Launching an online business can be simple and affordable. One of the most straightforward ways to begin is by creating an Amazon affiliate store using WordPress. This approach is cost-effective, user-friendly, and allows you to earn commissions without the hassle of inventory management or shipping.
However, establishing your first affiliate store might seem daunting. From selecting the right plugins to optimizing your website for higher conversions, there are several crucial steps you need to follow.
That’s where we come in to assist you.
After experimenting with various tools and methods, we have determined that WooCommerce is the optimal choice for building an Amazon affiliate store. It is robust, adaptable, and free to use (though you will need to purchase a domain name and hosting service).
In this comprehensive guide, we will take you step-by-step through the process of creating your Amazon affiliate store on WordPress and provide actionable tips to help you maximize your earnings.
What Is an Amazon Affiliate Store?
An Amazon affiliate store is an online platform that showcases products available for purchase on Amazon through referral links.
Instead of managing your own stock, you serve as an intermediary, directing visitors to Amazon to finalize their purchases.
When a customer clicks on one of your affiliate links and makes a purchase, you receive a percentage of the sale, known as an affiliate commission.
This affiliate marketing model differs significantly from a traditional online store and offers several key benefits:
- No Inventory or Shipping:You don’t need to source products, manage orders, handle returns, or ship anything. Amazon manages all logistics for you.
- Low Startup Costs:Since you don’t purchase products upfront, your initial investment is minimal.
- Extensive Product Selection:You have access to hundreds of millions of products, making it easy to find items that fit your niche, whether you operate a food blog, a fashion website, or an online photography portfolio.
Please note that you cannot include Amazon affiliate links on websites primarily targeting children under 13 years old.
In the upcoming sections, we will guide you through the process of creating an Amazon affiliate store using WordPress. If you want to skip to a specific step, feel free to use the links below:
- Getting Started with WooCommerce and WordPress
- Join the Amazon Associates Program
- How to Identify the Best Products for Your Amazon Affiliate Site
- Adding Amazon Affiliate Products in WooCommerce
- Step 5: Personalizing Your Amazon Affiliate Store on WordPress
- Bonus Tip: Essential Resources to Expand Your Amazon Affiliate Store
- 1. Enhance Your Store’s Visibility with All in One SEO
- 2. Monitor Your Affiliate Link Performance Using MonsterInsights
- 3. Recover Lost Sales with OptinMonster’s Abandoned Cart Recovery
- Frequently Asked Questions About Managing an Amazon Affiliate Store on WordPress
Are you ready? Let’s begin the journey.
Step 1: Setting Up WooCommerce and WordPress
There are various WordPress eCommerce plugins available for creating an Amazon affiliate store, but we recommend WooCommerce for its strength, versatility, and zero cost.
WooCommerce is the leading eCommerce plugin globally, powering millions of online shops across the world.
Before you start building your WordPress site, it’s important to understand that there are two versions of WordPress software. To proceed, you will need to use the WordPress.org platform.
Wondering why? Check out our guide that explains the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.
Along with the WordPress software, you’ll also need a hosting account and a domain name for your website.
When you promote products from Amazon on your affiliate website, Amazon handles the processing of customer credit card information. However, as your business grows, you might want to start selling your own products, which can include physical items or digital downloads like ebooks.
Considering this, it’s wise to invest in an SSL certificate to securely accept credit card payments on your WordPress site in the future.
A domain name usually costs around $14.99 per year, while hosting services start at approximately $7.99 per month.
The cost of an SSL certificate can vary based on the provider, but you can generally expect to pay between $50 and $200 per year for one.
This can be a significant expense for a new affiliate business.
Fortunately, our partners at Bluehost, a hosting provider recommended by WordPress and WooCommerce, are offering our readers a free domain name, a complimentary SSL certificate, and discounts of over 60% on web hosting.
In essence, you can launch your Amazon affiliate business for just $2.99 per month.
Note:The starter plan from Bluehost is an excellent option for launching your Amazon affiliate store. If you also intend to sell your own products and services, consider exploring our recommendations for the top WooCommerce hosting providers.
After purchasing your Bluehost package, the next step is to install WordPress and select a theme. For detailed guidance, please check out our comprehensive WordPress installation tutorial.
Once WordPress is installed, you can access the WordPress dashboard by navigating to example.com/wp-admin/ in your web browser. Just substitute ‘example.com‘ with your actual domain name.
Here, enter the username and password you created, and then click on ‘Log In.’
You are now in your WordPress dashboard, ready to begin building your Amazon affiliate store.
The first step is to install and activate the WooCommerce plugin. For detailed instructions, refer to our step-by-step guide on installing a WordPress plugin.
