I’ve been doing Amazon affiliate marketing since 2017, but I stopped in 2023 after my site was hit by an update, my affiliate account was banned, and then came all the Google changes and Amazon’s stricter rules. For those who used to rely on Amazon affiliate marketing, what are you all doing now?
All the money’s flowing to big corporations now. Amazon affiliate is basically done.
The smart ones shifted to other ways of promoting products, like using Facebook ads. Some moved into freelancing, while others are still blaming Google.
Dominik said:
The smart ones shifted to other ways of promoting products, like using Facebook ads. Some moved into freelancing, while others are still blaming Google.
Well said.
Affiliate marketing is a lost cause. Google just doesn’t like affiliate sites anymore.
Solomon said:
Affiliate marketing is a lost cause. Google just doesn’t like affiliate sites anymore.
It’s mainly small publishers they ignore. Look up any product, and big news or magazine sites dominate the top results. Only major sites are making real money now.
@Miles
Not quite true; Google’s latest spam policies also hit big publishers’ affiliate sections.
@Miles
Depends on the product, though.
Solomon said:
Affiliate marketing is a lost cause. Google just doesn’t like affiliate sites anymore.
There are traffic sources beyond Google.
Made good money with Amazon affiliates back in the day. Now, I provide SEO and marketing services for real businesses. It’s more challenging, but the pay is worth it.
enthusiast said:
Made good money with Amazon affiliates back in the day. Now, I provide SEO and marketing services for real businesses. It’s more challenging, but the pay is worth it.
Could you DM me your service details and rates? I’m in Brazil and want to offer similar services here.
@Gabriel
I’ve got two clients—one pays $8k/month, the other $6.5k/month. I handle everything from PPC to SEO. If you can make clients money, they’ll keep you well-compensated.
enthusiast said:
@Gabriel
I’ve got two clients—one pays $8k/month, the other $6.5k/month. I handle everything from PPC to SEO. If you can make clients money, they’ll keep you well-compensated.
Getting quite a few DMs—position yourself as part of their team, like a fractional marketer, rather than an agency. Clients prefer team members over third-party vendors.
@Gabriel
Same here!
I left the content marketing world. It’s a terrible position to be in. You’re always at the mercy of Google, Google Adsense, or affiliate programs, which can cut you off anytime.
Malcolm said:
I left the content marketing world. It’s a terrible position to be in. You’re always at the mercy of Google, Google Adsense, or affiliate programs, which can cut you off anytime.
Exactly.
Many smaller affiliates who still earn are using social media now. It’s tough to get steady traffic for smaller sites loaded with affiliate links.
Ignacio said:
Many smaller affiliates who still earn are using social media now. It’s tough to get steady traffic for smaller sites loaded with affiliate links.
I doubt they’re making much with Amazon anymore.
@Hugh
I’ve seen influencers making serious income, mid-five to six figures monthly, with Amazon affiliates. But it takes a big social following in areas like home decor to get that level of traffic.
Time to branch out—relying on affiliate income alone isn’t enough these days!