8 Ways To Make Money On Amazon Without Selling

Written by: Kim PinnelliPosted in: Earning Money
online business

Making money on Amazon doesn’t always mean selling products. You might think selling is the only way, but that’s false. There are many ways to earn without handling inventory or packing boxes.

For example, you can join programs like Amazon Associates or publish eBooks through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). These methods let you focus on sharing content or creating instead of managing stock.

This post will show you how to make money on Amazon without selling anything directly. It contains easy steps and valuable ideas for starting to earn today.

Keep reading, you’ll be surprised by what’s possible!

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1. Join the Amazon Associates Program

You can earn by promoting Amazon products through their affiliate program. Share links and get paid when people buy using your link.

Setting Up Your Account

Start by signing up for the Amazon Associates Program. Use your email to create an account. Based on your needs, choose between a professional selling plan and an individual plan. The Professional plan costs $39.99 monthly, while the Individual plan charges $0.99 per item sold.

Fill in your username, password, and payout details, such as bank information or tax data. Double-check everything before submitting it to avoid delays. After approval, you’ll get access to affiliate links to start earning faster!

Choosing the Right Products

Pick products that match your audience’s interests. Focus on niche products with high demand and low competition. Items like Kindle books, trending gadgets, or unique home goods often perform well.

Use tools like Amazon’s search suggestions to find popular items. Check reviews and ratings to ensure good quality. Promoting trusted and valuable items builds trust and earns you more clicks.

Promoting Through Blogs and Websites

Write blog posts about products you like from Amazon. Add your affiliate links in these posts. Each time someone buys through your link, you earn a commission.

Use search engine optimization (SEO) to attract more visitors. Pick keywords like “Amazon Associates” or “affiliate marketing.” Write content that answers questions or solves problems.

For example, review niche products people may want before buying.

Promoting Through Social Media and YouTube

Use social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to share links from the Amazon Associates Program. Show people how products work or explain their benefits. Use hashtags to reach more users and increase clicks on your links.

Create a YouTube channel for product reviews or tutorials. Add affiliate links in video descriptions. Videos with clear content can drive traffic fast. Amazon Influencer Program offers commission rates up to 20%, making this method very profitable if you have a strong online following.

2. Become an Amazon Influencer

You can earn by sharing product recommendations through your Amazon storefront.

Program Requirements and Application

A strong social media following is key for joining the Amazon Influencer Program. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok work best. Focus on growing an engaged audience. Consistent content and interaction with followers help.

To apply, log in to your Amazon account. Follow the steps to sign up as an influencer. Include links to your active social media accounts. Amazon checks your follower count and engagement before approval.

Creating a Storefront

Create your storefront through the Amazon Influencer Program. This lets you showcase recommended products in one place. You can personalize it with favorite items matching your audience’s interests.

Earn commissions up to 20% on sales made through your storefront. Share content like product reviews or demos to guide shoppers. Use social media, live streams, and blogs to drive traffic to your page effortlessly.

Monetizing with Content

Promote products on your Amazon storefront to earn commissions. Share reviews, tutorials, or demos using videos or posts. Use social media, YouTube, and blogs for more reach. The Amazon Influencer Program pays up to 20% in commission rates.

Post regularly to keep followers engaged. Add keywords like “best deals” or “top picks” in descriptions for better visibility. Tag relevant products to drive clicks and sales faster.

3. Publish with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

With Amazon KDP, you can earn money by publishing eBooks or printed books. Share your knowledge, stories, or ideas and reach millions of readers worldwide.

Creating and Publishing eBooks

Write your eBook using tools like Google Docs or Microsoft Word. Stick to a topic people search for, such as niche products or how-to guides. Popular subjects attract more readers and higher sales.

Upload your finished eBook to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Set a price between $2.99 and $9.99 to earn up to 70% royalties per sale. Adding simple keywords like “Kindle store” or “online shopping” helps improve your eBook’s visibility in search results.

Publishing Low-Content or Print Books

Low-content books like journals, planners, and notebooks sell well. These are easy to make using Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). You don’t need long text or designs. Just simple templates work.

