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How to make money on Amazon by sharing your favorite products
You can make money from Amazon's Influencer Program Image: Amazon
If you have social media, you have probably heard the words, “linked on my Amazon storefront.” Influencers will shamelessly plug their storefronts because every time you buy something from their favorites page, they get a commission. Good news: now you can do it, too. To open your own storefront, just apply to the Amazon Influencer Program.
Now, I know the term “influencer” can be intimidating, because it is usually synonymous with an internet persona with millions of followers. However, Amazon allows content creators with an ordinary amount of followers to participate, too. For reference, I have 1.6K followers on Instagram and 5.5K on TikTok and still got approved. The online retail giant looks at other engagement metrics besides your number of followers. From personal experience, you will get approved as long as you are consistently creating content.
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In your internet browser, open this link to Amazon.com. It will take you to the landing page to sign up for the Amazon Influencer Program. Then, click on the Sign up button.
Here is the landing page to sign up for the Amazon Influencer Program. Screenshot by Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET
After you hit the Sign Up button, you will be taken to a page where you can select the Amazon account you'd like to link to your influencer account. You can use your existing Amazon account, which will allow you to access your shopping history, product reviews, and lists you already have within your account. If you'd rather create a new account to keep both accounts separate, or if you don't have one, go ahead and open a new account.
Select the Amazon account you'd like to link or create a new account. Screenshot by Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET
Once you link your account, it will prompt you to answer a couple more questions, such as your social media handles, which will determine if you are eligible or not. Then the moment you've been waiting for — *drumroll* — you'll see if you get approved. If you don't get approved, don't be discouraged. You can work on your social media presence by posting more consistently and apply every day if you'd like. If you did get approved, time to move to the next step.
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If you're approved, the page should look like this. Screenshot by Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET
Congrats, you're approved! Now it's time to set up the storefront. You will want to create idea lists with your favorite Amazon items or recommendations. Preferably, make lists that match your content so that it interests your followers. For example, CarterPC is an influencer known for his coverage of tech, therefore his storefront is stocked with his favorite tech gadgets.
Getting approved is only half the battle. You won't make money until your followers purchase items from it, so make sure to share that link to optimize the chances of people buying your recommendations.
CarterPC's storefront displays his favorite tech gadgets. Screenshot by Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET
FAQ
What is an Amazon storefront?
An Amazon storefront is a page on Amazon that showcases an “influencer's” favorite Amazon products. Followers can easily find product recommendations from people they trust, while influencers gain commissions from the followers' purchases.
Also: Amazon Prime vs. Amazon Business Prime: Everything you need to know
How much do you get paid as an Amazon Influencer?
The commission rates range from 4% to 20%, depending on the item and category. Amazon is transparent about the rates by posting a chart online that delineates the rate for each category.
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What qualifications do you need to be approved as an Amazon Influencer?
Amazon says, “We accept applications from all types of influencers, provided you have a YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook account. When reviewing your application, we look at the number of followers you have in addition to other engagement metrics.” There are no exact metrics offered but followers don't seem to be the main qualifier as much as posting consistency.
Also: The persona illusion: Do you actually exist on social media?
Can I apply again if my application to become an Amazon Influencer is rejected?
Yes! You can apply as many times as you'd like. If you get denied, don't give up! You can polish your social media presence by posting more often and then check again. Sometimes, it's just luck.
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