Amazon Influencer Program: Requirements, Benefits, and Tips for Earning
There are numerous ways influencers can monetize their social media presence: through advertising, sponsored posts, and more. One of the most lucrative options is the Amazon Influencer Program. However, earning through this avenue requires thorough preparation.
In this article, we'll explore the specifics of this program and share effective strategies to maximize its potential for your business.
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Amazon for Influencers
Many people ask, "What is the Amazon Influencer Program?", and wonder how to use it to make money. Essentially, this program is Amazon's initiative designed to reach a wider customer audience and boost product sales through social media channels. For those with a strong media presence, it provides a way to monetize their influence.
The Amazon Influencer Program works by leveraging influencers with substantial online followings. Influencers can join the program and build a storefront on Amazon. Then, they can share their storefront link across various social media channels. When someone purchases a product through that link, the influencer gets paid an onsite commission. Any products recommended by Amazon influencers can be discovered under the hashtags #founditonamazon or #amazonfinds.
This program offers significant benefits, including:
Time-saving: Unlike other programs, you don’t need to create and include unique links for each product. Simply create an Amazon storefront and share the link in your bio.
Growth opportunities: For certain categories, like Amazon Games, and Luxury & Beauty, Amazon pays higher commissions (up to 20% and 10%, respectively) compared to other programs. Plus, you can connect directly with brands, potentially securing sponsorship deals.
Enhanced credibility: Amazon’s reputation can help sellers increase sales and keep their audience engaged, even if they’re unfamiliar with the brand you’re promoting.
Wide product range: With over 300 million products, Amazon offers a vast selection of items to promote. The constantly growing range of options ensures that you can offer unique and high-quality products to your audience.
Ease of use: No special knowledge or technical skills are required, as Amazon’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to build a storefront.
These benefits make the Amazon Influencer Program a popular choice among influencers. Bloggers might also be interested in participating, but this is not possible as the rules in this case are different.
Let's compare the Influencer Program with the Affiliate Program below.
Amazon Influencer vs. Amazon Affiliate
The key difference between the ‘Amazon Influencer Program’ and the ‘Amazon Affiliate Program’ is how monetization is achieved: influencers share a unique storefront link on Amazon through their social media channels, whereas bloggers create individual product links for their blog platforms.
Let's explore the specifics of each program below:
Platforms:
Amazon Influencer Program: You can join the Amazon Influencer Program without needing your own website, as only YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook channels are accepted.
Amazon Affiliate Program: You can have your website or use any blog platforms, email newsletters, and more to publish content and share links.
Requirements:
Amazon Influencer Program: There are stricter eligibility rules since Amazon continuously evaluates your performance based on various metrics. In cases of low engagement, your account will be suspended.
Amazon Affiliate Program: Associates must adhere to all guidelines regarding Amazon content policies.
Tools:
Amazon Influencer Program: Participants use a single link that leads viewers to their dedicated Amazon storefront, showcasing the products they endorse.
Amazon Affiliate Program: Bloggers create individual links for each product they promote, which are tailored for specific content and distribution channels.
If you have a blog but you don’t have a substantial following on any of the above-mentioned social networks, the Amazon Influencer Program may not be suitable for you, as it primarily caters to influencers with large audiences.
Let's explore how influencers can qualify for this program in the next section.
The Application Process
While Amazon doesn't provide an exact list of qualifications for its Influencer Program, it is stated that for eligibility, you need an established account on your social network. Then Amazon will assess your audience engagement and the number of followers you have.
Here is a short guide on how to apply:
1. Register on Amazon. Sign up or use your existing Amazon account.
2. Choose your platform. Select which social media platform(s), like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, you want to connect to your Amazon account. You'll receive a response within a few business days.
3. Create your storefront. If you’re approved, you can set up your storefront by uploading a logo and choosing a name.
4. Enter your information. Provide your personal details (address, phone number) and business information, including the main categories you plan to recommend, and whether your content is primarily for children under age 13.
5. Pass verification. Once you enter your details, click “Save and Finish”. Be sure to follow the Amazon Influencer Program on Instagram as part of the verification process.
6. Build your storefront. Organize your store by categorizing products and adding items to sell.
7. Promote your storefront. Post the link to your storefront in your bio and start earning.
It's important to create quality content consistently that aligns with your audience's interests in order to increase likes, comments, and shares, which Amazon tracks. Amazon evaluates each engagement metric individually and considers various factors impacting your performance. That’s why it’s crucial to stay active, otherwise you will risk having your account deactivated.
When building your store, it's also essential to populate it with products. Beginners often face confusion about what to add and where to get ideas. We'll cover this in the next section.
What Products to Promote
The primary objective of any program associate is to increase sales, thereby earning higher commissions from Amazon. This largely hinges on the products you choose to promote, which are more likely to yield bigger returns based on the following criteria:
Trending products: Items currently trending can lead to increased sales. However, trends are often seasonal and fluctuate, so ongoing monitoring is crucial.
High-demand items: Products with consistent, strong sales—often referred to as evergreen products—ensure steady demand over time.
Unique products: Uncommon or niche products tend to spark curiosity and drive purchases due to their novelty.
Quality products: Promoting genuinely well-made and useful products not only boosts sales but also enhances your store's credibility, which fosters long-term customer trust.
