U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises are selling over 4,000 products on Amazon every minute. Scanning the Amazon Best Sellers list, which is updated every hour, can reveal some of their offerings. However, for Amazon sellers, the Best Sellers list offers more than just entertainment—it provides valuable insights into the popularity and ranking of their products relative to competitors. The Amazon Best Sellers Rank (BSR) is a numerical metric derived from the Best Sellers list, ranging from one to over one million.BSR assesses a product’s sales and popularity in comparison to similar items within its category and subcategories. A lower number signifies a higher BSR. Are you intrigued to delve deeper into the Amazon BSR? Continue reading to uncover not only what determines your Amazon BSR but also how to enhance it. For further insights into online selling, marketing, and advertising, subscribe to Revenue Weekly!The Amazon Best Sellers Rank quantifies the sales volume or popularity of a product on a scale of one to one million or more.This comparative metric is influenced by the sales frequency of other products within the same category and subcategories. For instance, if you sell a product categorized under “Kitchen & Dining” and “Electric Griddles,” Amazon will compare your product’s sales against those in both categories. You will have distinct BSRs for each category and subcategory. Note that your Amazon BSR is updated hourly.Wondering how to check your BSR on Amazon? Follow these steps:
Navigate to your product page on Amazon
Scroll to the “Product Information” section
Locate “Best Sellers Rank” in the displayed table
Alternatively, you can log in to your Amazon account and use the following steps:
Go to “Manage Inventory”
Click on “Active Listings”
Select your product
Choose “Actions” and then “Edit Details”
View the “Amazon Product Summary”
Look for “Amazon Sales Rank”
It’s generally quicker and more convenient to check your BSR on Amazon rather than through your account. If your product doesn’t have a BSR, you can still view the rankings for your categories by:
Clicking “Best Sellers” from the main menu on Amazon
Selecting the appropriate category and/or subcategories
Viewing the list of Best Sellers
The Best Sellers list is also a valuable tool for researching and selecting the best categories for your products.While Amazon does not disclose the precise formula for calculating the Best Sellers Rank, it is known to use a product’s recent and historical sales data to compile the Best Sellers list hourly. Additionally, several other factors can impact your BSR.Discover more about what influences your Amazon BSR now:CategoryYour product category can significantly impact your BSR due to its comparative nature. For example, categorizing a portable charger as “Electronics” versus “Cell Phones & Accessories” can directly affect your BSR. The number of products in a category and the search intent behind those categories can lead to a higher or lower BSR.Sub-categorySimilar to the product category, your product’s subcategories also shape your Amazon BSR.Given the high competition in category Best Sellers lists, it’s often easier for sellers to compete in subcategory Best Sellers lists. These more specific lists can help you achieve a top position, especially if your product aligns precisely with the subcategory.Sales frequencySales frequency is another crucial data point that determines your BSR.”Amazon acknowledges considering sales frequency when compiling Best Sellers Rank.”The frequency at which your product sells is directly linked to its popularity. High sales volume demonstrates the popularity and demand for your item. Maintaining a consistent sales frequency is essential for a strong BSR.Sales historyAmazon also examines your product’s sales history when determining your BSR.Although new products can achieve a high ranking, Amazon often favors products with a consistent sales history. These are not fleeting successes but rather products that consistently perform and sell over time.Sales recencyWhile sales history is important, Amazon prioritizes the most recent sales data.A product that is selling well, even if it’s new, can dominate the Best Sellers list due to its current sales momentum. However, recency must be balanced with frequency. A product may dominate the list initially but could fall in ranking if sales and demand decrease.Improving your Amazon BSR involves several strategies, including:Competitor analysisCompetitor research is invaluable for Amazon marketing and advertising efforts, whether it’s keyword research for ad campaigns or copywriting research for product descriptions. Analyze top-selling competitors to discover ways to enhance your BSR. Examine the Best Sellers list for your product’s category and subcategory. 
Study the top-selling products and their listings to identify what drives customer purchases. Analyze their SEO strategies, product descriptions, and features to gain insights for your own listings.Selecting relevant categories and niche subcategoriesThe categories and subcategories you choose are crucial for your Amazon BSR.To achieve a top position in Amazon Best Sellers lists, it’s essential to pick the right categories and subcategories. Your subcategory can offer the most value and potential, as categories tend to be highly competitive. Follow these steps to maximize the value of your subcategory selection:
Create a list of potential subcategories for your products, focusing on the most relevant ones
Analyze the best-selling products in those subcategories to see if they align with your product
Identify niche categories with less competition
Update your product’s subcategory
You can always change your product subcategory, so experiment with different options.Optimizing product listingsMaximizing sales on Amazon requires SEO. Your product listings must be optimized for both users and Amazon’s A9 algorithm to succeed. Amazon’s A9 algorithm evaluates several factors to rank your product listings in search results.Securing a top position in search results is crucial, as the first three products in Amazon search results receive nearly 65% of all clicks. This significant market share cannot be overlooked, especially if you aim to improve your BSR on Amazon.Optimize your product listings by:
Conducting keyword research using tools like Sonar
Incorporating your keywords into your product title, description, and features
Uploading high-quality, professional-grade images
Highlighting your product’s benefits and uses
Encouraging verified reviews through programs like Amazon Vine
For assistance with optimizing your product listings, consider SEO services for Amazon. These services provide a team of SEO experts to conduct keyword research, write compelling copy, and elevate your listings to the top.Selling on Amazon is not a simple task; it requires dedication and hard work. That’s why many businesses partner with an experienced agency to lead their marketing and advertising campaigns.At WebFX, with over 28 years of experience and a team of over 500 professionals, we are a leading choice for small and medium-sized businesses seeking to capitalize on Amazon. Through our customized strategies and client-centric approach, we have helped our clients achieve over $10 billion in revenue—and we are ready to help you too.Learn more about our Amazon services by contacting us online or calling us at 888-601-5359!
