Better Than Amazon’s ‘You May Also Like’? Meet Catalog Ads

Hey there

We’ve all been there—browsing Amazon, clicking on an item, and finding ourselves drawn to the “You May Also Like” section. It’s smart, targeted, and helpful. But what if I told you there’s a better way to reach your audience? A method that’s even more tailored and precise?

That’s where Meta’s catalog ads come in.

Catalog ads are the e-commerce equivalent of Amazon’s recommendation engine but with more dynamic targeting and actionable insights. Here’s why they’re the superior choice for personalized product discovery and conversions.

1. Dynamic Product Matching for Ultimate Relevance

Amazon’s recommendations are great, but they’re limited to the platform’s ecosystem. Meta’s catalog ads, on the other hand, reach users where they spend most of their time—social media.

Here’s the magic: Meta’s algorithm analyzes a user’s behavior, intent, and preferences in real time. For instance, if someone is in the market for size 8 leather boots, catalog ads can serve that exact product along with variations—down to the color or price range they’re most likely to buy.

No manual adjustments. No guesswork. Just hyper-relevant ads served at the right time.

2. Cross-Platform Reach with Seamless Integration

Unlike Amazon’s recommendations, which work only within its marketplace, catalog ads work across platforms. Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, or even TikTok, catalog ads let you meet your audience wherever they are, driving more traffic and sales to your store.

Think of it as bringing the power of Amazon’s algorithms to your own storefront—except with full control over branding, messaging, and strategy.

3. Smarter Inventory Management

Amazon may recommend products that are out of stock, leading to customer frustration. Catalog ads are smarter. They’re directly linked to your live inventory and adjust automatically based on stock availability.

If an item sells out, it won’t appear in your ads. Instead, similar in-stock options take its place. This dynamic inventory awareness makes catalog ads a tool not just for driving sales but also for improving the shopping experience.

4. Creative Freedom to Build Brand Loyalty

Amazon’s recommendation engine doesn’t let you differentiate your brand. Catalog ads do. With tools like RetainIQ, you can add overlays, logos, and branded elements to your ads, ensuring every touchpoint reinforces your identity.

Want to highlight discounts or show lifestyle images alongside product photos? No problem. Catalog ads let you go beyond plain product displays, combining personalization with creative storytelling.

5. Actionable Data to Refine Your Strategy

While Amazon’s data is locked within its platform, catalog ads provide you with actionable insights into customer behavior and preferences. Learn what works, iterate, and optimize—all without being tied to a single marketplace.

Brands using catalog ads often see 68% higher ROAS compared to other ad formats, thanks to the ability to test and refine creatives based on real-time performance.

Catalog Ads: Personalized, Scalable, and Yours

If you’ve admired Amazon’s ‘You May Also Like’ feature, it’s time to harness that power for your own brand—on your terms. With catalog ads, you control the customer experience, deliver hyper-relevant recommendations, and build deeper loyalty with every click.

Curious about how catalog ads can transform your marketing? Let’s chat, we’ll show you how RetainIQ helps brands design high-performing catalog ads that are both beautiful and effective.

Here’s to smarter strategies and higher returns!

PS: Check out examples of winning stylized catalog ads that drove impressive results - here and here 🤞