What Are the Best Tools for Forecasting Amazon Ad Spend?
Forecasting ad spend on Amazon can often feel like a guessing game - especially when campaigns fluctuate or unexpected trends emerge. If you’ve struggled with overspending on ads or missing valuable opportunities, you’re not alone. The right tools and strategies for forecasting can make all the difference, ensuring your budget is spent wisely and your campaigns align with your goals.
Accurate forecasting isn’t just about predicting numbers - it’s about enabling smarter decisions that drive results. Here’s a guide to the best tools available and how to choose the ones that will help you stay ahead.
Why Forecasting Matters
Forecasting Amazon ad spend effectively is critical for sustainable growth. Anticipating your costs and knowing where to allocate your budget ensures that no pound is wasted while allowing you to scale with confidence.
Four Benefits of Accurate Ad Spend Forecasting
Budget Control: Avoid unexpected overspending and ensure you can support high-performing campaigns when needed.
Strategic Planning: Map your ad performance against seasonal trends and long-term business goals.
ROI Maximisation: Allocate budgets to campaigns and strategies that give you the best return on investment.
Competitive Edge: Predict and counter competitors' activities with proactive strategies.
Once you understand how forecasting impacts overall success, the next step is figuring out which tools are available to simplify the process.
Free Tools and Resources (to get you started)
If you’re just beginning with forecasting, or simply want to improve your understanding before committing to paid tools, there’s plenty you can do with free resources.
1. Amazon's Brand Analytics Reports
Amazon provides historical performance data for your campaigns, which can serve as a foundation for forecasting. Analyse Search Volume, Revenue, and conversion rates over time to predict future performance. Use trends to identify peak seasons or areas for cost savings.
2. Seller Central Dashboard
Your Seller Central Dashboard includes essential metrics like clicks, impressions, and conversion rates. These data points can help you spot trends, enabling better-informed decisions.
3. Spreadsheets (Google Sheets, Excel)
You can manually calculate forecasts using spreadsheet software. Apply formulas to project future costs based on historical data and incorporate variables like product seasonality or market fluctuations. Custom spreadsheets are highly flexible but require time and attention to detail.
4. Google Analytics (for external traffic)
If your advertising strategy includes off-Amazon traffic sources, Google Analytics can provide insight into external traffic and conversion patterns. Use this data to forecast additional ad costs or plan broader campaigns.
These free tools are an excellent starting point, but their simplicity can sometimes limit scaling or deeper insights.
Paid Software and Tools (investing in accuracy
For sellers ready to take forecasting to the next level, there are numerous paid tools designed to simplify complex calculations, integrate data, and even automate decision-making.
Campaign Management Platforms
Here are some platforms you can use to help manage your campaigns. These platforms offer advanced analytics, automated bidding, keyword research, and detailed forecasts. They are best for sellers scaling campaigns or needing automated solutions to save time.
Perpetua
Teikametrics
Pacvue
Helium 10
Sellics
Features include custom reporting, integration with other business tools, and predictive models for future performance.
Specialised Forecasting Software
Tools focused solely on forecasting use statistical modelling and predictive analytics, sometimes incorporating external factors like seasonality or competitor activity. These are best for large businesses with complex forecasting needs and enterprise-level budgets.
Agency-Level Tools
Agencies often use proprietary forecasting software, combining multiple data sources and algorithms for precision. These tools are best for large sellers working with agencies to manage sophisticated marketing strategies.
Paid tools can provide immense value, offering granular insights and automation. However, they’re often subscription-based and may require a learning curve.
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Needs
Selecting the right forecasting tool depends on your business size, budget, and forecasting goals. You can start by asking yourself these questions:
What’s my budget for forecasting tools?
Do I need detailed, granular insights, or just a high-level overview?
How much time am I willing to spend learning and using new software?
Here's a breakdown of options to consider:
When comparing free vs. paid tools, consider scalability. Free tools work well for small sellers, but as your business grows, automation and advanced analytics become invaluable.
Gain Greater Control Over Your Budget
Forecasting Amazon ad spend doesn’t need to be overwhelming. By starting with free tools to grasp the basics and exploring paid options tailored to your needs, you’ll gain greater control over your budget and set your campaigns up for sustainable growth.
Take the time to experiment with different tools and find what works best for your business goals. Whether it’s crunching numbers in a spreadsheet or leveraging cutting-edge PPC platforms, the ultimate goal is to optimise your ad spend and improve results.
What forecasting tools have you tried?
Share your experience in the comments - we’d love to hear your insights!