Affiliate Marketing

đź’¸ How To Get Paid For Amazon Reviews: $4,000+ Per Month

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Did you know that some people are making $40,000 in just a few months by reviewing Amazon products?

Jared Revenue
Initial revenue from Amazon review side hustle

But here’s the catch: you can’t get paid directly for writing Amazon reviews.

Don’t worry! There are legitimate ways to make money by reviewing Amazon products while staying 100% compliant with their terms of service.

With 15 years of experience in affiliate marketing and having helped over 15,000 students, I’ll show you exactly how to turn your opinions into cash.

Getting Paid for Amazon Reviews

Before we jump into the money-making strategies, let’s clear up a common misconception:

Understanding Amazon’s Review Guidelines and Policies

According to official Amazon Guidelines, you can’t be compensated for creating Amazon reviews. That’s right – Amazon explicitly prohibits exchanging reviews for payment or free products.

amazon review compensation guidelines

Why? It’s all about maintaining the integrity of their review system. Amazon wants genuine, unbiased opinions from real customers, not paid endorsements masquerading as honest feedback.

But don’t click away just yet!

While you can’t get paid directly for reviews, there are several compliant methods to earn money by sharing your thoughts on Amazon products.

Compliant Methods for Earning from Reviews

The key here is to shift your mindset. Instead of trying to get paid for reviews, think about how you can monetize your knowledge and opinions about Amazon products. This could involve:

  1. Creating product-focused content (like videos or blog posts)
  2. Becoming an Amazon influencer
  3. Participating in Amazon’s affiliate program
  4. Joining Amazon Vine (if you’re lucky enough to be invited)
  5. Leveraging your reviewing skills on other platforms

Each of these methods allows you to share your thoughts on Amazon products while potentially earning money – all without violating Amazon’s terms of service.

In the following sections, we’ll dive deep into each of these strategies, showing you exactly how to implement them and start earning.

1 Amazon Influencer Program

amazon influencers us homepage

The Amazon Influencer Program is, in our opinion, the best way to make money by reviewing Amazon products. It’s a powerful tool that allows you to leverage even a limited social media presence and product knowledge to earn commissions. Let’s break it down:

Overview of the Program

The Amazon Influencer Program is an extension of the Amazon Associates (affiliate) program. It was initially meant for real influencers but has expanded to anyone with a little social media presence.

The program allows you to create your own Amazon storefront, featuring product recommendations that earn commissions when purchased.

Eligibility Requirements

To sign up, you just need an active social media account with some engagement. You really don’t need a ton of history.

We got a brand new account approved in under two weeks.

jared approval screenshot

While Amazon doesn’t disclose specific follower count requirements, they look at:

  • Number of followers
  • Engagement rates on your posts
  • The type of content you post
  • Relevance to Amazon customers

Ways to Monetize as an Amazon Influencer

Once you’re in the program, there are three main ways to make money:

  1. Onsite Product Videos
  2. Amazon Live Shoppable Videos
  3. Custom Storefronts

Let’s dive into each of these:

1. Onsite Product Videos

This is where the real money-making potential lies. Here’s how it works:

  • You can upload product review videos directly to Amazon product pages
  • These videos are displayed to Amazon shoppers as they browse
  • When potential customers watch your video and buy products, you receive a small commission, usually 2%-4%

The best part? These videos can continue earning for you long after you’ve uploaded them. It’s the closest thing to passive income in the Amazon ecosystem.

amazon shopable videos

For example, Jared Bauman made an impressive $40,000 in only a few months using this strategy. You can check out his success story in the video below:

2. Amazon Live Shoppable Videos

If you’re comfortable on camera and can think on your feet, Amazon Live could be your ticket to bigger earnings:

  • As an Amazon influencer, you can use the Amazon Live Creator app to create live streams or videos
  • Viewers can purchase products directly from your video content
  • This creates an interactive, QVC-like experience for your audience

For instance, Valentina from House of Valentina shares her favorite fashion outfit items, decor elements, and other finds on Amazon in live stream videos.

amazon livestream example

This approach allows for real-time interaction with your audience and can lead to higher conversion rates.

