How to become an Amazon affiliate: Your easy guide 

Key takeaways: 

• Learn the step-by-step process to join the Amazon Associates Program, from establishing your website or social media presence to setting up your payment information and creating your first affiliate links. 
• Understand the essential dos and don’ts of the Amazon Affiliate program, including how to comply with Amazon’s guidelines, avoid common mistakes, and use approved tools for link placement and promotion. 
• Discover advanced strategies to increase your earnings, such as enhancing your SEO, creating product-focused content, leveraging seasonal promotions, and exploring other Amazon monetization opportunities like Amazon Live and the Influencer Program. 

Looking for a hassle-free way to earn passive income online? With Amazon’s global reach and strong brand reputation, the Amazon Associates Program is an excellent opportunity for you to reach a wide audience and earn commissions on qualifying purchases made through your referral links. By incorporating product recommendations into your blog posts, social media updates, or other digital platforms, you can easily monetize your content without handling inventory or customer service. This is a low-risk, relatively high-reward strategy, ideal for those just starting or even seasoned looking to diversify their online income streams. 

What is the Amazon affiliate (Amazon Associates) Program? 

The Amazon Associates Program, also known as Amazon Affiliate, is a marketing initiative that allows individuals and businesses to earn commissions by promoting Amazon products through unique referral links. If someone makes a purchase within 24 hours of clicking your link, you earn a percentage of the sale, including any additional items the customer adds to their cart. With Amazon’s strong reputation, extensive product range, and easy sign-up process, this program has become a go-to choice for content creators and bloggers who want to monetize their audience without the hassle of traditional retail. 

Program eligibility and requirements 

To become an Amazon affiliate, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria. Here are the qualifications: 

Account requirements 

• Website. You need a functioning public website with 10 original, accurate, up-to-date posts published in the last 60 days. It should have some traffic and an established presence. It doesn’t need to be big, but it should be active and relevant to your target audience.  
• Social media profiles. If you’re promoting Amazon products on platforms like Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube, or Facebook, your profile should have a significant following and engagement. The content should focus on a niche that aligns with the products you plan to promote.  
• Mobile apps. A mobile app version of your website also qualifies for the Amazon Associates Program. However, it should be available for free in Google Play, Apple, or Amazon app stores, offer original content, and have a different appearance and functionality compared to Amazon’s shopping app.  

Common reasons for rejection 
Understand why applications are often rejected to save you time and effort. Here are common pitfalls to avoid: 

• Low-quality or incomplete websites. If your site is under construction, has little content, or seems spammy, your application may be denied. 
• No traffic. If your site doesn’t generate enough traffic or engagement, Amazon might not consider you an effective affiliate marketer. 
• Inconsistent or misleading content. Websites that don’t maintain a clear, consistent message, or that mislead customers about the nature of the affiliate links, are often rejected. 
• Failure to comply with Amazon’s terms. Violating Amazon’s terms of service, such as using affiliate links in prohibited ways, can lead to rejection or termination from the program. 

You can access Amazon’s complete policy. Additionally, it’s recommended to go through the associates’ operating agreement for further requirements. 

Step-by-step: How to become an Amazon Affiliate 

Becoming an Amazon affiliate is straightforward. Whether you’re new to affiliate marketing or adding it to your existing platform, here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started: 

1. Create a website, blog, or social presence  

Before joining the Amazon Associates program, you need a platform to share your affiliate links. This can be a website, blog, or social media presence. 

Quick tips: 

• For beginners who want to create a website, consider free or low-cost platforms like Domain.com’s Website Builder. It’s user-friendly, has industry-appropriate templates, and blog capabilities to help you get started. Be sure to populate your platform with content first. 
• Choose a niche that aligns with your interests and your audience’s demand. Being passionate about your niche makes content creation easier and more engaging. 
• For more insights, explore a separate article on What You Should Know About Starting a Blog. 

2. Sign up for the Amazon Associates Program 

Go to the Amazon Associates homepage and click Sign Up to start the registration process. 

3. Sign in or sign up to create an Amazon account 

After you’ve clicked Sign Up, you’re required to sign in to your existing Amazon account. If you don’t have any, create one.

4. Enter your basic details and website/app URL(s)  

Once you’ve provided your account information, you’ll need to provide some basic information about your platform: 

Tip: Ensure your brand name and domain name are consistent across both your site and Amazon account. This builds trust and provides a smooth user experience. 

