For many affiliate sites, Amazon is the old bread and butter. These sites are so popular that brokerages like Flippa and Empire Flippers have an entire category dedicated to Amazon affiliate sites. Maybe it's only because "Amazon affiliate site" sounds more appealing than "Wayfair affiliate site". Or maybe it's just because Amazon is so amazing that it's impossible not to use them to monetize your site.
Amazon is well-known, simple to use, and suitable for a large number of specialist websites. However, they have a reputation for being as opaque as mud when it comes to their policies. They can be difficult to understand and deal with at times.
Amazon wields the ban hammer so frequently that they could pass for a tall, Nordic, blonde Avenger.
We'll see if Amazon's affiliate program is still the greatest option for your site in this Amazon affiliate program evaluation. Amazon Associates is the name of the Amazon affiliate program. Both names are used in this review, and they both mean the same thing.
AMAZON AFFILIATE PROGRAM
In the majority of my evaluations, I begin with a lesson to show new customers how to use the product. Because there are so many Amazon affiliates, I'm going to presume that most of my readers are already familiar with the affiliate dashboard.
As a result, the tutorial follows the review on this page.
Let's begin with one of the most crucial factors: Amazon's commission rate.
AMAZON AFFILIATE COMMISSION RATE
Amazon has been chastised for its commission rate. Based on product category, here's how their commission rate looks right now (updated Spring 2021)
Keep in mind that they can change once a year or perhaps more frequently, so you should always check HERE for the most up-to-date Amazon prices.
Because Amazon sells such a diverse assortment of products, affiliate commissions vary greatly. If you promote high-end beauty products, you'll make a stunning 10% commission.
If you're marketing cellphone service plans, though, a non-bill-paying pat on the back is appropriate.
The Amazon bounty program is another alternative for your affiliate commissions. Amazon pays you a bounty if someone subscribes to an Amazon service after clicking on your link.
These rewards range from $3 for joining a trial to a hefty $15 for starting an Amazon business.
Because Amazon has so much to offer, these bonuses are fantastic. Someone may come to your website to buy a lawnmower and leave with an Audible subscription. You are compensated for both.
Click Here: Amazon Affiliate
AMAZON COMMISSION RATE ISN’T GREAT AT
The cookie duration is Amazon's worst flaw. Although 24 hours isn't a particularly long cookie, there is one exception.
When someone adds an item to their cart, Amazon places a 90-day cookie on that item. That means their potential 24-hour cookie might be prolonged to 89 days. When a visitor clicks your link, some platforms, such as Amalinks Pro or AAWP, allow you to add a product to their cart.
This offers you quick access to the 90-day cookie and is something you should try out on your site.
WHAT ABOUT AMAZON’S TERMS OF SERVICE?
This is where Amazon falls short in terms of usability. Their terms of service are as straightforward as mud and nearly as enjoyable to roll about in. Even skilled SEOs have issues with Amazon's Terms of Service.
When you're caught red-handed breaking a rule you weren't aware of, Amazon may be ruthless. They are, frequently unsure of the nature of the issue. Some people have been able to reverse bans by sifting through the TOS and updating their site, but if you're a solopreneur, this can be difficult.
They want you to join their affiliate program. Reinstatement is challenging but not impossible.
However, like with any problem, prevention is preferable to cure. So, here are some of the most prevalent breaches and things to avoid:
1. Amazon images can be downloaded (instead, use SiteStripe)
2. Use Amazon's star ratings or ratings that resemble Amazon's star ratings.
3. Mention Amazon customer reviews.
4. Mention the cost.
5. For your purchases, use affiliate links.
6. In your emails, include affiliate links (instead, send emails with links to your review articles, but never link to Amazon)
Outside of Amazon, shorten links (using the short link in SiteStripe is fine). There is an exemption if you make it apparent that your links lead to Amazon; I go through this in more detail in the Questions From You section.
7. Have explicit content - no adult or profane language is permitted.
8. Have thin content - content should provide value to the reader.
These are the most common offenses, though there are many others. To be sure, read Amazon Associate's operating policies.
SUPPORT
Amazon's customer service can be quite pleasant and easy to communicate with, however, they are frequently unhelpful.
During specific hours, Support for Associates will allow you to send an email, call someone, or chat. I've never dealt with a non-American customer service representative or had to cope with a language issue.
