Everywere I go looking for a way to link directly to my novel, all I find is information about the Amazon Associates program. I avoided signing up for quite a while, since I really didn’t see the point. But I think I might have found one.
The Amazon Associates program enables a seller to list Amazon products on their blog/webpage, and gain a small percentage for anyone who buys an item through their link. There are countless widgets to enable you to set up these links, either as stand alone links/images, or impressive cycling displays.
How are they useful for authors?
Well, first up, if anyone buys your book through your own link, you get an extra cut (not taken from your percentage of the sale!) In reality though, I suspect that if you’re selling ebooks, you’re not likely to see many sales. Most people who hit your ebook page, are going to start by downloading a sample and checking that out. Then when they come back later (probably more than 24 hours, which is the time Amazon allows for follow up buys), you miss out on the Associate fee.
Any money you earn this way though, is just the icing on the cake. The real benifit of the Amazon Associate program is the extra stats it gives you. Without it, you might know if someone has clicked on a link from your blog (if your blog stats tell you that). With Amazon Associates, you can tell how many clicks you’ve had on all your links. Links on facebook, links on Twitter, links on your blog, they all show up.
I used these stats recently to evaluate my Facebook Ad campaign, but you’re going to have to wait for F to see the results of that one.
Do you use the Amazon Associates program? Any hints or tips?
All this month I’m participating in the A-Z blogging challenge, writing a blog post for each letter of the alphabet, on every day of the month except Sundays. Check back regularly to see what else I have in store for you.
And a special thanks today for Arlee Bird, who started the A-Z blogging challenge, and who’s name also happens to begin with A.
Really useful post! Look forward to the rest. 😀
Thanks Lisa.
I’m thinking of self publishing my book this year, so this is helpful information. I’ll have to check out your future posts during the challenge. Good luck!
Self-publishing and marketing will be a focus of a lot of my posts this month, since I’m in the middle of marketing my latest book. Good luck with your self publishing.
I have no history with the Associates program, but am always interested to read authors trying to play with it. It seems like the best thing you can have on an author site is sample chapters. It’s what most people in browser-culture really want, behind an entirely free book.
Hi John. I agree, when I uploaded my sample chapters, they had a lot of hits. I was surprised, since I thought the amazon samples covers that, but apparently it’s really important to have them on your site too.
If I were a published writer, I think that would be a great ides. I am blogging about artists, so Amazon will become my bff over the next few weeks.. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.
Kathy at Oak Lawn Images
Enjoying reading your book posts too Kathy. 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
Very informative post Rinelle. Would love to read more on being published and writing so will come back for more on your blog, 🙂
Thanks Sharmila. I hope you find some helpful tips.
Love your take on this. I’ve kind of wondered about this program, but haven’t checked it out yet. I like reading others reviews on it first, so thanks!
It’s a minor hassle to sign up (they have to phone you to confirm, which I hate, but it is automated at least), but after that, it’s pretty simple.
I use Amazon Associates because I like to link to books I like on my blog, and I figure it can’t hurt to earn a little extra money if someone actually buys one. I have just started, so I haven’t seen any benefits yet. Hopefully as my list of books grows I will see some benefits. People have definitely clicked on them though.
Just seeing the clicks is so cool, as it lets you know what’s working and what’s not. I’d be interested to hear how it goes for you.
I thought if they come back later and click through your blog, your 24 hours would start over. That the 24 hours was if they came back directly, not through a link.
Yes, if they clicked back through your blog the sale would still register. But most people who have downloaded a sample will buy it either through the link at the end of the sample, or through a search on Amazon. I don’t think it occurs to them to click back through the origional link. I have had one ‘sale’ credited to my account though, out of 13 click thorugh’s. So it does happen!