5. Add your store ID and explain your traffic sources  

In this step, you’ll create your Store ID (a name you choose to represent your affiliate account) and describe the content you create.  

Unique tip: Be specific in your description. This shows Amazon how you plan to promote their products and attract customers. A clear strategy can also help increase your chances of getting approved. 

Once you’re done filling out this page, check the box that says you agree to the terms and conditions of the Associates Program Operating Agreement. Click Finish. You’ll then be directed to a confirmation page that says you’re free to use the Associates Program. 

6. Set up your payment and tax details  

• At the bottom of the confirmation page, click Now to enter your payment and tax information. However, you can also choose to do this later.  
• Once you click Now, you’ll be directed to a page where you can create your Two-Step Verification. Enter your phone number to receive an OTP or one-time password. 
• You’ll be asked to sign in. Enter your password and click Sign in. Input your OTP in the box indicated. Once done, you’ll be directed to the Your Payment Method page. 

You can choose among these payment methods: 

• Bank account. Fastest option, sends commissions directly to your bank account. 
• Gift card. Amazon offers commission payouts as Amazon gift cards. 
• Check. For those who prefer traditional payment methods, checks are also an option. 

Tax details: You’ll also need to provide tax information, typically through a simple questionnaire for U.S. affiliates. 

7. Generate your first affiliate links  

Once your account is set up, you can start promoting products. 

• SiteStripe. A tool that appears at the top of the Amazon website when you hover over Tools when you’re logged into your affiliate account. It allows you to quickly generate affiliate links to any Amazon product page. 
• GetLink. A URL shortener tool within the Amazon dashboard to create shortened affiliate links. 
• Mobile options. You can also generate affiliate links directly from the Amazon mobile app. 

Initial approval period 

After signing up, Amazon requires you to make a qualifying sale within the first 180 days. This ensures you’re actively using the program and driving traffic to Amazon.  If you don’t make at least one sale during this period, your account will be closed, but you can reapply later. 

Tip: To secure your first conversion, try sharing your affiliate links with friends and family in a natural, non-spammy way. Alternatively, create a relevant post on your blog or social media, featuring a product you genuinely recommend. For example, if you’re in the beauty niche, post a tutorial or review featuring Amazon products. 

Amazon Associates Program rules: Key do’s and don’ts 

When participating in the Amazon Associates Program, you should follow specific rules to avoid penalties or suspension: 

Do’s: 

• Disclose your affiliate relationship. Always inform your audience that your links are affiliate links, in accordance with FTC guidelines. 
• Use approved affiliate links. Only use links provided through the Amazon Associates portal. Using your own tracking or third-party URL shorteners can lead to disqualification. 
• Drive traffic ethically. Focus on organic traffic by creating valuable content like blogs, reviews, tutorials, or social media posts. Avoid clickbait or misleading tactics. 
• Maintain up-to-date product information. Ensure that the products you promote are relevant and reflect their current details on Amazon. 

Don’ts: 

• Don’t use Amazon affiliate links in email marketing. Amazon prohibits sending links via email or newsletters. 
• Don’t engage in incentivized click behavior. Offering incentives or asking users to click on links to earn rewards is against the program’s terms. 
• Don’t promote inappropriate content. Avoid promoting products or services that don’t comply with Amazon’s content guidelines, such as adult content or illegal products. 
• Don’t use your affiliate links in paid search ads. You can’t bid on branded Amazon keywords or use your affiliate links in PPC campaigns. 

How much do Amazon affiliates earn? 

Becoming an Amazon affiliate can be a lucrative opportunity. However, earnings can vary based on several factors, such as the products you promote, the traffic your platform attracts, and your promotional methods.  

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect: 

Commission rates by category  

Amazon Associates offers different commission rates depending on the product category. 

Source: Affiliate Program Amazon

Amazon affiliates can earn up to 10% commission on certain products like luxury beauty and coins, but only 1% on others, such as physical video games and consoles. 

See more income statements for the Associates Program. 

