Running an Amazon business today is nothing like it was five years ago.
Competition has exploded. CPC costs are rising, Amazon’s ad ecosystem is evolving rapidly, and even established sellers are struggling to stay profitable. Listing products and hoping for the best simply doesn’t work anymore.
To grow, or even survive, sellers must master Amazon PPC (Pay-Per-Click) advertising. It’s no longer optional—it’s the engine behind product visibility, traffic, and conversions.
But PPC is also becoming increasingly technical and data-driven. Managing campaigns isn’t just about picking keywords and setting budgets. You need to constantly test, optimize bids, adjust targeting, manage match types, clean up search terms, monitor your ACoS and TACoS—and all this while staying compliant with Amazon’s changing ad policies.
For most brands, especially those scaling or juggling multiple SKUs, trying to handle PPC in-house can lead to wasted spend, missed opportunities, and burnout.
This is where hiring an Amazon PPC expert becomes not just helpful—but essential.
Whether it’s a freelancer, an agency, or a full-time hire, the right partner can help you:
- Lower your ACoS and increase profitability
- Boost product visibility and new-to-brand customer acquisition
- Launch and scale with strategic targeting
- Reclaim your time to focus on operations, inventory, or product development
But hiring the right expert isn’t as simple as googling “Amazon PPC help.” You need to know when to hire, what type of expert fits your needs, how to evaluate them, and what a fair price looks like in today’s market.
Let’s break it all down.
When to Hire an Amazon PPC Expert
If you’re not sure whether it’s time to bring in help, here’s a simple truth:
If your Amazon PPC feels like a money pit or a mystery—you’re not alone. And you probably need help.
Many sellers reach a tipping point where managing campaigns internally stops making sense. But recognizing the signs early can save thousands in wasted ad spend.
Here are some real-world scenarios where hiring an expert makes a difference:
Your Sales Have Plateaued
You’ve added new keywords, adjusted bids, even rewritten your listings. Still—sales aren’t moving. If impressions are flat and your click-through rate is declining, you may need someone with deeper strategic insight to shake things up.
Your ACoS Is Climbing, and TACoS Is Unsustainable
Are you spending more but getting less in return? If your ACoS is over 40% or your TACoS keeps rising even with new campaigns, it’s likely your strategy is inefficient—or not aligned with your product margins.
You Don’t Have Time to Monitor or Optimize
Let’s face it: Amazon PPC isn’t a “set it and forget it” game. Campaigns need weekly (sometimes daily) attention. If your hands are tied with logistics, returns, or customer service, your ads are likely underperforming.
You’re Getting Lost in the Marketplace
You have a great product. Good reviews. But somehow, your competitors keep outranking you. If you’re stuck on page 2 or lower and can’t break through, an expert can help restructure campaigns for visibility.
Campaigns Feel Like a Maze
Match types. Broad modifiers. Negative keyword sculpting. Placement adjustments. DSP. Sponsored Brand Video. If these terms give you a headache, it’s time to bring in someone who thrives in this complexity.
Inventory Issues Are Wasting Ad Spend
If you’re running out of stock, or overstocked with low-performing SKUs, your ads are either draining budget or not running at all. A good PPC manager will sync campaigns with inventory cycles and product lifecycle stages.
You’re Expanding Off-Amazon
Planning to test Walmart Ads, TikTok Shop, or expand to Europe or the Middle East? You’ll need someone who understands multi-channel PPC and can help you plan the transition without bleeding ad dollars.
Should You Hire an Agency, Freelancer, Software Tool, or In-House?
Choosing the right type of PPC partner is just as important as choosing the right person. Each option comes with its own strengths—and tradeoffs.
Let’s walk through them.
Amazon PPC Agencies
Agencies are great for brands that want full-service management—especially if you’re juggling multiple marketplaces, ASINs, or ad types (like DSP or Sponsored Brands Video).
