by Aspiring Amazon influencers often face many obstacles when first starting out. The most common problem is not knowing where to start or the steps to take to succeed.
This can be discouraging and may cause some would-be influencers to give up before they’ve even started. Don’t worry, though! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to become an Amazon Influencer.
We’ll cover topics such as registering as an Amazon Influencer and setting up a storefront, promoting your store on social media channels, and measuring success as an Amazon Influencer.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the tools and knowledge you need to start your journey toward becoming a successful influencer.
Contents
Stage 1: Registration
If you have what it takes to become an Amazon Influencer, the first step is to register.
Visit the Amazon Influencer Program homepage and click Sign up to apply.
You will now be asked to use an existing customer account (or an existing Amazon Associates account) or to create a new account. 
If you’re registering a new account, you’ll need the following information:
- Name
- Password
- Mobile number
An Amazon customer account is the foundation for joining the Influencer program. Most of the client information you submit is transmitted to the influencer program account after you fill it out.
When registering for the Influencer program, have the following information and documents at the ready:
- the username or URL of your most well-known social media account (enter the account with the most influence and followers)
- a profile photo
- header image
- bio of 350 characters
- Address for receiving reports
Stage 2: Applying to the Influencer Program
At this point, you can select one of four social media sites: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or Facebook.
Depending on which social profile you select, you either need to link your account to Amazon or enter your handle, number of posts, and followers.
Pick the profile where you have the most influence. This will increase your chance of being accepted into the program.
Stage 3: Create Your Storefront
Sign up to become a member of the Amazon Brand Registry. As an influencer, this will give you a custom storefront to support your marketing efforts.
This storefront is also what differentiates you as an Amazon Influencer from being an Amazon Associate.
First, you need to decide what type of storefront you want.
There are three main options: a basic store, a professional store, and an Amazon Webstore.
Then you must select a theme for your store. This will help you create a consistent look and feel for your brand.
There isn’t much customization option in the design of your storefront – just different lists of product displays. So, use a profile photograph and a header image to make your storefront stand out.
Next, you must set up your payment methods. Amazon offers a variety of payment options, including credit cards, Amazon Payments, and debit cards.
Finally, add your products, which we discuss how to do below. It’s best to do this while waiting for your application approval.
Stage 4: Create Your Account
The last thing is to add your account details. Once done, click Save and Finish, which will direct you to the Amazon Associates dashboard.
When you’re in the dashboard, start following the Amazon Influencer Program on Instagram using the profile you registered with. Until you do so, your application will not be granted.
Filling Out Your Storefront
After being accepted into the program, you need to build a unique Amazon storefront for your business. Your storefront is a prime spot for promoting products to your audience, so it’s worth putting some effort in here.
It’s best to set up your storefront with a list of products you have personally used and are familiar with. This helps to earn the trust of your audience.
If you are well-known, brands might approach you to promote specific products of theirs. We’ve all seen influencers promote merchandise from a selection of their favorite brands on Amazon.
However, the products you choose to advertise will probably depend on the following:
- the nature of the content you create
- the social networks you participate in
- the type of products you usually promote
- how suited they are to your influencer brand
Suitable Content Formats
Different influencers create content in different formats. You can produce short- or long-form content, a blog, YouTube videos, and photos.
Although there is often some overlap, your focus may be dictated by your product interests and what will resonate best with your audience.
For instance, if you’re an adventure travel influencer, you’ll probably snap photos of yourself trying out all-weather gear and include them in a written blog post.
Your Preferred Social Networks
Amazon wants you to use one of their preferred social media platforms but doesn’t prohibit you from using others that aren’t on their list.
To promote products, you can create a WordPress blog, Reddit, LinkedIn, or Tumblr account.
Your choice of social networks will be affected by the products you use. For example, that adventure travel blogger will likely be more active on Instagram.
The Products You Enjoy
While there are millions of products on Amazon, if you don’t like a particular product, you probably won’t promote it. Doing so because it may bring in a high commission can make you seem less sincere.
You must look for products that you can create engaging marketing material with. If you can’t envision posting an interesting video, blog post, or photo about a featured product, avoid it.
Type of Influencer Brand You Want To Establish
Your influencer brand should somehow benefit from all of the products you promote. If the products you’re looking at don’t support your ethos, they’re probably not right for you.
For instance, it makes sense to advertise hiking boots if you operate a mountaineering site. However, if you advertise compound bows alongside hiking boots, you risk confusing consumers.
How to Promote Your Influencer Store
Once you’re accepted into the Amazon Influencers Program, the next step is to spread the word about it.
Trust is the cornerstone of being able to sell products. Inform your audience why you’ve chosen to sell certain products. Let them know that you’ve tested them and are happy with the quality.
Don’t forget to include affiliate disclosures on all your social profiles. This is so that people know you can potentially earn a commission if they purchase after reading your recommendations.
In your bio, include a link to your influencer page. When captioning your posts, point your followers to the influencer link in your bio, so they know where to read your full product recommendations.
Aim to use intriguing material to persuade your readers to click the link in your profile and purchase the things you’ve featured in your posts.
