How to Register for Amazon Ads: A Friendly Step-by-Step Guide
November 6, 2025

Hey there! Ready to get your products or brand noticed by millions of shoppers on Amazon? Amazon Ads is a fantastic way to boost your visibility, drive sales, and grow your business on the world’s largest online marketplace. Whether you’re a small business owner, an e-commerce seller, or a self-published author, setting up an Amazon Ads account is your first step to reaching customers who are ready to buy. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to register for Amazon Ads in a simple, human-friendly way, share tips to get started, and include a handy FAQ section to answer your questions. Plus, I’ve sprinkled in some SEO magic to help this article rank well on Google. Let’s get started!

What Are Amazon Ads?

Before we dive into the registration process, let’s quickly cover what Amazon Ads are. Amazon Ads is a pay-per-click (PPC) advertising platform that lets you promote your products, brand, or content on Amazon’s website and apps. You only pay when someone clicks your ad, making it budget-friendly. With options like Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Display, you can target shoppers based on their searches and browsing habits, ensuring your ads reach the right people at the right time.

Why bother with Amazon Ads? Simple: Amazon is where millions of people go to shop, often skipping Google altogether. Advertising here puts your products in front of eager buyers, helping you stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Why Register for Amazon Ads?

Registering for Amazon Ads opens the door to a powerful marketing tool. Here’s why it’s worth your time:

  • Reach Ready-to-Buy Shoppers: Amazon customers are often in a buying mood, making them more likely to purchase when they see your ad.
  • Control Your Budget: Set a daily budget that works for you, whether it’s $5 or $500, and only pay for clicks.
  • Boost Visibility: Ads help your products appear at the top of search results, even if your organic ranking is low.
  • Grow Your Brand: Promote your brand story and multiple products to build recognition and loyalty.
  • Easy to Start: The registration process is straightforward, and you don’t need to be a marketing guru to get going.

Now, let’s walk through how to sign up for Amazon Ads and start your advertising journey.

Step-by-Step Guide to Register for Amazon Ads

Registering for Amazon Ads is simple, especially if you already have an Amazon account. Follow these steps to get your account set up and ready to go.

Step 1: Determine Your Account Type

To advertise on Amazon, you need an account that’s eligible for advertising. The type of account depends on what you’re promoting:

  • Amazon Seller Account (Seller Central): For third-party sellers who sell products directly to customers on Amazon. This is the most common option for small businesses and individual sellers.
  • Amazon Vendor Account (Vendor Central): For first-party sellers who sell products to Amazon, which then sells them to customers. This is typically by invitation only.
  • Amazon Customer Account: If you’re not selling products on Amazon (e.g., promoting a book or external website), you can use a regular Amazon account for certain ad types like Sponsored Ads or Amazon DSP.
  • Brand-Registered Account: To use Sponsored Brands or Stores, you need a Professional Seller account enrolled in the Amazon Brand Registry.

If you don’t have a Seller or Vendor account, don’t worry! You can sign up for a Seller account during the process, or use an existing Amazon account for non-product ads. For most beginners, a Seller Central account is the way to go.

Step 2: Gather Required Information

Before you start, have these details ready to make registration smooth:

  • Business Information: Your business name, address, and contact details.
  • Tax Information: A valid tax ID (e.g., EIN for U.S. businesses or GST/PAN for India).
  • Bank Account Details: An active bank account for receiving payments from sales (if selling on Amazon).
  • Credit Card: For paying ad costs.
  • Valid ID: For account verification (e.g., passport or driver’s license).
  • Email and Phone Number: For account setup and verification via OTP (one-time password).

If you’re registering as a seller, you’ll also need to decide between an Individual Plan ($0.99 per sale, no ads access) or a Professional Plan ($39.99/month, includes ads and advanced tools). Choose the Professional Plan if you plan to advertise.

Step 3: Visit the Amazon Ads Registration Page

Head to the official Amazon Ads website at advertising.amazon.com. Click the “Register” or “Sign Up” button to start the process. You’ll be prompted to select your country and what you’re advertising:

  • Products sold on Amazon: Choose this if you’re a seller or vendor promoting products listed on Amazon.
  • Products not sold on Amazon: Select this if you’re advertising a book, app, or external website.

Step 4: Sign In or Create an Amazon Account

You’ll need to sign in with an existing Amazon account or create a new one:

  • If you have an Amazon account: Use your existing email and password (e.g., the one you use for shopping or Seller Central). This is the easiest option.
  • If you don’t have an account: Click “Create New Account” and enter your email, phone number, and a password. Amazon will send an OTP to verify your contact details.

