How to Earn Commission on Amazon: A Guide for Beginners
Looking for a low-risk way to make money online? Earning commissions through Amazon affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways to start—no inventory, no startup capital, and no technical skills required.
Key Takeaways:
- Amazon affiliate marketing is free and good for beginners. You don’t need to keep products, have a lot of experience, or be super popular. You just need to share links and give helpful tips.
- To do well, pick one topic to focus on—like pets, books, or games. Be honest, and share products that really help people. You can post your links on a blog, YouTube, or social media.
- It’s also important to follow the rules. Check your Amazon dashboard to see how your links are doing. Always tell people if you make money from a link. That keeps your account safe.
What Is the Amazon Associates Program?
The Amazon Associates Program is a way to make money by sharing Amazon products and sharing special affiliate links.
Here’s how it works:
💬 You tell people about products on Amazon
🔗 You give them a special link to click
💰 If they buy something using your link, you earn a small part of the money from the sale
You don’t need to keep any products at home. You don’t have to ship anything or talk to customers. Amazon does all of that. Your job is just to share the link.
If you are thinking about how this differs with FBA, read this article: FBA vs Affiliate. But if you’re just starting out, affiliate marketing is easier. You don’t have to spend money or keep any products.
Benefits of Earning Commission with Amazon
Top reasons to join the Amazon Associates Program:
| Benefit | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|
| 💸 No Cost to Join | It’s free! You don’t have to buy products or run ads. |
| 🔒 Trusted Brand | People trust Amazon, so they’re more likely to click and buy. |
| 🛍️ Lots of Products | You can share links to millions of things—like toys, books, or pet supplies. |
| 💤 Earn Anytime | You can make money while you sleep—just by posting on YouTube, blogs, or social media. |
How to Start Amazon Affiliate Marketing
Want to earn money by sharing Amazon links? Follow these 7 easy steps to get started:
1. Sign Up for the Amazon Associates Program
- Visit affiliate-program.amazon.com
- Register with your blog, website, or social media accounts
- You’ll need to generate 3 qualifying sales within 180 days to remain active
2. Pick a Profitable Niche
Choose a focused category where you can build authority and attract a consistent audience.
💡 Examples:
- Home office accessories
- Fitness equipment
- Pet supplies
- Kitchen gadgets
3. Select High-Converting Products
Look for items that are proven to sell well:
- ⭐ Rated 4 stars or higher
- 🔁 Recurring purchases (like supplements or pet food)
- 💡 Solve a clear problem
Use tools like Amazon Best Sellers, Google Trends, or Ubersuggest to validate demand.
4. Create Your Amazon Affiliate Links
When you’re signed in to your Amazon account, you’ll see a bar at the top called SiteStripe. Click it to make your own special link for any product.
5. Share Content With Affiliate Links
Embed your links in content that delivers real value. Share on:
- Blog posts
- YouTube video descriptions
- Instagram bios or Stories
- TikTok captions
- Email newsletters (but no affiliate links directly in emails—link to a blog post instead)
🔥 Pro Tip: Don’t spam. Make your content helpful, informative, or entertaining first.
6. Track and Optimize Your Performance
Monitor your dashboard for:
- Number of clicks
- Conversion rate
- Earnings per click (EPC)
Use these insights to refine your content strategy and boost commissions over time.
7. Follow Amazon’s Affiliate Guidelines
✅ Clearly disclose your affiliate relationship
🚫 Never use affiliate links in emails, eBooks, or PDFs
✅ Only use Amazon-approved linking tools
🚫 Avoid misleading claims or cloaking links
🔗 Read this: Amazon Associates Program Operating Agreement
Best Ways to Promote Amazon Affiliate Links
Promoting Amazon links doesn’t require a massive following—just smart strategy. Here are top-performing methods:
📝 Start a Niche Blog
Create content like reviews, comparisons, and buyer guides.
- Example: “Top 10 Noise-Canceling Headphones Under $100”
- Keywords: best Amazon products 2025, Amazon affiliate blog
🎥 YouTube Product Reviews
Record videos showcasing how a product works or comparing options.
- Include affiliate links in video descriptions.
