Amazon is Stepping Up Its Influencer Game

You may not know, but Amazon has an influencer program. The program is relatively new, only two years old, but it is already doing big things and changing the influencer landscape. The Amazon influencer program is similar to its existing affiliate program. Influencers that sign up the Amazon Influencer Program can create a custom Amazon storefront with an exclusive URL to showcase recommended products of their partner brands to their followers. If you are a big Amazon shopper, the Amazon Influencer Program could be a perfect fit for you!

Basically, you can use your unique Amazon URL on all your social sites and make a commission when your recommendation leads to a sale.

Amazon really wants to focus on sales with their influencer program, not just clicks or site traffic. According to a leaked document obtained by Business Insider, influencers get paid a percentage of what they sell as the commission. The commission rates are based on a fixed model. Business Insider found that commissions are as high as 10% for Amazon’s private fashion line compared to that for video games and consoles, which is 1%.

Amazon is also being smart about who they target for their influencer program. Instead of just focusing on follower counts, Amazon is interested in influencers with a devoted and engaged following. Therefore, Amazon is really interested in microinfluencers. Amazon wants influencers to recommend products, write reviews and set up curated groups to leverage their audience and drive traffic. In short, Amazon wants influencers to develop small communities of Amazon enthusiasts.

However, it is important to note that Amazon is only paying for sales, not for traffic or buzz. So conversion is a huge factor to see success if this is an influencer program you are interested in being a part of. However, we do have to say that we think putting an emphasis on conversion is a good way to ensure you are creating an authentic group of influencers. We are excited to see how Amazon continues to innovate in the influencer space!

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