Step 5: Set Up a Seller Account (If Needed)

If you’re selling products on Amazon and don’t have a Seller Central account, you’ll need to create one. Here’s how:

  1. Go to sell.amazon.com or sellercentral.amazon.com and click “Start Selling.”
  2. Sign in with your Amazon account or create a new one.
  3. Provide your business details:
    • Business name and address (must match your tax documents).
    • Tax ID (e.g., EIN, GST, or PAN).
    • Bank account and routing number for payouts.
    • Credit card for account fees.
  4. Verify your identity by uploading a valid ID and completing phone or text verification.
  5. Choose your selling plan: Select the Professional Plan ($39.99/month) to access Amazon Ads and advanced tools.

Amazon typically verifies accounts within 24 hours, but double-check your information to avoid delays. Once approved, you’re ready to advertise

Step 6: Access the Amazon Ads Console

After signing in or setting up your Seller/Vendor account, return to advertising.amazon.com and sign in. You’ll land in the Amazon Ads console, where you can create and manage campaigns. If you’re a Seller, you can also access Ads tools from the “Advertising” section in Seller Central.

Step 7: Choose Your Advertising Option

Depending on your account type, you’ll have access to different ad products:

  • Sponsored Products: Promote individual products in search results (available to Sellers and Vendors).
  • Sponsored Brands: Showcase your brand and multiple products (requires Brand Registry).
  • Sponsored Display: Retarget shoppers on and off Amazon (available to Sellers, Vendors, and Brand-Registered accounts).
  • Amazon DSP: Advanced display and video ads (requires a minimum spend of $50,000 USD and is best for larger businesses).

For beginners, start with Sponsored Products—it’s simple and effective. If you’re brand-registered, consider setting up a free Amazon Store to complement your ads.

Step 8: Create Your First Campaign

Once registered, you’re ready to launch your first ad! Here’s a quick overview:

  1. In the Ads console, click “Create Campaign” and select your ad type (e.g., Sponsored Products).
  2. Set a daily budget (e.g., $10) and choose automatic or manual targeting.
  3. Add products to promote and select keywords (e.g., “wireless earbuds”).
  4. Set bids (how much you’ll pay per click, e.g., $0.50).
  5. Launch your campaign and monitor performance in the Ads console.

Check out Amazon’s Getting Started Guide for Sponsored Ads for detailed tips.

Tips for a Smooth Registration Process

To make your Amazon Ads registration hassle-free, keep these tips in mind:

  • Double-Check Your Info: Ensure your business, tax, and bank details are accurate to avoid verification delays.
  • Use a Business Email: Register with a professional email (e.g., sales@yourbusiness.com) for better organization.
  • Enroll in Brand Registry: If you have a trademark, sign up for Amazon Brand Registry to unlock Sponsored Brands and Stores.
  • Start with a Professional Plan: If you’re a seller, choose the Professional Plan to access advertising and analytics tools.
  • Explore Free Resources: Amazon’s Learning Console offers free courses on advertising basics and certifications to boost your skills.

Common Challenges and How to Solve Them

Registration is usually smooth, but here are some common hiccups and fixes:

  • Verification Delays: If your account isn’t approved within 24 hours, check that your tax ID, bank details, and ID match. Contact Amazon support if needed.
  • No Access to Ads: If you can’t see advertising options, ensure you’re on a Professional Seller Plan or signed in with the correct account.
  • Brand Registry Issues: For Sponsored Brands, you need a trademark. Use services like Trademark Engine to simplify the process.
  • High Ad Costs: Start with a low budget and automatic targeting to test performance before scaling up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to sell on Amazon to use Amazon Ads?

No! You can advertise non-Amazon products (e.g., books, apps, or external websites) using a regular Amazon account. However, most ad types like Sponsored Products require a Seller or Vendor account.

2. How much does it cost to register for Amazon Ads?

Registration is free! You only pay for clicks on your ads, and you set your own budget. If you’re a seller, the Professional Plan costs $39.99/month, but there’s no upfront ad fee.

3. What’s the difference between a Seller and Vendor account?

A Seller account (third-party) lets you sell directly to customers via Seller Central. A Vendor account (first-party) means you sell to Amazon, which resells your products. Vendors need an invitation, while anyone can sign up as a Seller.

4. How long does it take to set up an Amazon Ads account?

If you have an existing Amazon account, registration takes minutes. Setting up a Seller account and getting verified may take 24–48 hours, depending on your information.

5. Can I advertise without a Professional Seller account?

No, advertising requires a Professional Seller account ($39.99/month). The Individual Plan ($0.99/sale) doesn’t include ad access.

6. What is Amazon Brand Registry, and do I need it?

Amazon Brand Registry protects your trademark and unlocks tools like Sponsored Brands and Stores. You need a registered trademark to enroll, but it’s optional for basic Sponsored Products.

7. Are there free tools to learn Amazon Ads?

Yes! Amazon’s Learning Console offers free courses and certifications, like the Amazon Advertising Foundations Certification, to help you master ad strategies.