Becoming an Amazon affiliate marketer, also known as an Amazon Associate, has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros of becoming an Amazon affiliate marketer:
Wide range of products: Amazon offers an extensive selection of products across various categories. This allows you to find products that align with your niche or target audience, increasing the likelihood of finding relevant products to promote.
Established and trusted brand: Amazon is a well-known and trusted e-commerce platform, which can positively impact your conversion rates. Many people are comfortable making purchases on Amazon due to its reputation, resulting in higher chances of earning commissions.
Competitive commission rates: Amazon's commission rates may vary depending on the product category, but they can be competitive compared to other affiliate programs. With a high volume of sales on Amazon, even a small percentage commission can add up.
Cross-product sales: As an affiliate marketer, you earn commissions not only on the products you promote but also on other products customers purchase during their Amazon shopping session. This means you can earn commissions on additional products, even if you didn't directly promote them.
Cons of becoming an Amazon affiliate marketer:
Low commission rates in some categories: While Amazon's commission rates can be competitive, certain product categories have lower commission rates. For example, electronics tend to have lower rates, which can impact your potential earnings if you focus on those products.
Short cookie duration: Amazon's affiliate program has a short cookie duration. When a visitor clicks your affiliate link, you'll earn a commission on their purchases made within a 24-hour window. If they make a purchase after that timeframe, you won't receive a commission.
Payment threshold and delayed payments: Amazon has a minimum threshold for payment, which means you need to accumulate a certain amount of earnings before you receive a payout. Additionally, there can be a delay in payment as Amazon has a waiting period to account for returns and cancellations.
Geographic restrictions: Amazon has separate affiliate programs for different countries. If you want to target customers outside your own country, you may need to join multiple affiliate programs, which can add complexity to your affiliate marketing efforts.
It's important to weigh these pros and cons in the context of your specific goals, niche, and target audience. Consider other affiliate programs as well and compare them to Amazon's offering to determine which aligns best with your strategy and potential earnings.