How to Earn as an Amazon Influencer [2023 Guide]

Want to get paid by posting your #AmazonFinds? If you have enough followers and engagement, you can monetize your content through the Amazon influencer Program by providing product reviews and recommendations.

Social media marketing is one of the best ways to get products to the right audience, and Amazon is getting exposure by using the program to work with influencers. In this article, we’ll cover what the program is, how it works, and how you can be successful at it.

What Is the Amazon Influencer Program and How Does It Work?

The Amazon Influencer Program is an affiliate marketing program for content creators and influencers.

Amazon defines an influencer as “anyone who has a meaningful social media following.” However, the company does not define what “meaningful” means, nor does it provide a minimum number of followers to qualify for the program. It’s on a case-by-case basis, and approval can either be immediate or given within a few days.

Amazon Influencers under the program earn just like any other online affiliate marketer—they refer people to the site using unique affiliate links, which are then tracked and credited with purchases. However, they have more marketing tools available and may be featured on Amazon search results.

Amazon Influencer vs. Amazon Affiliate

The Amazon Influencer Program is still part of the broader Amazon Associates. Technically, influencers are still affiliates, but the term “affiliate” is more often used to refer to those enrolled in Amazon Associates.

Influencers have a wider array of affiliate tools available compared to Amazon affiliates. These include personal storefronts, shoppable photos, and live streaming. They also get vanity URLs, such as the one shown below.

The commission rates for influencers and affiliates are similar, but the former has access to more tools (more on this in another section).

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Who Can Be an Amazon Influencer?

To become an Amazon influencer, you need to have an active account on any of the following platforms:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Amazon then evaluates your eligibility for the program by looking at both your follower count and engagement rate. Amazon does not specify the number of followers you need to qualify for the program, but having more will increase your chances of getting approved. 

Engagement rate is also an important metric. It may hurt your application if you have thousands of followers but only about 2 comments or reactions in every post.

Another requirement to become an Amazon influencer is that your site must contain original content that is publicly available. This means no paywalls, and your account should have original posts, not just shared or compiled content from other people (case in point: TikTok compilations on YouTube).

If Amazon does not approve your application, you may reapply any time after meeting the requirements.

What Tools Are Available to Amazon Influencers?

As mentioned earlier, one of the biggest differences between an affiliate and an influencer is that the latter has a wide variety of marketing tools not enjoyed by other affiliates. Let’s look at some of these.

Storefront. Amazon influencers have a storefront within Amazon where they showcase their videos and favorite items on the marketplace. This is where followers can browse through the influencer’s idea lists, videos, and photos.

Idea List. An idea list is a board where followers can view the influencer’s recommended products that may be arranged by category.

Shoppable photo. This is a convenient way to link to Amazon listings in photos you post on social media. They can also be featured on your storefront.

Video. Buyers will be more likely to purchase a product when they see it in action. The best thing about Amazon influencer videos is that they don’t have to be too long. You don’t need fancy editing (although it may help) as long as the video and audio are clear.

Live video. Live stream shopping is estimated to reach $35 billion by 2024. It’s a good way to engage with the audience and for the influencer to show his or her personality in real time. However, for now, Amazon live video for influencers is limited to iOS.

Related Podcast: E464: Optimize Your Brand Visibility with Amazon Live

How Do Amazon Influencers Earn?

Amazon influencers earn through commissions received by referring people to Amazon. They receive commissions directly from Amazon (not the product’s seller or brand owner) for promoting the site. Clicks and purchases made through affiliate links are tracked to determine commissions.

In addition, Amazon influencers can also earn through the Bounty Program.

Amazon’s Bounty Program is similar to the affiliate program, but instead of recommending products, influencers recommend Amazon’s programs and services, e.g., Amazon Prime, Audible, Amazon Music.

New promotions are added on the Bounty Program daily, so it’s good to check regularly.

Just like affiliate links, influencers will get commissions if people use their unique links to sign up for qualified Amazon services.

How Much Do Amazon Influencers Earn?

Influencer earnings vary from a few bucks per month to thousands of dollars. It all depends on how many sales they generate from their links. Commission rates vary, depending on the type of product. Amazon influencers can earn anywhere from 1-10% from each sale.

Influencers can then get their commissions from Amazon through direct deposit, gift card, or check. However, they have to meet the minimum withdrawal amount for each payment method.

Pros and Cons of the Amazon Influencer Program

Being an Amazon influencer can be a lucrative part-time or full-time job. But if you’re considering other affiliate marketing programs to focus your time and energy on, here are the pros and cons of Amazon Influencer.

Best Practices for Amazon Influencers

Being a content creator in this day and age can replace a full-time job. But anyone who has been in the marketing industry knows that it takes more than just some cute photos to maintain a steady stream of income and keep your followers engaged.

Here are some best practices to help you out.

Make your links prominent. Put your storefront link in your bio. Make sure people find it easily so they can browse through your content on Amazon.

Know your audience. When you’re an Amazon influencer, you are not limited to any product categories. You can promote drills and coloring books all on the same storefront. However, there are advantages to being known as the go-to person for something. This will make you more memorable to your audience.

For example, Amazon influencer Holland Paterno’s niche is fashion, so the majority of her product recommendations are clothes and accessories.

Optimize your sites. Reach the right audience and connect with more people by making it easier for them to find you.

Engage with your audience. Keep your community growing by interacting with your followers. The more connected they feel with you, the more likely they are to trust you and your recommendations.

Keep creating. Keeping your content fresh and updated not only keeps your followers engaged. It’s also critical for keeping your Amazon Influencer account functional.

According to Amazon’s terms of service, if an account has no substantial activity for at least 3 years, it might withhold commission, and any unpaid accrued commission may be escheated.

Final Thoughts

Becoming an Amazon influencer is a financially rewarding way to bring more value to your followers by recommending products that you honestly enjoy and trust. It’s a way for Amazon to