Once you activate WooCommerce, a setup wizard will appear, allowing you to enter your store’s address, the industry your store belongs to, and the types of products you plan to sell.
To create your Amazon affiliate store, there’s no need to adjust your WooCommerce settings. You can easily close the setup wizard by clicking on the ‘Skip setup store details’ link.
For detailed guidance on configuring WooCommerce settings, check out our comprehensive WooCommerce guide.
Step 2: Register for the Amazon Associates Program
After installing WordPress and WooCommerce, the next step is to register for the Amazon Associates program.
While Amazon typically approves most applications initially, this approval is temporary. To fully activate your account, you must generate at least 3 qualified sales within the first 180 days, according to their official guidelines.
This means that at least 3 individuals must click on your affiliate links and make a purchase. Failing to achieve this target will result in Amazon closing your account.
With this in mind, consider boosting your blog traffic and optimizing your website’s SEO before applying for the Amazon affiliate program. For assistance, take a look at our ultimate SEO guide for beginners.
When you’re ready to join the Amazon affiliate program, simply visit the Amazon Affiliate program website and click the ‘Sign Up’ button.
At this stage, you will be prompted to log into your Amazon account.
You don’t need to create a separate Amazon affiliate account; simply enter the email address and password for your existing Amazon account.
If you don’t have an Amazon account, click on ‘Create your Amazon account.’ Amazon will guide you through the account creation process step by step.
By default, Amazon will direct all payments to the primary address associated with this account. If you wish to use the default payee, make sure ‘The payee listed above’ is selected, then click ‘Next.’
If you prefer to use a different payee, click the ‘Someone else’ radio button.
You can then enter the name and contact phone number of the new payee. After that, click the ‘Next’ button.
On the following screen, enter the website domain where you intend to use your Amazon affiliate links, then click ‘Add.’
If you plan to promote Amazon’s products on multiple domains, simply repeat the process described above.
After adding all the domains where you will use Amazon’s affiliate links, click ‘Next.’
On the next screen, you will need to confirm that your website is not primarily targeted at children under 13.
If this applies to you, select the ‘No’ radio button and then click on ‘Confirm.’
The next step involves setting up your Amazon Associates profile.
Begin by entering your desired ID in the ‘What is your preferred Associates Store ID?’ field.
This ID allows Amazon to track and record your commissions and will be included in your affiliate links. It’s advisable to use your website or company name for this ID.
Amazon will automatically generate an ID based on your preferred choice.
After entering this information, ensure that the ‘Your Website List’ box displays all the domains where you intend to add your Amazon affiliate links.
Next, provide details about your site, including the topics you cover and the types of products you plan to promote through your Amazon affiliate store.
Amazon will also request some basic analytics data, such as your monthly website visitor count.
If you haven’t set up Google Analytics yet, refer to our comprehensive guide on how to install it.
Once you’ve filled in all the required information, click the ‘Finish’ button.
Congratulations! You are now officially registered as an Amazon affiliate.
Important Note:Additionally, there is the Amazon Influencer Program, which allows bloggers and content creators to earn money by sharing their storefront URLs or affiliate links on social media. To qualify, you need to have a substantial following.
Step 3.How to Discover the Best Products for Your Amazon Affiliate Website
After signing up for the Amazon Associates program, you can begin creating affiliate links.
You can obtain affiliate links for most physical and digital products available on Amazon. However, certain items, such as those sold by Amazon Pharmacy, do not offer affiliate links.
Now, let’s explore some products to promote on your new Amazon affiliate store.
First, log in to your Amazon Associates account.
Once you’re logged in, scroll down to the bottom of the page to find products that Amazon recommends for your website. These suggestions are based on items your site’s visitors have previously purchased or expressed interest in.
To add a product to your site, simply hover your mouse over the product image.
When the ‘Get Link’ button appears, click it to obtain the link.
On the next page, select the ‘Text Only’ tab.
After that, click on the ‘Short link’ option. Amazon will display the affiliate link you can use to add this product to your website.
Alternatively, you can visit the regular Amazon store while logged into your Amazon affiliate account.
At the top of the screen, you will see a new Amazon Associates SiteStripe banner.
You can now browse the Amazon store just like you normally would.
When you find a product you want to include in your Amazon affiliate store, click the ‘Get Link: Text’ button in the SiteStripe banner.
In the popup that appears, click on the ‘Short link’ option. You will then see an affiliate URL for this product.
To boost your sales, it’s crucial to find products that your visitors are likely to want. A reliable analytics tool for WordPress can help you understand your audience better, allowing you to identify products they may be interested in purchasing.
