Affiliate marketing with Amazon can seem like a mystery when you’re just starting out. You may have struggled to hit that benchmark of three sales in 180 days or felt overwhelmed by the competition.
Take a deep breath—you’re not alone. Many aspiring affiliates face the same hurdles, but the good news is that success is entirely achievable.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to crush affiliate marketing with Amazon, whether you’re a total newbie or looking to refine your strategy. You’ll learn how to choose the right niche, build an audience, and drive real sales.
Let’s get started…
How Affiliate Marketing Works With Amazon
If you’re hearing about affiliate marketing with Amazon for the first time, it is a program that lets you earn money by promoting Amazon products. Its official name is the “Amazon Associates Program.“
The Amazon Associates Program is one of the most trusted affiliate marketing platforms globally. It works just like every other affiliate program; When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission.
What makes affiliate marketing with Amazon a good idea is its reputation and exceptional conversion rates.
You see, most e-commerce platforms average a 1-2% conversion rate, but Amazon boasts rates as high as 15%. For Amazon Prime users, that number skyrockets to a staggering 74%.
Another perk? You earn commissions on any product purchased during a visitor’s session, not just the one you promoted. If someone clicks your link to buy a blender but purchases a TV instead, you still get a cut.
Why You Should Start Affiliate Marketing With Amazon
Even though there are several affiliate marketing programs and platforms out there, Amazon is the most beginner-friendly, because, who doesn’t know Amazon?
Even your next-door neighbor might have bought an item from Amazon in the past 28 days. But that’s not even the main part.
To start with, over 89% of online shoppers trust Amazon. That means your audience is more likely to convert when redirected to its platform.
In fact, a study shows that 75% of online shoppers in the United States reported they’ve purchased at least one item from Amazon as of 2017. And guess what? the platform is still sitting at the top, even in 2025.
This means you’re tapping into a huge, active market.
What about conversion and sales? Amazon boosts up to a 15% conversion rate which is 13x higher than the average for e-commerce stores. And this is just for normal shoppers. Prime users convert at a rate of up to 75%.
This is proof that you will be working with a platform designed to sell.
And what’s more? there are practically all categories of products on the platform for you to promote. So, whatever niche you choose, Amazon has products for it.
Can You Make Money With Amazon Affiliate Marketing?
Yes, you absolutely can. But the income potential largely depends on your niche, traffic, and audience engagement.
Suppose your Amazon niche website attracts 100,000 visitors monthly. If 40% click on your affiliate links and 15% of those convert, you’d send 6,000 customers to Amazon.
Assuming each purchase averages $100 and you earn a 4% commission, that’s $24,000 in monthly earnings.
So, even with more modest traffic, a well-targeted audience, and a consistent content strategy can yield impressive results.
In fact, this case study shows how a brand (TIWIB) made over $20,000 per month from Amazon affiliate commissions alone.
Their strategy? They feature random (often wired) products on their site and take advantage of Amazon’s 24hrs cookies. As simple as that.
How to Become an Amazon Affiliate
Starting your journey as an Amazon affiliate may seem overwhelming at first, but the process is quite simple. Here’s a detailed, beginner-friendly explanation to guide you every step of the way.
1. Sign Up for the Amazon Associates Program
The first step is to join Amazon’s affiliate program, officially called the Amazon Associates Program.
If you’re a first-timer, here’s exactly what you need to do:
> Go to the Website: Open your browser and navigate to the Amazon Associates Program page. Look for the “Sign Up” button—it’s usually easy to spot.
> Create or Use an Existing Amazon Account: If you already shop on Amazon, you likely have an account. You’ll use this same account to sign up as an affiliate. If you don’t have one, simply click on the “Create an Account” button and follow the prompts.
You’ll need to provide basic information like your name, email, and a secure password.
Amazon requires this account as it serves as your login for managing your affiliate activity and payments. Make sure your login details are secure and easily accessible.
2. Set Up Your Amazon Affiliate Account
Once you’re signed in, you’ll be directed to the setup process for your Amazon affiliate account. This part requires some careful attention, but it’s straightforward if you follow these steps:
> Input Basic Details: Amazon will ask for your name, address, and phone number. Make sure the information is accurate because it’s used for communication and payments.
> Add Your Website or Social Media Profiles: If you have a blog, niche website, or active social media channel, include those here. Amazon needs to know where you’ll be promoting their products. If you don’t have a website yet, you can use your social media accounts, but be specific—mention whether you’ll use Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, etc.
> Describe Your Niche: Amazon will ask you to choose the category that best fits your content. For instance, if your blog is about fitness, you might select “Health and Fitness” or “Sports and Outdoors.” This helps Amazon understand the types of products you’ll promote.
> Explain How You’ll Drive Traffic: This section is about your marketing plan. Amazon wants to know how you’ll get people to click on your affiliate links—through blogs, email campaigns, social media, or another method.
3. Provide Payment and Tax Information
This step is essential because Amazon needs to know how to pay you!
> Choose Your Payment Method: Amazon typically offers three options—direct deposit, check, or gift card. Direct deposit is the fastest and most secure way to get paid, so it’s highly recommended.
> Enter Tax Details: As an affiliate, your earnings are considered taxable income. Amazon will ask you to fill out a W-9 (if you’re in the U.S.) or other relevant tax forms depending on your country. Don’t worry—Amazon’s interface guides you through the process.
