I've never become an Amazon affiliate, and likely never will. I do have my books on their Kindle platform right now, though! Excellent things that you point out here, Bill!

Jeff

Unfortunately their comingled inventory has added its own issues as well.

The one advantage they do have is that you do get commissions if someone purchases something totally unrelated to what they clicked on your affiliate link for. I would say most of my commissions have come from things not related to what I was promoting.

I suppose you could get the same thing with other large online retailers like Wal-Mart or Target, but I'm not sure if people are more or less likely to buy from there. I guess it's one of those things you have to test out.

I've been looking into different affiliate programs related to my niche. Most of the products are only related to my niche, so I wouldn't get commissions because someone was on the site and decided to order toilet paper. However, they do have a higher commission and longer cookie duration which might make them the better option.

As an affiliate I diversify my income source.
What makes affiliate marketing interesting is the freedom and flexibility it offers.
Yes, Amazon suck but the truth is that it is a brand most people trust, hence their higher conversion rate.
Having a niche site and not using Amazon is missing opportunity and having a niche site focusing on Amazon only is also missing opportunity because their are other brands out there with a better commission rate than Amazon.
Thank you for sharing !

Hey
I am not with Amazon, but happy to have read your blog post.
Wishing you well and a terrific day.

Here is the link to the youtube - https://youtu.be/QmMOvdnaaA8