Factors influencing earnings 

These elements impact your potential earnings as an Amazon Affiliate: 

• Traffic volume. The more visitors you attract to your website, social media, or app, the higher the chances of clicks and purchases through your affiliate links, which leads to increased commissions. 
• Niche. Some niches yield higher commissions because of the value and demand for certain products. High-ticket items (higher price, higher commission potential) like electronics often offer higher earnings than lower-cost items (lower price, lower commission potential) like books. 
• Promotional strategies. Effective promotion methods, such as detailed product reviews, tutorials, and product roundups, can boost conversion rates.  
• Audience engagement. An engaged audience is more likely to click on your affiliate links and make purchases. Trust and active engagement with your content increases the likelihood of earning commissions. 
• Content quality. High-quality, valuable content that solves problems or offers insightful recommendations is more likely to drive more conversions. 
• Seasonality. Some products sell better during specific times of the year (e.g., electronics during the holidays, fitness gear around New Year’s). Timing your promotions during peak shopping seasons can significantly impact earnings. 
• Conversion rate. The percentage of visitors who make a purchase after clicking on an affiliate link. A higher conversion rate typically means higher earnings. These earnings are influenced by your site’s user experience, product appeal, and audience targeting. 

For beginners, new affiliates might start earning modest amounts, often less than $100 per month, especially if their traffic is low. But with consistent effort, creating quality content, and growing your audience, your earnings can increase over time. For experienced affiliates, those with huge traffic or a strong social media following can earn a lot more, anywhere from $500 to $10,000 per month, or even more. Success usually comes from promoting high-ticket items, creating engaging content, and optimizing conversion rates. 

Pros and cons of the Amazon Associates Program 

The Amazon Associates program is one of the most popular affiliate marketing opportunities, but like anything, it has its ups and downs.  

Pros of the Amazon Associates Program 

• Large product selection. Amazon’s vast catalog covers almost every category, making it easy to find products that fit your niche. 
• Brand reputation. Amazon is trusted worldwide, helping you convert visitors into buyers more easily. 
• Easy to join. The application process is simple, with no upfront costs. You can start promoting products right away. 
• Global reach. Amazon operates in many countries, allowing you to reach an international audience. 
• Recurring earnings. You earn commissions on all qualifying purchases made within 24 hours of a referral. 
• Tools and resources. Amazon provides banners, links, product widgets, and analytics to help you optimize your strategy. 

Cons of the Amazon Associates Program 

• Low commission rates in some categories/niches. Some categories, like books, have lower commission rates. 
• Short cookie duration. The 24-hour cookie duration means you only earn a commission if a purchase is made within 24 hours of clicking your link. 
• Strict compliance rules. Amazon has specific rules for promoting products, and violations can lead to suspension. 
• Commission on only qualifying purchases. You only earn commissions on purchases made through your affiliate link. 
• Highly competitive. It’s challenging to rank for high-converting products or niches due to Amazon’s popularity. 

How to optimize Amazon Affiliate links 

Optimizing your Amazon affiliate links is important to drive conversions and earn commissions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the most of your affiliate links and boost your earnings. 

Link cloaking/shortening 

Link cloaking or shortening means creating shorter, more user-friendly versions of your affiliate links. Amazon provides a tool for this in the Amazon dashboard called GetLink, which lets you generate shorter, more readable links. However, be cautious when using third-party URL shorteners. 

Why use link shorteners: 

• Appearance. Short links are easier to share, especially on platforms with character limits like Twitter. 
• Tracking. Shortened links can be easier to manage, track, and analyze for better performance. 

Important caution: 

• Only use Amazon-approved link shorteners or tools from the Amazon dashboard. Using third-party URL shorteners like Bit.ly can violate Amazon’s Associates Program Policies and lead to disqualification from the program. These services can interfere with Amazon’s tracking system. 
• Always ensure the shortened link still redirects to an Amazon domain to remain compliant with Amazon’s guidelines. 

Link placement 

Where and how you place your affiliate links can significantly impact your conversion rates. Here are some top spots to include affiliate links for maximum results: 

Blog posts: 

• Integrate affiliate links within your content, especially in product reviews, roundups, and tutorials. When a product is mentioned naturally within a blog post, social media post, or other content, placing an affiliate link in that context can increase conversions. 
  Natural, contextual placement in a post where the product is mentioned can boost conversions. 
• Avoid overloading posts with links. Too many affiliate links can reduce trust with your audience. 

YouTube descriptions: 

• If you’re creating YouTube content, include affiliate links in your video descriptions. When you mention a product in your video, place the affiliate link directly beneath the video to encourage clicks. 
• You can also pin comments that direct users to your affiliate links. 

