What is Amazon BSR And How to Improve Best Seller Rank?

Understanding Amazon Best Seller Rank (BSR)

Amazon Best Seller Rank, often called Sales Rank, is a metric that evaluates the sales performance of products on Amazon. This ranking is determined by Amazon’s algorithms based on various sales-related factors. In this article, we’ll explore what BSR is, how it works, and ways to improve it.

What is Amazon Best Seller Rank (BSR)?

According to Amazon, the BSR is a dynamic ranking updated hourly to reflect both recent and historical sales of a product. Products are ranked within their respective categories and subcategories, providing a snapshot of their performance in specific niches.

For instance, a tablet may belong to the broader Electronics category and a subcategory like Computer Tablets. Similarly, a men’s hoodie might fall under Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry and further into Men’s Athletic Hoodies or Men’s Sweatshirts. Each category and subcategory has its own BSR, making it possible for a product to have multiple ranks depending on its classification.

How BSR Works

A lower BSR number indicates better sales performance in a category. For example, a product ranked #1 in its category has sold more than one ranked #10. However, BSR is not a direct reflection of overall sales compared to all products on Amazon—it is category-specific.

Amazon’s algorithm accounts for both recent sales and sales history when calculating BSR. For example, even if a product experiences a temporary surge or drop in sales, its overall sales history helps stabilize its rank.

Key Factors Influencing BSR

While Amazon does not disclose the exact formula for calculating BSR, the following factors are known to play a role:

Current sales performance
Historical sales data
Price changes
Advertising efforts
Performance relative to other products in the same category

This means that BSR reflects both immediate sales trends and the cumulative sales record of a product.

How to Check a Product’s BSR

To find a product’s BSR, visit its Amazon page and scroll to the Product Information section. Here, you’ll see its rankings in various categories. For example, a product might be ranked #32 in Video Games and #1 in the PlayStation 5 Consoles category.

If a product lacks a BSR, it could be due to insufficient sales data or being newly listed.

Strategies to Improve BSR

Boosting BSR ultimately means increasing product sales. Here are two effective strategies to improve visibility and drive sales:

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Use relevant keywords in product titles and descriptions.
- Craft engaging, user-friendly descriptions that align with customer search behavior.
- Optimize your listings to appear higher in search results, improving discoverability.
Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising
- Run targeted ad campaigns to enhance product visibility.
- Higher visibility leads to more clicks, increasing the likelihood of sales and positively impacting BSR.

Is a High BSR Good or Bad?

BSR is a ranking, not a score. A lower BSR signifies better sales within a category. For instance, a product with a BSR of #1 in Kitchen Products has outperformed others in that category. However, it’s essential to consider how your product ranks across different categories and adjust your strategies accordingly.

Estimating Sales Using BSR

You can use BSR as an indicator to estimate a product’s monthly sales. For example, a product ranked 1900 might average 950 sales per month. Monitoring BSR trends over time can provide insights into sales performance and help refine marketing efforts.

BSR vs. Organic Ranking

New sellers often confuse BSR with organic ranking. BSR is based on sales volume, while organic ranking reflects a product’s position in Amazon’s search results for specific keywords. While related, they are separate metrics that require different optimization strategies.

Final Thoughts

BSR is a valuable metric for assessing a product’s sales performance within Amazon’s marketplace. While achieving a lower BSR takes time and consistent effort, strategies like SEO and PPC advertising can significantly enhance product visibility and sales. By understanding and leveraging BSR effectively, you can better position your products for success on Amazon.

Now is the perfect time to take action and optimize your listings for improved BSR!