Like most bloggers, I’ve dabbled with being an Amazon associate and I have earned some nice pocket money from writing reviews about things I’ve bought and used myself. (like my review of the Tefal quick cup).
I don’t have time for reviews!
Being the constant coding geek that I am, I’ve always preferred to write code than write reviews simply because it’s painful for me to write even a few paragraphs of text about something like a hot water maker but it’s a joy to spend the entire day tapping away writing a multi thousand line PHP script to do something that most people would consider useless! (oh to be a coder!) 
TIP: Use Amazon for images
If you’re an Amazon associate then if you’re signed in when you visit any page on Amazon, you can see an admin bar at the top of the page like this
Whenever you’re writing a post on your blog there’s a good chance that you’re going to want to include an image. Now, you could go and pay for an image from iStockphoto or search flickr for a creative commons image and be sure to attribute it to the photographer but, how about a way to do it for free and maybe make some money too?
Amazon has a bazillion products so there’s a very good chance that there’s an image they host on their worldwide content delivery networked servers that will fit your needs. Just head on over to the Amazon site, search for something to do with your image and use the affiliate bar to link to the image. done!
Example
Let’s take Mitz Pantics’ excellent recent post about the Google Panda update, instead of a custom created image of a panda, let’s see what turns up on Amazon for the term ‘panda’
There is a whole load of results for the term ‘panda’!
Choose one of them by clicking on it and then click the ‘link to this page’ 
Then you will see this page (click to expand)
Just copy and paste that code into the post and you’ve got an image for free, it’s hosted on a CDN so you know it’s going to load fast and it takes up no space on your server.
And you also make money!
So you get all the advantages of free image hosting on a CDN and the super awesome amazing bonus is that you get a chance to make money from it!
If anyone clicks on the image, they get taken to the Amazon page for that product and if they buy it, well, you get paid a commission! woot
Not only that, because of the way Amazon works, they don’t even have to buy that particular item. They can buy anything on the site and you get paid a commission. Imagine, linking to a panda bear and getting paid a commission on an ipod.
Amazons army of Jedi Sales Geeks
Amazon are masters of the sale, they have an entire army of marketing geeks whose only job is to construct pages that SELL. I’ve been jedi-mind-tricked many times into buying something from Amazon when I saw one of their fancy ads on the page while I was looking for something completely different, chances are that you have too. Chances are that lots of people have, they could be the people that clicked the image in your post.
It gets better! Amazon have 24 hour cookies, so the person doesn’t even have to buy on that day! as long as they haven’t clicked anyone elses links within 24 hours of clicking one of your images and buy something from Amazon, you get paid!
Do it the EasyAzon way
The only issue is if your visitors are not from the same country as the Amazon site that you link to. Luckily there’s a new plugin out called EasyAzon which takes care of all that by having auto localization. You just choose the item in the convenient box under the post edit area (see this image)
Here’s a video I made about the super awesome amazing tip and a quick tour of the features of EasyAzon
Twitter: grandmainternet
says:
Hi Andy;
Thank you for this tip. I very much appreciate both the advice on using the images straight from Amazon and the plugin. I have several Amazon sites and I had heard that there was a plugin that would recognize the country but I did not know how to find it. On my sites Grandma’s Toy Review and Top Ten Christmas Ideas this plugin will be like gold.
Pat Tate recently posted..Should You Be Personal Online
Twitter: commentluv
says:
Hi pat,
it is pretty amazing to use and I’ve already started using it to show images within posts, I’m hoping it’ll work out well!
Andy Bailey recently posted..10 top bloggers
Twitter: pen4hire
says:
WOW! Exactly what I have been looking for. I wanted to make life easier for my readers from Britain and Canada. This is absolutely perfect for my book and movie review site.
Vera Marie Badertscher recently posted..Ground Breaking Jordanian Film
Twitter: commentluv
says:
Hey Vera, glad you think it’s useful. I am going to be using it all the time now!
Twitter: bodynsoil
says:
This is a fantastic post and the second post regarding Amazon Affiliation I have seen today. The other discussed a wordpress app but this approach seems much more user friendly and multipurpose. I will be sure to put this into action very soon on my blog. Thank you for posting.
Bodynsoil recently posted..How To- Your Home Drip Water Irrigation System
Twitter: commentluv
says:
you’re welcome, thanks for the comment! be sure to let me know how you get on with it.
Andy Bailey recently posted..Godaddy coupons and vouchers for com and hosting
Twitter: writerromana
says:
Wow, that is the coolest tip. I never would have thought of that. I’ve had good luck with Amazon: because they sell such a wide variety and have those 24 hour cookies, sending people there for any reason usually nets me a 5-7% conversion rate on _something_. 99% of the time, it’s not the item I linked to, but rather, the underwear, blank CD’s, or vitamins they were going to buy that day anyway. Now I have one more way to send them over.
Maria Spicer recently posted..No Posts Were Found!
