Sweet Shibumi

Have you ever scrolled through your social media feeds and noticed people reviewing Amazon products on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. They’re likely part of the Amazon Affiliate or Influencer program, earning commissions from purchases made through their shared links. And the best part? It doesn’t cost the buyer anything extra.

My Adventure with Amazon’s Influencer and Associate Programs

As a Canadian navigating the realm of Amazon US and Amazon Canada, I’ve embarked on an intriguing journey as both an Influencer (and Associate) for Amazon US and an Associate for Amazon Canada. While Canada doesn’t currently offer an influencer program, there are hints that one might be on the horizon. How I became an influencer in Canada is a story for another day. For now, let’s dive into the nuances of the program itself.

Amazon Associates and Influencers have distinct roles. Associates use special links to promote products on public websites or blogs, while Influencers create custom storefronts on Amazon to showcase their favorite products. The criteria for becoming an influencer aren’t explicitly stated by Amazon, but having a blog, website, or a social media account with significant engagement can be your ticket in. My acceptance into the program came through my TikTok account, which had over 1200 followers and a good amount of engagement at the time.

Becoming an influencer isn’t a walk in the park. It demands hard work and a commitment to create engaging content to drive traffic to their storefronts. As an associate, you have a bit less freedom but can still make a significant impact through targeted blog posts or social media posts. Smart associates craft articles reviewing products or highlighting them in some way then embedding links to Amazon. They might even link these articles to Pinterest pins to drive traffic, though they must disclose any potential commission. The mistake a lot of associates make is embedding their amazon links directly to their pins they create on Pinterest.  This is a direct violation of the Pinterest operating agreement.

A critical aspect of being an associate is ensuring that all shared links are visible to Amazon for verification. Associates must adhere to a set of rules outlined in the operating agreement they sign with Amazon, covering trademark use, income disclosure, social channel updates, and more.

Becoming an Amazon Influencer: Is It for You?

For those deeply engaged with social media, the Amazon Influencer program offers a unique opportunity. Influencers can post on social media, manage a website, and even set up a storefront on Amazon to curate lists of products for their followers. They can also create videos to place on product pages or go live to connect with their audience directly.

If you have a blog or a public Facebook group, Amazon Associate program would easily fit into what you’re already doing and can be an excellent way to monetize your blog with affiliate links.

Do you think becoming an Amazon Associate or Influencer is right for you? If the idea of earning money online while sharing your favorite products appeals to you, these programs might be a perfect fit. Remember, success in these roles requires dedication, creativity, and a knack for engaging with your audience.

If you’re finding it challenging to get accepted into the program, don’t hesitate to reach out for advice on preparing your next application. I’m here to help you navigate your way to success in the world of Amazon Affiliates and Influencers.