The Amazon Associates program is one of the best affiliate networks to get started with as a beginner. The first sale is often the hardest, and I received my first with their program.
But the Amazon Associates Central isn’t always the easiest to use. The product search is still a little clunky, even in 2019.
Disclaimer: Links throughout the article may be affiliated . If you click one of these links and make a purchase, we will get a commission.
Copying and pasting affiliate links from Amazon is extremely frustrating. Having multiple tabs open and continuously switching between pages to add links from the Site Stripe or your affiliate dashboard is not conducive to our workflow as affiliates.
AAWP is here to save the day.
Contents
Overview of AAWP (Amazon Affiliate WordPress Plugin)
AAWP is known as the Amazon Affiliate WordPress Plugin. The software creates product boxes and tables with ease allowing affiliates to increase their click-through-rates and conversions on Amazon.
I was turned on to the plugin when I saw users commenting in a live chat during one of Doug Cunnington’s broadcasts. Someone asked if the plugin was a good option, and I was intrigued to check it out.
How AAWP Works
The plugin connects to your Associates account using the Product Advertising API. The only issue, however, is you need to be sending Amazon a certain amount of sales each month to be able to use their API.
Amazon recently updated its rates policy to limit accounts that aren’t driving significant revenue. In other words, you may not be able to use the plugin right off the bat.
But if you manage to qualify to use the Product Advertising API, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
The Functions of AAWP
The Amazon Affiliate WordPress Plugin features product boxes, text links, comparison tables, bestseller lists, widgets, and more.
While I don’t use all of the features, some are invaluable if you decide to use the plugin.
Product Boxes
Adding product boxes is as easy as finding the ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Numbers) and using a simple shortcode to display them.
Now, my product boxes look a little bit different, as I’ve added some custom CSS to style them.
Here’s an example of how the shortcode looks:
[amazon box=”B01DFKBG54″ /]
Even though you still have to cycle between two tabs in a browser window, it’s far faster than using the Site Stripe toolbar.
Text Links
I’ve never actively used text links with AAWP, but I assume they could be useful. I instead paste the links myself, and it does take a little more time. You can use the plugin for this feature if you’d like.
Comparison Tables
The comparison tables included with AAWP are arguably the most significant selling feature. Adding a table to listicles or buyer intent articles can dramatically increase your CTR and conversion rate.
When I implemented AAWP tables on my top articles, I saw a massive increase in my Amazon affiliate earnings across the board.
You can easily add features, images, star ratings and price, and any custom text you’d like. AAWP is compliant with the Amazon Associates Terms of Service, so there’s no risk of getting banned from their program (except for one exception, so read on).
My biggest complaint with the tables is the lack of the ability to make them horizontal, something you can do with my custom Content Egg template.
Horizontal tables seem to be converting better. But don’t take my word for it. Kurt Philip from Convertica.org included horizontal tables in his 12-Step Checklist for Perfecting Your CRO article.
Despite me saying the plugin is Amazon compliant, whatever you do, DO NOT use Amazon’s logo with your buttons. That’s a surefire way to get yourself banned as an affiliate.
Bestseller and New Releases Lists
I haven’t personally used bestseller or new releases lists, but I can see lots of affiliates using it on specific posts.
Best seller and new release lists are perfect for utilizing these two features. The plugin crawls data from Amazon and pulls top products in every niche.
Data Fields
AAWP features a more complex feature known as Data Fields. You can pull specific information from a product like the title, description, or price.
I’ve never found data fields useful, but I’m sure someone out there does. I like to write my content (and encourage you to do so as well), instead of pulling it from an Amazon product description.
Wrapping Up
I love the Amazon Affiliate WordPress Plugin. I’ve had it active on my website for over a year now. I’ve moved away from their tables, but still continue to use product boxes, due to their ease of use.
Alternatives to AAWP — If you want to save some cash, check out Content Egg. It’s a free plugin that operates in a similar fashion to the Amazon Affiliate WordPress Plugin. I even created a free table template you can download for free at this link, though it’s recommended that you use the Pro version with my template.
Despite some of its quirkiness, AAWP is by far one of the best WordPress plugins for Amazon affiliates.
What do you think of the Amazon Associates WordPress Plugin? Have you used it before? We’d love to hear from you down below in the comments.
Thanks for reading, once again!
AAWP Review — Our Rating
- Features
- Value
- Ease of Use
Summary
AAWP is a perfect plugin for affiliate marketers who need a simple solution to display product boxes and comparison tables.