It’s also wise to consider the type of content you’re creating and what you plan to publish in the future. For instance, if you’re running a fitness blog, your target audience might be interested in purchasing gym equipment or health supplements.
If you’re creating a website focused on animals and pets, consider promoting products from Amazon’s ‘Pet Supplies’ category.
Once you have your affiliate link, you can start adding products to your Amazon affiliate store, regardless of the products you select.
Step 4: Adding Amazon Affiliate Products to WooCommerce
WooCommerce is the top plugin for creating an Amazon affiliate store on WordPress. It allows you to import products from other websites and showcase them in your own online shop.
This approach ensures a smooth experience for your website visitors.
To begin importing products from Amazon, navigate toProducts » Add Newin your WordPress admin dashboard.
Next, enter a title for the product you wish to promote on your site.
Then, you can provide a comprehensive description in the post editor.
Afterward, scroll down to the ‘Product data’ section.
Here, click the dropdown menu that defaults to ‘Simple product’ and select ‘External/Affiliate product.’
You can now enter or paste the Amazon affiliate URL for the product. Since Amazon’s prices can fluctuate at any time, it’s advisable not to display a price on your site.
Important:You must leave both the ‘Regular price’ and ‘Sale price’ fields empty. Amazon’s prices change frequently, and their policy requires that any price shown must be accurate.
Displaying an outdated price is a compliance issue and could jeopardize your affiliate account. The safest approach is to allow users to click your affiliate link to view the current price directly on Amazon.
Next, let’s navigate to the ‘Product short description’ section.
In this section, you can write a brief description that will be displayed on your affiliate store’s homepage, product category pages, and search results.
To boost engagement, make sure to include an eye-catching product image.
Simply click the ‘Set product image’ link to upload a new image or select one from your media library.
Warning:Do not save product images from Amazon’s website and re-upload them to your own. This violates the Amazon Associates Program terms and is a frequent cause of account suspension.
Always use product images provided through Amazon’s official tools, like SiteStripe, to ensure compliance.
You can select an image from the WordPress media library or upload a new file directly from your computer.
Alternatively, you can create an image gallery by selecting ‘Add product gallery images.’
Once you are satisfied with the information you’ve entered, click on ‘Publish’ to make your changes live.
After publishing, visit the shop page of your affiliate store to see your Amazon product displayed.
Clicking the ‘Buy product’ button will direct you to the product’s page on Amazon via your affiliate link.
You can continue to add more Amazon products to your affiliate store by repeating the process outlined earlier.
Step 5: Customize Your WordPress Amazon Affiliate Store
Themes determine the appearance of your Amazon affiliate store, including colors, layout, and fonts. Your theme represents your online store and can motivate visitors to click on your affiliate links.
WordPress comes with a basic design by default, which offers limited support for WooCommerce.
Fortunately, there are numerous free and premium themes compatible with WooCommerce that you can select. To boost your sales, it’s essential to pick a theme that is visually appealing, enhances your products, and includes the specific features you require.
To assist you in making the best decision, we have compiled a list of the top WooCommerce WordPress themes available.
You might also want to explore our expert recommendations for the best WordPress themes tailored for affiliate marketing.
After selecting a theme, refer to our guide on how to install a WordPress theme.
Alternatively, you can create a custom theme using SeedProd, the leading page builder plugin for WooCommerce, utilized by over 1 million websites.
With SeedProd, you can design a fully customized WordPress theme for your store without needing to write any code.
Additionally, we appreciate its AI site builder feature. Simply provide a few instructions, and it will handle the design of your entire store. For further information, check out our SeedProd review.
The plugin also includes specialized WooCommerce blocks that allow you to showcase your Amazon affiliate products. For instance, you can use the Products Grid block to display multiple affiliate products on any page in an attractive layout.
In addition to specialized WooCommerce blocks, SeedProd offers a variety of other conversion-enhancing blocks such as product reviews, testimonials, countdown timers, star ratings, social media sharing buttons, and more.
SeedProd also provides a selection of pre-designed templates that you can use to create a stunning landing page with WordPress.
For further information, refer to our comprehensive guide on creating a custom WordPress theme.
You can enhance your eCommerce website by integrating powerful new features through various plugins.
There are numerous free and premium WooCommerce plugins available. To assist you in selecting the best plugins for your Amazon affiliate store, explore our expert recommendations for the top WooCommerce plugins.
Bonus Tip: Essential Resources to Expand Your Amazon Affiliate Store
With your Amazon affiliate store established, you can now concentrate on growing your business. Utilizing the right tools can help you boost sales and maximize your profits.