Selling popular items allows you to save time and effort on promotion, translating into higher earnings with less investment in time, your job, and resources. Here are some effective approaches to help you generate idea lists of profitable products:
Best Seller List: Amazon's Best Seller lists across various categories help sellers identify items with consistently high sales, but be sure to stay up-to-date, as rankings can change rapidly based on sales fluctuations.
New Releases List: This curated list focuses on products that have generated significant sales within the first three months of launching. These items often represent emerging trends and can capture consumer interest quickly. The list is constantly updated based on sales data.
Personal Preferences: If you specialize in a particular niche, use your knowledge to create content that resonates with your audience and establishes your credibility.
To identify products that generate consistent sales without requiring constant monitoring of Amazon, the AMZScout PRO Extension proves to be invaluable. This tool provides access to the most up-to-date and accurate data and is equipped with a wide range of filters to help you refine search results effectively. It also allows users to analyze trends, sales history, and product performance metrics so you can choose which products to promote for optimal sales and profitability.
Identifying the Best Products to Promote as an Influencer
To determine whether a product is a match for your storefront, follow these steps:
1. Install the AMZScout PRO Extension. Start your free trial by entering your email address.
2. Search for a product. Enter a product or a niche name into the Amazon search field.
3. Open the PRO Extension. Click on the icon in the upper right-hand corner of the page.
4. Apply filters to refine your search criteria. Customize your view by clicking “View” in the upper left-hand corner to adjust the displayed data, removing any unnecessary information (like FBA fees or weight). Click “Filters”, located in the left-hand corner. Consider applying the following criteria:
Price: Set this according to your audience's preferences.
Rating: Consider items starting at 4 stars to ensure quality.
Reviews: Minimum of 50 to ensure strong demand.
5. Review the data. Next to any item, you can check:
The estimated sales/month (aim for over 200 to ensure solid results).
"Available from" to review recently added items.
The category to make sure it matches your niche.
6. Check the product’s performance. Examine individual items by clicking Product History under the product you're interested in to review the sales data to ensure a steady trend without sudden drops.
You can save promising results by clicking the star sign next to any items you like. By searching for these items on Amazon, they will be saved to your browsing history, allowing you to easily add them to your Idea List. If you have previously purchased the product, it will be available in your purchase list to add to your Idea List.
With the AMZScout toolkit, you can identify the most in-demand products and create a shoppable video or live stream containing them. This allows Amazon influencers to earn high commissions by order volume.
How to Increase Your Commission-Based Earnings
Apart from choosing high-demand products for your store, there are additional strategies you can use to boost your sales and increase commissions. Here are four effective methods, based on recommendations of top Amazon influencers:
Check category rates: Commissions will vary by category, but some high-priced items with lower rates can still be profitable. Knowing these details helps you implement the most effective promotional strategy. Keep in mind that certain categories don’t earn any commission, so it's not worth it to include them in your store. These include gift cards, alcohol, tobacco, and specific digital products.
Track the niche: Stay relevant in your niche by checking bestseller lists and new releases regularly. Use the Amazon Keyword Search to help you find the most frequently searched and trending terms. This tool enables you to identify popular keywords that customers are actively looking for, allowing you to optimize your Idea List to match current demand and marketing strategies and achieve greater visibility for your shop.
Create quality content: Attract visitors with quality content by finding a balance between engagement and usefulness. Consider sharing product recommendations, such as how-to guides and unboxing videos, which are currently popular with viewers. Also, ensure that your reviews are honest and transparent in order to maintain trust and credibility, and encourage repeat visits and referrals.
Optimize your storefront: Make your store easy to navigate by implementing a clear structure and effective categorization. Review your product inventory regularly and remove less popular items while featuring bestsellers prominently. You can also attract customers by offering discounts and special promotions.
Analyze your performance regularly and seek improvements so you can ensure the best influencer storefront for your platform. By consistently optimizing your store and implementing these strategies, you can enhance the shopping experience, attract more visitors, and ultimately increase your sales and commissions.
FAQ
How many followers do I need to qualify for the Amazon Influencer Program?
Amazon hasn't disclosed an exact follower threshold, but having more than 1,000 followers will improve your chances greatly. Platform requirements can vary; for instance, for Instagram, it's typically required to have at least 5,000 followers. However, you can still try to apply with fewer followers as long as your audience is genuine and not inflated artificially.
How much commission do Amazon influencers make?
Each Amazon influencer’s income depends on the number of products they sell, typically starting from a few hundred dollars/month. On average, influencers with 1,000-10,000 followers can earn up to $1,000/month, while those with larger audiences can make thousands more. It's also important to consider your audience engagement and the product categories you choose, as commissions can vary accordingly.
Is it hard to get accepted as an Amazon influencer?
It can be challenging to get approved for the Amazon Influencer Program due to Amazon's strict requirements. In addition to having a social media business account, it's also essential to maintain a strong and authentic online presence. By implementing the strategies mentioned above, you can improve your chances of getting accepted as an Amazon Influencer significantly.
Conclusion
The Amazon Influencers Program offers a great way to earn from your content due to the diverse item selection on the marketplace. To boost your sales potential and commission earnings, be sure to stock your Amazon storefront with top products. Use the AMZScout toolkit to find high-demand items that can generate substantial payouts through effective promotion.
