Does Anyone Honestly Make Money From Amazon Affiliate Program?

52 replies
I have several Amazon affiliate sites in diversified niches that rank well. According to Amazon's Stats (mine show way, way higher) I send a couple thousand Hops per month.

In a "good" month my conversion will be 2%, but on average it's less than 1%. People talk about how Amazon has the highest converting site. I'm throwing the BS flag!

My sites are in all different niches - from big ticket items to stuff that costs around $20.00. I'm getting people to Amazon - where's the Amazing Amazon conversions?

I welcome all feedback and experience from others.
#affiliate #amazon #honestly #make #money #program
  • Profile picture of the author Daniel_Johnson
    Hi Stan.

    I have made some money with amazon because I have uploaded some review and top 10 videos (youtube) some time ago. The people that visit the videos are highly targeted. I left the videos but after 3 months I got a lot of sales without doing anything. I was really surprised!

    Cheers,
    Daniel
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4094277].message }}
  • In a "good" month my conversion will be 2%, but on average it's less than 1%. People talk about how Amazon has the highest converting site. I'm throwing the BS flag!
    I would say that is low. Mine is 4-5% month after month, year after year, and I thought that was low.

    Bs? Do you know of another program that converts your visitors into buyers at a higher percent? I'll join tomorrow
    Signature


    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4094288].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Stan da Man
      Originally Posted by digitalproductreporter View Post

      I would say that is low. Mine is 4-5% month after month, year after year, and I thought that was low.

      Bs? Do you know of another program that converts your visitors into buyers at a higher percent? I'll join tomorrow
      If I pick the right product (I know "if") I do much better with Clickbank. I know that Amazon and CB are totally different, but with some products I get around a 10% conversion from CB, and the payout is 50%.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4104629].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AnniePot
    This recent thread, with many replies may be of interest to you:

    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ke-amazon.html
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4094372].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RichardF
    My average for this month is 9.75% right now. It's all in the products and keywords you target. Just sending people to Amazon isn't enough - you need to make sure they're ready to buy too.
    Signature


    Need a writer who really understands the Internet marketing niche?
    Sales copy, autoresponders, articles, e-books, blog posts & more!
    Visit my WF thread -or- my website

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4095553].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author HigherPrThanGod
    Hmm.. Let's see...

    I can get $35-$50 per sale in adult...

    or I can make $1.50? or $5.00? per sale with Amazon...

    Yeah, you know I think I know why I moved away from Amazon.

    I did pull in many sales, but the revenue was pathetic.

    And I was selling like some stupid steam vacuums, DVDS and some expensive flight sim PC Joystick... lol.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4095576].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author hikamendoz
      Originally Posted by HigherPrThanGod View Post

      Hmm.. Let's see...

      I can get $35-$50 per sale in adult...

      or I can make $1.50? or $5.00? per sale with Amazon...

      Yeah, you know I think I know why I moved away from Amazon.

      I did pull in many sales, but the revenue was pathetic.

      And I was selling like some stupid steam vacuums, DVDS and some expensive flight sim PC Joystick... lol.
      well interesting to read that. The main point is that on money side it may not jsutify the cost for sure..............and this becomes more prominenet when u are newbie with no traffic at all. I have sure no idea on adult niche but to me it seems to be hard to get into nd hard to promote.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4121714].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Pud
      Originally Posted by HigherPrThanGod View Post

      Hmm.. Let's see...

      I can get $35-$50 per sale in adult...

      or I can make $1.50? or $5.00? per sale with Amazon...
      This is kind of my I steer away from amazon. I have no problems getting the program to convert but the payouts are so low that it's not really worth my time when theres so man other niches that pay out way more.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6060237].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author matt5409
    Without a doubt, Amazon has the best conversions of any affiliate program. This is based on personal experience and what I have noticed to be the general consensus

    Having said that, some of my sites seriously underperform. I mean - seriously. It's strange that some of the sites I've put a LOT of effort into are shockingly poor in terms of conversion, yet the thrown-together sites sometimes perform significantly better.

    It's down to product choice I think. For me, lower price items sell MUCH more easily than high priced items ($150+) which I really struggle to shift.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4095603].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author GaynorG
      Wouldn't it depend on how well you've researched your niche, picked your product and optimized your web 2.0 properties?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4095629].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Gaz Cooper
        I hover round the 5-7% mark, but it does fluctuate.

