You can’t advertise your way out of a bad product. Let that one sink in.
If you’re diving into Amazon in 2025, this is the one blog post you’ll want to tattoo on your brain (metaphorically… unless you’re into that sort of thing 😆). Because here’s the deal: choosing the right product is everything. Nail it, and your ads are jet fuel. Miss it, and your store becomes a ghost town.
Today’s blog comes from a powerful Ask-Me-Anything I recently got: “What are the top product research tactics for Amazon in 2025—especially for beginners?”
Well, buckle up. I’m about to drop the goods.
🧠 Tactic #1: Start With Buyer Intent (Not Just Sales Volume)
Every rookie runs straight to Jungle Scout or Helium 10, gets hypnotized by some flashy monthly sales number, and thinks, “Let’s gooo!”
🚨 Big mistake. Huge.
Here’s why: high sales volume doesn’t mean your product will succeed. In my book, I teach this rule:
👉 Start with why they buy.
Ask:
- Why is someone buying this product?
- Is it a need or a want?
- Is it a repeat purchase?
- Does it solve a real problem?
✅ Want an example? Compression socks for nurses. High intent. Daily use. Loyal buyer base. If you add a unique design or better material—BOOM, you’re in business.
🧰 Tactic #2: Use My “4-Point Product Filter”
Simple. Powerful. Proven.
Use this filter for every product idea. If it fails even ONE, throw it back like a bad Tinder match:
- Demand – Is there buyer interest on Amazon?
- Low Complexity – Easy to ship, low return rate, no electrical nightmares.
- Profit Margin – Can you 3X your cost? ($5 cost = $15+ sale price).
- Differentiation Potential – Can you make it unique or better?
No? Move on. You’re here to build a brand, not play guessing games.
🔍 Tactic #3: Dig Into 3-Star Reviews
This one’s a hidden gem 💎.
Skip the 1-star screamers. Ignore the 5-star fanboys. Head straight to the 3-star reviews.
You’ll find phrases like:
- “Good product, but the zipper broke.”
- “Wish it came in more colors.”
- “Packaging was confusing.”
📓 That’s your to-do list. Make a better version. You’re not reinventing the wheel—you’re making the Amazon version actually work.
📈 Tactic #4: Spy on “Emerging Movers”
Forget chasing the #1 spot right out of the gate. That’s like trying to beat Amazon at its own game—suicidal.
Instead, look for rising stars—products with an improving Best Seller Rank (BSR) over the last 30–90 days.
Tools like Trendster or Helium 10’s BSR graph help. Ask:
- Why is this product gaining?
- Is it new? Seasonal?
- Can I do it better?
⚡ This is how you ride the wave before it breaks.
📊 Tactic #5: Use Amazon’s Free Data (Yes, Even as a Beginner)
Amazon’s dropping more data than ever. Smart sellers grab it like free gold.
👉 If you’re brand registered, dive into Search Query Performance.
You’ll see:
- Top keywords driving clicks
- Where customers bounce
- How your ASIN stacks up
Even if you’re not brand registered, use Brand Analytics to check Search Frequency Rank and see if the top ASINs dominate or if there’s room to enter.
🔑 Tip: If one ASIN gets 70% of clicks, it’s a bloodbath. But if top 3 share just 20–30%, you’ve got runway.
🏬 Tactic #6: Offline Inspiration = Online Domination
And now, for the secret sauce you won’t find on YouTube 😎:
Get off your screen.
Go to:
- Target
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Even Dollar Tree
Walk the aisles. Touch the products. Look at packaging, branding, colors.
Ask:
- What’s trending?
- What’s new on endcaps?
- What’s the twist on a boring product?
🛒 Then check: Is it on Amazon? Does it suck? Could you source a better one?
Pro tip: The clearance aisle is a goldmine in disguise. Many million-dollar brands started with a “Hey, I could do this better.”
🎯 The Big Lesson
Product research isn’t luck. It’s method. It’s repeatable. It’s about stacking tiny wins.
Let’s recap:
- 🎯 Start with intent, not hype
- 🧰 Filter with the 4-point rule
- 🕵️♂️ Use 3-star reviews like a spy
- 📊 Spot trends early
- 🧠 Tap into Amazon’s analytics
- 🏬 Use the real world for new ideas
Most people stop researching at the first “meh.” Not you. You’ve made it here. You’re in the top 10%.
And remember this:
🔁 “Good sellers guess. Great sellers research. Legendary sellers solve real problems.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the best way to start Amazon product research in 2025?
Start with customer intent—not just sales data. Use tools like Helium 10, but always ask: Does this product solve a real problem? Begin with high intent, repeat-purchase categories.
- How do I find low competition products on Amazon?
Look for items with improving BSR (Best Sellers Rank), minimal reviews, and weak branding. Bonus tip: focus on Amazon niche research tools and emerging trends.
- What are the best Amazon product research tools right now?
Top tools in 2025 include:
- Helium 10
- Jungle Scout
- Amazon Brand Analytics
- Search Query Performance (for Brand Registered sellers)
- Keepa (for price and BSR tracking)
- Should I sell trending or evergreen products on Amazon?
If you’re just starting out, evergreen products offer stability. But if you can move fast and identify seasonal trends early, trending products can give you a big boost—just watch your inventory!
- How do I know if a product will be profitable?
Use the 3X rule: if your landed cost is $5, aim to sell it for $15+. Also factor in FBA fees, ad costs, and return rates. Amazon FBA cost calculators help with this.
- What’s the biggest mistake beginners make with Amazon FBA?
Chasing top-selling products without a strategy. Often, new sellers compete in over-saturated niches. Always use the 4-point filter: demand, complexity, margin, and differentiation.
- How can I differentiate my product on Amazon?
Use insights from 3-star reviews. Improve on size, color, packaging, or durability. Add features competitors are missing. Amazon private label selling only works if you’re not just duplicating what’s already out there.
Need Help with Amazon Ads? If you’re looking to maximize your Amazon ad returns, sometimes you need an expert who’s been there, done that. I’m Andy Splichal, author of Make Each Click Count and host of the Make Each Click Count podcast. Amazon’s PPC landscape can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can make every dollar count, I’m here to help. Let’s make those clicks count!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andy Splichal is the founder and managing partner of True Online Presence, author of the Make Each Click Count book series, host of the Make Each Click Count podcast, founder of Make Each Click Count University and certified online marketing strategist with twenty plus years of experience helping companies increase their online presence and profitable revenues.
He was named to Best of Los Angeles Awards’ Most Fascinating 100 List in both 2020 and 2021. To find more information on Andy Splichal, visit trueonlinepresence.com or read The Full Story on his website or his blog, blog.trueonlinepresence.com.
