So, you’re thinking about becoming an Amazon influencer or ramping up your Amazon reviews? Let’s dive into how to turn your endless Amazon purchases into a side hustle and why sometimes, free stuff is (shockingly) not worth it.
1. Review What You Already Own (Yes, Even That Dusty Bread Maker)
Step one is simple: start with the stuff you already have. Amazon lets you review any product you’ve bought, which means you don’t have to spend a dime to start. I went through my entire Amazon order history, reviewed nearly everything, and then turned my attention to things I’d bought elsewhere, like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and even Target. Amazingly, many of those products are also sold on Amazon, so there was no shortage of items to cover!
Pro Tip:
You don’t even have to stop at what you own. I found myself raiding my own house, friends’ places, and even my garage for anything Amazon carries. I have about 320 product reviews so far, and the reviews keep coming.
2. Free Products Galore! (Just Be Careful What You Wish For)
Within days of joining the Amazon Influencer Program, I started getting messages from sellers eager for me to review their products. At first, I was all in: Free stuff? Yes, please! But here’s the catch: a lot of these offers come from companies that might not have the best English or the best-selling products. And sure, there’s some gold in the pile, but you’ll also find a lot of stuff you’d rather not clutter your garage with.
Pro Tip:
If you’re getting serious about reviewing, get yourself a P.O. Box. Trust me; you don’t want to give your home address to random sellers.
3. Should You Charge for Reviews? (Short Answer: Yes, Eventually)
When I started, I reviewed products just to get my feet wet, but over time I realized not all products are worth my time, even for free. Some Amazon sellers won’t pay, but others will happily drop $20 or $30 per review. The tricky part is figuring out who’s who, so experiment a little. Some influencers charge $50 or more, so there’s definitely room to negotiate once you build up a reputation.
Pro Tip:
Always disclose if you got a product for free. Amazon requires it, and it keeps everything transparent. A simple #ad in your title of the Amazon Shoppable Video is all you need to include to be compliant (and protect your valuable income stream)
4. Running Low on Stuff to Review? Raid Friends and Family
Once I ran out of things to review in my own house (and that took a while), I realized I could expand my “inventory” by reviewing products at friends’ and family’s houses. Just ask if they’re okay with it, and bam! Fresh products to showcase without spending a dime.
5. Choosing the Right Products (It’s All About the Numbers)
After a few months of blindly reviewing anything I could get my hands on, I realized that product popularity matters a lot. Amazon’s Best Sellers list is your new best friend. Start by picking items in the top 100 that don’t have six review videos already – these have a higher chance of ranking well. I check the product’s best-seller rank (lower is better), the number of ratings (higher is better), and the competition.
Pro Tip:
Check out “Amazon’s Choice” items and products with high best-seller rankings for better earning potential. And don’t waste time on products that are priced too low or have poor sales – they rarely make enough commission to be worth it.
6. Experiment, Adjust, Repeat
As you gain experience, you’ll get a feel for what works for you and what doesn’t. If you’re investing time and effort, focus on products that offer higher commissions. A $10 item might bring you 12 cents per sale, but reviewing a $50 item with high demand will get you a lot more. Plus, Amazon has millions of products, so the opportunities are endless!
So, go ahead, dive into your returns list, make use of that P.O. box, and get reviewing – there’s no telling what you’ll find or where it’ll lead. Happy reviewing!