Pros:
- Access to a full team (PPC strategists, designers, copywriters, DSP experts)
- Ideal for larger monthly ad spends (typically $10K+)
- Can scale with your brand as you grow
Cons:
- Costs range widely: $1,000 to $20,000/month or more
- Risk of being assigned to junior account managers
- Some agencies spread themselves too thin across clients
Agencies are best for sellers who are scaling fast and want done-for-you support.
Freelancers or Consultants
Freelancers offer a more affordable, flexible option—especially if you’re looking for someone to audit, restructure, or actively manage your campaigns without all the bells and whistles.
Pros:
- Rates typically range from $500 to $3,000/month
- Personalized, one-on-one communication
- Often specialize in one vertical or niche
Cons:
- Limited capacity (they can’t handle everything)
- May not offer services like DSP or creative support
- Availability might be limited during peak seasons
Freelancers are ideal for small to mid-sized sellers who want expert input without hiring an agency.
PPC Software Tools
Software platforms like Perpetua, Quartile, or Pacvue offer automation, bid rules, and dashboards. These are great if you have an internal PPC person, but want tools to scale more efficiently.
Pros:
- Lower cost than hiring an expert: many start around $100–$500/month
- Real-time dashboards and alerts
- Helps automate routine bidding and keyword tasks
Cons:
- Software won’t think strategically
- Doesn’t replace the need for human oversight
- Limited flexibility for brand-specific or seasonal nuances
Use software with a human, not instead of one—especially for high-stakes campaigns or product launches.
In-House PPC Manager
If you’re generating over $2 million/year or launching dozens of new products annually, hiring an in-house PPC manager could make sense.
Pros:
- Full control and day-to-day alignment with your brand
- Quick communication and coordination across departments
Cons:
- Hard to find top-tier talent
- Salaries range from $50,000–$120,000/year, plus benefits
- One person may not have all the necessary skills (DSP, creative, analytics, SEO)
Best suited for well-established brands ready to invest long-term in building internal capabilities.
What Affects the Cost of Hiring a PPC Expert?
PPC pricing can vary wildly—but it often correlates with experience, scope, and your ad spend.
Here’s what typically drives the cost:
Experience Level
Senior consultants with proven Amazon success may charge 3x more than entry-level managers. But their insights often pay for themselves quickly.
Scope of Services
Are you just asking for ad management? Or do you need help with listing optimization, SEO, video creatives, and DSP strategy? The more you need, the more you’ll pay.
Monthly Ad Spend
Most PPC providers charge a flat fee or a percentage of ad spend—usually 10–15%. For example, if you’re spending $20K/month on ads, expect to pay $2,000–$3,000/month for expert management.
Business Complexity
Managing 3 ASINs in one category is a lot simpler than overseeing 100 products across six marketplaces. More complexity = more time = higher fees.
Custom Reporting & Dashboards
If you need real-time analytics, custom KPIs, or integrations with tools like Data Studio or Looker, that often comes at a premium.
Regional Pricing Differences
U.S.- and UK-based experts typically charge more than freelancers in Eastern Europe, Latin America, or South Asia—though many international experts bring equal skill at lower rates.
Typical Cost Breakdown (Monthly)
| Tier | Cost Range | Best For |
| Entry-Level | $500–$1,000 | Startups, single-product brands |
| Mid-Level | $1,000–$3,000 | Growing brands with regular launches |
| Advanced | $3,000–$10,000 | Brands with DSP, multiple marketplaces |
| Large Agency | $10,000–$20,000+ | Enterprise brands or international scaling |
| Project-Based | $500–$5,000/task | Audits, launches, or campaign restructuring |
Tips for Negotiating Smarter
Hiring a PPC expert should feel like a strategic investment, not a blind expense. Here’s how to protect your budget without compromising on quality.
- Define your scope clearly. Are you hiring for audits, launches, scaling, or DSP?
- Request past benchmarks. Ask to see real data from similar projects.
- Consider hybrid models. Some agencies offer performance-based structures tied to KPIs like ACoS or ROAS.
- Test before you commit. A short-term contract or 30-day trial can help you assess value and fit.
