How to Join the Amazon Affiliate Program (Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)

Have you ever recommended a product or service and thought, "The company should be paying me for sending them business"? Well, good news, that is what affiliate marketing is.

In this article, I will introduce the world's most popular affiliate program, Amazon Associates. I will also take you step-by-step through the easy process of signing up and becoming an affiliate, even if you are a complete beginner.

What Is Amazon Associates?

Amazon Associates is a free program that lets people earn a commission when someone buys a product on Amazon through their special affiliate link.

Affiliate marketing is popular because you don't need to create or own products, deal with inventory, or customer service. You just get a small commission by referring people.

How to Sign Up for Amazon’s Affiliate Program

  • Step 1: Go to the Amazon Associates Site

    Visit affiliate-program.amazon.com and click on “Sign Up.”

  • Step 2: Log in With Your Amazon Account

    Use your regular Amazon account to sign in. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create one.

  • Step 3: Enter Your Account Information

    You’ll be asked who gets paid. Fill in your name, address, and phone number. This is how Amazon will send you payments.

  • Step 4: Add Your Website or Social Media

    You must list at least one platform where you’ll promote Amazon products—this could be: a blog or website, a YouTube channel, Instagram, TikTok, or other social media platform.

  • Step 5: Describe Your Platform

    Amazon will ask questions like: What’s your website or channel about?, How do you drive traffic? (e.g., SEO, social media), What categories of products do you plan to promote?

    Be honest. You can always change these later.

  • Step 6: Create Your Unique Affiliate ID

    You’ll create a “Store ID” (like your username). This is what Amazon uses to track your sales.

  • Step 7: Wait for Approval

    Once you’re in, you’ll need to make at least 3 sales in 180 days to stay active. So don’t wait—start sharing your links right away.

Once you're accepted:

Log in to Amazon Associates.

Search for a product you want to promote.

Use the “SiteStripe” bar at the top of any Amazon page to generate your affiliate link.

Copy and share this link anywhere you want (website, YouTube description, Instagram bio, emails, etc.).

You’ll earn a small percentage not just for that product, but for everything the buyer purchases within 24 hours after clicking your link.

Check out this quick video tutorial on how to join!

How to Find and Share Amazon Affiliate Links

Here are some beginner-friendly ways to promote your links without being pushy:

1. Post on Social Media

Share photos, stories, or videos of products you use and love. Then add your affiliate link in your bio or post (depending on the platform rules).

Tip: Use a free tool like Linktree to share multiple links from one bio.

2. YouTube Tutorials

If you make videos, include affiliate links to gear, tools, or books you mention in the video description.

3. Pinterest Pins or Idea Pins

Pinterest is great for product roundups. Create a simple pin that leads to a blog post or landing page with your links.

4. Use SEO to Attract Search Traffic

If you have a blog, optimize for “buyer intent” keywords like:

  • “Best [product] under $50”

  • “[Product name] review”

  • “Alternatives to [popular product]”

These types of posts attract people ready to buy.

How Much Can You Earn and Things To Know

Amazon pays commissions between 1% and 10% depending on the category.

Electronics tend to be lower (1–3%), while categories like home, fashion, and beauty are higher (up to 10%).

Even if it’s not much per sale, it adds up, especially when people buy more than just the product you linked.

Some Rules to Know

  • Don’t spam your links. Only promote products you genuinely like or use.

  • Always disclose that your links are affiliate links (e.g., “This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.”)

  • You can’t send Amazon links in emails or eBooks—stick to websites and social platforms.

Affiliate marketing with Amazon is one of the fastest and easiest ways to start earning money online, even if you don’t have a product or a big following.

All you need is a bit of consistency and creativity in how you share your links.

It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, but it is a great first step toward ghosting your 9-to-5 for good.