7 Amazon Marketing Tactics That Actually Worked for SMEs in Odisha
- Beerajaah Sswain
- Apr 12
- 10 min read
Want to grow your small business on Amazon? Here are 7 proven strategies that helped SMEs in Odisha boost sales and streamline operations:
- Local Language Listings: Use Odia and English for product titles, descriptions, and bullet points to connect with local buyers.
- Amazon Ads: Start with Sponsored Products, then expand to Sponsored Brands and Display ads for better visibility.
- Amazon Karigar & Saheli Programs: Leverage reduced fees, training, and special placement to target artisans and women entrepreneurs.
- Local Brand Partnerships: Collaborate with complementary businesses to share marketing costs and expand reach.
- Festival Sales Planning: Prepare for key festivals like Bali Jatra and Durga Puja with early promotions and tailored campaigns.
- Customer Reviews: Use Amazon's review tools and programs like Vine to build trust and improve product ratings.
- Amazon Easy Stores: Set up offline-assisted shopping hubs to connect with customers unfamiliar with online shopping.
Quick Comparison
Tactic | Key Benefit | Tools/Programs Involved |
Local Language Listings | Better local engagement | SEO, translation services |
Amazon Ads | Increased product visibility | Sponsored Products, Brands, Display |
Karigar & Saheli | Reduced fees, support for artisans | Amazon Karigar, Saheli programs |
Partnerships | Shared costs, wider audience | Adzip iCollab |
Festival Sales | Higher seasonal sales | Multi-channel promotion, inventory tools |
Customer Reviews | Builds trust, boosts sales | Amazon Vine, review automation tools |
Easy Stores | Offline access to Amazon services | Amazon Easy Store setup, "I Have Space" |
These tactics helped SMEs in Odisha achieve sales growth of 30-50%, reduce ad costs, and save time managing campaigns. Start applying these strategies to grow your business today!
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1. Local Language Product Listings
People are more likely to buy when product details are in a language they understand. Here’s how to create effective local language listings.
Work with professional e-commerce services to translate and optimize your listings. This ensures the content stays persuasive and fits the local culture.
Key Elements for Local Language Listings
- Product Title: Write clear titles in both English and Odia. Use essential keywords that local shoppers search for and keep the titles easy to find.
- Product Description: Craft detailed, engaging descriptions tailored to local buyers. Highlight features that matter to the Odisha market and use language and references they relate to.
- Bullet Points: Clearly outline benefits in Odia. Focus on how the product fits local needs and mention any relevant regional certifications or approvals.
SEO Optimization Tips
To rank well and attract buyers, you need to understand how locals search. Optimized listings in the local language can boost visibility and conversions. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Listing Element | Focus Area | Benefit |
Keywords | Local language search terms | Better visibility |
Product Features | Align with local preferences | Stronger engagement |
Technical Terms | Include bilingual explanations | Builds trust |
Usage Instructions | Add regional context | Improves clarity |
How to Implement
Hire translation experts who can analyze your product features, incorporate local keywords, and ensure your listings meet Amazon’s quality standards. Keep an eye on search trends and customer feedback to update and refine your listings regularly. This helps maintain strong performance over time.
2. Amazon Ads Setup and Management
Amazon ads are a great way to increase product visibility in Odisha's competitive market, helping small and medium businesses connect with eager shoppers.
Choose the Right Ad Formats
Amazon offers several ad formats tailored to different goals:
Ad Type | Purpose |
Sponsored Products | Highlighting individual product listings for better visibility. |
Sponsored Brands | Showcasing your brand with a logo, custom headline, and multiple products. |
Sponsored Display | Expanding your reach both on and off Amazon. |
Pick the format that aligns with your goals and combine them for a well-rounded campaign.
Setting Up Your Campaign
Begin with Sponsored Products to increase the visibility of key products. Once you've gathered performance insights, move on to Sponsored Brands to showcase your product portfolio and build brand recognition. This step also lays the groundwork for creating a custom Amazon Store page later.
3. Amazon Karigar and Amazon Saheli Programs
Amazon Karigar and Saheli have helped small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Odisha by lowering fees and providing extra support. These initiatives include reduced referral fees, training, account management, imaging services, and better access to customers.
Program Benefits Comparison
Feature | Amazon Karigar | Amazon Saheli |
Referral Fee | 8% or less | 12% or less (for the first year) |
Training Support | Seller training | Both online and offline training sessions |
Account Management | 30-day guided support | 30-day guided support |
Imaging Support | Free one-time product photography | Photography and video services |
Customer Visibility | Featured on the Amazon Karigar store | Special placement on Amazon.in |
Success Through Karigar
The Amazon Karigar program has connected with over 1.2 million artisans and introduced more than 450 craft products to the market.
Empowering Women with Saheli
Amazon Saheli has supported women entrepreneurs across India, with over 80,000 women artisans now part of the program. For example, iVillage in Uttar Pradesh employed 600 women from 96 villages to create handmade products.
