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Hello , 

Before we get into today's email I wanted to take a moment to say that I am really grateful and thankful for you. I appreciate that you take the time to open and read these messages. Thank you so much. 

Now let’s talk shopping because, well, tis the season, right?

First of all, according to Tech Matters, TikTok added an Amazon-like shopping experience to the platform. Here’s what you need to know, per the article, and what TikTok expects as follows:

“TikTok said it hopes to move $20 billion worth of products worldwide this year. For comparison, Amazon posted $514 billion in net revenue in 2022. But we’re looking at an entire generation growing up with TikTok, so big growth is a real possibility.”

This seems like a smart move for the popular TikTok platform, but we’ll see if the audience demographic turns into a shopping market, willing to spend as fast as their favorite TikTok's flash by. 

According to Statista, Amazon's net sales in 2023 are expected to reach 783.7 billion U.S. dollars so there’s definitely some pie to share in the digital shopping arena! 

Amazon Associates & Influencers

If you’re not already trying your hand at affiliate marketing, the Amazon marketplace is the perfect place to start, but first, you have to apply.

Apply for the Amazon Associates program at https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/ or for the Influencer Program, here: https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/influencers. 

Then use the Site Stripe system to easily grab your affiliate links to everything you want to promote. You’ll be surprised how quickly and easily Amazon makes the whole process for you.

As an Amazon Influencer, you get additional perks with more tools and robust features like:

• Storefront (like mine)
• Shoppable videos and photos
• Live Streams
• Ideas Lists
• Curations

Talking Amazon Associate Program

If you want to listen in, I discuss with Deborah Anderson and Martin Lindeskog, cohosts for the #SocialCafe Bonus Twitter Spaces, the importance of eCommerce and how Amazon has really captured the digital selling market since its inception as a bookselling service, and what this all means for content creators.

Keep in mind that there are so many niche markets where influencers can really generate a full-time income by talking about and showcasing their favorite products in things like beauty and makeup, fashion, painting, or whatever just by participating and creating content. 

Your ability to earn is unlimited, but you need to build your community and optimize the tools and programs Amazon offers you. Trust me, since 2012 I have been playing around and learning about Amazon Shopping and sales. 

I joined the Amazon Associates Program in March of 2012 and by June of that same year, I had my first payout!! It was a small payout but that is one of the beautiful things about this program. 

The payout threshold is $10 which is 1/10th of the threshold on YouTube which is a whopping $100.00. Sometime in 2017, Amazon added the Influencer program. Check it out here:

Amazon Creates New Influencer Program for YouTube Creators By Derral Eves

You also need to be aware of and strictly adhere to the rules and regulations that Amazon sets. If you do NOT, you will be penalized, lose commissions, or be kicked off of the platform. 

Amazon’s Operating Agreement gives you all the information you need so be sure to check it out! Here are a couple of outstanding points you need to know:

A Few Good Practices for You

1- When you share your links, remember to only share them publicly! 

They shouldn’t be shared in Private Facebook Groups, for example. Amazon likes to track where your sales links are coming from and working around their regulations is taking a big risk. (The strictness Amazon places on the rules and regulations is surprising to the listeners on the Spaces discussion above if you want to hear more about this, listen in above!) 

2- Select to link to and promote products that you personally have, love, and have experience using.

Remember, this is a key practice in how you create content around your Amazon sales to build trust in your knowledge and authority. It’s so much easier to talk about and share promotional content when you have direct experience to add to the discussion. This is more persuasive for getting people to click.

3- Use the tools Amazon offers you.

Amazon tools, like the Influencer Storefront or the Site Stripe for easily rendered affiliate links, are there to help you make sales and optimize your offers. Special programming and offers for extra commissions during campaigns are something to look for once you join the program(s) with Amazon. 

Resources:

Check out how to increase your Amazon commissions with LOGIE:

How to Logie...and make $18,858.45!

Or, watch this FREE Amazon Influencer Course:

Everything You Need to Know to Go From $0 to $20,000! From Mercedes Gomez

I don’t know about you, but I think I’m more excited about Amazon selling than my shopping list this holiday season! LOL 

Target, Walmart, Macy's and most of the other big brands are getting in on live commerce too, so keep your eyes peeled for these opportunities! As a content creator you are in the perfect position to cash in on this trend.

Are you an associate of Amazon yet? Have you noticed or tried TikTok for eCommerce yet? What can I help you with? 

Enjoy this season of thankfulness, beautiful people, and I’ll see you soon,

~ Ms. Ileane

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NOTE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.