Are you looking for new ways to earn money online in Kenya?
Amazon has a variety of income streams you can tap into, for creatives, tech-savvy nerds, or passionate entrepreneurs.
By leveraging Amazon’s vast platform, you can find income streams that suit your strengths and interests.
From selling products to publishing books, there are diverse options to explore.
This article will guide you through eight alternative ways to make money from Amazon while living in Kenya.
Ways to make money from Amazon in Kenya
Table of contents
1) Amazon Associates program
The Amazon Associates Program is a popular way to earn money by promoting Amazon products. This program is free to join and allows you to earn commissions on sales generated through your affiliate links.
To get started, you need to sign up for the program through Amazon’s affiliate website.
Once approved, you can start selecting products to promote. Your primary task is to share these products using special affiliate links provided by Amazon.
How to get started with Amazon Associates:
- Sign up for the Amazon Associates program.
- Choose a niche that interests you.
- Create a website or blog.
- Write content that includes affiliate links to Amazon products.
- Promote your content to drive traffic.
Why affiliate marketing works:
- No inventory required: You don’t need to handle products yourself.
- Passive income: Earn commissions from sales made through your links.
- Scalable: As your audience grows, so does your earning potential.
When someone clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission. The commission rates typically range from 1% to 10%, depending on the product category.
This means you need to choose products that are both popular and relevant to your audience.
One effective strategy is to create content around the products you are promoting. This could be product reviews, comparison articles, or how-to guides.
Quality content can help attract more visitors to your site and increase the likelihood of clicks and purchases.
Social media can also be a great tool to share your affiliate links. Platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter (X) can help you reach a larger audience quickly.
Make sure your posts are engaging and target the right audience.
You should also consider using YouTube to create video reviews or unboxing videos. These types of videos can be very effective in converting views into sales. Make sure your videos are detailed and provide clear information about the products.
Remember to disclose your affiliate relationship to your audience. Being transparent helps build trust with your readers and viewers.
2) Publishing on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Publishing on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a great way to earn money if you have a knack for writing. With KDP, you can publish your eBooks and make them available to millions of Amazon customers worldwide.
You don’t need to be a professional writer to get started. Many successful KDP authors started as beginners.
Setting up an account is simple and free. With KDP, you can publish your book in both digital and paperback formats, giving you more ways to reach your audience.
KDP offers flexible royalty options. You can earn up to 70% in royalties for eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99, making it a lucrative platform for self-published authors.
Steps to publish on KDP:
- Write your eBook.
- Format it according to KDP guidelines.
- Create a captivating cover.
- Upload your formatted manuscript to KDP.
- Set your pricing and publish.
Benefits of KDP:
- Global audience: Your books are available to readers worldwide.
- Passive income: Earn royalties from each sale.
- Creative control: You have full control over your content and pricing.
An attractive feature of KDP is the ability to maintain full control over your book’s content and rights. You can make updates whenever you want without any hassle.
Promotion tools on KDP help authors get more visibility. Programs like Kindle Unlimited and Kindle Countdown Deals can increase your book’s exposure and sales.
Publishing on KDP requires little upfront investment. You can create your book cover using free resources or affordable freelance designers.
Understanding your audience and writing for their needs can make your books more successful.
Engage with your readers through social media or a personal blog to build a loyal fan base. Feedback from readers can help improve your future publications.
3) Selling handmade crafts on Amazon Handmade
![8 Ways to Make Money from Amazon in Kenya 1 Ways to make money from amazon in Kenya sell handmade products](https://money.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ways-to-make-money-from-amazon-in-kenya-sell-handmade-products.webp)
Selling handmade crafts on Amazon Handmade can be a great way to monetize your creativity.
Amazon Handmade is a special section on Amazon focused on unique, handcrafted products. This marketplace allows artisans to reach a large audience, making it perfect for creators in Kenya.
To get started, you need to create an Amazon Handmade Seller account. This involves providing details about your business and the items you plan to sell.
Next, apply to become an Artisan on Amazon Handmade. Amazon will review your application to ensure your items meet their criteria. Your products must be handmade, hand-altered, or customized to qualify.
Once accepted, list your items on the platform. You can add photos, descriptions, and prices. Be clear and detailed to attract buyers. Make use of high-quality images to showcase your crafts.
![8 Ways to Make Money from Amazon in Kenya 2 Amazon Handmade make money kenya](https://money.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/amazon-handmade-make-money-kenya-.webp)
How to start selling on Amazon Handmade:
- Apply to join Amazon Handmade.