3. Custom Storefronts

Last but not least, you can create your own curated Amazon storefront:

  • Build custom pages on Amazon featuring your favorite products and recommendations
  • Every sale made through your storefront earns you a commission
  • This is a great way to showcase your personal brand and style
the skinny confidential amazon storefront

A prime example is Lauryn from The Skinny Confidential, who features her favorite products in different categories on her Amazon storefront.

2 Amazon Associates Program

amazon associates us homepage

While the Amazon Influencer Program is great, don’t overlook the power of the Amazon Associates program. This affiliate marketing program is a cornerstone of many successful online businesses, and it’s still one of the best ways to monetize your product reviews.

Program Overview

Amazon Associates is the original affiliate program that allows participants to earn commissions by creating unique product links and promoting them on their platforms. Whether you have a website, blog, or social media presence, you can use this program to turn your product recommendations into income.

Application Process

Getting started with Amazon Associates is straightforward. Anyone can apply by creating an Amazon account and registering as an Associate. The process is simple, but if you want a detailed walkthrough, check out our guide on how to become an Amazon affiliate.

Once approved, you’ll be able to generate affiliate links. Each link contains a unique Associate ID that tracks referrals, ensuring you get credit for the sales you generate.

Earning Commissions

Here’s where things get exciting. When someone clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission on that sale.

Commission rates vary by product category, typically ranging from 1% to 10%. While these percentages might seem small, they can add up quickly if you’re driving significant traffic.

Amazon associates rates

Strategies for Success

To make the most of the Amazon Associates program, consider these proven strategies:

  1. Write detailed and honest reviews for products you genuinely use and enjoy. Authenticity is key to building trust with your audience.
  2. Build traffic to your reviews. Create a blog or website dedicated to product reviews where you can post your Amazon reviews. For tips on this, check out our guide on how to build an affiliate marketing website.
  3. Utilize SEO strategies to drive organic traffic to your site. This increases the likelihood of clicks on your affiliate links and can lead to more passive income over time.
  4. Leverage social media. Share your reviews and affiliate links on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Create engaging content, such as videos or posts showcasing the products, to attract more viewers.

One success story worth noting is OutdoorGearLab. This site has built a substantial business around reviewing mainly Amazon products, demonstrating the potential of this model.

outdoorgearlab post with amazon link

For more inspiration, check out our collection of Amazon affiliate website examples. These sites showcase different approaches to creating successful Amazon affiliate businesses.

3 Amazon Vine Program

amazon vine homepage

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting free products in exchange for your honest opinions, the Amazon Vine program might be your golden ticket.

This invitation-only program is Amazon’s way of cultivating a community of trusted reviewers.

Program Description

Amazon Vine is an exclusive club for the crème de la crème of Amazon reviewers.

As a Vine Voice, you’re given access to a range of products offered by sellers who are looking for quality, in-depth reviews.

The catch?

It’s not something you can simply sign up for – Amazon handpicks its Vine members based on their review history.

Selection Criteria

So, how does Amazon choose its Vine Voices?

They’re looking for reviewers who have a track record of providing helpful, thorough, and honest feedback. The quality and helpfulness of your past reviews are key factors in the selection process.

Amazon wants reviewers who can articulate both the pros and cons of a product, giving potential buyers a comprehensive understanding of what they’re considering.

Benefits and Expectations

Being a Vine Voice comes with some sweet perks. You get to choose from a range of products offered by sellers, and these products are yours to keep – for free. In return, Amazon expects you to provide honest, detailed reviews.

This means highlighting both the good and the bad, and including photos or videos in your reviews to make them more helpful to other shoppers.

But the benefits don’t stop at free products. Regular, high-quality reviews can enhance your reputation as a reviewer, potentially leading to partnerships with brands or companies.

Plus, after six months, you’re free to resell the products you’ve received, which can be a nice little bonus.

One Vine member shared their experience on Reddit, discussing the potential to build a business from the program. While it might not replace your day job, it can certainly be a lucrative side hustle.

Increasing Your Chances of Invitation

While you can’t directly apply to Amazon Vine, you can increase your chances of being invited. Here are a few tips:

  1. Write quality reviews consistently. Focus on being helpful, honest, and thorough in your regular Amazon reviews.
  2. Engage with the community. Answer questions about products you’ve purchased, and participate in discussions on Amazon.
  3. Be patient. Building a reputation as a top reviewer takes time, but the payoff can be worth it.