        Even if you think that it is low commission the truth of the matter is Amazon is the EASIEST way for a newbie to start making money online.

        I see so many newbies struggling to make there first dollar online, and if they focused on building Amazon sites as an initial project they would quickly make there first income online.

        Will they become a Millionaire? NO but what it will do is give them confidence to either continue rinsing and repeating with Amazon or decide to move onto other things knowing that sticking to one thing will bring results.

        Lets face it the first dollar is the hardest to make and Amazon is a great way to get started in Internet Marketing and quickly make your first money online.

        Kickin it on Amazon

        Gaz Cooper
        Signature

        Beginners Guide to getting started in CRYPTO, FREE Ebook on a Massive Opportunity as the World shifts to Digital payment http://amzauthorityzone.com

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4096493].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Isaiah Jackson
    Wow so amazon doesn't pay out a high enough commission to its affiliates unless your promoting something that cost a lot of money.
    Originally Posted by Stan da Man View Post

    I have several Amazon affiliate sites in diversified niches that rank well. According to Amazon's Stats (mine show way, way higher) I send a couple thousand Hops per month.

    In a "good" month my conversion will be 2%, but on average it's less than 1%. People talk about how Amazon has the highest converting site. I'm throwing the BS flag!

    My sites are in all different niches - from big ticket items to stuff that costs around $20.00. I'm getting people to Amazon - where's the Amazing Amazon conversions?

    I welcome all feedback and experience from others.
    Signature
    Send Emails, Get Paid - My business summarized in four words. For the how-to go here
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4095627].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rob Whisonant
    Totally depends on who you are sending to Amazon. Are you sending buyers that are ready to buy? Or are you sending shoppers and people researching products they may buy eventually?

    One converts very well while the other converts like crap.

    Re's
    Rob Whisonant
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4096714].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author scott33
    I made 400 dollars to date from amazon, didn't really do much with them, I was checking my stats and seen that most of my sells are coming from products I didn't promote, Amazon gives out commissions if the visitor purchases something else, usually around holidays like Christmas your visitor might buy multiple products from amazon, and you will get a commission from that to.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4096732].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author focused
    The 24-hour cookie on Amazon certainly does help to generate sales anywhere else on the Amazon site the buyer goes.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4096795].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author leegs
      Hi Stan,

      I have made some earnings from Amazon. However, the conversion was not that great. I believe there are some warriors who are hanging around this forum have made great conversions. You might wish to check out the warrior special offer for good reviews.

      I have a suggestion. If you have some other affiliate earnings/commission rather than just selling Amazon products, such as CPA ads, adsense, clickbank products, etc. Then you might consider to flip this site to gain some profits and keep those amazon products that are converting well.

      In this way, you can still retain some profits to create other sites that are making you profits rather than waiting for checks or instant income via paypal or other payment processors.

      Hope it helps.

      Raymond
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4096829].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Stan da Man
        Originally Posted by leegs View Post

        Hi Stan,

        I have made some earnings from Amazon. However, the conversion was not that great. I believe there are some warriors who are hanging around this forum have made great conversions. You might wish to check out the warrior special offer for good reviews.

        I have a suggestion. If you have some other affiliate earnings/commission rather than just selling Amazon products, such as CPA ads, adsense, clickbank products, etc. Then you might consider to flip this site to gain some profits and keep those amazon products that are converting well.

        In this way, you can still retain some profits to create other sites that are making you profits rather than waiting for checks or instant income via paypal or other payment processors.

        Hope it helps.

        Raymond
        On my amazon site with the highest traffic I put adsense and I make WAY more money from the adsense clicks than Amazon.

        As a side note. These sites are over a year old. They used to convert better. The traffic and click throughs to Amazon are consistent. I don't know why the conversion now is abysmal. On top of the conversion issue I don't think their payout % is enough.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4104674].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Hamida Harland
          Originally Posted by Stan da Man View Post

          On my amazon site with the highest traffic I put adsense and I make WAY more money from the adsense clicks than Amazon.

          As a side note. These sites are over a year old. They used to convert better. The traffic and click throughs to Amazon are consistent. I don't know why the conversion now is abysmal. On top of the conversion issue I don't think their payout % is enough.
          I've tried Amazon vs Adsense on a few of my sites, but Amazon won hands down every time. I've all but ditched Adsense for the moment. I wonder if the topic might have something to do with it though - the keywords I was targetting were paying very little per Adsense click.