Social media bios: 

• Include your affiliate links in your social media bios or profiles, especially on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Users often visit your bio to learn more about you and are often more likely to click through. 

Call-to-action (CTA): 

• Use clear and engaging CTAs that encourage your audience to click your affiliate link. For example, in a blog post, you could say, “Check out this awesome product I reviewed on Amazon here!” or in YouTube videos, “If you want to grab this product, the link is the description box!” 

By placing links in these strategic locations, you can increase the chances that your audience will click through and make a purchase. 

FTC disclosures and compliance 

You must clearly disclose that you earn commissions from the links you share. This transparency not only builds trust with your audience but also ensures compliance with Amazon’s program terms. 

What to include: 

• Always include the following disclaimer when using affiliate links: “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.” 
• The disclosure should be placed close to the affiliate link or before the content that contains the link. On social media, make sure to include it in your bio or captions. 

Best practices: 

• Place your disclosure at the start or end of a blog post, video, or social media post. 
• If your post contains multiple affiliate links, place a disclaimer at the top, and remind users where the link appears. 
• Avoid using vague disclaimers. Simply stating “this post contains affiliate links” without clearly mentioning Amazon does not meet disclosure standards. 

Top tools and plugins for Amazon Affiliates 

Being an Amazon affiliate can be rewarding, especially when you have the right tools and plugins to boost your efforts. Check out these tools that can make a big difference in your success. 

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tools 

SEO is key to getting organic traffic to your affiliate links. These tools help improve your website’s visibility on search engines, which makes it easy for potential buyers to find your content. 

• Moz. Moz offers a suite of SEO tools that help you track rankings, audit your site, and find keyword opportunities. Their Keyword Explorer is useful for discovering high-traffic, low-competition keywords that can drive traffic to your affiliate links. 
• SEMrush. SEMrush is an all-in-one SEO platform. Its Competitive Research tool lets you see which keywords your competitors are using, so you can optimize your content to outperform in search results. You can also track your backlinks and monitor your site’s SEO health with SEMrush. 
• Surfer SEO. Surfer SEO focuses on content optimization. It analyzes top-ranking pages for specific keywords and gives you on-page recommendations to align your content with SEO best practices, helping you attract more organic traffic to your Amazon affiliate links. 

Content automation tools 

These tools simplify content creation and improve its effectiveness by helping you produce high-quality posts quickly while optimizing for conversions. 

• Jasper AI. Jasper AI is a content generation tool that helps you quickly write engaging, SEO-optimized content. Jasper AI can help you overcome writer’s block and suggest copy that resonates with your audience. 
• ChatGPT. ChatGPT is another powerful content creation resource. ChatGPT is also great for refining and rephrasing content, making it a versatile assistant for your affiliate marketing needs. 

Why these tools help 

Each of these tools offers unique benefits that can optimize your Amazon affiliate marketing efforts: 

• SEO tools. They save you time by identifying the best keywords to target, improving your chances of ranking higher in search results, and attracting more organic traffic to your affiliate links. 
• Content optimization. Tools like Jasper AI and ChatGPT speed up content creation. These tools ensure your blog posts, product reviews, and social media content are engaging and persuasive. Lastly, they help you scale content production without compromising quality. 

Link Whisper 

Link Whisper is a WordPress plugin designed to help website owners improve their internal linking structure. It uses artificial intelligence to suggest relevant internal links as you write or edit your posts, making it easier to create a well-connected site. This can help improve your site’s SEO, making it more likely to rank higher in search engine results. 

Tips to maximize your Amazon Affiliate earnings 

Boosting your Amazon Affiliate earnings requires a solid strategy. By creating great content, optimizing for SEO, and using smart promotion tactics, you can significantly increase your income. Here are some key points to keep in mind: 

Find a profitable niche 

Choosing the right niche is a recipe for success. A profitable niche should be a good balance between your interests and the potential for sales. 

How to choose: 

• Focus on niches with consistent demand, like home goods, electronics, or health & wellness. 
• Look for products with higher commission rates (see Commission rates by category section). 

Unique tip: 

• Research product categories with low competition but significant search volume. Tools like Semrush and Google Keyword Planner can help identify these opportunities. 

SEO and content strategy 

A solid SEO strategy can drive organic traffic to your site, increasing the chances of affiliate link clicks and conversions. Good SEO ensures your content ranks higher on search engines, making it easier for users to find your affiliate products. 