9 Comments. Leave new
“Copying and pasting affiliate links from Amazon is extremely frustrating. Having multiple tabs open and continuously switching between pages to add links from the Site Stripe or your affiliate dashboard is not conducive to our workflow as affiliates.”
Don’t you have to do this anyway with AAWP? You still have to have multiple windows open and copy/paste ASIN’s. Furthermore – you have to create and insert complicated strings of shortcode for the plugin to produce any front end functionality. Not user-friendly at all, in my opinion.
Yeah – I’ve tried AAWP. I wasn’t impressed at all. I think it sucks!
Thanks Matthew, I suppose I found the workflow a little easier just copying the ASIN rather than dealing with raw HTML from SiteStripe. You make a lot of valid points!
I’ve since moved on to using Content Egg for tables and pretty much have eliminated AAWP from my site. That said, I think it’s still a good tool to use if you need an easy solution for decent-looking product boxes that pull information in real time via Amazon’s API.
Hi Mathew, Love your blog. I believe you use Amalink Pro? Or, do you use Content Egg, which Nick recommends? I am evaluating these three. Another blogger I follow complained about Amalink’s tables (https://youtu.be/gLwuJF680t8). Have you had this issue and, if yes, then were you able to solve it? Finally, do you use any kind of link management tool like Genius Link (https://www.geni.us/)? Thanks!
Hey Mike! We aren’t affiliated with a Mathew—maybe he used the name in the past, but we saw the name was for sale a while back and LOVED it.
I have used both Content Egg and AAWP, but I haven’t tried Amalink Pro. Also, WP Eagle has a fantastic channel; I’m in his Facebook group! The table builder in Amalink Pro is similar to AAWP—they’re both a little clunky, like Alex says. However, in the demo he shows, he is using the non-API version. I wonder if you connected to Amazon’s API if it would be a better experience.
Anyone reading this in the future who is unaware, you need to make three qualifying sales to gain access to the API. You also need to maintain sales every month after to maintain access.
That said, AAWP’s tables seem to be more responsive, especially for mobile. With the way mobile traffic is these days, you absolutely need that.
I used to use Genius Link a loooonngg time ago on my blog. I ended up ditching it and just use OneLink now. I didn’t see any added benefit to using their links. With the way Amazon is, I figured it’s best to follow their advice and use the links they provide. I always use the long links, as well.
Thanks for commenting again! Let me know if you have any other questions and I’ll try to help out!
I think it would be nice if mike had mentioned that he is the creater for amalinks pro (competitor of aawp). i think i had read your same comment on anther site called nichesite or something like that and the guy also said that you should have mentioned that you are the creater of amalinks pro. it seems like you have some kind of personal issues with aawp..!
You made a lot valid points here Nick. Great review! Don’t get me wrong, I do like AAWP, but AmaLinksPro does solve a lot of the problems you mentioned. Definitely recommend checking it out.
However, I know a lot of people still use and will continue to use AAWP, which is why I recommend the Chrome extension AMZ Table Assistant. No more switching tabs – just build “Copy AAWP Shortcode” buttons right on Amazon.com!
Hi, do you have any recommendations on a plugin to promote multiple affiliate programs (not just Amazon but other companies)? I just bought Content Egg Pro but their support hardly ever responds. I am thinking of Genius Link but trying to figure out if it can make the images look good like in Content Egg Pro. While Content Egg Pro covers a lot of affiliate networks, there are a few I need that they don’t have. I am even seeing if Genius Link can be combined with something else. Thanks.
Hey Todd,
I used to use Genius link across my entire site, but I eventually ditched it. I was paying a very little amount for something I rarely ever used, to be honest. Content Egg’s support does suck pretty bad, it’s unfortunate. I just started using a new affiliate plugin called Lasso. It tracks all the links across your website, has awesome-looking product boxes, and I think it even auto-adds links if you need (I haven’t messed with that though, that’s out of my control, not a fan).
In regard to a way to display products in a table setting outside of Amazon, I’ve switched away from Content Egg, myself, and moved to a free/relatively cheap table plugin called Niche Table. Hope that helps a bit!
Thank you! I have also been looking at Lasso as well. I read another blogger’s review of Lasso who said in October of this year that it resulted in many errors across his site, so he discontinued it. I am assuming the issue (if it came from Lasso) is fixed. I will relook at their product again. I love your site and will bookmark it for future reading.