Amazon Images (How to legally use them)
Ok, let's start with some scare tactics. If you are taking screenshots of Amazon images then Amazon could kick you out of their program.
And maybe you've even heard from some people that it's illegal to use screenshots of images as well. I highly doubt this is the case if you're promoting someones product, I think this is probably implied consent, but who knows I'm not an attorney (it could potentially be an issue if you're doing a negative review of a product though).
Either way, what do you do about these images? It's next to impossible to create a quality product review without using a screenshot, especially when everybody else is using screenshots.
Seriously, just look around. Almost EVERY website does it, whether or not it's technically allowed by Amazon. They don't seem to really enforce it much although I've heard of one or two rare cases where they have.
But the worst thing I could imagine is slowing building up your site and after months or even years of hard work to get kicked out of their program for something like this.
Then again, if you're playing by the rules then you're at a huge disadvantage.
So what is the answer?
Well up unti now the only answer I knew of was to either risk it, or use a plugin called EasyAzon.
That's it, the only way around it is that one plugin, UNTIL NOW. I recently received an email about a new plugin called AMZimage.
It was created by Spencer Hawes...no not the NBA player. The guy who runs the website nichepursuits.
Anyways this plugin looks great! It uses the API much like the EazyAzon plugin does. However seems to have one main feature that makes it better in my opinion, and that is that you can use any image on Amazon, not just the featured image.
I'm not completely familiar with EazyAzon but I'm pretty sure you can only use the featured image. So this is a gamechanger.
No I'm not an affiliate or anything, I just think this plugin is exactly what a lot of people have been looking for.
Anyways, I bought it for less than $40 as it was listed half off (normally around $80). I'll be testing it on my test sites before I actually go live with it on some of my websites.
I'll be sure to let you guys know how well it works. What do you guys think about a plugin that lets you use Amazon images through their API?
Sound cool? Do you guys just upload images anyways or take screenshots? Let me know what you think in the comments below!
Recent Comments
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Definitely sounds like it's worth testing. I do use screenshots now and again. I try not to, but sometimes that's the only option for using a good image.
If you like what you see while testing, please do come back and report. I wouldn't be too eager to pay $80, but $40 isn't bad to protect your content and Amazon Association. (Actually, the $80 isn't even bad if you are at high risk with using screenshots all the time) Worth is in the eye of the beholder.
I look forward to reading your experience with testing this out.
Thanks in advance,
Cris
Well if it came down to it and you lost a 4 or 5 figure monthly income I’d say it’s definitely worth it for $80 lol.
Although I don’t really think screenshots are a huge deal because if it was everyone would be kicked out.
My guess is the people that get kicked for it are probably doing other shady stuff too.
Anyways, I’ll update how well it works in another post. Thanks for commenting!
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Any update on how this worked out?