Twitter: commentluv
says:
yep, it’s a super awesome amazing tip for sure! it’s a lot easier with the easy azon plugin too! I have been using it to replace the images on my old posts too.
Andy Bailey recently posted..10 top bloggers
This is a fantastic post. I am an Amazon affiliate but never made a single penny. But I never knew that I could use some free pictures and try my luck.
Sailor recently posted..Cruise the Southern Caribbean
Twitter: commentluv
says:
yes it’s amazing isn’t it? I don’t think many people are using it like this
Andy Bailey recently posted..It’s here- come and get it
Thanks Andy!
I’m an amazon affiliate, who writes reviews, but I’ve yet to make any money from it.
Thanks for providing an alternative view of things…
Cheers,
Akos
ab77 recently posted..The most coffee I’ve ever drunk
Twitter: commentluv
says:
yep, it’s a good alternative because not everyone can write reviews or wants to. this way you can just write what you were going to write anyway!
Andy Bailey recently posted..Time To Get Guest Blog Traffic
Twitter: Mazzastick
says:
Hey Andy,
Thanks for the useful post. I haven’t been utilizing Amazon enough lately. Now I have a new idea that I can put into action. Thanks again.
Justin | Mazzastick recently posted..Are You A Zombie
Twitter: commentluv
says:
it’s a good way to add another little unobtrusive thing on your site that can earn you some cash.
Andy Bailey recently posted..10 top bloggers
Twitter: junevaa
says:
yeah.. thanks for the tips, Andy!
macist recently posted..Chyna Ends Relationship with PR Firm
Twitter: commentluv
says:
hey you’re welcome!
Andy Bailey recently posted..5 SEO Tips to Fight Back After the Google Panda Update
Twitter: blogmobilepro
says:
Thanks for the tips Andy. This is like killing two birds with one post; a nice free image n earning potential. One might decide to first search for an interesting product image and then write a post (not review) to connect with it…
Really worth reading..
Ikenna Odinaka recently posted..How to Create Free Custom Email Address for your Blog-website- like email@yoursitecom
Twitter: commentluv
says:
that’s a good idea, a good pool of inspiration that can be turned into money!
Great tip Andy. Your own personal CDN paid for by Amazon
.
Also made me chuckle when I couldn’t help clicking on your post graphic, just to see where I ended up on Amazon.
Martin recently posted..Stock Trading Guide
Twitter: commentluv
says:
haha, my evil plan worked! now go buy that million dollar yacht!
Twitter: Alexwhalley23
says:
That’s genius man!
LOL, all this time of running a blog and meanwhile making money with Amazon niche sites and I never thought of this!
Damn, you’re an ideas man!
Oh btw, your plugin gets a mention in my latest post, well actually – one of the new features gets a mention more to the point. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one actually.
Awesome post man, really creative thinking!
Alex recently posted..You Can Lead a Horse to Water- But Stop Making Me &@ Subscribe!
Twitter: commentluv
says:
yeah I thought of this because I don’t have time to make niche or review sites. this way I can link to amazon without having to make a post specifically to do it.
I read your post about the registration feature, it’s how the original plugin worked when it required comluv.com so when I made the standalone version, I carried over all the same features. it’s very easy to set it to not require registration, just check a box in the settings page.
Andy Bailey recently posted..It’s here- come and get it
Twitter: wordpresswb
says:
Hi Andy
Cool video Andy…You are a comedian as well as a teacher! I love your idea about inserting Amazon pictures into your posts! Excellent idea and perfect for one of my websites!
Also thanks for sending Chris my way..The EazyAzon plugin is great and I think it’s a keeper! Definitely going to use this plugin to insert those images you suggested in two seconds!
You also said you love coding…I have an idea for a plugin that I want to get made…Can you recommend anyone?
Mitz Pantic recently posted..EasyAzon Amazon Affiliate WordPress Plugin
Twitter: commentluv
says:
hey Mitz, when Chris asked I immediately thought of you!
if you have an interesting idea for a plugin then send it over in an email, we can talk about it!
Andy Bailey recently posted..FiredWok Wifi
Twitter: veryveryblessed
says:
I was not aware of this. I learned something new again. Thanks for sharing this.
Twitter: commentluv
says:
you’re welcome Betty!
Andy Bailey recently posted..9 Simple Strategies for Making a Successful Business Presentation
I think I’m gonna try this one. I never wondered that earning money online is possible. Wow! It makes me inspired. I just started blogging just a month ago and I really found so much stuffs on other blogs like this one, earning money with amazon. Thanks for this tip!
Kathy recently posted..Happy Birthday To Me! I am now 18 Years Old
I just read about EasyAzon a few hours ago and now i see you mentioning it too. So now i really have to try it, can’t escape fate.
Just watching the video and it looks good.
Antonia recently posted..Using Connection Hooks in Hypnosis
Twitter: commentluv
says:
haha yes, actually it’s been me staking you!
