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Amazon Affiliate vs Amazon Influencer Program - PROs & CONs For Content Creators

People & Blogs

Introduction

Hello, affiliate marketers! Did you know you can be successful in making money online even with a small blog or online platform? This is particularly true when it comes to promoting Amazon products or being an Amazon affiliate. However, there are two ways to partner up with Amazon: being an Amazon affiliate or joining the Amazon influencer program.

Many people ask about the differences between the two and which one they should choose. This article will explore these options to help you make an informed decision.

Introduction

Hi, I'm Anna - a blogging coach and strategist at The Shoe Approach. I help bloggers like you start and grow online income and traffic using effective blogging strategies. Whether you're considering the Amazon affiliate program or the Amazon influencer program, understanding the key differences can help you make the right decision.

Key Differences

Amazon Affiliate Program

The Amazon affiliate program (also known as the Amazon Associate Program) is designed for bloggers with websites that host evergreen content. Evergreen content remains relevant over time, unlike news websites. Here are the main points about the affiliate program:

  • Eligibility: Requires a blog with live evergreen content.
  • Approval: Requires three sales within the first 180 days.
  • Flexibility: Allows direct linking to individual products.
  • Geotracking: Supports geotracking, directing international users to their local Amazon marketplaces.

Amazon Influencer Program

The Amazon influencer program is tailored for those with an active social media presence. Here are the main highlights:

  • Eligibility: Requires a social media platform (Instagram, YouTube, Facebook page, TikTok) with engagement and followers.
  • Approval: Requires at least one performing social media platform.
  • Flexibility: Creates a storefront, like a curated Amazon shop, where influencers can categorize products.
  • Restrictions: Shares store links more broadly but lacks geotracking.

Joining Requirements

  • Amazon Affiliate Program: Requires a blog, approval based on the ability to make three sales in 180 days. Instant approval initially but qualification is needed for final approval.
  • Amazon Influencer Program: Requires an active and engaged social media platform. Reviewed in-depth and approval is not instant.

Earnings and Commissions

Both programs offer similar commission structures tied to product categories rather than the type of program. Commissions can range between 1% to 10%.

Benefits and Challenges

  • Amazon Affiliate Program: Offers additional earnings through bounty offers such as sign-ups for Amazon Prime or registries. More flexibility with direct product linking and geotracking.
  • Amazon Influencer Program: Provides ease of sharing through various social media platforms without the need for a blog. May limit international sales due to the lack of geotracking and risk of account termination if traffic drops.

Which to Choose?

  • Bloggers: Join the Amazon affiliate program for more flexibility in linking and leveraging evergreen content.
  • Social Media Influencers: Opt for the Amazon influencer program for an easier way to monetize with curated storefronts.
  • Both: If you have both active social media and a blog, consider joining both programs for maximum earnings and flexibility.

Conclusion

Whether you choose the Amazon affiliate or influencer program, both offer significant opportunities to monetize your content. Choose based on your content type and platform to leverage Amazon's massive marketplace to boost your earnings.

Keywords

Amazon affiliate program, Amazon influencer program, bloggers, social media influencers, evergreen content, monetization, content creators, affiliate marketing, storefront, geotracking

FAQ

Q: What is the main difference between the Amazon affiliate and influencer programs? A: The affiliate program is designed for websites with evergreen content and allows direct product linking, while the influencer program is for social media platforms and offers a storefront to categorize and promote products.

Q: Can I join both the Amazon affiliate and influencer programs? A: Yes, if you have both an active blog and social media platforms, you can join both programs.

Q: How long do I have to make my first sales as an Amazon affiliate? A: You need to make three sales within the first 180 days to qualify for continued participation in the program.

Q: What are the earning structures like for both programs? A: Commissions for both programs are similar and depend more on the product category than the type of program. They range from 1% to 10%.

Q: Can I share my Amazon affiliate links in emails or private groups? A: No, Amazon affiliate links cannot be shared in offline contexts, including emails or private social media groups. However, influencer storefront links do not have this restriction.