How to Become an Amazon Associate

Co-authored by Imran Alavi

Last Updated: March 24, 2023 References Approved

The Amazon Associates program allows you to generate revenue by placing links to Amazon products on your personal website. Each time someone purchases a product by clicking on a link from your website, Amazon will give you a small commission. With a few quick tips, you can easily apply to become an Amazon Associate so that you can start generating revenue from your personal website.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Creating an Account

1
Set up your website or blog. To apply for the Amazon Associates program, you will need a website address. You will also need to be able to describe basic information about your website.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Consider developing a blog that will target a well-defined, niche audience. You'll need to have a specific plan to attract followers before creating your website.
- Be prepared to describe what your website is about, what other advertising or affiliate listings you might have on your site, and what kind of audience your website is targeting.
2
Visit the Amazon Affiliate program’s website to create an account. Visit http://affiliate-program.amazon.com and click “join now for free” in the top right corner of the screen. Sign into your existing Amazon account if you are already an Amazon customer by entering your email address and password. Click “sign in using our secure server” after you’ve finished.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Logging in with your Amazon account will link your Associates account. You can keep them separate, if you prefer, by creating a new Amazon account.
Advertisement
3
Click “I am a new customer” to create a new Amazon account. Enter your name, email address, and choose a password to create a new account. Click “sign in using our secure server” after entering the requested information.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- If you are logging in with an existing account, verify that the address and contact information listed for you is correct. Click “select a new address” to make any necessary changes.
4
Indicate who is the main contact for the account. Select the first bubble, labeled “the payee listed above,” to indicate that you are setting the account up for yourself. Select the second bubble, labeled “someone else…,” if you are setting the account up as a representative of a company. Click “next: your website profile” to finish setting up your Associates account.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- You will be required to enter the company’s contact information if you are not setting up the account for yourself.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Building Your Profile

1
List the websites and mobile apps you plan to use as an Associate. Compile a list of all the websites and mobile apps where you plan to display Amazon Associate links, banners, and ads. You must list at least one website or mobile app. The maximum number of websites or apps you can list is 50.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Amazon is looking for Associates who have websites that are highly trafficked, so it could hurt your chances of being accepted if you list unpopular or obscure websites. Focus on quality over quantity.
- Make sure to list your websites or mobile apps in the form of a URL.
2
Answer questions about traffic and content to complete your profile. Describe your website in as much detail as possible to have a better chance of being accepted as an Amazon associate. Follow the prompts to indicate what type of website you have, its subject matter, and how you drive traffic to your site.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Amazon will reject your application if your website does not have at least 50% original content, so make sure to describe what unique information you are providing to readers.
- Indicate what kinds of products your website will feature. Consider focusing on higher priced items that feed naturally into the topics featured in your blog. For example, you could list kitchen appliances if you are writing a blog about cooking.
3
Wait for a phone call to verify your identity. List your phone number then wait for an automated phone call. You will be given a PIN that you will enter into the provided field to verify your identity.^{[7]
X
Research source}
4
Read and agree to the contract terms, then click “finish.” Click on the blue hyperlink to read the Amazon Associates contract terms. Once you’ve read the agreement, check the box to indicate that you agree to the stated terms. Click “finish” to complete your application.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Consider printing or downloading the contract agreement so that you can refer to it later.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Waiting for Approval

1
Remember your Associates ID number and wait for approval. Write down your unique Associates ID number that is generated for you once you’ve completed the application. Amazon will contact you within 1 to 3 business days to let you know whether your Associates account has been approved.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Don’t lose your Associates ID number as you may need to verify your account with it occasionally.
2
Study tips on how to start making money with your Associates account. Examine the tips listed below where your Associates ID is displayed. This will give you an idea of how to begin building links to Amazon products on your personal website or mobile app.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Consider how to select products that can be easily integrated with your website's content to generate increased product interest.
3
Skim through the Associates Central page and add links to your website. Browse the Associates Central page to find interesting products to link to your website. You will be permitted to add links as soon as you’ve submitted your application.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Keep in mind that you won’t be paid for any purchases made through your links until your account has been approved.
4
Consider sharing product links on social media. Look for products you know your friends and family will like to share on social media, making sure your affiliate code is in the link. This way, you can earn a little extra on everything sold on Amazon's main page.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- To share a product link easily on Twitter, shorten the link first with a service like bit.ly.
5
Choose how you'd like to get paid once your application is accepted. Visit your Associates profile to indicate whether you'd like to receive a direct deposit, a check, or an Amazon gift card as payment for any sales you make. Add different kinds of product links and ads to your website to continue generating revenue.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Explore the different advertisement options available through the Associates Central page.
6
Improve your plan and resubmit an application if you are rejected. Study your notification letter to understand exactly why Amazon rejected your application to the Associates Program. They will generally list several specific reasons that can help you make necessary corrections before resubmitting an application.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- If your website did not have enough original content, consider re-thinking the subject of your blog. Choose a subject about which you can write easily and are very familiar with.
- If your website does not generate enough traffic for the Associates Program, research and implement strategies to drive more traffic to your website.

Community Q&A

Question

Does my website need to be published for me to become an Amazon Affiliate?

Community Answer

Yes. Your website must be fully developed prior to your application. They state that in the instructions when you fill out your website information.
Question

When selling on Amazon, do I need an affiliate number or account number to get commissions?

Community Answer

No. They give you a special link where people can buy the product, and you earn 10% of that.
Question

How long will they take to accept and activate my account?

Community Answer

It should take approximately one day.

Warnings

Affiliate links may not work on some products offered by Amazon merchants. Be sure to keep up with the program’s Terms of Service as Amazon does change policies a few times a year.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0