For many bloggers, the Amazon Affiliate Program is the first way they monetize their sites. It’s an easy program to get into and to use. But with the recent changes to the fee structures, some of these bloggers are rethinking their strategies.

Why? Well, where Amazon gives, they also take away.

Amazon Affiliate 101

Basically, the affiliate program allows affiliates to earn a commission for recommending a product that can be bought on the giant online site. For Amazon, it’s a way to advertise, but without advertising.

Prior to March 1, 2017, the commission fee structure was based on quantity. The more products you sold, the higher her commission based on a tier system.. Each tier you reached, moved your commission rate higher.

That’s not the structure now. Amazon has assigned fees to various categories. Some are lower (or none at all in the case of gift cards and wine) and some are higher. It has caused quite a stir in some parts of the Amazon seller community with some bemoaning a loss of income. Yikes, I do feel for these sellers.

Whenever there are changes such as this, there are also opportunities. And there are some products–niches–that will do very well.

And the Top Money-Making Niches for Amazon Affiliates Are…

There are lots of opportunities on Amazon and many of them will be great for lifestyle and mommy bloggers.

Digital Video Games, Luxury Beauty, and Amazon Coins are the three big winners with affiliate fees paying out 10%. That’s even higher than the previous top rate of 8.5% which required sales of 3,131 products. Wow!

This is an interesting combination of high-paying products. I can see mommy and parent blogs benefiting on the digital video games if they do reviews and recommendations for other parents.

I was surprised that luxury beauty products were a category in themselves. Who knew? These are the types of products that are sold in high-end department stores such as Macy’s. They are also the type of products that are perfect gift suggestions. Another plus of lifestyle and mommy bloggers.

The third of these 10 percenters is Amazon coin. I have to say, that was a new category to me, but I guess I don’t travel in those circles. I’m sure there are some smart bloggers who can figure out how to add these products to their sites and reap the affiliate benefits.

Furniture, Home, Home Improvement, Lawn & Garden, Pet Products and Amazon Pantry are five more categories earning high commissions. At 8%, Lifestyle bloggers are sure to love that. There are lots of ways to work in affiliate links or native ads (I’m loving the look of those).

There are tons of products in all of the above 8% categories that can be incorporated into blogs dealing with family and living. They are also great ideas for Amazon only websites. It’s all a matter of finding the right niche (and these are some of the best) and making it work.

Fashions bloggers also reap 7% in these categories: Apparel, Jewelry, Luggage, Shoes, Handbags & Accessories, and Watches. Mix in some with Luxury Beauty products and you might have a nice steady income.

Mommy bloggers could use these high-paying categories, too, especially if they add focus and recommend kids clothing and shoes. And of course, they will want to recommend those special things mommies loves, too. ♥

The chart below details more of the categories and fees they will pay. While it’s important to provide the readers of your blog with relevant product suggestions, it kind hurt to weave in the higher paying products.

If you’re still not sure how to incorporate the Amazon Affiliate Program into your blog, let me suggest How to Make Money with Amazon Affiliates – Over $1,000 Per Month Even with a Small Blog. It’s from Carolina over at Mama Instincts and it’s filled with lots of good info. I’ve just been through this 83-page book (which also has lots of worksheets and actions items) and have picked up some ideas to put into use.

Adding affiliate links to a blog is a great way to monitize a site and the Amazon is one of the easiest. If you haven’t arealdy tried it, don’t hestitate… and make sure you’re choices the best (and hightest) paying products you can.

Do stop by again for more work from home ideas,