- Keywords: YouTube Amazon affiliate, product review channel
📱 Post on Social Media
Share favorite finds on Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest.
- Use captions, Stories, or your bio to link.
- Keywords: affiliate marketing on social media, promote Amazon links
📧 Send Email Newsletters
Build a list and send product picks or gift guides weekly.
- Just don’t put affiliate links directly in emails—link out to your site or blog.
🌐 Build a Micro Affiliate Website
Create a simple, content-driven site targeting one niche.
- Examples: Smart home accessories, travel gadgets, pet gear.
- Keywords: Amazon niche site, affiliate microsite
- Explore influencer marketing as a way to get products in front of more people.
How Much Commission Does Amazon Pay Affiliates?
Amazon pays different rates depending on the product category. Here's a snapshot:
| Category | Commission Rate |
|---|---|
| Luxury Beauty | 10% |
| Home & Kitchen | 4.5% |
| Books | 4.5% |
| Electronics | 3% |
| Video Games | 1–2% |
💡 Pro tip: You earn commissions on the entire cart, not just the product you promoted.
Tips for Earning More with Amazon Affiliate Marketing
To boost your income, focus on high-ROI strategies:
- ✅ Write honest, detailed product reviews
- ✅ Target buyer-intent keywords like “best air fryer for small kitchens”
- ✅ Promote evergreen products that sell year-round
- ✅ Optimize content for mobile and SEO
- ✅ Test CTAs like “Check today’s price on Amazon”
Common Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid
Avoid these rookie mistakes that can cost you commissions—or your account:
- ❌ Not disclosing affiliate links (FTC violation)
- ❌ Promoting unrelated or random products
- ❌ Spamming affiliate links on social media or comments
- ❌ Copy-pasting Amazon descriptions (Google penalizes this)
- ❌ Ignoring mobile experience or slow page speeds
✅ Focus on trust, value, and compliance.
Tools That Help You Succeed with Amazon Affiliate Marketing
You don’t need fancy tools, but a few can make things easier:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Google Trends | Spot trending keywords and seasonal shifts |
| Ubersuggest | Keyword ideas and SEO analysis |
| Canva | Design visuals for social posts & blogs |
| Pretty Links | Shorten and track affiliate URLs |
| Grammarly | Improve grammar and readability |
🔎 Most of these tools are beginner-friendly and free.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Amazon affiliate marketing free to start?
Yes. Joining the Amazon Associates Program is 100% free.
2. How do I get paid from the Amazon Associates Program?
You get paid via direct deposit, check, or Amazon gift cards. Payments are made 60 days after a completed sale.
3. Can I promote Amazon products without a website?
Yes. You can use YouTube, Instagram, or email. But Amazon will still ask you to list where you’ll share links during signup.
4. How much can beginners realistically earn?
It depends on your traffic and niche. Some earn a few dollars a month; others make hundreds. It grows over time.
5. How long does it take to get approved?
You can start promoting right away, but you’ll need to make three qualifying sales in 180 days to stay in the program.
6. What happens if someone returns a product?
You won’t earn a commission on returned items. Amazon adjusts your earnings accordingly.
7. Can I use affiliate links on social media?
Yes, but make sure you disclose that they’re affiliate links. Use platforms that allow clickable links like Instagram bio or YouTube descriptions.
8. Are there rules I need to follow to avoid getting banned?
Yes, Amazon has rules. Follow them. Don’t lie. Don’t hide your links. Always say if you earn money from a link.
9. Do I need to disclose that I’m using affiliate links?
Yes. It’s both an Amazon requirement and an FTC rule. A simple “This post contains affiliate links” is enough.
10. How often does Amazon update its commission rates?
Amazon can change commission rates at any time. Check your Associates dashboard or their help pages for updates.
Final Thoughts: Is Amazon Affiliate Marketing Worth It?
Absolutely—especially for beginners. It’s a low-risk, low-cost way to start earning online. Focus on helpful content, target the right audience, and keep learning.
Start small. Stay consistent. And let Amazon do the heavy lifting while you earn commissions.
Want to learn more about Amazon affiliate? Join our FREE WAH Academy Training Group and learn the key metrics to boost your sales and take your business to the next level!
No cost, just expert tips—click below to get started!