On-page SEO checklist: 

• Keywords. Use relevant, high-volume keywords in your title, headings, and throughout your content. Include variations and long-tail keywords for more precise targeting. 
• Meta tags. Optimize your meta title and description with targeted keywords to improve search engine visibility and CTR (click-through rate). 
• Internal linking. Link to relevant pages within your site to improve SEO and keep visitors on your site longer.  

Develop product-focused content: Reviews, comparisons, and best-of lists 

Content that focuses on specific products has a higher chance of converting visitors into buyers. The more value you provide to your audience, the better your chances of earning commissions. 

Types of content: 

• Product reviews. Offer in-depth reviews with pros, cons, and detailed explanations of how the product works. Share personal insights and experience to make your review more authentic. 
• Comparisons. Compare similar products within the same category, highlighting the features and benefits of each, and include your affiliate links for easy purchasing. 
• Best-of lists. Create curated lists of the top products in a specific category, such as “Top 10 Home Gadgets” or “Best Laptops for Students.” These types of posts often perform well in searches and attract a broad audience. 

Seasonal promotions: Prime Day, Black Friday, and holiday gift guides 

Taking advantage of seasonal events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and the holiday season can boost your Amazon affiliate earnings. During these events, Amazon runs massive sales and promotions, which can drive huge traffic to their site. Affiliates who capitalize on these occasions can see significant spikes in their commissions. 

How to use seasonal promotions: 

• Create special content around these events, such as “Best Deals for Prime Day” or “Holiday Gift Guide for Tech Lovers.” These posts are highly relevant during peak shopping periods. 
• Promote limited time deals and discounts on your website or social media to encourage quick purchases. 

Repurpose content across platforms: YouTube, podcasts, social reels 

Repurposing content across different platforms can widen your reach and increase the chances of making affiliate sales. People consume content in many different ways, so spreading your affiliate links across various channels can help you reach a broader audience. 

Advanced strategies and alternative Amazon monetization opportunities 

As you grow your Amazon affiliate business, advanced strategies and alternative monetization opportunities can help diversify your income streams and maximize your earning potential.  

Here are some ways to leverage Amazon’s ecosystem beyond just affiliate marketing: 

Amazon Influencer Program and Amazon Live 

Amazon Live allows you to stream live video content by showcasing and demonstrating products in real time. During these live sessions, you can provide product reviews, answer questions, and share affiliate links with your audience. It’s an engaging way to build trust and drive sales, especially for products that benefit from visual demonstrations. By using Amazon Live, you can directly engage with viewers and increase the likelihood of product purchases during the broadcast. 

The Amazon Influencer Program allows you to create a personalized storefront on Amazon to showcase products you recommend, making it easier for followers to browse and purchase your suggestions, which is ideal for social media influencers with an established following. On the other hand, Amazon Live lets you stream live video content to demonstrate products in real-time, engage with your audience through reviews and Q&A sessions, and share affiliate links, making it a great way to build trust and drive sales through visual demonstrations. 

Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) 

For affiliates who want to take their Amazon business further, Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) offers an opportunity to sell physical products on Amazon directly. FBA allows you to store your inventory in Amazon’s warehouses, and Amazon handles the packing, shipping, and customer service. This is an excellent option if you’re interested in private labeling, where you source or create your own branded products, list them on Amazon, and earn profits through direct sales in addition to affiliate income. 

Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) or Merch by Amazon 

If you create original products, Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) or Merch by Amazon provides additional ways to monetize your content. Amazon KDP allows you to publish eBooks and paperbacks, earning royalties whenever someone purchases your book. On the other hand, Merch by Amazon enables you to design custom merchandise (like t-shirts, mugs, and hoodies), which Amazon prints and ships when sold. Both programs offer passive income opportunities, allowing you to expand revenue streams within Amazon’s ecosystem. 

Start earning online with affiliate marketing 

The internet offers people a lot of avenues to earn money online, and as an affiliate, you’ll not only earn commissions, but also help consumers by offering valuable product suggestions. With a reliable guide like this one, your affiliate journey will be smooth and successful.  

If you’re ready to take your affiliate marketing efforts further, consider joining Domain.com’s affiliate program. Our reliable hosting services and great commissions make it easy for you to succeed. Get started today and turn your affiliate marketing into a rewarding experience! 

Frequently asked questions