Thankfully, there are many plugins and resources available to assist you. Here are some of the most effective tools we personally use on our websites.
1. Enhance Your Site with All in One SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial for attracting more visitors. The better your content ranks in search engine results, the more exposure your affiliate links will receive.
We suggest installing the All in One SEO plugin for WordPress to enhance your site’s search engine optimization.
This is the leading SEO plugin available, featuring robust tools such as schema markup for products, a linking assistant for adding internal links, and seamless social media integrations.
For a comprehensive guide on optimizing your Amazon affiliate store for search engines, please refer to our WooCommerce SEO guide.
2. Monitor Your Affiliate Link Clicks Using MonsterInsights
In an Amazon affiliate store, the key conversion metric is the click on your affiliate link. Your primary objective is to direct visitors from your site to Amazon for purchases.
To understand what strategies are effective, you need to monitor which links receive the most clicks. MonsterInsights simplifies this by automatically tracking your outbound affiliate links, revealing which products capture your audience’s interest.
Once you identify the popular products, you can enhance those pages with improved content or more prominent calls-to-action to increase your click-through rates and boost your earnings.
For additional guidance, check out our tutorial on tracking WooCommerce users in WordPress.
3. Recover Abandoned Carts with OptinMonster
An ‘abandoned cart’ in an affiliate store occurs when a visitor looks at a product but leaves your site without clicking on the affiliate link, which negatively affects your potential earnings.
You can minimize abandoned carts by using OptinMonster. Its Exit-Intent® technology identifies when a visitor is about to leave and presents a targeted popup campaign to keep them interested.
This strategy helps direct them towards your affiliate links.
Above all, consistently add new products to your Amazon affiliate store, write informative reviews, and utilize content marketing tools to attract more visitors to your website.
Frequently Asked Questions About Managing an Amazon Affiliate Store with WordPress
Since the publication of this guide, we have received numerous inquiries from readers regarding how to effectively manage an Amazon affiliate store using WordPress.
Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
1. Can I include products from other affiliate networks?
Yes, you are allowed to include products from other affiliate networks on your website. This can enhance your earnings and help create a more diverse and resilient affiliate business.
2. I reside outside the United States; can I participate in the Amazon Affiliate program?
Yes, you can participate. The Amazon Associates program is currently available in more than 17 countries, but each country has its own specific program, and you will need to apply separately for each one you wish to join.
3. Is it necessary to disclose my affiliate relationship?
Yes, it is mandatory. Both U.S. law and Amazon’s program policies require you to clearly inform users that you will earn a commission if they purchase a product through your links.
This requirement is not exclusive to Amazon. All websites that utilize advertising or affiliate marketing to generate income must provide a disclaimer. For instance, you can refer to the disclaimer page on our CanadaCreate site.
Additionally, you must include this statement on your website:
“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
4. Can I promote Amazon products without setting up an affiliate store?
Yes, you can. For instance, if you have a blog, you can incorporate affiliate links into your blog posts. In this case, you won’t need to install WooCommerce.
5. What are the commission rates for Amazon affiliates?
The commission rate you receive varies based on the product category, and it may also differ depending on your geographical location.
To understand the commission rates, refer to the Associates Program Standard Commission Income Statement specific to your region. For instance, the Income Statement for the United States indicates that you can earn commissions ranging from 1% to 20%, depending on the product category.
6. Is it possible to promote Amazon services?
Yes, you can promote Amazon services. Typically, you earn a fixed fee each time someone signs up for an Amazon service through your affiliate link, including options like the Prime Video Free Trial.
7. What distinguishes Amazon Associates from Amazon Affiliates?
The distinction is straightforward. Amazon Associates is the official name of the program you enroll in, while an Amazon Affiliate refers to an individual or business that participates in that program.
8. What is the cost to join the Amazon Affiliate program?
Joining the Amazon Associates program is completely free.
There is no required minimum sales threshold to start earning commissions. However, you must refer at least three eligible sales within the first 180 days of becoming an Amazon affiliate.
9. What are the costs associated with building an Amazon Affiliate store?
Begin your journey with Bluehost for just $2.99 per month, and take advantage of the free WooCommerce plugin to keep your expenses low. You can also find numerous free WooCommerce-compatible themes to help you build a professional Amazon affiliate website at minimal cost.
For additional details, check out our article on the costs associated with building a WordPress website.
We hope this guide has assisted you in launching your Amazon affiliate store using WordPress. You might also find our comprehensive step-by-step guide on adding an affiliate program in WooCommerce and our complete eCommerce launch checklist for WordPress helpful.
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If you found this article helpful, consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. We are also active on Twitter and Facebook.
