The Amazon affiliate program, also known as the Amazon Associates Program, can be a lucrative way to monetize a website or blog.
But did you know that you can earn money from Amazon just by reviewing products on social media? Or just referring friends and family to products you recommend?
It’s one of the most popular companies for freelance affiliate marketers because it’s simple to sign up and everyone uses Amazon to buy products. In fact, you’ve probably already recommended a product on Amazon to friends and family.
So why not get paid for doing it!
The program pays a fee to affiliates for driving traffic to Amazon. The buyer gets the same price, but you get a percentage commission for driving the buyer to Amazon. Win-win!
We’ve prepared a simple 5-step plan to get started. But we know that some people learn better from video than reading, so you can also watch this brief video explanation.
1. Website or Blog Preparation:
- Content Creation: Before applying, ensure you have a functional website or blog or social media with quality content. Amazon will review your website or social media to determine if it’s suitable for their affiliate program. It doesn’t have to be a high-traffic, but it should look professional, have original content, and be related to products or shopping in some way.
- Audience Understanding: Know who your target audience is. This will help you promote relevant products and increase the chance of earning commissions.
2. Sign Up for Amazon Associates:
- Visit: Head to the Amazon Associates home page and click on “Join Now for Free.”
- Account Information: You’ll be prompted to log in to your existing Amazon account or create one.
- Website Details: Fill out all details about your website or mobile app.
- Profile: Provide more details about what your website is about and select the relevant categories.
- Identity Verification: Finish the process by providing your phone number for a verification call or text.
We signed up as an Amazon Associate. You can see our Amazon Shop by Clicking Here!
3. Start Promoting Amazon Products:
- Search & Select Products: Once accepted, you can start browsing through products and get affiliate links using Amazon’s ‘SiteStripe’ bar at the top of the main Amazon site. Remember: the higher the price, the higher your commission!
- Quality Over Quantity: Don’t just spam links. Ensure the products you’re promoting are relevant to your content and audience. Write genuine reviews, comparisons, or recommendations.
- Use Tools: Utilize Amazon-provided tools like widgets, banners, and link builders to make your affiliate links more attractive. Here’s what the widget looks like:
4. Optimize for Conversions:
- Track Performance: Use Amazon’s affiliate program reports to see which links are performing well.
- A/B Testing: Experiment with different types of products, link placements, and call-to-actions to see what works best.
- Engaging Content: Write in-depth product reviews, create product comparison charts, or even instructional videos. The more value you provide, the more likely someone is to make a purchase.
5. Follow Amazon’s Rules and Get Paid:
- Stay Updated: Amazon has strict rules for affiliates, and they update their terms of service from time to time. Ensure you’re always compliant to avoid account suspension.
- Payment Methods: Set up your payment method. You can choose between direct deposit, Amazon gift cards, or checks.
- Threshold: Understand that there’s a minimum payout threshold ($10 for direct deposit/gift card and $100 for checks). Once you reach the threshold, Amazon will process your payment.
Remember, being an Amazon affiliate isn’t just about placing links. Engaging content and a trustful relationship with your audience are key. Your credibility and genuine recommendations will lead to better conversions and higher earnings.
Still, joining the Amazon affiliate program is one of the easiest ways to make money online. So sign up and get paid for something you are already doing: recommending products to friends and family!