Set your book’s price carefully since paperback royalties are 60% after printing costs.

Keep the pricing sweet for maximum earnings. Books priced between $2.99 and $9.99 can earn up to 70%. Use free online tools to create covers and layouts quickly without spending much on production costs!

Maximizing Royalties

Price your eBook between $2.99 and $9.99 to earn up to 70% royalty on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Keep the content engaging and relevant to attract more readers. Viral books often lead to six or seven figure royalties and focus on niche topics or trending themes.

Promote your book using social media, blogs, and email lists. Use Amazon’s keyword tools for better reach in search results. A strong cover design can also boost sales. More downloads mean higher earnings over time!

4. Design for Merch by Amazon

Merch by Amazon lets you earn without handling inventory. Upload designs, and they handle printing, shipping, and customer service!

Uploading Designs

Start by creating your design using tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator. Save the file in PNG format with a transparent background. Ensure it meets Amazon’s size requirements: at least 4500 x 5400 pixels.

Log in to Merch by Amazon and upload your design to a product template. Choose products like T-shirts, hoodies, or tote bags. Write clear titles and descriptions using keywords such as “merch on demand” or “niche products.” Set prices carefully. This impacts royalties ranging from $1.93 to $9.32 per sale, depending on the item and price point.

Once approved, your product goes live for customers!

Creating Evergreen and Trendy Products

Focus on designs that last. Evergreen products, like holiday themes or quotes, sell year-round. Trendy items can boost quick profits, and use current events and pop culture for ideas.

Research Amazon’s top-selling merchandise to spot patterns. Tools like Google Trends help track what’s popular. This mix of evergreen and trendy designs increases your chances of earning more royalties through Merch by Amazon.

Earning Royalties

You can earn royalties by uploading designs to Merch by Amazon. You get paid each time someone buys your design on a product, like a t-shirt or mug. For t-shirts, royalties range from $1.93 to $9.32 per sale.

Some designers make $300 monthly, while top earners make up to $50,000 monthly. Create trendy and evergreen designs for steady income. Aim for popular niches and keep your designs unique to attract more buyers.

5. Get Paid for Small Tasks with Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk)

Work on short online tasks with Amazon Mechanical Turk and earn extra cash.

Registering and Finding Tasks

Sign up on the Amazon Mechanical Turk website to get started. You need an active Amazon account and basic details like your name and address. After approval, you can access tasks right away.

Look for jobs labeled “easy” or “quick.” Tasks may include data entry, surveys, or content moderation. Each task pays $0.10 to $0.50 on average. Stay consistent, top workers make over $500 a month! Use filters to find high-paying gigs faster.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings

Focus on tasks that pay more, like data entry or transcription. These jobs on Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) often offer higher payouts than simple surveys. Look for jobs labeled as “Masters.” They may require approval, but usually pay better.

Work quickly and carefully to complete more tasks in less time. Earning $500+ monthly is possible if you take high-paying jobs and avoid ones below $0.10 per task. Use breaks wisely to stay alert and productive during long sessions.

6. Narrate Audiobooks through ACX

Turn your voice into income, start narrating audiobooks on ACX and explore a growing way to earn through storytelling.

Getting Started with Audiobook Narration

Start by signing up for ACX, Amazon’s audiobook creation platform. Create a strong profile that showcases your voice skills. Include sample recordings to attract authors and publishers.

The authors post projects, and you can audition by submitting short readings of their scripts.

Practice is key to improving your narration style. Many narrators earn around $150 per finished hour of recording. Some even reach six-figure incomes with consistent work. Invest in quality equipment, such as a good microphone and soundproofing materials, to produce clear audio.

Building a Portfolio

Show off your skills with strong samples. Record audiobooks that match different genres. Use clear voices and keep consistent tones to impress clients.

In the beginning, aim for at least 3 to 5 projects. Highlight them on platforms like ACX or personal websites. High-quality work helps you get better offers faster, leading to more income opportunities.

