Yes, Amazon Ads is considered PPC in most cases because the core “Sponsored” ad formats are typically cost-per-click, meaning you’re charged when a shopper clicks your ad.
When people say “Amazon PPC,” they’re usually talking about Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Display inside Amazon’s advertising console. Those placements show in Amazon search results, on product detail pages, and in other on-Amazon placements where a click is the main action you’re buying. Amazon also has options that are not strictly PPC, like impression-based buying (CPM or viewable CPM) through certain placements and Amazon DSP, so the exact answer depends on the campaign type you’re running.
| Amazon ad type | Is it PPC? | How you’re commonly charged | What it’s best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsored Products | Yes | CPC | Driving sales for specific listings when shoppers are searching with buying intent |
| Sponsored Brands | Usually | CPC (sometimes impression-based options depending on placement) | Brand discovery, category visibility, and search-result real estate for multiple products |
| Sponsored Display | Often | CPC or impression-based options | Retargeting shoppers, reaching related audiences, and expanding beyond exact search terms |
| Amazon DSP | Not usually called PPC | CPM (impression-based) | Broader audience campaigns, streaming/display inventory, and upper-funnel reach |
If you’re a local Orlando business that also sells products online (common for med spas with skincare lines, dental product brands, or home service companies with niche products), thinking of Amazon as “PPC” is useful because budgeting and performance management feel similar to Google Ads: you set bids, watch cost-per-click, track conversions, and adjust based on what’s actually selling. If you want a quick refresher on the definition, our FAQ on what PPC (pay-per-click) advertising is breaks it down in plain English.
One practical tip: on Amazon, clicks only matter if the listing converts. If your product page is thin, reviews are weak, or your images and video don’t do the selling, your PPC costs can look “high” even when targeting is fine. That’s where strong creative and a clean listing often move the needle faster than tinkering with bids. If you want help running campaigns end to end, our PPC services cover setup, tracking, and ongoing improvements, and if your listing needs better product visuals, our UGC content creation can support Amazon pages with product videos that match how shoppers actually buy.
If you’re deciding whether Amazon belongs in your paid mix, start with the basics: what ad platforms fit your goals, your margin, and how quickly you need sales to happen. Our FAQ on what platforms are included in PPC or paid ads can help you place Amazon in the bigger picture without overcomplicating it.