4. Generate Your Unique Affiliate Links
After completing your registration, you’ll gain access to Amazon’s affiliate dashboard. This is where the fun begins!
> Navigate to “Product Linking”: On the dashboard’s main menu, you’ll see an option called “Product Linking.” Click on it, then select “Link to Any Page” or “Link to Any Product.”
> Search for a Product: Use the search bar to find a specific product you want to promote. Once you find it, click the “Get Link” button. Amazon will generate a unique affiliate link for you. This link tracks sales back to your account.
>Customize Your Links: You can adjust your links to include product images, text, or both, depending on where you’re sharing them (e.g., a blog post, social media, etc.).
Make sure to test your links before sharing them publicly to ensure they direct users to the correct Amazon product page.
How to Promote Amazon Affiliate Links
Getting approved by Amazon to promote their products is one thing, but promoting those products and driving sales is another. And trust me, the latter is the most difficult.
Earning through Amazon requires a clear promotion strategy. Don’t forget that you have 180 days to generate three qualifying sales to continue using your Amazon associate account.
So, let’s quickly look at different ways you can promote your affiliate links…
1. Start a Lifestyle Blog
Blogging is the most obvious, and effective way people promote their Amazon affiliate links.
As a lifestyle blogger, you can write on any topic related to the products listed on the Amazon website. And trust me, there are millions of products you can find there right now.
The idea is to find a niche and structure your content to serve a purpose within that space.
For example, if you want to promote a home office gadget, you can put up a guide on how to set up a home office using different gadgets. This way, people looking to set up a home office might buy your recommended products.
But, starting a blog is another journey altogether, even though it’s highly recommended for Amazon affiliates. There are strategies to follow to make affiliate blogging successful.
For example, you need to conduct keyword research to identify what your target audience is searching for, to know exactly what to write about, and what to promote to them.
In short, keyword research is compulsory if you truly want to produce content that solves a problem. And you can use tools like Ubersuggest to conduct this research.
Read More:
2. Build a Niche Affiliate Website
If blogging isn’t your thing, consider creating a niche site specifically for Amazon affiliate products.
A niche Affiliate website is a website that focuses on providing information about different products in a particular niche. For example, this website focuses on PC parts for customized desktops.
And guess what? A lot of activities are going on here. Every product mentioned on this website links back to a product page on Amazon.
You too can build such a website. All thanks to AI website builders.
3. Use Email Marketing
It’s a good idea to add affiliate links to your emails, but it is preferable to use email marketing to promote your blog or niche site.
In fact, with a functional email list, you can reach out to your subscribers and encourage them to check out a page on your website that promises to solve a problem.
Email marketing is not just an option, it’s a necessity. Did you know that email ROI can sometimes reach 42% or more?
In fact, According to a report from the Direct Marketing Association, about 66% of consumers have purchased something online due to an email marketing message.
So, build an email list by offering freebies like e-books or exclusive guides. Once subscribers are on your list, nurture them with valuable content and subtly redirect them to a web page that has your Amazon affiliate links.
4. Leverage Social Media
Amazon doesn’t frown at sharing its links on social media. According to Amazon’s associate program policy, You may include Special Links in emails, SMS, and direct messaging from your social media Sites.
Social platforms are excellent channels for driving traffic. Pinterest, in particular, allows you to link images directly to Amazon pages.
Amazon Affiliate Rules You Should Know
If you’re doing affiliate marketing with Amazon, you should know there are rules guiding the program. And breaking any of these guidelines could get your account banned.
Here are some of the key guidelines:
- Generate Three Sales Within 180 Days: Focus on building your audience before applying to the program.
- Add Affiliate Disclosures: Clearly state on your site or social media that you earn commissions from purchases made through your links.
- Avoid Cloaking Links: Use Amazon’s built-in tools for shortening links instead of third-party software.
- Don’t Include Prices: Unless you’re using Amazon’s API, avoid listing product prices, as they can change frequently.
For more details, refer to Amazon’s Operating Agreement.
FAQs
How much can I earn as an Amazon affiliate?
Your earnings depend on your niche, audience size, and the price of the products you promote. With effort, you can earn anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars per month.
Do I need a website to join the Amazon Associates Program?
Yes, having a website or social media channel where you can promote links is required.
How do I increase my Amazon affiliate conversions?
Focus on creating valuable content, targeting a specific audience, and promoting products that align with their needs.
Can I promote Amazon links on social media?
Yes, Amazon allows promotion on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, as long as you follow their guidelines.
What happens if I don’t make three sales in 180 days?
Your account will be closed, but you can reapply once you’re ready to meet the requirements.
What types of products are best for affiliate marketing?
Products in high-demand niches like technology, home goods, and fitness often perform well. Choose items with a balance of high demand and decent commissions.
Affiliate Marketing With Amazon – In Summary
Amazon affiliate marketing offers beginners and seasoned marketers alike a reliable way to earn income. Its high conversion rates, extensive product range, and global reputation make it a powerhouse in the affiliate marketing world.
By understanding how the program works, choosing a niche, and employing effective promotion strategies, you can turn your affiliate marketing efforts into a steady revenue stream.
So, what’s stopping you? Dive in, start promoting, and watch your commissions grow.
Thanks for reading! Share this guide with others who want to start affiliate marketing with Amazon.