Remember: the cheapest option often ends up being the most expensive one—in lost revenue, wasted spend, and missed opportunities.
The Hiring Process: Choosing the Right Partner
Once you’ve decided to bring in expert help, the real work begins—choosing the right one.
Here’s a step-by-step framework used by brands that hire successfully.
Step 1: Identify What You Truly Need
Not all PPC experts do the same thing. Some excel at launching new ASINs. Others specialize in improving margins or rescuing underperforming campaigns.
Some sellers want full-service Amazon growth partners. Others just want someone to manage ad bids and placements.
Start with your objective:
- Are you trying to increase sales or reduce ACoS?
- Is your focus on brand awareness, profit margin, or new customer acquisition?
- Are you prepping for Prime Day, Q4, or a major restock?
Define the outcome first—then hire someone who knows how to reverse-engineer it.
Step 2: Vet Candidates Thoroughly
Don’t just go by a slick website or sales pitch. Dig deeper.
Ask for case studies and before-after reports. Look for experience in your niche—someone who has scaled supplement brands might not be ideal for fashion or home improvement.
Check platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, Clutch, or Amazon Seller forums for reviews or red flags.
A good candidate should:
- Speak in data and outcomes, not just strategy.
- Show category-specific knowledge.
- Be able to explain how they think, not just what they do.
One overlooked but important factor: communication style. If you’re hiring someone who’s hard to reach or overcomplicates things, expect the partnership to suffer long-term.
Step 3: Know What to Look For
The best Amazon PPC experts and agencies usually share these traits:
- Proven track record. They’ve helped brands hit tangible goals like 25% lower ACoS or doubling sales in 90 days.
- Amazon-first experience. Running Google Ads or Facebook campaigns is not the same. Amazon’s ecosystem is unique.
- Strategic thinking. They can map out launch sequences, ad funnel strategies, and bid hierarchies.
- Strong KPI knowledge. ACoS, TACoS, ROAS, CVR—they know how to analyze, improve, and report on them.
- Custom solutions. They don’t just copy-paste campaigns across clients.
- Fluent in all ad types: Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, Sponsored Display, and ideally DSP.
- Adaptability. Amazon changes often—your expert must stay updated and pivot fast.
This is not a checkbox exercise. It’s about understanding how this person or team will actually help you grow, not just spend your ad budget.
Key Questions to Ask During Interviews
Once you’re in talks with potential hires, don’t just ask “How much do you charge?”—dig deeper into how they think, work, and solve problems.
Here’s a shortlist of interview questions that reveal expertise:
Experience & Background
- How long have you worked with Amazon PPC?
- Can you share real results from a similar client?
- Do you specialize in any particular category or product type?
Process & Strategy
- How do you approach keyword research and match types?
- What’s your strategy when campaigns underperform or overspend?
- How do you structure campaigns for seasonality or product launches?
Optimization & Reporting
- How do you identify and eliminate wasted ad spend?
- Do you use A/B testing? If so, how?
- What kind of reports do I receive—and how often?
Adaptability & Trends
- How do you stay updated with Amazon policy changes?
- How have you adapted to recent changes like budget multipliers, new-to-brand metrics, or updated targeting types?
This isn’t just about gathering answers. It’s about watching how clearly they explain, how confidently they back up their work, and whether they bring a strategic POV to the table.
Bottom Line: Making the Right Hire
At ZonHack, we’ve worked with dozens of sellers who wasted thousands on the wrong PPC partner before finally getting it right. The difference-maker was never just price—it was partnership.
Hiring the right Amazon PPC expert is a long-term asset, not a quick fix.
The right partner will not only reduce wasted spend, but unlock sustainable growth with better campaigns, sharper targeting, and strategic scaling.
They’ll help you think ahead of Amazon’s algorithm, not just react to it.
So take your time.
Vet thoroughly.
Look for clarity, not complexity.
And above all, remember: you’re not hiring someone to just run ads—you’re hiring someone to grow your brand.
