My experience applying to the Amazon Influencer Program, what finally worked, and how you can get started.
Have you ever wanted to start earning money online but had absolutely no idea where to begin?
Blogging, affiliate marketing, digital products, social media, online stores…
The list goes on, but what if you could start with something you already do?
For me, that was shopping on Amazon.
I’m already an avid Amazon shopper, so when I started exploring different ways to earn income online, the Amazon Influencer Program caught my attention.
The idea seemed pretty simple: create content around products I already use and potentially earn commissions when people purchase through my recommendations.
There was just one problem.
Amazon wasn’t exactly eager to let me in.
In fact, I had three unsuccessful applications before I finally got accepted.
Here’s how it happened, what I’ve learned since, and how you can apply if you’re interested in trying it yourself.
This blog contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Read full disclosure here.
My Experience Applying Through Amazon Associates
I originally started by applying directly through Amazon’s Associates Program.
For anyone unfamiliar with it, Amazon Associates requires new applicants to generate three qualifying sales within their first 180 days. Once you meet that requirement, Amazon reviews your application, including the websites or social media accounts you’re using.
I met the sales requirement on my first application, but Amazon ultimately rejected it.
The reason they gave was that my social media accounts were private.
Except they weren’t.
I contacted customer service to explain that my accounts were public. Their response brought up another issue involving my affiliate links and where my traffic or referrals were coming from.
I don’t remember their exact wording, but at that point, the whole exchange was becoming more frustrating than it was worth.
So I dropped it.
I applied again. That application ended up being closed because I hadn’t generated enough qualifying sales. To be fair, I don’t remember putting much effort into that particular attempt.
Over roughly six months to a year, I made several attempts to get into Amazon’s affiliate programs, with three unsuccessful applications altogether.
How I Finally Got Accepted
After transitioning to selling travel savings memberships, I found myself with more free time to focus on other projects, including building House of Hebert and exploring online income opportunities.
One day, I was looking through the Partnerships section of my Facebook Creator Dashboard.
I had seen other opportunities listed there before, but this time, the Amazon Influencer Program appeared.
I figured I’d give it a try and that was it.
I was FINALLY accepted into the Amazon Influencer Program.
After all those earlier attempts through Amazon Associates, I finally got in by applying through an opportunity that appeared right in my Facebook dashboard.
I can’t tell you why that application worked when my previous ones didn’t. I don’t know whether it was the application route, something about my social media accounts, or another factor entirely, but that’s how it happened.
What Is the Amazon Influencer Program?
The Amazon Influencer Program is an extension of Amazon Associates designed for content creators who recommend products to their audiences.
Once accepted, you can create an Amazon storefront, organize product recommendations, and share affiliate links through your content.
When someone makes a qualifying purchase through your links, you may earn a commission.
There are also opportunities to create content that Amazon displays directly to shoppers on its own platform.
This is where you’ll hear people talk about off-site and on-site commissions.
Off-site commissions generally come from traffic you send to Amazon through your own content, such as social media posts, blog articles, or product collages.
On-site commissions involve eligible content displayed to shoppers directly on Amazon, such as product videos.
The two work differently, and I’ll be breaking them down in a separate article.
For now, the important thing to understand is that there are multiple ways to use the program. You don’t necessarily have to approach it the same way as every other creator.
How to Apply to the Amazon Influencer Program
If you’re interested in applying, here’s where I’d start.
Step 1: Choose a social media account
Amazon currently accepts Influencer Program applications through eligible YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok accounts.
Amazon looks at your follower count and engagement when reviewing your application, but it doesn’t publish one universal follower minimum that guarantees acceptance.
You don’t necessarily need an enormous following, but you do need an established, active account that demonstrates genuine engagement.
If you’re applying through Instagram or Facebook, Amazon requires an eligible business account.
My own acceptance came through Facebook.
Step 2: Make sure your account is ready
Before applying, take a look at your account from Amazon’s perspective.
Is your content publicly accessible? Are you posting consistently? Do your posts receive genuine engagement?
If you’re starting with a new creator account, I’d focus on publishing original content and building activity before applying.
One strategy I’ve been learning about is creating short, simple videos consistently over a couple of weeks to help establish an active profile.
That might mean sharing everyday products, quick demonstrations, or content related to a subject you genuinely enjoy.
This is just a preparation strategy, and after my own experience with Amazon saying my accounts were private, I’d definitely double-check your account visibility and links before applying.
Step 3: Submit your application
You can apply directly through Amazon here: Apply to the Amazon Influencer Program
Follow the instructions to connect your eligible social media account and submit your application.
If you have access to creator partnership opportunities on another platform, you can also check whether Amazon is listed there.
Step 4: What if you’re not accepted?
First, don’t assume one unsuccessful application means you can never participate.
Look at the reason Amazon provided, review your account, and make any necessary improvements before trying again.
