Amazon Influencer Year 0 (I just Qualified For The Program)

I finally got into the Amazon Influencer program, after 3 long years of trying.

Now that I’m eligible, I realised that what’s tough isn’t getting into the program, but building an audience big enough for the program.

What is The Amazon Influencer Program

If you’ve never heard of the Amazon Influencer Program, you’re probably wondering what the big deal is.

In short, it’s a way for content creators (like us!) to earn money by recommending products on Amazon.

Think of it like this: You know how YouTubers or TikTokers say “link in bio” and it takes you to a page full of stuff they recommend? That’s their Amazon storefront. Every time someone clicks through and buys something, even just one thing, they earn a small commission.

The cool part? You don’t have to be a mega-famous influencer to get in. If you have a social media following (even just 1,000+ people) on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, you might qualify.

Once you’re approved, you get your own custom Amazon page where you can post product recommendations, livestreams, and shoppable videos. And if someone buys through your links? Cha-ching, you get paid.

But here’s the truth: just getting into the program doesn’t guarantee money. You still have to build trust, show up consistently, and make content that people actually want to watch and click on. That’s the part I’m navigating right now, and it’s why I’m calling this “Year 0.”

Building Your Audience Slowly But Surely for Lasting Success

Since 2019, I’ve been working hard on my personal branding. Not everywhere, but just one place, that’s LinkedIn. It was great since it was the only platform that brought me most clients that helped grew my graphic design business till today.

With lots of time and hard work, I grew to 15000 followers by 2020. Even though the Amazon Influencer program started in 2017, I only knew about it in 2021.

At that time, many people were quickly qualified, reviewing products and making their first dollars.

I had 15000, it should be easy! Then I got to the sign up page and fill in my details. When I got to the part where I had to select my social media with at least 1000 followers, my mind went blank.

LinkedIn wasn’t an option. You could apply using Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube.

Yup. That boring old business platform that was the biggest blessing in my career turned out to be useless when it comes to helping anyone be a creator.

I had a YouTube account with 400 followers, and tried that. Rejected. Built another account with 500 followers, rejected.

Rinse and repeat for three years.

But here’s the thing: during those three years, I was unknowingly doing the work that actually mattered. I was learning how to show up online. I was creating helpful content. I was building trust. I was doing what most people avoid because it feels “slow.”

But guess what? That slow work compounds.

This year, I built a Facebook page to 22000+ followers, it was crazy blood, sweat and tears.

Oh, I forgot to mention, I was trying to apply even at 10000 followers and was rejected. Maybe Amazon has raised the minimum number of followers, who knows?

Just this week, I tried it again and I’m finally in!

Looking back, I’m realizing this program isn’t some magic money machine. It’s more like a mirror, it reflects what you’ve already built. If you’ve got an audience that trusts you? You’re golden. If not? You’ll just be another name in the Amazon abyss.

So now, I’m starting Year 0. The messy, awkward, experimental stage where I figure out how to actually make something of this program.

I’ll be testing content ideas, sharing honest reviews, and seeing what works (and what totally flops). And I’ll be sharing it all with you as I go, because if you’re thinking of joining the Amazon Influencer Program or you’re just starting out too, I want you to know you’re not alone in the trenches.

This is my messy middle.

And if you’re in yours too? Keep going. It’s where all the magic happens.

Any questions on getting started in this program? Leave them below.