Here's a clear, step-by-step roadmap to start (and grow) with Amazon Affiliate Marketing—from zero to first commissions.

1) Understand the Amazon Associate Basics

Join the Amazon Associates program for your region.

You'll get a unique affiliate tag to add to links so sales are credited to you.

Attribution window is short (often ~24 hours); if a shopper adds to cart within that window, the window may extend (e.g., up to ~90 days). Terms change—always verify inside Associates Central.

Don't cloak links, don't add prices manually (unless pulled via the official API and kept fresh), and include a clear disclosure ("As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.").

2) Pick a Profitable, Narrow Niche

Start specific: "Compact air purifiers for small apartments" beats "home appliances."

Validate with:

Commercial search intent keywords (best, review, vs, for {use-case}).

Enough products at varied price points.

Problems you can actually solve (experience = trust).

3) Choose a Domain & Platform (fast)

Domain: short, memorable, not brand-infringing (e.g., breathyeasyhome.com).

Platform: WordPress + a lightweight theme (for speed) or a site builder you're comfortable with.

Must-have pages: About, Contact, Privacy, Affiliate Disclosure, Terms.

4) Set Up Tracking the Right Way

Create separate tracking IDs (by category or channel) to see what converts.

Use Amazon SiteStripe to generate links. Don't add UTMs or third-party cloaks.

In analytics, track outbound affiliate link clicks as events.

5) Build a Simple, High-Trust Site Structure

Homepage → your core problem + top guides.

Pillars (2–3): "Air Purifier Buying Guide," "HEPA vs Carbon Filters."

Clusters: individual reviews, comparisons, and how-tos that link to the pillar.

Add author bio, show real experience (photos, test notes), and update dates (E-E-A-T).

6) Do 60 Minutes of Keyword Research (repeat weekly)

Brainstorm seed terms, then expand with Google Autocomplete & "People Also Ask."

Target long-tails first: "best desktop air purifier for smoke under $150."

Map intent:

Transactional → "best...", "X vs Y", "review"

Informational → "how to remove ... smell", "HEPA explained"

Prioritize low competition + buyer intent.

7) Create Content That Actually Converts

Templates you can reuse:

A) "Best X for Y" roundup

H1: Best [Product] for [Use-case] ([Year])

TL;DR table (2–5 picks) → quick links to Amazon

Section per pick: Who it's for, pros/cons, key specs (no static prices), Why we chose it

Buying guide: factors, FAQs

Final CTA block: "Still unsure? Our top pick is ..."

B) "X vs Y" comparison

Summary verdict first

Side-by-side specs table

Tests/experience notes

Use-case recommendations

CTAs under each scenario

C) Single product review

Who should buy / who shouldn't

Real-world tests (noise, coverage, power use)

Alternatives

Clear CTA button

Copy tips

Front-load answers, use scannable subheads, short paragraphs.

Link placement: one above the fold, one mid-article, one at the end.

Add comparison tables (features, not prices) and jump links.

Compliance Checklist (don't skip)

Disclosure near the top or in the header/footer + on each page with affiliate links.

No email affiliate links (generally not allowed; send subscribers back to the article).

No claims about prices/availability unless pulled via the Product Advertising API and updated automatically.

Use only approved images (Amazon product images via SiteStripe/API are safe).

9) Get Traffic (free first, then scale)

SEO

Publish 3x/week for the first 6–8 weeks.

Internal link every new post to at least 2 older posts and 1 pillar page.

Fast site: compress images, lazy load, good hosting.

YouTube

3–5 minute videos: unboxings, "X vs Y," quick demos.

Put the affiliate link in the description, disclose in video & description.

Pinterest / Social

Create tall pins for each roundup; link back to the article.

Answer relevant Quora/Reddit questions with concise value + link (where allowed).

Email (without affiliate links)

Offer a 1-page buyer's checklist; drive back to your articles.

10) Conversion Optimization (simple wins)

Add sticky CTA on mobile.

Use in-content product boxes (image, 3 bullets, "Check price on Amazon").

Test table at top vs. mid-page.

Show real photos or short clips—trust boosts clicks and conversions.

11) Measure With a Simple Model

Sessions × CTR to Amazon × Conversion Rate × Avg Order Value × Avg Commission %

Example: 10,000 sessions × 12% CTR × 9% CR × $70 AOV × 3% = $226/mo
Double any one lever, and revenue grows fast.

12) 30-Day Launch Plan

Week 1

Join Associates, set up site, write Disclosure/Privacy.

Publish 1 pillar + 2 roundups + 1 review.

Week 2

2 comparisons + 2 reviews + 2 how-tos.

Launch YouTube with 2 videos (repurpose articles).

Week 3

2 roundups + 2 reviews.

Build 1 email lead magnet + 1-email welcome series (no affiliate links).

Week 4

Update internal links, add real photos, improve CTAs.

Publish 2 more posts; start Pinterest pins.

Review tracking IDs and top-click elements.

13) Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Over-broad niche; go narrower first.

Thin "listicles" with no real testing.

Price screenshots or outdated info.

Link cloaking/URL shorteners that hide Amazon—use SiteStripe.

Ignoring disclosure/terms (risk: account termination).

Quick Starter Pack (copy/paste)

Pages: /about, /contact, /privacy, /affiliate-disclosure, /terms

Post types: 3 pillars, 6 roundups, 6 comparisons, 8 reviews, 6 how-tos (first 60 days)

CTAs: "Check price on Amazon" (button), above-the-fold table, end-of-post box

Tracking: separate IDs per category/channel; outbound click event in analytics

Disclosure: add to footer + on all posts containing affiliate links