Royalty and Payment Options

You can earn royalties for each audiobook you narrate on ACX. Payments come from a share of sales or a set rate per finished hour. Many voice actors choose the royalty-sharing option to create passive income over time.

For example, through narration, vocal artist Diane earned $92,000 in just one year. Most narrators average about $150 per finished hour. Creating quality work could lead to steady earnings and even big payouts if your audiobooks do well!

7. Offer Local Services via Amazon Home Services

Offer your skills to local customers on Amazon Home Services. Set up a profile and get hired for tasks like cleaning or repairs.

Eligible Service Categories

Amazon Home Services includes plumbing, electrical work, and landscaping. You can also offer home cleaning or automotive services, which are popular choices for providing help locally.

Specialized options like furniture assembly and smart home device setup are available too. Other ideas include painting homes or setting up a home theater system. Many people look for these services every day!

Applying and Getting Booked

Start by creating a profile on Amazon Home Services. Fill in all details about your skills and expertise. List services like cleaning, repairs, or assembly if they match what you can offer.

Choose categories that fit your work well to attract the right customers.

Once approved, start getting bookings from nearby clients. Use quality photos and clear service descriptions to stand out. Reviews are key to offering excellent service to earn positive ones and increase your chances of getting more jobs.

8. Write Content for Amazon Creators and Sellers

Write product descriptions or eBooks to help Amazon creators. Many sellers seek writers to make their listings stand out and boost sales.

Ghostwriting eBooks

Ghostwriting eBooks can pay well. Many ghostwriters make over $2,000 each month. You write books for others, and they put their names on them. This job works excellently if you enjoy writing and don’t mind staying behind the scenes.

Clients often hire ghostwriters through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Some consultants charge up to $100 an hour for this work. To get more projects faster, focus on trending topics or niches in demand, like self-help or business tips.

Writing Product Descriptions

Write clear and straightforward product descriptions. Focus on the product’s benefits, not just features. Use short sentences to grab attention quickly. Match your tone with the brand’s style while keeping it easy to read.

Use keywords like “Amazon marketplace” or “niche products” for better SEO. Highlight unique details about each item you write about. Clear descriptions can help sellers improve customer engagement and boost sales.

Finding Freelance Opportunities

Offer your writing skills to Amazon sellers. Many need help with product descriptions or ghostwriting eBooks. You can earn over $2,000 a month doing this. Freelancers also assist creators with content for their brands.

Check freelance websites like Upwork and Fiverr to find gigs. Create a clear profile showing your skills in digital marketing or SEO. Highlight experience in crafting product descriptions or A+ content for the Amazon marketplace.

Some consultants charge up to $100 per hour, but set competitive rates as you grow!

Additional Ways to Earn with Amazon

There are even more ways to make money with Amazon. Explore their unique programs and services to add extra income streams.

Amazon Trade-In Program

Trade in old gadgets for Amazon gift cards. Send used phones, tablets, or electronics to Amazon. You can receive up to 25% of the original price as a gift card.

Clean items and check categories before submitting. Ship them free with provided labels. It’s an easy way to earn without selling anything directly.

Amazon Vine Reviewer Program

The Amazon Vine Reviewer Program gives you a chance to get free products. You review them honestly in exchange for this perk.

This helps items gain more visibility on the Amazon marketplace. Your reviews must be unbiased and helpful to shoppers. Companies rely on your feedback to boost sales and brand trust, making it a win-win deal.

Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex lets you deliver packages using your car. You can choose your schedule and earn between $18 and $25 an hour.

Pick delivery areas that work best for you. This program is suitable for both part-time and full-time work. It’s a great way to make extra money without long-term commitments.

Final Thoughts

Making money on Amazon without selling is easier than you think. You can join programs like Amazon Associates or become an influencer to earn commissions. Creating eBooks through Kindle Direct Publishing or designing items with Merch by Amazon also works well.

Tasks on Mechanical Turk, offering local services, or narrating audiobooks are great options too. These methods don’t require holding inventory or running ads. Pick a strategy that fits your skills and start small. Start today and see how far it takes you!

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