How To Build a 6-Figure Amazon FBA Brand From Zero!

Starting an Amazon business can seem overwhelming, but with the right strategy, dedication, and mindset, it’s possible to turn an idea into a profitable brand. I was able to generate $173,000 in sales on Amazon with my travel supplement brand, CoPilot. However, this success didn’t happen overnight—it required extensive research, careful planning, and significant investment.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the exact steps I took to create my business, including all costs involved, my month-by-month sales journey, and the biggest mistakes to avoid. Plus, I’ll share how following Travis’ Passion Product Formula helped me navigate the challenges of launching a product on Amazon.

Step 1: Finding the Right Product

My Entrepreneurial Background & Inspiration

I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, but I initially pursued a different career path. My dream was to become a travel reporter, but I soon realized that the job market in that field was limited. However, my passion for travel remained, and I wanted to create a business that allowed me to help others while funding my lifestyle.

During my travels, I noticed a common problem—people frequently struggled with stress and minor illnesses while on the go. I saw travelers experiencing fatigue, jet lag, and digestive issues, and I knew there had to be a better way to support their health. This sparked an idea: what if I could create a travel supplement that would help travelers stay balanced and healthy?

I spent months brainstorming ideas, researching ingredients, and talking to other travelers about their pain points. This process helped me refine my vision and gain confidence that I could create a product that would truly make a difference.

Using Viral Launch for Market Research

Before investing any money, I needed to confirm that there was demand for my idea. I used Viral Launch, a powerful product research tool, to analyze the Amazon marketplace. This tool helped me identify gaps in the market, giving me confidence that my product had potential. I focused on identifying keywords, competitors, and overall market trends.

• Cost of Viral Launch: $200 over a few months
• Time spent on research: Several weeks
• Outcome: I identified a unique niche with low competition and strong demand

The data was clear—there were no high-quality travel supplements designed specifically for frequent travelers. Seeing this gap in the market gave me the push I needed to move forward. With a solid business concept in mind, I moved on to designing the product and branding.

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Step 2: Designing the Product & Branding

Investing in Professional Branding

I knew that having a high-quality product was not enough—I also needed eye-catching branding to stand out on Amazon. Branding is the first thing potential customers see, and I wanted my product to communicate trust, quality, and adventure.

To achieve this, I hired a professional design team, which cost $2,000. They helped me create a logo, packaging, and overall brand identity that aligned with my target audience. I worked closely with them to ensure that every element—from the color scheme to the typography—represented the values of my brand.

Prototyping the Packaging

Packaging is an essential aspect of any physical product, especially supplements. I experimented with various materials, shapes, and designs, eventually deciding on a reusable tin container that was eco-friendly and compact. This unique approach made my product stand out in the crowded supplement market.

• Total branding & packaging costs: Around $3,000
• Key takeaway: Invest in professional design to make your product visually appealing and memorable

In addition to aesthetics, I also made sure my packaging was functional. The tin was designed to fit seamlessly into a backpack or carry-on bag, making it convenient for travelers. I tested multiple designs with friends and family before finalizing the perfect one.

After finalizing my branding, I moved on to registering my business and setting up legal protections.

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Step 3: Business Setup Costs

Registering My Business

To legally protect my brand, I registered an LLC and obtained a trademark. Here’s what I spent:

• LLC registration: $500
• Trademark filing: $400 (done through USPTO)
• Barcodes for Amazon: $20 from GS1
• Amazon seller fees: $39.99/month
• Liability insurance: $4,500 (important for consumable products)

Total investment in legal and setup costs: $5,459

These steps ensured that my business was legally compliant and safeguarded against potential risks. Although these expenses were significant, they provided essential protection for my brand, preventing potential legal issues down the road.

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Step 4: Manufacturing & Product Development

Finding the Right Manufacturer

Manufacturing is one of the most crucial (and expensive) aspects of launching a product. I spent weeks researching and calling over 100 manufacturers to find one that aligned with my standards for quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing.

I made a checklist of non-negotiables:

• Ingredients must be high quality and lab-tested
• Manufacturer must have certifications for safety and compliance
• Packaging must be eco-friendly and travel-friendly
• Production must allow for small batch testing before full-scale manufacturing

Eventually, I partnered with a US-based manufacturer that met all my requirements. My initial costs included:

• Samples: $360
• First batch of production (5,000 tins): $8,000
• Shipping to my fulfillment center: $500

Finding the right manufacturer took time, but it was worth it. The key lesson here? Don’t rush the process—quality matters.

I went through multiple sample rounds to ensure the formulation was effective, tasted good, and met my customers’ needs. It took about six months to finalize everything, but once I did, I was confident that my product was ready for launch.

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Step 5: Listing on Amazon & Advertisement

Creating My Amazon Listing

Once my product was ready, I created an Amazon Seller Central account and optimized my listing with high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and targeted keywords. This step was critical for attracting potential customers.