Andy Bailey recently posted..Keep An Eye On Those WordPress Plugins
Thanks for that, it is great for bloggers, I was interested as I’m frustrated with Amazon A-stores, where people, mainly from UK, keep putting things in carts, then finding they can’t have it! Amazon themselves should do something about this to maximize sales.
Sara recently posted..Puppia Harness Review
Twitter: commentluv
says:
I know what you mean! I pretty much gave up on Amazon because of that same reason, now it’s all good though I can happily link to (almost) any product!
Andy Bailey recently posted..Respect My Authoritaaaaah!…Please
I looked into amazon a while back, but wondered if it was worth the effort. I really should give it a go, but I don’t know if it is worth the time. And if the earnings really amount too much. I guess only one way to know for sure is to give it a whirl.
Ray recently posted..The new Google 1 button
Twitter: commentluv
says:
yep, give it a go. there’s no harm in trying!
Andy Bailey recently posted..Time To Get Guest Blog Traffic
Twitter: seosemanalytics
says:
I really don’t think Amazon is quite a good way to make money now. Maybe it was about 5 years ago, just like eBay, but now, when there are hundreds of affiliate programs that offer commissions up to 75%, why bother with amazon? better use Clickbank and CJ or some pay per lead campaigns, you’ll make more money, I guess
Iulian recently posted..Ce sunt backlinkurile
Twitter: commentluv
says:
I agree that you can make more commission on clickbank or CJ but those sites pretty much only sell digital products. they wont be any good to link to things like digital cameras or real physical goods like that
Andy Bailey recently posted..iPhone and Android Menu App
Twitter: cpasitesolution
says:
Wow, that’s something amazing. Thanks so much for sharing this with us, and for actually explaining what the Amazon Affiliate program really does and how it functions..Keep up the good work and because of this post, I am looking forward to starting the program myself.
Twitter: techxpot
says:
hey,that was great!
Nice info..
abejith recently posted..Essential Tips for Bloggers
Twitter: lyndsysimon
says:
I’ve recently begun making some decent profit with Amazon — and then they announced that they were shutting down Arkansas affiliates. Yay.
It’s cost me a bit to get around it, but I think it’s going to be worth it. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise – fewer affiliates out there to compete against.
Man that really sucks – there was talk about a similar law being passed in Minnesota, so far it hasn’t gone through but that fear is always there. It is really stupid tho since Amazon just dumps the affiliates for that state so the law doesn’t actually bring in any extra revenue.
What have you done to “get around it”? I hope it works out for you.
Chris recently posted..Invicta Men’s Watches
Twitter: pippasweb
says:
Interesting idea, will be looking into this especially as I’ve never got anywhere with affiliates before. Thanks for the post and the info.
Twitter: miftanurdin
says:
Is Amazon approve all country like Indonesia?
Mifta recently posted..Get Free Domain From dottk
Twitter: commentluv
says:
I don’t think it is, you should be able to find out on their website
It’s an Amazing plugin, I have read Chris Guthrie’s book on Amazon and have seen some Amazing sales on my RC helicopter and high heel review site ! people click on one item but end up buying something entirely different and even multiple items most of the time ! It’s great I love not having to keep copying and pasting like the old times, with this plugin I can do it straight from my WordPress blog !
Thanks for this helpful post by the way =)
gains36 recently posted..iPad 2 Review- The New iPad 2 Features
Hi Andy,
I love this idea! The only thing I don’t understand is where that toolbar is. I am an Amazon Associate, but I don’t have that toolbar and when I log in to Amazon, I don’t see it.
Is it something I have to download separately?
Thanks for a great idea! I will put it to use very soon…
deer
deerwatson recently posted..I Heart CommentLuv…
Andy, I found it!
Just had to hunt around for a few minutes…
Thanks again!
deer
deerwatson recently posted..Once Upon a Time…
That auto localization feature is a great benefit – I am using phpzon on my sites and I really wish they had that feature, I wonder how many sales are being lost because of out of country visitors.
Chris recently posted..Men’s Invicta Russian Diver Collection
Thanks for the info Andy, i’ll definitely try that plugin out. I’m an affiliate with amazon, clickbank and alot of c.p.a networks and you can still make good money as an amazon affiliate. Some people think because the payout percentage is so small that you can’t, but they’re wrong. Just make sure the product you promote is quite expensive… like $300. The upside of promoting physical products is that competition is low compared to digital stuff like clickbank and you don’t have to do much preselling.
samantha35 recently posted..Cellulite on Thighs- How to Get Rid of It
Twitter: rohitbatra14
says:
thanks Andy for sharing that easyazon plugin now we can make more conversions from Amazon..
Rohit Batra recently posted..How to Make SHSH Blobs of iPod Touch 4G Manually
Twitter: justathou
says:
The more options you have on your blog, the more marketable it becomes during each visit. Give the visitor another reason to purchase while on your site! Will make that inclusion right away!
Thanks for the info!
Connie L. Drumgold recently posted..7 Steps To Instant Viral Income Online