Amazon has added themed email templates for branded sellers. The pilot program is for those using the Amazon Customer Engagement tool, launched last spring.

Merchants must be registered with Amazon Brand Registry and must have a Stores Page before they can use the tool to market to Amazon customers. Amazon said while the engagement tool is best for sellers with 1,000 or more subscribers, it’s available to all brands.

In Thursday’s announcement, Amazon explained the new feature, which is in beta testing:

“You can now create themed email campaigns in the customer engagement tool. Several holiday banners are available with new designs launched every month. With these themed templates, you can suggest gifts for upcoming holidays, New Year’s resolutions, travel adventures, game day, and other occasions.

“Easily start an email campaign in the Customer Engagement Tool (Beta) by choosing the theme you want to run from the Select Event Type drop-down menu. Select your theme banner in “Email Settings”, then configure your campaign the same way you normally would. For step-by-step instructions on setting up an email campaign, go to the Manage Your Customer Engagement page. To review your email before submitting your campaign, click the new Preview option next to Start Campaign.”

Sellers can read the full announcement and ask questions on Amazon Seller Central.

Ina Steiner

Ina Steiner is the co-founder and editor of EcommerceBytes and has been reporting on e-commerce since 1999. She is a widely cited authority on marketplace selling and is the author of “Turn eBay Data Into Dollars” ( McGraw-Hill 2006). His blog was featured in the book “Blogging Heroes” (Wiley 2008). She is a member of the Online News Association (September 2005 – present) and Investigative Journalists and Editors (March 2006 – present). Follow her on Twitter at @ecommercebytes and send topical tips to ina@ecommercebytes.com. See disclosure at EcommerceBytes.com/disclosure/.