          I agree that the Amazon payout % is pretty poor, but their conversion rate is good depending on how and what you're promoting. At the moment my conversion rate is about 6-7%, but coming up to Christmas it's closer to 10%.
          Signature
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4104880].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Stan da Man
            Originally Posted by Hamida Harland View Post

            I've tried Amazon vs Adsense on a few of my sites, but Amazon won hands down every time. I've all but ditched Adsense for the moment. I wonder if the topic might have something to do with it though - the keywords I was targetting were paying very little per Adsense click.

            I agree that the Amazon payout % is pretty poor, but their conversion rate is good depending on how and what you're promoting. At the moment my conversion rate is about 6-7%, but coming up to Christmas it's closer to 10%.
            On the Amazon site that I put Adsense on I get anywhere from $0.30 to $3.00+ per click. Average is in the $1.50 range.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4106233].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author faceblogger
    I see amazon affiliate program makes a very few people rich but not very rich
    Signature

    no sig

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4096818].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mnonline
    I believe that the conversion rate in the 8%+ is reasonable at Amazon. Most successful Amazon affiliate have conversion range from 8-8.7% consistent.

    I have some success with Amazon and my conversion rate is at 7%+ consistent I'm still trying to improve it. Hope I will make it
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4096862].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author dre94114
      I used to make a small amount on Amazon which I was working on building up when my state got banned as an affiliate for passing a sales tax law. I think Amazon runs a great affiliate program but I would be really careful building too much of your business on that if you are living in the US because they are very quick to cut off their affiliate program entirely in any state that passes a sales tax law. Just like anything in IM, don't place all your eggs in one basket.
      Signature

      Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire and begin at once, whether you are ready or not, to put this plan into action.
      -Napolean Hill


      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4096933].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author wordydiva
    I've made sales through the Amazon affiliate program by choosing a niche and promoting a variety of products related to the nice. For example I focused on a gaming console and promoted games, hard drives, extra cables and of course the console itself. I make a lot of little sales on the accessories and, every blue moon, larger sales on the console or hard drives. Plus I've made sales on totally unrelated products when users wonder away from the products I'm promoting and buy something else.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4096970].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author weblink29
      Originally Posted by wordydiva View Post

      I've made sales through the Amazon affiliate program by choosing a niche and promoting a variety of products related to the nice. For example I focused on a gaming console and promoted games, hard drives, extra cables and of course the console itself. I make a lot of little sales on the accessories and, every blue moon, larger sales on the console or hard drives. Plus I've made sales on totally unrelated products when users wonder away from the products I'm promoting and buy something else.
      These are the type of sites I'm building right now. Sometimes there are a lot of associated products you can promote around the niche.
      Signature

      Nothing to see here folks.....move along.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4104706].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mr2monster
    My conversions are in the 1-3% range, but my traffic is completely cold and entirely automated... so I'm not too concerned about it.

    I recently started asking all my friends and family to bookmark my link as their amazon link.. surprisingly, I've actually seen some revenue from it! haha.


    I'd rather make a penny for doing nothing than make $100 for doing something that required my time/presence. I can do nothing a whole lot of times over..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4106276].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Banks
    I'm pulling in over $1000 a month, many of my sites get over 5% conversion and I build them for adsense first, amazon is bonus money. the trick is to target buying keywords for hot products, and pre-sell them on the product and buying online (mention it's cheaper online, free shipping to your door, for small items tell them to buy in bulk etc)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4106309].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Stan da Man
      Originally Posted by Jeremy Banks View Post

      I'm pulling in over $1000 a month, many of my sites get over 5% conversion and I build them for adsense first, amazon is bonus money. the trick is to target buying keywords for hot products, and pre-sell them on the product and buying online (mention it's cheaper online, free shipping to your door, for small items tell them to buy in bulk etc)
      Would you please elaborate on buying keywords? Thanks!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4106673].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Banks
        Originally Posted by Stan da Man View Post

        Would you please elaborate on buying keywords? Thanks!
        words people use when they are wanting to buy, or ready to buy, stuff like review, reviews, sale, deal, cheap, etc
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4107199].message }}
        • I made $25 as an Amazon affiliate once. Didn't realize it until a couple of years later.

          fLufF
          --
          Signature
          Fiverr is looking for freelance writers for its blog. Details here.
          Love microjobs? Work when you want and get paid in cash the same day!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4107226].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author oscarb
            Kudos to those of you who do well with Amazon Associates or any affiliate marketing. It takes a lot of fortitude to stick with it, unless you have a really responsive list already.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4107322].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Richard Kennedy
              I think it really depends on what traffic your sending. One of my sites converts at over 24% while another converts below 1% and a lot more traffic is coming from the lesser converting site.