The issue isn't with the customer service representatives; they're excellent. I've never had a customer service representative who didn't go out of their way to assist me.
Amazon is the issue. They're so large that even their policies can be perplexing. It's not uncommon to receive inconsistent responses from different salespeople. They can't help with compliance, and they can't do anything about API access (I discuss this later).
They do, however, give it they are all.
Amazon has a fantastic customer service crew, but its policies seem to be changing sands that no one can grasp.
Click Here: Amazon Affiliate
PROS AND CONS OF AMAZON ASSOCIATES PROGRAM
Let's take a look at what Amazon excels in... and where they fall short.
THE GOOD
When it comes to moving affiliate products through Amazon, there are numerous advantages. While there are many valid criticisms about the Amazon affiliate marketing program, now is the time to acknowledge the positive aspects.
TONS OF PRODUCTS TO PROMOTE
Amazon's affiliate program may feature the broadest choice of products to advertise of any affiliate program on the planet. It's appropriate for a wide range of physical product categories.
Whatever your website is about, there is almost certainly an Amazon product related to it that you may sell.
At worst, this makes Amazon's affiliate program an excellent place to start when it comes to monetizing your blog posts.
Click Here: Amazon Affiliate
COMPETITIVE COMMISSIONS
For most niches, Amazon's commissions are competitive. The cookies are only valid for one day, but if a customer adds an item to their cart, the cookie is extended to 90 days.
You get a commission on everything someone buys within 24 hours of using your cookie, which is a bonus. Amazon is a genius at upselling and converting customers.
Customers may go on your link to Amazon to buy a sewing needle and leave with a lawnmower.
VERY EASY TO USE
Adding affiliate links is a breeze with SiteStripe. You won't have to do anything on the Amazon site if you can acquire API access (more on that later, so keep reading). WordPress allows you to do everything.
Amazon makes it incredibly simple to build a text link that you know will work.
Click Here: Amazon Affiliate
SUPPORT IS SUPER NICE
The support group is always willing to go above and above to assist. They make you feel at ease and as though they are eager to respond to your questions.
When talking to other affiliates, a lot of them named Amazon as one of the best at genuinely responding to questions when things go wrong and getting you back on track to resolve any issues and get your affiliate account reactivated.
THE NOT SO GOOD
Let's move on to the things Amazon isn't so good at. While Amazon's affiliate marketing program has a lot of positive aspects, we can't ignore the following faults.
MIGHT NOT BE BEST FOR VERY SPECIFIC NICHES
There may be better solutions out there if you're going into a highly narrow niche (best boxes for moving homes) or a very competitive market (furniture).
Amazon is wonderful in some niches, but it's worth looking at choices if yours isn't one of them.
You may be able to locate a program that pays higher, has longer cookies, and converts more effectively.
Click Here: Amazon Affiliate
TOS CAN BE CONFUSING
Let's face it: Amazon's Associate Terms of Service are insane. You'd think they could include bullet points or something to make it easier for us to remember the important points. Instead, we're handed a hazy operating agreement and instructed to follow it.
When we fail, Amazon can slam the door in our faces with a banhammer.
To understand the ins and outs of Amazon's TOS, you'll need to conduct some research.
WHO IS AMAZON ASSOCIATES BEST FOR?
Amazon Associates is a great tool to have on hand, but let's take a look at who it works best for (and who it doesn't).
Click Here: Amazon Affiliate
PHYSICAL PRODUCT NICHES
For physical product categories, Amazon may be a very useful tool, regardless of the size of your site. This might range from razor blades to picture frames to outdoor décor.
There is one caveat here: you should still look for other affiliate networks in your niche. In many niches, Amazon provides a competitive commission, but you might be able to discover something even better for your site elsewhere.
INFO PRODUCT NICHES
For information product niches, Amazon isn't the best alternative. Although Amazon has movies, documentaries, and books, the selection is limited.
You should look into Clickbank or using an ad network such as Adsense, Ezoic, or Mediavine.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Amazon isn't a good fit for niches that rely heavily on social media. You can include Amazon links in your social network pages, but there are certain limitations. You must do the following:
1. Take control of the social media profile you're utilizing.
2. In the Associate’s Dashboard, include the precise URL of the social media platform.
3. Declare on social media that you are an Amazon affiliate and that any sales made through affiliate links will earn you money.
4. If you're using Twitter to promote your links, be sure your account is verified (you have to have a blue checkmark)
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