Tips for Making the Most of These Programs
Here are some ways SMEs can benefit from these programs:
- Submit Required Documents: Ensure documents like GST registration, PAN, bank details, and proprietorship information are in place.
- Use Support Services: Take full advantage of imaging and listing services offered by both programs.
- Tap Into Marketing Tools: Participate in Amazon’s marketing efforts, including social media campaigns, digital ads, and influencer collaborations.
These steps can help SMEs grow their online presence and make the most of what Amazon Karigar and Saheli offer. With reduced fees and tailored training, these programs are excellent resources for Odisha’s small businesses aiming to thrive in the digital marketplace. By using these tools effectively, SMEs can position themselves for success in the region's growing online ecosystem.
4. Working with Local Brand Partners
After optimizing product listings and ads, teaming up with local brands can help businesses grow faster on Amazon. These partnerships allow Odisha SMEs to expand their reach while sharing marketing expenses. Once you’ve identified the right partners, focus on campaigns that highlight the strengths of both brands.
Finding the Right Partners
Platforms like Adzip's iCollab make it easier to find suitable partners. Using AI, the platform matches businesses based on:
- Product category alignment
- Shared brand values
- Overlapping target audiences
- Compatible marketing budgets
Managing Co-branded Campaigns
For partnerships to succeed, you need a clear plan and fair cost-sharing. Here's a breakdown of tools that can help manage joint campaigns:
Campaign Aspect | Management Tool | Key Benefit |
Partner Selection | AI Recommendations | Matches businesses based on compatibility |
Budget Allocation | Automated Distribution | Ensures fair cost-sharing |
Content Creation | AI Storyline Generator | Helps develop creative, brand-aligned themes |
Performance Tracking | Analytics Dashboard | Provides real-time insights on results |
Using Technology to Strengthen Partnerships
The right tools can make a big difference in how partnerships perform. Here’s how technology can help:
- Campaign Planning: AI tools can suggest promotional themes and create content that appeals to both brands’ audiences.
- Budget Management: Automated systems make cost-sharing straightforward, avoiding disputes over spending.
- Performance Monitoring: Detailed analytics track social media engagement, influencer impact, and Amazon sales performance.
Tips for Managing Brand Partnerships
- Set clear, measurable goals for the partnership.
- Keep communication open and consistent with your partner.
- Regularly review analytics to make improvements as needed.
5. Festival and Holiday Sales Planning
Festival seasons offer excellent opportunities to boost sales on Amazon. Here’s how you can make the most of these key periods.
Key Festival Sales Windows
Festivals in Odisha drive a surge in shopping activity. Here are some major events to focus on:
Festival | Timing | Shopping Focus |
Bali Jatra | Kartik Purnima (7+ days) | Traditional crafts and local products |
Durga Puja | September–October | Apparel, home decor, and gifts |
Diwali | November 1, 2024 | Electronics and home goods |
Rath Yatra | June–July | Religious items and traditional wear |
Effective Festival Marketing Strategies
- Start Early
- Launch your promotions at least two months before major festivals.
- Research shows that 58% of consumers plan big purchases during festival seasons.
- Develop festival-specific inventory plans and kick off advertising campaigns early.
- Leverage Multi-Channel Promotion
- A great example: Tanishq’s 2020 Diwali campaign. They targeted eight major cities, including Bhubaneswar, through Amazon DSP campaigns. The result? Increased store visits and better marketing efficiency.
Inventory Management Tips
During high-traffic events like Bali Jatra, having the right inventory strategy is crucial. Here’s how to stay prepared:
- Keep stock levels high to meet demand.
- Use automated reordering systems to avoid stockouts.
- Offer bundled or region-specific products to attract festival shoppers.
Make sure your inventory strategy adapts to real-time campaign performance.
Performance Monitoring
Top-performing SMEs stay on top of their campaigns by:
- Checking performance multiple times a day.
- Adjusting bids based on live data.
- Shifting budgets to focus on campaigns that are driving the most sales.
- Using dynamic bidding strategies to capture more opportunities.
Cultural Customization
To truly connect with customers, align your campaigns with local cultural themes. For example, Bali Jatra celebrates Odisha’s maritime trade history. Sellers can:
- Use traditional maritime themes in product photography.
- Write listings in the local language.
- Offer festival-themed packaging.
- Add cultural storytelling to product descriptions.
These small but meaningful touches can make a big difference in building customer trust and driving sales.
6. Getting and Using Customer Reviews
Customer reviews play a key role in driving success on Amazon. In Odisha, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are adopting strategies that build trust and increase sales through smarter review management.
Making Use of Amazon's Review Tools
Before the rollout of Amazon’s automated review request feature on March 8, 2020, sellers averaged just 3.6 reviews per product. After the feature's introduction, 94.7% of sellers using it saw their average review count jump to 25.9 reviews per product. Interestingly, 25% of reviews are typically submitted within the first five days after an order, with almost all reviews coming in by day 35. This tool provides a strong starting point for sellers to manage reviews more effectively.