              I think it just depends on your keywords/product my site is an amazon bestseller the other is not.

              Rich
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4107827].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Franklin
    Originally Posted by Stan da Man View Post

    I have several Amazon affiliate sites in diversified niches that rank well. According to Amazon's Stats (mine show way, way higher) I send a couple thousand Hops per month.

    In a "good" month my conversion will be 2%, but on average it's less than 1%. People talk about how Amazon has the highest converting site. I'm throwing the BS flag!

    My sites are in all different niches - from big ticket items to stuff that costs around $20.00. I'm getting people to Amazon - where's the Amazing Amazon conversions?
    Hmm...That does seem like a low rate. How exactly are your Amazon sites setup? Are they product review style or are they some other format?
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4106440].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Stan da Man
      Originally Posted by Michael Franklin View Post

      Hmm...That does seem like a low rate. How exactly are your Amazon sites setup? Are they product review style or are they some other format?
      I have a couple that are review style, one that has different forms of information (videos, articles, etc - its a hobby niche.) and the other sites are straight-up store format.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4106671].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Michael Franklin
        Originally Posted by Stan da Man View Post

        I have a couple that are review style, one that has different forms of information (videos, articles, etc - its a hobby niche.) and the other sites are straight-up store format.
        I've always found the review style sites to convert best out of all of the formats....For those sites, are you going heavy on the links or is it more subtle? I've found that keeping the link density around 1-1.5% really is optimal for good conversions.
        Signature

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4106720].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author ccd
          Originally Posted by Michael Franklin View Post

          I've always found the review style sites to convert best out of all of the formats....
          I agree. I have several review sites, and my current month-to-date conversion rate is 11.49%. Admittedly that's running a bit higher than usual, but not by a lot.

          I try to write thorough, honest, informative reviews - as several Amazon gurus on WF have long recommended.

          And as many others have stated, a significant % of my sales (roughly 1/3) are for products unrelated to the link the customer clicked to get to Amazon.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4107141].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JamesGw
    Amazon was never a huge source of my income, but I did alright selling power racks and stuff.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4106443].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bhconrod
    I have tried both Amazon and Adsense on a number of my sites. Long story short, I dropped Adsense.
    Some of Amazon's payouts are dismal however, their conversion rate is pretty good. My conversion rate is in the 6-7% range, not bad for an average including down seasons and Christmas.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4106463].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MikeE516
    I've seen people say they make thousands a month from Amazon but I'm really not sure how many sites, what niche, etc they have going.

    My experience with Amazon was disappointing to say the least. I ended up going to other affiliate programs like Clickbank,Shareasale, and Commision Junction.

    Mike
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4106774].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author focused
    Just keep adding more sites and creating backlinks. It's a numbers game, with some sites doing quite well and others giving poor performance.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4121052].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author myob
      There are quite a few Warriors earning 5-6 figure monthly incomes and even more from Amazon. The top marketers tend to use more aggressive marketing methods than just SEO and review sites, however.

      For example, writing articles for niche ezine publishers, context-relevant websites and blogs, and offline outlets such as magazines, trade journals, newspapers, and direct mail can drive highly targeted and convertable traffic to your sales conversion funnel.

      This method works effectively in any highly competitive market for selling some of the very high end products ($10,000+). Some Amazon affiliates may use telemarketing/mobile marketing and offline media buying in the mix. There certainly is a lot of money to be made as an Amazon affiliate.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4121120].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author jan roos
        I agree with Paul (myob). I make between 6 and 10k every month from Amazon and I am not even in the same league as some affiliates.

        The surface has not even been scratched. Amazon does 3.9 Billion dollars per year in sales. That's a huge pie for us to get a piece of.

        Cheers

        Jan
        Signature

        I'll teach you how to make money like a Mamba.

        Sign up for the free money mambas newsletter!

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4121442].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SpikeS
    Originally Posted by Stan da Man View Post

    I have several Amazon affiliate sites in diversified niches that rank well. According to Amazon's Stats (mine show way, way higher) I send a couple thousand Hops per month.