For inspiration, check out the success story of Nicole from Let’s Make Life Great.

amazon vine success story

She received $4.5k worth of free items through the Amazon Vine program, showcasing the potential value this opportunity can bring.

4 Product Testing Websites

If you’re eager to start reviewing products but haven’t made it into the Amazon Vine program, don’t worry. There’s another avenue to explore: product testing websites. These platforms connect customers with discounted or free products in exchange for honest reviews.

Introduction to Product Testing Platforms

Product testing websites act as intermediaries between brands and reviewers. They offer a win-win situation: companies get valuable feedback and exposure for their products, while reviewers get free or heavily discounted items.

It’s important to note that these reviews are typically posted on the platform itself or the product’s website, not on Amazon directly, keeping you compliant with Amazon’s review policies.

Snagshout: A Case Study

snagshout homepage

One popular platform in this space is Snagshout. Let’s take a closer look at what it offers:

Snagshout provides access to a wide range of discounted products. As a member, you can choose items that interest you, purchase them at a reduced price, try them out, and then share your honest opinion.

The benefits of using Snagshout for reviews include:

  1. Access to free or discounted products across various categories.
  2. Opportunity to build a robust review profile, which can be valuable if you’re aiming for the Amazon Vine program in the future.
  3. Potential to earn cashback on products purchased through the platform.

Snagshout has garnered positive feedback from users, boasting a 4.2-star rating on Trustpilot. Many reviewers appreciate the variety of products available and the straightforward process.

snagshout trustpilot

You can check out the Snagshout Trustpilot reviews for more details.

Other Product Testing Websites

While Snagshout is a solid option, it’s not the only player in the game. Here are a couple more platforms worth exploring:

  1. Influenster: This platform often provides full-sized products for testing and review. It’s particularly popular in the beauty and lifestyle niches.
  2. BzzAgent: Known for its campaigns with well-known brands, BzzAgent offers products in exchange for honest reviews and social media posts.

Each platform has its unique features and focus areas, so it’s worth exploring a few to find the best fit for your interests and reviewing style.

5 Freelance Writing for Product Reviews

If you’ve honed your skills writing Amazon reviews, why not take it to the next level?

Freelance writing for product reviews can be a lucrative way to monetize your expertise and writing abilities.

Opportunities in Freelance Product Review Writing

The world of freelance writing is vast, and there’s a growing demand for quality product reviews. Many websites, blogs, and online publications are constantly seeking skilled writers to create informative, engaging product reviews.

This isn’t just limited to Amazon products – you could find yourself reviewing anything from tech gadgets to beauty products, depending on your niche and expertise.

One of the best things about freelance writing is its flexibility. You can start small, perhaps writing a few reviews a month, and scale up as you gain more experience and clients. With dedication and skill, it’s possible to turn this into a full-time career.

Finding Freelance Work

So, where can you find these golden opportunities? Here are some strategies to get started:

  1. Pitch to review websites: Look for websites like Wirecutter that specialize in product reviews. Study their style, then reach out with a well-crafted pitch showcasing your expertise in reviewing products in their niche.
  2. Use freelance job boards: Platforms like Upwork, FlexJobs, and ProBlogger often have listings for product review writers. Create a strong profile highlighting your experience with Amazon reviews and any other relevant skills.
  3. Leverage your network: If you’ve built a following through your Amazon reviews or social media, let your audience know you’re available for freelance writing gigs. Word-of-mouth referrals can be incredibly powerful.

As an example of the opportunities out there, FlexJobs currently offers more than 2,000 remote positions for Product Review Writers, with over 350 of these being freelance offers.

flexjobs job offers for product review writer

That’s a lot of potential work!

Conclusion

We’ve covered five legitimate ways to monetize Amazon product reviews: the Amazon Influencer Program, Amazon Associates, Amazon Vine, product testing websites, and freelance writing. Each offers unique opportunities to turn your product knowledge into income.

Success hinges on consistency, honesty, and providing value to your audience. Start small, be persistent, and focus on helping consumers make informed decisions.

Ready to begin? Sign up for Amazon Associates or create your first review video. With dedication, you can transform your passion for reviews into a profitable venture.

Happy reviewing!

about the author

Hey I'm Gael, one of the guys behind Authority Hacker. I make a living working from my laptop in various places in the world and I will use this website to teach you how you could do the same.

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