Affiliate marketing is one of the best ways to monetize a blog, especially for beginners. But choosing the right affiliate program can be confusing. Two of the most popular platforms — Amazon Associates and ShareASale — each have their pros and cons.
So, which one should you start with?
This guide will break down both platforms in detail, comparing key features like commission rates, product variety, ease of use, and suitability for beginners.
What Is Amazon Associates?
Amazon Associates is the official affiliate program of Amazon. It allows you to earn a commission by linking to products sold on Amazon.com. When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn a small percentage.
Key Features:
- Trusted platform with global reach
- Massive product catalog
- Easy-to-generate affiliate links
- Quick approval process for new bloggers
What Is ShareASale?
ShareASale is an affiliate network that connects bloggers with thousands of merchants in different niches. Unlike Amazon, which is a single merchant, ShareASale is a marketplace of affiliate programs.
Key Features:
- Over 21,000+ merchants across categories
- Higher commission rates for many programs
- Options for recurring commissions (e.g., software tools)
- More control over your partnerships
Amazon Associates vs ShareASale: Key Comparisons
1. Ease of Use
Amazon Associates:
- Extremely beginner-friendly
- Easy link creation with the SiteStripe toolbar
- Integrates well with WordPress plugins like AAWP
ShareASale:
- Slightly more complex interface
- Manual approval needed for each merchant
- More customization options (but requires learning curve)
Winner: Amazon Associates (for beginners)
2. Commission Rates
Amazon Associates:
- Ranges from 1% to 10% depending on category
- 24-hour cookie window
- Most items like electronics and furniture = 3%–4%
ShareASale:
- Ranges from 5% to 50%+ (depending on the merchant)
- 30-day+ cookie windows common
- Recurring commissions possible (e.g., SaaS products)
Winner: ShareASale (for higher earnings)
3. Product Variety
Amazon Associates:
- Virtually unlimited product categories
- Covers physical products and some digital items
ShareASale:
- Offers both physical and digital products
- Specializes in niche stores, services, and subscriptions
Winner: Tie — Amazon for volume, ShareASale for niche products
4. Approval & Policies
Amazon Associates:
- Easy signup, but you must make 3 sales in 180 days to stay approved
- Strict compliance policies — may get banned easily
ShareASale:
- Application required for each merchant
- Policies vary by program, but usually less restrictive
Winner: ShareASale (more flexibility)
5. Payout Options
Amazon Associates:
- Minimum payout: $10 (gift card), $100 (bank)
- Payment methods: Gift card, direct deposit, check
ShareASale:
- Minimum payout: $50
- Payment via PayPal or direct deposit
Winner: Amazon Associates (lower threshold, more options)
When to Choose Amazon Associates
Amazon Associates is ideal if:
- You’re just getting started and want a quick setup
- Your niche includes general consumer products (e.g., kitchen, books, electronics)
- You want to earn from impulse buys and cross-sales
When to Choose ShareASale
Choose ShareASale if:
- You’re targeting high-commission niches (e.g., finance, software, fashion)
- You want to promote subscriptions or recurring services
- You’re comfortable applying to individual programs
Can You Use Both?
Absolutely! Many bloggers start with Amazon for its simplicity and then expand to ShareASale for better commissions. Diversifying your affiliate programs also protects your income if one platform changes policies.
Real-Life Use Case Examples
- New Blogger in Tech Niche: Start with Amazon for gadgets → Add ShareASale for VPN and hosting offers
- Lifestyle Blogger: Use Amazon for home decor → Add ShareASale for boutique fashion merchants
- Finance Blogger: Skip Amazon → Go straight to ShareASale for credit tools and investment platforms
Summary Table: Amazon Associates vs ShareASale
| Feature | Amazon Associates | ShareASale |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Difficulty | Very Easy | Moderate |
| Commission Rate | 1–10% | 5–50%+ |
| Cookie Duration | 24 hours | 30–90+ days |
| Product Range | Huge (general) | Wide (niche-focused) |
| Approval | Auto (needs 3 sales) | Manual (per merchant) |
| Best For | Beginners, general blogs | Niche blogs, SaaS, fashion |
Conclusion: Which One Should You Start With?
If you’re just launching your blog and want the fastest path to monetization, Amazon Associates is a solid starting point. It’s trusted, beginner-friendly, and easy to set up.
But if you’re focused on building a niche blog that scales, offers high-value content, and targets long-term monetization — ShareASale offers more growth potential, especially with higher commissions and niche products.
Pro Tip: Combine both platforms smartly. Start with Amazon, but as your traffic grows, incorporate ShareASale links into your blog posts, reviews, and resource pages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes! Many bloggers do. Just ensure your content remains relevant and you’re not spamming affiliate links.
Yes, both Amazon Associates and ShareASale require you to have an active blog or website.