    In a "good" month my conversion will be 2%, but on average it's less than 1%. People talk about how Amazon has the highest converting site. I'm throwing the BS flag!

    My sites are in all different niches - from big ticket items to stuff that costs around $20.00. I'm getting people to Amazon - where's the Amazing Amazon conversions?

    I welcome all feedback and experience from others.
    I have 1 Amazon affiliate site and inside of 6-8 weeks I've made £10 (~16$USD) from Amazon, and my site only has one product on it at the moment. My Commission conversion is 5%. Click-Buy conversion is 17%. I believe it's because of the content - it puts people in the mood to buy. Maybe that's where your going wrong? Also I'd say make sure people are actually searching for your products OR there is enough traffic in the broad niche i.e waterproof watches not product X, to build a mini-site with 5+ products on it. Sounds like you might be missing one of these things.

    I highly suggest you head on over to Pat Flynns Smart Passive Income blog and read everything related there...tons of free info, and he's a real cool guy to boot. Also search this forum for 'Chris Guthrie' -he's smashing it with Amazon so worth learning from him. He has a WSO that is good and I'd recommend. His posts here and on his website though have all the same info for free - you just gunna search for it.

    It's definately doable, so keep trucking!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4121731].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Josh Walker
    Amazons affiliate program is probably one of the most underestimated affiliate programs out there (particularly because of the small commissions). The key to it is the product selection (niche) you choose.. I have a niche where I am getting 1-3 sales every other day, for a product which starts from $1,995+ ...6-7% commissions on this is still $100-150 per sale. (It's not a single site, i dominate the entire first page with a bunch of sites... if its profitable.. why not!) ;-)

    Bottom line: YES! Amazon is profitable
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4121800].message }}
  • Month after month after month. Now if they would just go to a 30 day cookie as a reward to the existing affiliates.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4182345].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Stan da Man
      Originally Posted by InternetMarketingIQ View Post

      Month after month after month. Now if they would just go to a 30 day cookie as a reward to the existing affiliates.
      I agree with the 30 day cookie!

      You guys inspired me to pursue Amazon. I created more sites. I have made "some" money, but still can't get to the level you guys mention?

      I created a fabulous review site that receives around 8K unique visits per month. I am currently receiving approximately a 5% conversion for click throughs. Click throughs are 1/3 of the site traffic.

      The site is very specific and receives a lot of feedback and social buzz.

      I'm actually happy with the conversions and do believe there is money in Amazon, but still can't imagine the conversions people have mentioned in this thread.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6059094].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author myob
        You can drive hordes of highly convertible traffic by writing articles for niche ezine publishers, context-relevant websites and blogs, and offline outlets such as magazines, trade journals, newspapers, and even direct mail. Using SEO and review sites makes up only a small fraction of potential market share. The most successful Amazon affiliates use these and other methods to drive traffic to a sales conversion funnel, building niche lists for promoting incrementally higher end products.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6059368].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author richywillson
        hello sir, please give me idea how i start the affiliate programme.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6059407].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author myob
          These methods were discussed in hundreds of threads; you might start by reading this one.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6059436].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author richywillson
    Can i get the help how i start the Amazon affiliate programme . I want to do this please explain from starting its will be a helpful task.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6059395].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author robp12
    I've been consistently making around $10 a month on Amazon, simply through two or three affiliate centered review posts on BROcrastinator.com. I usually sell a fairly decent amount of items, over 10, but they're usually low priced books.

    On some months, I've made over $25 because I've sold random big ticket items like expensive cameras, watches, etc. I like Amazon and it converts well for me.
    Signature

    My name is Rob and I'm the founder of Career Dreaming, where I help job candidates leverage the power of recruiters to find a new job.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6059440].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    I used to... until they banned me for making too much money. Don't have to believe me, has happened to countless others:

    Selling On Amazon.com Sucks !
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6060220].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author msu
    The OP conversion rate on the low side. You need to warm people up a little before sending them along to Amazon for the best results.

    Also, and I'm not sure why, but some niches just seem more resistant to buying on Amazon than average.
    Signature
    New to WordPress? Save time with my beginner's guide:
    WordPress Step-by-Step
    (for Kindle & Kindle Apps)

    I'm a top-notch WordPress developer: hire me
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6060369].message }}

Trending Topics