Get FREE Training Workshop from John Crestani
John Crestani has been recognized by Forbes, Business Insider, Entepreneur.com, and dozens of other publications for his success online. More importantly, he’s helped thousands of everyday people from around the world create success for themselves as well.
Can Amazon affiliate links be shortened?
Yes, Amazon affiliate links can be shortened, and it’s often a good idea to do so for both aesthetic and practical reasons. Shortened links are easier to share, look cleaner, and are more user-friendly, especially when you’re promoting them on platforms like social media or in emails where space can be limited.
How to Shorten Amazon Affiliate Links:
1. Using Amazon’s Built-in Link Shortener:
Amazon provides its own link shortener for affiliate links through the Amazon Associates dashboard. Here’s how to use it:
- Log in to your Amazon Associates account.
- Generate an affiliate link for the product you want to promote (using the tools available in the dashboard like “Product Linking” > “Text Links” or “Banner Ads”).
- Shorten the link:
- When you generate a regular affiliate link, there will be an option to shorten the URL.
- Amazon’s link shortener will provide you with a more concise version of the original link, typically like this:
- Copy and share the shortened link wherever you want to promote it, such as on social media, in blog posts, or via email.
This method ensures that the link remains within Amazon’s guidelines and retains your affiliate tracking information.
2. Using Third-Party URL Shorteners (with Caution):
If you’d like more control over your links or want additional customization, you can use third-party URL shorteners, like Bit.ly or TinyURL. However, there are some important considerations when using third-party services for affiliate links:
- Affiliate Link Disclosure: Always disclose that your link is an affiliate link, whether it’s shortened by Amazon’s tool or a third-party service. Use clear disclosures such as “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases” wherever the link is shared.
- Amazon’s Policy on Third-Party Shorteners: While third-party services like Bit.ly or TinyURL can be used to shorten links, you must ensure the link properly redirects to the Amazon product page and doesn’t violate Amazon’s terms. Some affiliates have reported that Amazon disallowed the use of third-party URL shorteners for certain types of promotions or in specific channels. To stay compliant, it’s best to use Amazon’s own shortening tool when possible.
3. Custom Shortened Links:
If you prefer even more branding control, you can create custom URL shorteners with services like Bit.ly where you can create your own domain (e.g., yourbrand.amz.to). This helps maintain a professional appearance and reinforces your branding. However, again, it’s essential to follow Amazon’s guidelines and ensure the shortened link redirects to Amazon correctly.
Why Shorten Amazon Affiliate Links?
- Aesthetics: Shortened links are much cleaner and visually appealing, making them more likely to be clicked, especially on social media platforms.
- Space-Saving: Short links are especially useful in character-limited environments like Twitter or in email subject lines.
- Improved Click-Through Rate (CTR): People are more likely to click on a short, simple link than a long, complicated URL.
- Easier Tracking: If you’re using a service like Bit.ly, you can track clicks, geography, and referrals in real-time, giving you more insight into the performance of your links.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Amazon’s Link Policy: Ensure that any shortened link, whether generated by Amazon or a third-party service, complies with Amazon’s Affiliate Program policies. For example, Amazon doesn’t allow affiliates to modify or obscure affiliate links in ways that might deceive users.
- No Incentivized Clicks: You cannot incentivize clicks or offer rewards for people clicking your affiliate links, even if the links are shortened.
Conclusion:
Yes, Amazon affiliate links can be shortened using Amazon’s built-in shortener or third-party services. Using Amazon’s shortener is the safest option as it keeps you fully compliant with Amazon’s policies. Shortened links are useful for sharing on social media, in emails, or on your website and can improve your link’s click-through rate (CTR). Always ensure you’re transparent and compliant with FTC disclosure requirements when using affiliate links.
