This week I see many people inside Facebook Groups I’m a member of and in my inbox and newsfeed freaking out that Amazon reduced their affiliate commissions dramatically.

This was a major revenue stream that a lot of online entrepreneurs leveraged to increase their income. 

Many created and sold programs on how to become a successful amazon affiliate, created programs around specific products on amazon, and some built businesses around driving traffic to Amazon’s deals of the day. 

They reduced a lot of commissions from 8% down to 3% some lower. This will result in some associate's income being cut by half. 

I’m sure to many it feels as though the rug got pulled out from under them as these changes take effect in less than a week. 

So what they can do now? 

Well, the most successful business leaders always tell you to diversify your income. 

This was a huge opportunity for many people but you can’t always keep your eggs in one basket, counting on just one affiliate program and call it a day.

You need to promote various products from various affiliate programs. As well as offer your own digital products (podcasts, ebooks, your own online courses, etc)

Focus on promoting high-commission products. Do not ever waste your time promoting a product that only earns you a few bucks per sale.

Be upfront and transparent with your followers about any affiliate association you have because the last thing you want is to seem shady. 

Promote products you truly love and use. Give honest reviews. 

I will only ever promote or recommend something that I use. I recently signed up to be an affiliate for a company and when the product arrived it was terrible and very misleading from their company website. 

I immediately told them that it did not meet the quality of products that I share with my audience and I’d be happy to return it to them. 

Check with the companies that you use on a regular basis to see if they have affiliate opportunities, you will probably be surprised how many actually do have these programs in place. 

Be sure you included the correct discloser statements in your terms of service or privacy policies. 

Keep your ideal customer in mind when you are setting up affiliate deals. Ask yourself: 

• Is this product/service something that will improve their lives?
• Is it relevant to your business? 
• Is it a product you can promote for an ongoing basis? 
• Is it a reoccurring payment or a one-time?

Ultimately, it’s all about your audience. Never create content for the sake of promoting a link if your audience won’t respond to it. First, gain a deep understanding of your audience’s needs, wants, and pain points. Then, publish content that provides the best possible solution.

Your goal is to give your audience the best possible content (that can also generate sales for through affiliate links). But, if your audience doesn’t know, like, and trust you, there is no chance of generating a sale.

What affiliate partnerships do you currently use?