How to create an affiliate link for Amazon is one of the most common questions asked by beginners entering affiliate marketing. Amazon’s affiliate system is widely used in both the US and UK because it is beginner-friendly, trusted by consumers, and supports a wide range of products. However, many beginners make mistakes during setup or link creation that reduce earnings or violate programme rules.
This article is written as a SEO-friendly, human-written, in-depth guide focused on one main keyword only: how to create an affiliate link for Amazon.
It is aligned with Google standards, written clearly for beginners, and relevant to both US and UK audiences.
No links are included. No emojis are used.
What Is an Amazon Affiliate Link
An Amazon affiliate link is a special tracking link generated through the Amazon Associates Programme. When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase within a qualifying period, Amazon records the referral and pays you a commission.
The link is unique to your affiliate account and allows Amazon to track sales accurately. Without this link, you will not earn commissions, even if people buy the product you mention.
Who Can Create Amazon Affiliate Links
You can create Amazon affiliate links if:
You are registered with Amazon Associates
Your account is approved or conditionally approved
You have an active website, blog, or content platform
You comply with Amazon’s affiliate rules
Both beginners and experienced marketers can create affiliate links, provided they follow the programme guidelines.
Step 1: Join the Amazon Associates Programme
Before learning how to create an affiliate link for Amazon, you must be registered as an Amazon Associate.
Key Points About Registration
Registration is free
You must provide details about your content platform
You must describe how you plan to drive traffic
Approval is usually conditional until initial sales are made
Amazon operates separate programmes for different regions, so UK affiliates must register for the UK programme, and US affiliates must register for the US programme.
Step 2: Log In to Your Amazon Associates Dashboard
Once registered, log in to your Amazon Associates account.
Your dashboard is the control centre where you:
Create affiliate links
Track clicks and earnings
View reports
Manage account settings
Understanding the dashboard is essential for long-term affiliate success.
Step 3: Find the Product You Want to Promote
There are two main ways to choose a product.
Option One: Search Inside Amazon
Browse Amazon as a normal shopper
Locate the exact product page
Option Two: Search Inside the Associates Dashboard
Use the built-in product search tool
Filter products by category or keyword
Always choose products that are relevant to your audience and content.
Step 4: Use the Amazon SiteStripe Tool (Easiest Method)
The easiest way to create an affiliate link is through Amazon’s built-in tool known as SiteStripe.
How SiteStripe Works
When logged in as an Associate, a toolbar appears at the top of Amazon product pages
This toolbar allows you to generate affiliate links instantly
Steps to Create a Link Using SiteStripe
Visit the product page while logged in
Look at the top bar (SiteStripe)
Select the link format you want
Copy the generated affiliate link
This method is ideal for beginners because it is fast and reduces errors.
Step 5: Create an Affiliate Link from the Dashboard (Alternative Method)
You can also create links directly from the Associates dashboard.
Dashboard Link Creation Process
Go to the product linking section
Search for the product by name or identifier
Select the product
Generate a text link or other format
Copy the affiliate link
This method is useful if you prefer working entirely inside the dashboard.
Step 6: Choose the Right Type of Affiliate Link
Amazon allows different link formats. Beginners should understand these options clearly.
Text Links
Simple and clean
Best for blog articles and guides
Easy to integrate naturally into content
Image Links
Include product images
Can improve visibility
Must follow Amazon’s display rules
Combination Links
Include both text and images
Useful for product-focused content
For SEO-focused content, text links are usually the safest and most effective.
Step 7: Add the Affiliate Link to Your Content
Once you have created your affiliate link, you can place it inside your content.
Best Practices
Add links naturally within helpful explanations
Avoid forcing links where they do not fit
Focus on relevance, not quantity
Affiliate links should support your content, not dominate it.
Step 8: Follow Amazon Affiliate Rules Carefully
Amazon has strict rules that all affiliates must follow.
Key Rules to Remember
Do not cloak or hide affiliate links
Do not share affiliate links in private emails or offline content
Do not display incorrect pricing or availability
Do not encourage users to click links deceptively
Failure to follow rules can result in account suspension.
Step 9: Understand How Tracking and Commissions Work
When someone clicks your Amazon affiliate link:
A tracking cookie is placed
Purchases made within the allowed time may earn commissions
Commissions vary by product category
You earn commissions on qualifying purchases, not just the product you promoted.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Many beginners struggle because of avoidable errors.
Common Errors
Using regular Amazon links instead of affiliate links
Forgetting to log in before creating links
Promoting unrelated products
Violating Amazon’s content policies
Avoiding these mistakes protects your account and earnings.
How to Check If Your Affiliate Link Works
Before publishing content, always test your affiliate links.
How to Test
Click the link yourself
Ensure it opens the correct product page
Check that your affiliate ID is visible in the link
Testing ensures your effort is not wasted.
UK vs US Amazon Affiliate Links
Amazon affiliate links are region-specific.
Important Differences
UK links work only on Amazon UK
US links work only on Amazon US
Separate accounts are required for different regions
If your audience includes both UK and US users, you must plan your strategy carefully.
Ethical and Trust Considerations
Affiliate marketing success depends on trust.
Best Practices
Be honest about product limitations
Recommend products you understand
Focus on helping users make informed decisions
Trust increases conversions and protects long-term income.
Final Answer: How to Create an Affiliate Link for Amazon Successfully
To summarise how to create an affiliate link for Amazon:
Register with Amazon Associates
Log in to your affiliate account
Choose a relevant product
Use SiteStripe or the dashboard to generate the link
Insert the link naturally into helpful content
Follow Amazon’s rules strictly
Focus on trust and long-term value
Creating an Amazon affiliate link is technically simple, but earning consistently from it requires ethical content, audience relevance, and patience. When done correctly, Amazon affiliate links can become a reliable foundation for affiliate marketing income in both the US and UK.
