Amazon Affiliate vs Amazon Influencer Program - PROs & CONs For Content Creators

Introduction

If you're looking to make money online, becoming an Amazon affiliate or joining the Amazon influencer program could be great options for you, even if you have a small blog or an online platform. However, there can be confusion surrounding the two programs. In this article, we'll dive into the differences between the Amazon affiliate program and the Amazon influencer program, detailing how each works, their requirements, and the pros and cons that might help you decide which path is best for you as a content creator.

Understanding the Programs

Both the Amazon affiliate program (also known as the Amazon associate program) and the Amazon influencer program allow you to promote Amazon products and earn commissions. However, the way they function and their target audiences differ.

Amazon Affiliate Program

The Amazon affiliate program is tailored for content creators who maintain a blog or have a live website with evergreen content. To get started, you need a blog that is already live and contains a few published posts. This program allows you to create direct links to specific Amazon products. The flexibility in linking individual products makes it easier to tailor your promotions.

Requirements:

You need a website or online platform.
Your website must have content available for review.
You must make three sales within the first 180 days to qualify and maintain your account.

Amazon Influencer Program

On the other hand, the Amazon influencer program focuses on social media influencers who may not have a traditional blog. You can link your social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. This program allows you to create a personal storefront on Amazon where you can display categorized products. This can be advantageous if you're active on social media but lack a blog.

Requirements:

You need to have an active social media presence.
Engagement metrics and follower counts matter in your application.
Amazon evaluates your social media activity before granting access.

Key Differences

Content Focus: The affiliate program is for bloggers focused on evergreen content. The influencer program is for social media and does not necessitate a blog.
Approval Process: Affiliate accounts are created quickly but require sales to remain active. Influencer accounts go through a more scrutinized approval process.
Linking Flexibility: Affiliates can link to individual products, whereas influencers create storefronts where people can browse.
Geo Tracking: Affiliate members can utilize geo tracking for international commissions, while influencer program members miss this functionality.
Account Stability: Once your affiliate account is active, it remains unaffected by sales frequency. Influencer accounts, however, may be terminated due to inactivity.
Promotional Opportunities: Affiliates can share links in various formats while influencers can promote their storefront in areas that might not accept affiliate links.

Pros and Cons

Amazon Affiliate Program

Pros:

Greater flexibility in linking to products directly.
Accessible for beginners with no follower count requirement.
More stable once approved, as it remains active without needing constant sales.

Cons:

You need to generate three sales within the first 180 days.
Requires managing a blog or website.

Amazon Influencer Program

Pros:

Simplifies product promotions through a personalized storefront.
Can be great for social media-focused content creators without a website.
Allows direct sharing of storefronts in various platforms.

Cons:

Requires active engagement and follower metrics for approval.
Restrictions on individual product linking can complicate promotions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Amazon affiliate program and the Amazon influencer program have their unique strengths and weaknesses based on your content creation strategy and platform. The right program for you will depend on whether you prioritize blogging or social media.

If you're a blogger with regular content updates, the affiliate program may be the better choice. If you focus solely on social media and prefer a hands-off approach to creating a website, then the influencer program might suit your needs better.

Keywords

Amazon Affiliate Program
Amazon Influencer Program
Content Creators
Commissions
Social Media Influencers
Blog
Evergreen Content
Storefront
Engagement Metrics
Purchase Links

FAQ

1. What is the difference between the Amazon affiliate program and the influencer program?
The main difference lies in their target audience: the affiliate program focuses on bloggers with evergreen content, while the influencer program targets social media influencers who may not have a blog.

2. Can beginners join the Amazon affiliate program?
Yes, beginners can join the Amazon affiliate program without any follower count requirement, unlike the influencer program which considers engagement metrics.

3. Do I need a website to join the Amazon influencer program?
No, having a website is not a requirement for the influencer program; you just need active social media accounts.

4. What happens if I don't make sales in the affiliate program?
If you don’t make three sales within the first 180 days, your account may be suspended, but you can reapply later.

5. Is it possible to join both programs?
Yes, content creators can join both the Amazon affiliate and influencer programs to maximize their earning potential.