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Amazon Associates Approval: How to Get Accepted and Stay Approved

H
HowToApprove Team
•2024-08-14•9 min read

Amazon Associates Approval Guide

Amazon Associates is one of the largest affiliate programs in the world, but many applicants get rejected or terminated without understanding why.

Approval Requirements

Unlike AdSense, Amazon Associates is relatively easy to join initially. However, staying approved is harder.

Initial Application

  • Free to join
  • Website must be publicly accessible
  • Content must be appropriate for the platform

    • The Critical 180-Day Rule

    This is where most people fail. After joining, you must:

  • Make 3 qualifying sales within 180 days
  • These must be actual purchases, not returns
  • Failure means account termination (you can reapply)

    • Content Requirements

    Your website must have:

  • Original, helpful content
  • Clear connection to products you promote
  • No misleading product claims

    • What works well:

  • Product reviews and comparisons
  • "Best of" lists with recommendations
  • How-to guides with product recommendations
  • Gift guides

    • Disclosure Requirements

    This is mandatory and enforced. You must clearly disclose your affiliate relationship:

  • Add "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases" near the top of pages with affiliate links
  • Don't hide or obscure this disclosure
  • Required on every page with Amazon links

    • Common Termination Reasons

  • Not making sales: Must hit 3 sales in 180 days
  • Missing disclosure: Not adding required Amazon disclosure
  • Improper link use: Using affiliate links in emails, PDFs, or apps
  • Price display: Showing specific prices (they change frequently)
  • Fake reviews: Never claim to have used a product you haven't

    • Maximizing Sales in 180 Days

    If you join without an established audience, make sales by:

  • Promoting products your existing audience needs
  • Writing detailed, SEO-optimized product reviews
  • Targeting "best [product] for [use case]" keywords
  • Creating gift guides around seasonal themes

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use Amazon links on social media?

    Yes, but you need a website to apply. Social media alone doesn't qualify.

    What if I get terminated after 180 days?

    You can reapply immediately. This time, you're more prepared to make sales quickly.

    Can I promote any Amazon product?

    Almost any product, but some categories (like wine) are excluded in certain regions.

    #amazon#affiliate#monetization#associates

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