Amazon displays ads from external websites

Online retail giant Amazon has introduced display ads

on its website which allow customers to access and buy products on external sites.

Amazon.co.uk will display ads from external websites when a customer shops for a specific or related product. Customers who are interested in buying the advertised product can then click through to the external website where they can purchase the product direct.

"Amazon Product Ads allow sellers to reach engaged shoppers on Amazon, introduce new customers to their range and increase their sales,” said Ian Clarkson, director for Amazon Services Europe. "It’s a win-win situation as customers benefit from access to an even greater selection of products in addition to the tens of millions of items that Amazon.co.uk already sells."

Advertisers upload the catalogue of products they wish to advertise and set a budget. Amazon then uses a variety of placements to drive targeted traffic to a seller’s web site. Advertisers are charged for the service on a cost-per click basis.