I invested in:

• Professional product photography to showcase my supplement
• Keyword-optimized descriptions to improve search rankings
• A+ Content and Enhanced Brand Content to increase conversion rates

Advertising & Scaling Strategies

One of the most important lessons I learned was that advertising is essential for success on Amazon. In the beginning, I hesitated to spend money on ads, fearing that I would just lose money. However, once I started using Amazon PPC (Pay-Per-Click) advertising, my sales began to grow rapidly.

Amazon PPC works by allowing sellers to bid on keywords related to their products. When a customer searches for a keyword I targeted, my product would appear in the sponsored listings. Every time someone clicked my listing, I would pay a small fee, but in return, I gained visibility and sales.

Optimizing My Amazon Listings for Conversions

In addition to running ads, I also made sure my Amazon listing was fully optimized for conversions. I focused on:

• High-quality images: I hired a professional photographer to take detailed product shots from multiple angles, including lifestyle images.
• Keyword optimization: I used SEO tools to ensure that my listing included all relevant search terms.
• Compelling product descriptions: I crafted an engaging story around my product, explaining how it could benefit travelers.
• A+ Content: I enrolled in Amazon Brand Registry and created enhanced brand content to make my listing more visually appealing.

These strategies helped improve my conversion rate, which meant that more people who viewed my product ended up buying it.

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Profit Vs. Revenue (Month-by-Month Numbers)

Month 1-3: The Initial Struggle

• Month 1: $66 in total sales (2 units sold)
• Month 2: $267 in total sales (11 units sold)
• Month 3: A decline in sales due to lack of advertising

At first, sales were slow, and I found myself doubting whether my product would succeed. However, I quickly realized that Amazon rewards active sellers—meaning that as I improved my listings and started running PPC ads, my product began appearing in more search results.

Month 4-10: A Big Mistake & Recovery

• Month 4: I only sold 2 units, leading me to question my strategy.
• Months 5-10: I mistakenly shifted focus to my own website instead of Amazon, which caused my Amazon sales to stagnate.
• Month 10: I finally realized my mistake and went all-in on Amazon PPC advertising.

This was a critical turning point for my business. I decided to learn everything I could about PPC ads, and within just two months, my sales skyrocketed.

Month 11-19: Exponential Growth

• Month 11: 44 units sold, over $1,900 in profit
• Month 12: First profitable month! $1,200 in profit
• Month 16: $13,500 in sales—my first $10K month!
• Month 19: Record-breaking sales—$18,000 in total revenue!

By refining my ad strategy and continuing to optimize my listing, my brand began to gain traction. This was an incredibly exciting period, as I could see the results of my hard work paying off.

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3 Mistakes That Cost Me Over $100,000

1. Negative Self-Talk & Almost Quitting

One of the biggest mistakes I made was being too hard on myself in the early stages. I constantly worried about whether I was making the right decisions, and at one point, I almost quit entirely.

What changed? I realized that every successful entrepreneur faces challenges, and the key to success is pushing through them. Once I started focusing on solutions instead of problems, my business turned around.

2. Not Using PPC Advertising Sooner

Had I started using Amazon PPC ads earlier, I estimate that I could have made at least $50,000 more in sales in my first year. The lesson? Don’t be afraid to invest in ads. If you have a great product, advertising will help people find it.

3. Delaying My Business Launch

Because I spent so much time perfecting every detail, I delayed launching my business by almost a year. Looking back, I realize that done is better than perfect—I could have learned and improved along the way. This delay likely cost me $100,000 in missed sales.

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Final Thoughts: Start Your Amazon Journey Today!

Looking back, starting my Amazon business was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It wasn’t always easy, but by following a proven system, I turned my passion into a thriving brand.

Why the Passion Product Formula Works

The Passion Product Formula, taught by Travis Marziani, was a game-changer for me. Unlike other Amazon FBA methods that focus on generic private-label products, this approach emphasizes building a unique brand around a product you’re passionate about.

Key Takeaways from the Passion Product Formula:

1. Create a product you believe in: When you’re passionate about your product, marketing it becomes much easier.
2. Focus on branding: A strong brand sets you apart from competitors.
3. Use Amazon PPC strategically: Advertising helps you get discovered faster.
4. Learn from mistakes and adapt: No business journey is perfect—what matters is how you adjust.

If you’re serious about launching your own Amazon brand, I highly recommend checking out Travis Marziani’s FBA course for step-by-step guidance.

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FAQs

1. How much money do I need to start an Amazon business?

It depends on your product, but expect to invest $5,000–$15,000 for a high-quality launch.

2. Can I start selling on Amazon without a trademark?

Yes, but having a trademark allows you to enroll in Amazon Brand Registry, which provides added protection and marketing tools.

3. How long does it take to start making money on Amazon?

It varies, but most sellers see consistent sales growth within 6-12 months.

4. Is Amazon FBA worth it?

Absolutely! Amazon handles fulfillment, which saves time and allows you to focus on marketing and scaling your business.

5. Where can I learn more about the Passion Product Formula?

Check out Travis Marziani’s FBA course—it’s a game-changer for new Amazon sellers!