If the issue involves your social media account, check that Amazon can access the correct public profile and that your content meets its requirements.
I wouldn’t recommend repeatedly submitting the same application without addressing any issues Amazon identified.
My experience is proof that an unsuccessful application doesn’t have to be the end of the story.
What Happens After You’re Accepted?
Once you’re accepted, you can begin setting up your Amazon storefront and organizing the products you want to recommend.
If you’re interested in earning on-site commissions through videos, there’s an additional process beyond simply being accepted into the Influencer Program.
You’ll hear creators refer to submitting their first three videos for review. Amazon’s current Creator Hub instructions and eligibility requirements should be your guide for the exact submission process and any additional milestones.
Getting accepted into the Influencer Program doesn’t automatically mean your videos will appear on Amazon product pages.
I’m saving the deeper explanation of video submissions and on-site commissions for another post because there’s quite a bit to learn.
For now, know that getting accepted is the beginning, not the entire process.
Where I Am With the Amazon Influencer Program Today
I’ve set up my Amazon storefront and have already started generating sales, primarily through off-site commissions.
One of the ways I’ve been doing that is by creating outfit collages featuring Amazon products and sharing them on other platforms. As someone who enjoys fashion and putting outfits together, this has been a really fun way to explore the program.
I’ve also been approved for Creator Connections, which opens up additional opportunities to work with brands and potentially earn higher commissions on eligible products.
I’m still learning though. There are different ways to earn through the Amazon Influencer Program, and I’m only beginning to explore what’s possible.
One thing I’ve discovered is that there are tools and strategies that can help you research products, create content more efficiently, and potentially grow your business.
I’ve been learning about many of these through the Amazon Influencer Hub Skool community, and I’m excited to start putting more of that knowledge into practice.
As I continue learning, I’ll be sharing here on House of Hebert, including what’s working for me, the tools I’m trying, and how I’m approaching the different opportunities within the program.
Where I’m Learning: Amazon Influencer Hub
One thing I’ve realized since getting accepted is that there’s a lot more to the Amazon Influencer Program than setting up a storefront and sharing a few links.
Between product research, on-site videos, off-site content, Creator Connections, and the different tools available, there’s A LOT to figure out.
While you can certainly spend hours searching for answers online, I’ve found it helpful to have training and a community dedicated specifically to the program.
That’s why I’ve been exploring Amazon Influencer Hub, a Skool community focused on helping creators learn and grow their Amazon Influencer businesses.
What’s Inside the Community?
The community offers training and resources covering different stages of the Amazon Influencer journey.
Some of the things that caught my attention include:
- Step-by-step training: Lessons covering the basics of getting started and more advanced strategies as you progress.
- Product research: Learning how to evaluate products and identify potential opportunities instead of choosing products at random.
- Creator Connections and brand opportunities: Training on finding and approaching additional commission opportunities.
- Video feedback: A place to get input on your content and learn from other creators.
- Weekly Q&A and coaching: Opportunities to ask questions, learn new strategies, and get guidance.
- Community support: Other people working on the same type of business, sharing experiences and what they’re learning.
What I particularly like is that the training goes beyond simply getting accepted. There’s trainings on product research, improving my content, and finding more efficient ways to grow.
Rather than telling you to sign up for something based on a description, I’d encourage you to explore the training and decide whether it’s useful for where you are in your own Amazon Influencer journey.
Explore Amazon Influencer Hub and Its 7-Day Trial
Is the Amazon Influencer Program Worth Trying?
For me, so far, yes.
Not because I’ve suddenly built a massive income stream or figured out every part of the program, but I’ve found a way to combine something I already enjoy, shopping and putting outfits together, with an opportunity to create content and earn commissions.
I’ve started generating sales, I’m learning new skills, and I’m discovering tools and strategies that I can continue experimenting with.
Of course, there’s no guarantee of income, and building consistent results takes work.
You still have to create useful content, learn what works, and adapt as you go, but if you’re already interested in creating content, sharing product recommendations, or exploring affiliate marketing, I think the Amazon Influencer Program is worth researching.
If you’ve been denied before, don’t automatically assume that means it’s never going to happen.
I certainly didn’t get accepted on my first attempt.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning of my Amazon Influencer journey, and I’m planning to share more of it here on House of Hebert.
I’ll be getting into how on-site and off-site commissions work, how I’m creating my Amazon outfit collages, what I’m learning about Creator Connections, and the tools I’m testing to make the process more efficient.
I’ll also share more about my results as I have more experience and data to work with.
For now, if you’re curious about getting started, you can apply directly through Amazon or explore the Amazon Influencer Hub training community.
Until next time,
About the Author
I’ve tried the traditional career path, built businesses, made mistakes, and learned that working harder doesn’t always mean getting further.
Now I’m exploring different ways to build income online, from affiliate marketing and digital products to network marketing. I share what I’m doing, what I’m learning, and what works (or doesn’t), without the bullshit or gatekeeping.
