Have you been thinking about applying for the Amazon Influencer Program? Maybe you are getting held back by the unknown, or maybe the thought of starting the process just seems so daunting? Well, you're in luck! I've been through it - and I'm taking your hand and guiding you through! Below is everything you need to know about joining the program and how the first 30 days look! I will give you all the details – the good, the bad and the ugly!
We've all heard it, "Do you want to make thousands by reviewing products from home?!"
We've all seen the social media influencers post about the Amazon Influencer program and how lucrative it is! How you can make tons of money by simply reviewing products from around your home for a couple hours a day! It's very intriguing, I must admit! Heck, it brought me to the program! But I want to give you a realistic expectations of how it works and the timeline for success. Before even considering the program, realize it takes work, time, commitment and patience! Lots of patience! I'm by no means an expert, but this is my very recent experience and my advice, given what I have learned so far. I haven't made a ton of money yet, but I'm seeing small, consistent rises in my numbers and I am learning new things each day to help reach my goals.
My reason for this blog is to help guide you through the beginning of the process, because if we are going to make this lucrative for ourselves, we have to start somewhere ... and that somewhere is right here!!
"I want to give you realistic expectations of how it works and the timeline for success. Before even considering the program, realize it takes work, time, commitment and patience! Lots of patience!"
Helpful Resources!
Before we dive in, I want to provide you with a super helpful resource to begin your journey. Amazon does a good job of providing educational materials and support. They ultimately want you to be successful as possible ($$$$$$$).
Step One: Apply* to the program!
*and get accepted!
Go to the Amazon Influencer page and click on the “Sign Up” image at the top. Next, you’ll be asked to select the type of Amazon account. You can either create a new account so that none of your previous purchases will be linked with your influencer account or use an existing customer account. If you’ll be using an existing customer account, your shopping history, product reviews, and lists that you’ve created and shared on the platform will be linked with your influencer account. It’s recommended that you use your established account. That way you can go back in your order history and look for things to review...and its all linked in your account already!
After sorting out the personal details, you’ll be prompted to choose the social media account where you have the most followers, likes, and engagement to see if you’re eligible. You can choose between YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Twitter is currently not included on this list. Also, if you’ll be using Facebook or Instagram, you’ll need to have a business account (as mentioned earlier).
Unfortunately, not everyone gets approved, and they don't tell you why. If your application to join the Influencer Program is unsuccessful the first time around, rest assured that you’ll be able to apply again at a later stage. Wait for your social followers to grow and engagement to improve and simply apply again. It isn't a quick fix, but that is what they recommended. They say engagement is more important than following, so be sure to post consistently and engage with like accounts.
Step Two: Joining the program!
Yay! You're Approved! Now what?
Now your ready to start reviewing!! But to be clear...you are not ready to start making money yet...
Amazon asks you to upload exactly 3 video reviews so they can watch them (a LIVE person watches them) and make sure you are following and understand the rules! This process can take anywhere from 2 days to a month! . This time waiting can be very frustrating! You want to get started but you have to wait...
Here are some tips on getting your videos approved the first time!
Did you know that they have guidelines on exactly what you are allowed and not allowed to include in your videos? Follow the below guidelines and you will be approved much quicker!
📍 No external links, do not include any web links, taking you outside of Amazon
📍 Accurately tag your products
📍 Do not ask viewers to perform actions, such as follow, leave a review, subscribe, etc.
📍 Do not call out any price or discount claim
📍 Videos must not reference any products not sold on Amazon
📍 Amazon intellectual property such as logos should not be in your videos
📍 Do not disclose private information, such as phone number email address
📍 No defamatory language, or calling any other products trash, junk etc. keep it cool!
📍 Video text must not have any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, etc.
📍 Your videos must not be directed at children
📍 Do not make any false medical claims or provide medical advice
📍 Alcohol is strictly prohibited, but alcohol related products are allowed such as bottle openers, glassware, etc.
📍 Post your own unique content, and do not copyright and fringe on anyone
It all makes sense when you think about how Amazon is just trying to protect themselves. The only issue is that it does take them awhile to initially approve the videos. Mine ended up taking a full seven days, which isn’t that long but if you don’t do everything correctly, it will take even longer! Set yourself up for SUCCESS!
Step Three: Open up shop!
Yay! Your 3 videos were approved!
Now, let's create lots of CONTENT!
Amazon allows influencers to make money online by promoting products and services sold on Amazon to their followers. Specifically, there are three ways for Amazon influencers to earn commissions:
Storefront links: If a customer browsing your Amazon influencer storefront clicks on and purchases a product, you earn a commission. All of my reviews live here!
Review videos: Many Amazon product pages feature review videos from influencers. If your review video gets listed on a product page, you’ll get a commission each time someone buys the product after watching your video.
Affiliate links: You’ll include an affiliate link when recommending a product on your social channels. When people click that link and buy, you get a commission.
Once you create some content, you need to figure out a way to get it out to people! The reviews are pretty well shared on Amazon, but your affiliate links will need to be promoted and shared with others to drive traffic. This is time consuming but gets easier with time.
Step Four: Keep creating killer content &
stay consistent!
That's it. Stay consistent. REVIEW EVERYTHING in your house that came from Amazon! This review game is about numbers, and the more QUALITY reviews you have, the more money you can make!
WRAP IT UP: IN CONCLUSION
Amazon has created tons of opportunities to make money, most of which I am just starting to tap into! The main message is: IT IS NOT AN EASY, GET RICH QUICK PLAN! It is time consuming and takes lots of time and strategy to build you brand and promote your storefront.
And another big tip from me: even if you don't think it will do well, review it anyway! My son has a huge poster with a surfing chicken on it and I debated for days whether to review it. Finally did the review and posted it...it is one of my most watched videos! You just never know! So review everything, see what works and reuse product reviews in a different way. Mix it up and have fun.
DON'T FORGET, we're in it for the long haul.
GOOD LUCK OUT THERE!!