier! For the first time ever, you can combine retail data with advertising to run more efficient ads. From comprehensive data analytics providing quick insights into the root causes of sales fluctuations and competitor analysis to help you deploy the most effective ads, Atom11 has got you covered.

Ready to elevate your Amazon PPC campaigns? 

Book a demo today to see how Atom11 can transform your advertising strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best PPC platform?

The best Amazon PPC platform depends on your advertising needs and goals. For comprehensive campaign management, atom11 stands out, particularly for its ability to integrate real-time sales data with advertising strategies. It offers a retail-aware approach, making it ideal for those seeking to align their advertising efforts closely with their sales and inventory data to boost overall efficiency and ROI.

Do I need technical expertise to use Amazon PPC tools?

No, you do not need technical expertise to use basic Amazon PPC tools as they are designed to be user-friendly with intuitive interfaces. However, for more advanced features, especially those involving automation and data analysis, some technical knowledge could be beneficial.

Is advanced rule-based automation suitable for beginners in Amazon advertising?

Advanced rule-based automation is typically not recommended for beginners due to its complexity. Such systems require a good grasp of PPC concepts and a strategic approach to setting up campaigns. Beginners should consider starting with more user-friendly tools that offer guided setups and gradual learning curves. As they become more comfortable and their needs evolve, they can transition to more advanced systems that offer greater control and precision in campaign management.