Managing Reviews Like a Pro
Brand-registered sellers have access to Amazon's "Contact the Buyer" feature, which is helpful for addressing negative feedback (reviews rated below 4 stars). This direct communication option can resolve customer issues and potentially improve ratings. When responding to negative reviews:
- Provide clear, factual responses and offer solutions.
- Aim to reply within 24 hours.
- Keep detailed records of all customer communication.
- Follow up to see if the customer updates their review after resolving the issue.
Benefits of the Amazon Vine Program
The Amazon Vine Program offers new sellers an opportunity to generate reviews. Enrollment costs vary based on the number of units:
- Free for 1–2 units
- $75 for 3–10 units
- $200 for 11–30 units
If no reviews are received within 90 days, sellers are eligible for a refund.
How Reviews Influence Sales
Positive reviews and high ratings significantly impact purchasing decisions, with 61% of consumers saying they are influenced by them. Building a strong review profile is essential for increasing sales.
Automating Review Management
Tools like Jungle Scout's Review Automation feature can simplify the process of collecting customer feedback while staying within Amazon's guidelines. According to Amazon's communication policy:
"You may send proactive Permitted Messages for the following reasons: resolving an issue with order fulfillment, requesting additional information required to complete the order, asking a return-related question, sending an invoice, requesting product review or seller feedback or both, scheduling the delivery of a heavy or bulky item, scheduling a Home Services appointment, verifying a custom design, or any other reason where the contact is required for the buyer to receive their purchase."
By automating review requests, sellers can maintain a consistent flow of feedback, spot potential problems early, and address them quickly.
Handling Negative Reviews
Preventing negative reviews starts with accurate product descriptions, excellent customer service, and swift issue resolution. Regularly monitoring customer feedback can also highlight areas for product improvement. Effective review management strengthens your product's reputation and supports your overall marketing efforts, helping to boost sales.
7. Amazon Easy Store Setup
Amazon Easy Stores provide local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a way to connect offline customers to Amazon's vast online marketplace. These stores offer assisted shopping through trained staff, making the process easier for customers unfamiliar with online shopping.
Store Format Options
Amazon Easy Stores come in two main formats:
- Flagship Stores: Dedicated spaces exclusively offering Amazon services.
- Shared Stores: Existing businesses, like neighborhood grocery stores or pharmacies, that include Amazon services as part of their offerings.
How to Set Up an Easy Store
Amazon's marketing team supports store owners with the essentials to get started:
- Store signage and branding materials
- Website access via a PC
- Product display setups
- Training for staff
- Integration with Amazon's "I Have Space" program for last-mile delivery
Success Stories and Revenue Insights
Real-life examples highlight the earning potential of these stores. Taneeru Shivakumar, who runs a flagship store in Tenali, Andhra Pradesh, made $1,200 in just one month. Similarly, Ankit Jain, operating an Easy Store in Raisinghnagar, Rajasthan, earns between $240 and $300 monthly.
Customer Assistance in Action
Ankit Jain, owner of Jain Book Depot, explains the value his store brings to the community:
"It's not like people don't have data connectivity or even the Amazon app on their phones, but they face challenges of knowing how to use it to their advantage. And that's where I step in, to help them make informed purchasing decisions and then having it delivered to them through my Amazon Easy store".
Benefits for Store Owners
Store owners gain access to several advantages, including:
- Comprehensive training and marketing support
- Amazon's expansive product catalog
- Seamless connection to Amazon's delivery network
Delivery Options That Work
With the "I Have Space" program, store owners can act as local delivery points, creating an extra income stream while offering convenient pickup options for customers. This model has been particularly effective in rural areas, like Odisha, where direct delivery is often difficult. Shaurya Raje, an Amazon Easy Store owner from Balia district in Uttar Pradesh, shares his experience:
"We have been serving a steady stream of local customers with their online purchases from our shops".
These tailored setups not only address logistical challenges but also help SMEs grow in the digital landscape.
Conclusion
The seven Amazon marketing tactics have shown clear results for Odisha's SMEs. By focusing on customized listings, targeted advertising, and community partnerships, these methods come together to create a strong growth strategy. Recent statistics highlight a 30–50% increase in sales, a drop in ACoS from 40–45% down to 20–25%, and 50–90% time savings in managing ad operations.
For SMEs in Odisha, blending local cultural knowledge with Amazon's tools has proven to be a winning combination. Testimonials from Amazon sellers back this up:
"BM does what they commit and share the plan, the weekly and monthly review really helped us and the sales starts picking".
"One of the most trusted partner for our success...the result & response are more than satisfactory. The sales keep growing the day they started working the campaign".
Key areas to focus on include optimizing listings, improving images, gathering reviews, and managing campaigns effectively. Success stories, like iProducts US LLC, illustrate how ACoS can be significantly reduced within just eight months. Data also shows that 88% of businesses experience positive campaign results within 45 days.
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