Unexpected Loophole to Amazon Associates Store Access
I have been with Wealthy Affiliate since 2018, in my first 2 years I struggled with Amazon and getting sales. My niche and Amazon are not great friends yet, Industrial Hemp products are not on most people's minds when they think about Amazon.
I kept getting kicked from the platform for lack of sales.
Needless to say, I gave up on working with the Amazon Affiliate program for a long time, and they are one of the biggest online shopping platforms. I was so bummed out, I felt defeated.
I went years and did not even think about Amazon aside from shopping. Then recently I decided that I wanted to give them a try again. I have many articles for DIY projects that my audience could purchase ingredients for from Amazon. I signed up again, shared all my post to Facebook and Pinterest, I got a few clicks, but no purchases still.
My first round I was kicked again! I got to thinking, that there has got to be a way to get an Amazon storefront, which would be one of the easiest ways to sell, people love visuals and seeing the prices!
Curiosity Got The Best of Me
I started looking for a way to get a huge audience and fast! I chose a platform that took me so far out of my comfort zone, but this was a much-needed plunge! Guys, I created a TikTok account, I was seeing all these people swearing they were making a killing on TikTok, I had to see for myself.
I had to change my niche to suit TikTok, so I chose kitchen gadgets, I am a cook and can promote that stuff all day long lol. I checked out the scene to see what type of product review videos were being created, and I found a slew of every type of review from great to awful.
I was so nervous for my first few videos, who am I kidding, I am still nervous lol. I thought people would poke fun at you if you posted a poor-grade video, but no, they uplift and provide tips for your next one. The community there is similar to the one here, helpful and kind.
How Fast Was My Account Growth?
I started with an account I created years ago that had been just sitting with no activity. I did see a few posts that said it would be better to start with a new account, but I am not super savvy about deleting and creating a new account.
Moving forward with my old account that had a couple of videos that did okay when posted. Since I have created 3 product review videos, and several posts just to get to know people and let them get to know me. In less than one week I had over 800 followers. To be eligible for the TikTok affiliate program you need to have 1000 followers.
I pushed and played the alithogram game with the community and got my 1000+ followers! I was so excited! I instantly posted a video thanking everyone for helping me get there. Community engagement is the key to rising fast on TikTok.
TikTok Shop Here I Come! Hey, What's This Added Benefit?
I signed up for the TikTok affiliate program, and when I did, there was also a link to apply for the Amazon influencer program! I clicked on it thinking they would deny me as usual, but tried anyway.
I WAS ACCEPTED!
I could hardly believe my eyes! I now have an Amazon storefront also hooked to my TikTok shop. So what my audience can't find on TikTok they can also shop through Amazon, which has everything!
I have added all my favorite gadgets to both of my storefronts and have a long list of video content to create. While I am slightly out of my original niche, I am still quite excited for this new journey.
There are other added benefits with TikTok too, they have a creator's rewards program too. I am not 100% sure exactly how it works, but you can get paid just for creating videos with no product links. There are a few ways to make an income on TikTok, you just have to go through the Creators Insights to see what is available.
Hoping This Is Not Short-lived Success
With all the current affairs concerning TikTok and the United States, I am a bit concerned that they will fully ban this platform. The 12-hour ban greatly affected many and brought many eye-opening issues to the forefront.
I am not going to get into the political arguments surrounding TikTok, this is not the place for that. All I know is that for the first time ever, my audience went from 53 followers to 1,100+ in less than 2 weeks. I can only imagine the potential for success on the platform is stunningly impressive.
I do wish I would have taken my account more seriously when I first started it. Back then I had no clue how big it was going to get, I created my account when TikTok first became available, but I didn't think I would do well.
I held myself back out of fear. Fear is way too powerful in our lives.
Don't Let A Good Thing Slip By
TikTok may not be for everyone, but it might be for you. You will never know unless you try. If you are struggling with your Amazon account like I was, this could be your 'in' like it was for me. I am sure I will still have to make the sales, but I feel more confident making the sales with an active audience of over 1,100 versus my other audiences that I am not sure when they are active.
I am not promoting TikTok by any means, but if you feel you would like to see if you can catch that loophole I found for the Amazon storefront, by all means, jump in!
I know I did not want to let a good thing just slip by without at least trying!
Kyle kind of helped push me to make videos with his gentle reassurance. I mentioned being too nervous to make videos, and he gave me great advice and reminded me that he was not always in front of the camera either and that he had to find his comfort zone there as well.
I am glad I made the TikTok plunge, wish me luck guys and gals!
Stacie
Recent Comments
13
I also promote on Tik Tok and it’s great, as you say.
I hope they don’t close Tik Tok down on you.
I am in Vietnam, so a bit different. However I use Shopee as an Amazon substitute, but still have an Amazon account.
Well done by the way.
Steve
“Wow, Stacie!
Your journey is so inspiring! It’s amazing how you turned things around with TikTok and found a way back into Amazon’s program.
Wishing you lots of success with your storefront and videos—keep going! 🚀👏”
Boris
Thank you so much! Videos have been a fun learning curve and I have much to learn, so that's loads of fun lol!
Thanks Kyle! You were the one that encouraged me to make videos, so thank you for the nudge!
Stacie
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Stacie,
What a success story. Great for you and I wish you exponential success going forward.
Thanks for your suggestion on getting into tiktoc.
I was successful in becoming an Amazon associates member but not seeing a lot of sales.
I now see how using tiktoc might increase that.
Thanks for sharing and for your inspiration