Finally, utilize Instagram Stories to showcase your items. Stories are engaging and help keep up interest and grow your audience organically.
On Facebook, add a link to your influencer page in the About section.
You can also promote your top products in your Facebook Stories.
Another good idea is to include a Shop Now button that sends people to your Amazon influencer page.
In product-related posts, include links to your storefront and the associated Amazon product page.
YouTube
Start by including a link to your influencer page in your channel’s About section.
Then, insert your influencer link and relevant promoted product links in all your video descriptions. Let your viewers know they can shop for products in your videos by accessing the link in the description or heading to the About section on your channel.
Website and Blog
Consider which products and content formats your audience would find most interesting. Then create blog entries to help them discover these.
When it comes to websites and blogs, you need to continuously produce and publish new content. This is to keep your readers interested and encourage Google to index your content.
When appropriate, include links to your recommended products. You should also point readers to your influencer page so they can browse all your picks in one location.
In your Twitter bio, add a link to your influencer profile.
When possible, include your influencer link in your tweets. You can also point followers to your profile when you discuss certain products.
Amazon Live
The Amazon Live platform allows Amazon Live Influencers to stream live to promote their brand and products.
Here’s a quick explanation of how Amazon Live operates:
- People are informed about upcoming or ongoing live broadcasts their favorite influencers are hosting on Instagram, Facebook, or other social platforms.
- The person then visits Amazon Live to watch the live stream.
- During the live stream, the Amazon Influencer discusses their top products and shares their experiences with the items they are promoting.
- By clicking on the links provided beneath the live stream, people can quickly learn about the products and easily make a purchase.
- A chat area allows people to interact while watching the live feed.
Because the people watching the Amazon Live are in a purchase mindset, this stream is incredibly effective for conversions.
Snapchat
Utilize Snapchat Stories to give fans a thorough understanding of who you are as an influencer and what your recommended products can do.
Tracking Your Success and Getting Paid
You’re likely already familiar with Amazon Associates. So, you’ll know they have an existing system to track conversions. Your Amazon Associates dashboard will give you information on:
- All items shipped
- Total income
- Total products ordered
- Click count
- Conversion rates
Your affiliate marketing goals ultimately determine your level of success.
If you’re a new influencer or fresh to the platform, your first sale is your first success.
From there on, set yourself a minimum monthly goal. It helps to have something specific and attainable to work towards.
If you want to track specific metrics, take a look at the following:
- Monthly clicks on your blog posts
- Monthly views, comments, and likes on your social posts
- Promo codes usage
When Will You Get Paid?
Amazon pays you 60 days following the end of the month in which products were bought. For instance, you’ll receive payment for your July earnings at the end of September.
Check the reporting tab to see the order status if your earnings seem low. Orders won’t be paid if:
- An order is canceled
- The order isn’t yet dispatched by Amazon or a third party
- The products purchased aren’t qualified for a commission from Amazon
- You have an immediate familial relationship with the purchaser
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about becoming an Amazon influencer, this guide has hopefully given you a better understanding of what the role entails and what it could do for your career.
While there are some requirements to meet before becoming an influencer, such as having an established social media following, the benefits – like free products and exclusive access to deals – make it worth pursuing.
So if you think you have what it takes to be an Amazon influencer, start planning your strategy and see where influence takes you!
FAQs
What is the Amazon Bounty Program?
Besides storefront sales, Amazon has a bounty program. This program rewards you with a commission when users sign up or take a free trial of qualifying services and programs.
Audible and Amazon Prime are examples of qualifying Amazon products on the bounty program.
What’s the difference between Amazon Influencers and Amazon affiliates?
Amazon Influencers and Amazon affiliates are two programs offered by Amazon. The influencer program was, in fact, later launched as an extension of the affiliate program.
The main difference is that anyone can join Amazon’s affiliate network, promote products using their unique links, and earn income on eligible purchases.
On the other hand, the Influencer program is more exclusive and more challenging to get accepted into.
What are the criteria for becoming an Amazon influencer?
You’ll need to meet a few requirements before you can get started as an Amazon Influencer.
First and foremost, you need to have an Amazon account in good standing.
Besides that, you’ll need to have a solid social media following. Amazon doesn’t specify the number of followers, per se.
And finally, you need to be able to create high-quality content that is relevant to the Amazon products you’ll be promoting.
How much do Amazon influencers make?
There is no set amount that an Amazon influencer makes, as it varies depending on the number of followers you have, the engagement rate on your posts, and the types of products you promote.
However, generally speaking, influencers can expect to make anywhere from a few dollars to a few thousand dollars per month.
How many subscribers do you need to become an influencer?
There is no set number of followers that you need to qualify for the Amazon influencer program. However, Amazon does state that they are looking for influencers with a strong social media presence and a large, engaged audience.
Do Amazon influencers get free stuff?
Yes, Amazon wants influencers to review or recommend its products. Influencers get free products to review and advertise. Depending on the influencer and brand agreement, promotions may take the shape of blogs, YouTube videos, Facebook posts, or Instagram posts or stories.
