For the past couple of weeks I’ve been listening to the Amazon Associates Complete Guide, by Dan Johnson on Audible.
And while the AI voiceover can be a bit robotic and annoying at times, the content is solid and has been tremendously eye-opening for me. I started applying some of the strategies immediately and rethinking my approach to the Amazon Associates program in a way that feels much more intentional.
It inspired me so much that I declared a public “Affiliate Sprint” on my YouTube channel. For a week, I documented my effort to push hard toward my first Amazon sale. The sprint didn’t bring in any actual dollars (ouch), but my Pinterest traffic went up and I felt so good about my productivity that it was enough to convince me to keep going. I shifted gears into weekly “progress report” videos to share my honest journey—the good, the bad, and the “still waiting on my first sale” moments.
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers, and all opinions expressed here are my own. Please do your own research before making any purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
The Gut-Punch Mistake That Restarted My 180 Days
Somewhere in this sprint, I tripped up big time.
The kind where you want to throw your laptop out the window, scream into a pillow, and then binge chocolate for the rest of the night. I had to shut down my amazon associates account and start all over.
My husband gave me a kind, supportive “verbal pat on the back,” but truthfully, he doesn’t fully grasp the nuance of my online business. And that’s okay. Entrepreneurship is lonely sometimes. That day, I felt it more than I had in a long time.
But here’s the silver lining I’m choosing to see: I realized I wasn’t being fully compliant with my affiliate links anyway. Starting over forced me to slow down, correct course, and do things by the book. This will save me future headaches.
I spent hours fixing old blog posts, video links, updating non-compliant pins, and making sure my disclosures were written correctly and clearly. It was tedious. It was frustrating. It was also very necessary.
So now, I’ve created a personal Affiliate Link Compliance Checklist to keep myself in line. And because I know I’m not the only one who’s slipped up, I’m sharing it here for you, too.
Amazon Associates Compliance Checklist ✅
Rule | Details |
✅Disclosure | Always include: “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.” Place it near the affiliate link (not hidden on another page). |
✅Where to Post Links | Never use affiliate links in emails, PDFs, or offline content. Links must live on your blog, website, or another approved platform. |
✅No Cloaking | Don’t hide or shorten links in a way that masks Amazon as the destination. (Bit.ly, PrettyLinks, etc. are off-limits unless the full Amazon URL is visible.) |
✅Images & Banners | Only use images pulled directly from Amazon (via SiteStripe or official tools). |
✅Honest Claims | Don’t make misleading or false claims. Share your real experience and stick to what’s listed on the product page. |
✅Pricing | Don’t state fixed prices unless using Amazon’s API. Instead say: “Check today’s price on Amazon.” |
✅180-Day Rule | You must generate 3 qualifying sales in your first 180 days, or your account may be closed. |
✅Audits & Updates | Regularly check links, confirm disclosures are visible, and stay up-to-date with Amazon’s latest policy changes. |
I recently read on another blog post that the 3 sales within 180 days is JUST the first step in getting approved by Amazon. The real test comes after that, where Amazon will analyze your site and decide if you’re worthy or not. Fingers crossed, I get in this time! (Thank you PotPieGirl for that info.)
👉 If you’re just starting with Amazon Associates, don’t be discouraged if it takes a reset or two—keep going! Every mistake is a lesson, and every correction makes your business stronger. Keep this checklist in your toolbox.
The Audible Win
Here’s another bright spot: I dusted off an oldie but goodie—Audible (This is an affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases).
I’ve been a member for years, but I had overlooked and underestimated its potential as part of the Amazon Bounty program. (If you’re unfamiliar, Bounties are flat-rate commissions you earn when someone signs up for certain Amazon programs.)
I can’t tell you why I didn’t think of recommending it before. I guess I just didn’t connect the dots on this one. I use it every day; when I’m walking my dog (Homer), out for a run, or driving around for errands. My Premium Plus membership gives me one free credit a month, and I’ve happily paid for extras when I’ve run out if I came across a book I just had to have right away. Over time, I’ve devoured dozens of business and self-development books this way.
If you’re not into listening to books, I get it—I wasn’t either at first and I still like the feel of a good book in my hands. But when I’m on the move and want to maximize my productivity time, audiobooks are what I turn to.
Lessons From My “Not-So-Sprint”
Looking back, calling it a “sprint” was so freak’in naïve. I know better. This business isn’t about one-week challenges—it’s about showing up consistently, planting seeds, nurturing, and letting them grow.
So my sprint has turned into a marathon. Duh! And that’s the way it should be. Because I’m in it for the long run. I am enjoying my weekly progress reports though. They keep me accountable and help with consistency.
What keeps me going through the ups and downs is continued learning. Every time I hit play on an audiobook, I feel like I’ve got a little mentor in my pocket, nudging me back on track. These books have been a lifeline when the results weren’t immediate, and they continue to shape how I approach both my business and mindset. Check out my other post: Affiliate Marketing Strategy for Long-Term Success – Vibrant Thoughts Create
A Few Recommended Audible Reads 🎧
If you want to start stacking knowledge while walking the dog, folding laundry, or commuting, here are some books to start with:
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- $100M Offers by Alex Hormozi
- Amazon Associates Complete Guide by Dan Johnson
- Superfans by Pat Flynn
- Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
- Traction by Gabriel Weinberg & Justin Mares
These books have each shaped my mindset, strategies, and systems in different ways, all complimenting each other. And just when I’m getting down on myself or frustrated that my business isn’t progressing the way I think it should be or as quickly as I want it to, another “mentor” finds its way into my Audible recommendations. I like to think of it as the Universe’s way of saying, “I hear you, I’ve got you, try this…”
Happy listening!
