Being an Amazon affiliate can be a great way to earn money by promoting products you love. But sometimes, accounts get suspended, and that can leave you confused. Let’s break down some of the main reasons your Amazon Affiliate account could be suspended and how to avoid it.
HIGHLIGHTS Rule of Amazon Affiliate Program:
- Never use Amazon seller product images; use only embedded images in blogs.
- Never use the Amazon logo anywhere on the website, including URLs or buttons.
- Never use, share, or sell Amazon affiliate links through offline sources like PDFs or emails; use them only through online channels.
- Do not use Amazon affiliate links in paid marketing campaigns; use them only on your primary website, blog, or personal accounts.
- Never use customer ratings and review screenshots in blogs or websites. You can use an API like WooCommerce instead.
- Use Amazon Privacy Page & Disclaimer in the Website or blogs.
- Disclosureure: check below sample: AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE : ABC.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.
1. Not Making Any 3 Sales in 180 Days
Amazon wants affiliates to bring in customers who actually buy products. If no sales are made through your affiliate links within 180 days of joining without refund or cancellation. Amazon might suspend your account. To avoid this, focus on creating content that attracts visitors and encourages them to make a purchase.
2. Not Following the Rules
Amazon has clear guidelines for how you should promote products. If you break any of their rules, your account could be suspended. Some examples include:
- Misleading promotions: You can’t make false claims about products.
- Incorrect use of affiliate links: Only use them in places Amazon allows, like your website or blog.
- Using Amazon’s brand incorrectly: You can’t use Amazon’s logo in a way that violates their rules.
3. Inappropriate & Low Content
Amazon expects affiliates to promote their products responsibly. If your website includes harmful content like hate speech, explicit material, or illegal activities, Amazon will suspend your account. Keep your content respectful and aligned with Amazon’s values.
4. Using Unapproved or Paid Ads Traffic Sources
You can’t just share your affiliate links anywhere. Amazon has strict rules about where you can post them. If you use paid ads (like Google Ads or Facebook Ads) or spam your affiliate links, Amazon may suspend your account.
5. Not Disclosing Your Affiliate Relationship on Website
You must tell your audience that you’re an Amazon Affiliate. This means adding a clear message on your website or blog that lets visitors know you might earn a commission if they buy through your links. Failing to do so can lead to suspension.
6. Changing Affiliate Links Or Modified Short Links like Bitly Link
You can’t mess with Amazon’s affiliate links. If you change or hide them in ways that confuse customers or hide where they came from, Amazon may suspend your account.
7. Cookie Stuffing
Cookie stuffing is when you try to get credit for a sale without the customer actually clicking your affiliate link. This trick is against Amazon’s rules and could get your account suspended.
8. Not Updating Your Payment Info
If your payment info is outdated or incorrect, Amazon might suspend your account. Always make sure your payment details are up to date to keep things running smoothly.
9. Creating Multiple Accounts
Amazon allows one account per person. If you create multiple accounts to bypass rules or boost your Amazon affiliate commissions, they’ll suspend your accounts. Stick to one Amazon Associates account to stay safe.
10. Ignoring Policy Updates
Amazon occasionally updates its rules. If you miss an important change and accidentally break a rule, your account could be suspended. Stay up-to-date with Amazon’s guidelines to keep everything in check.
How to Avoid Suspension?
- Be honest: Always disclose that you’re an Amazon Affiliate and promote products truthfully.
- Focus on quality: Create content that adds value and attracts the right audience.
- Stick to the rules: Keep an eye on Amazon’s policies to make sure you’re following them.
- Drive real sales: Work on strategies that encourage people to buy through your links.
What Should You Do if Your Account Gets Suspended?
If your account is suspended, don’t panic. Check the reason for the suspension and try to fix any issues. Then, reach out to Amazon’s Affiliate Support with a clear explanation and ask if they can reinstate your account. In some cases, they may give you another chance.
Final Thoughts
The Amazon Affiliate Program can be a great way to earn income, but it’s important to follow the rules. By understanding the common reasons for suspension and making sure you comply with Amazon’s guidelines, you can keep your account safe and continue earning commissions.