- Set up your artisan profile.
- List your handmade products.
- Promote your shop to attract customers.
Advantages of Amazon Handmade:
- Dedicated platform: Exclusively for handmade products.
- Global reach: Access to Amazon’s vast customer base.
- Build a brand: Establish your brand as an artisan.
When you make a sale, you will pay a referral fee. This is usually 15% of the sale price. Joining and listing on Amazon Handmade, however, requires a Professional Seller account, which costs $39.99 a month. If your Handmade Seller account is approved, the membership fee will be waived.
Selling on Amazon Handmade offers a chance to turn your hobby into a business. It’s a great way to access a global market from Kenya.
By creating quality products and providing excellent customer service, you can build a profitable side income.
4) Retail Arbitrage
![8 Ways to Make Money from Amazon in Kenya 3 Retail Arbitrage](https://money.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/retail-arbitrage.webp)
Retail arbitrage is a method where you buy products at a low price from physical retail stores and then resell them on Amazon at a higher price.
To get started, you’ll need to download a scanner app like the Amazon Seller app. This app helps you scan product barcodes in stores to see how much they are selling on Amazon.
Common products for retail arbitrage include:
- Toys and games
- Baby products
- Books
- Electronics
- Pet products
- Kitchenware
- Office products
After finding a product, you should check if it is allowed to be resold on Amazon. Some products may have restrictions.
It’s also important to consider added costs such as shipping and Amazon’s seller fees. Calculate your potential profit before buying large quantities.
Using retail arbitrage, you can turn a small investment into a profitable business with careful planning and research.
5) Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)
![8 Ways to Make Money from Amazon in Kenya 4 sell on Amazon and make money FBA](https://money.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sell-on-amazon-and-make-money-fba.webp)
Amazon FBA is a popular way to make money from Amazon in Kenya. With FBA, you don’t need to worry about storage, packing, or shipping. Amazon handles all of these logistics for you.
To get started, you need to create an Amazon seller account. After that, you can list your products and send them to Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
When a customer places an order, Amazon picks, packs, and ships the product. This service can save you a lot of time and effort.
FBA also makes your products eligible for Amazon Prime. This can attract more buyers who prefer faster shipping options.
One of the biggest advantages is that you can focus on growing your business. You are not bogged down with the operational tasks of fulfilling orders.
However, there are fees involved with using FBA. These include storage fees, shipping fees, and other service charges.
It’s important to calculate these costs and ensure they fit into your pricing model. You want to maintain a healthy profit margin.
You also have the option to use private labeling. This involves selling products under your own brand through the FBA network.
Private labeling can help you stand out and build a loyal customer base. You can find companies that manufacture generic products and brand them with your label.
FBA provides a streamlined process for reaching customers not just in Kenya, but worldwide. This can be a great opportunity for expanding your business.
6) Merch by Amazon
Merch by Amazon lets you create and sell custom-designed T-shirts, hoodies, and other merchandise without dealing with inventory.
You just need to upload your designs, and Amazon takes care of printing, shipping, and customer service.
Start by applying for a Merch by Amazon account. Once approved, you can upload your artwork and choose the type of products you want to sell.
Use catchy and relevant keywords in your product listings to improve visibility.
You earn money through royalties on each sale. The amount you earn depends on the product category and the price you set. Merch by Amazon is a great way to make money if you have design skills or creative ideas.
Promote your designs through social media, blogs, or other marketing channels. The more exposure your products get, the higher your chances of making sales.
You don’t need upfront capital, which makes it accessible to many people.
Some successful sellers create seasonal or trending designs to attract buyers. Use tools and research to find popular niches and design trends. This can help increase your sales and royalties.
Keep experimenting with different ideas and designs. Review your sales data to understand what works and what doesn’t. Adjust your strategy accordingly to maximize your earnings.
Selling on Merch by Amazon is flexible and can be done entirely online, making it a good option for those in Kenya. It’s a straightforward way to turn your creativity into a source of income.
7) Amazon Mechanical Turk
Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is a crowdsourcing website where you can make money by completing small tasks.
These tasks are called HITs (Human Intelligence Tasks). Companies outsource these tasks because they require human intelligence to be completed properly.
To get started, you need to create an account.
Once you’re signed up, you can browse through available tasks. These tasks can vary from simple data entry to more complex activities like transcribing audio.
Payments for tasks can vary. Some tasks pay a few cents, while others pay a few dollars. The amount you earn depends on the complexity and time required for the task. It’s important to read the task description carefully before accepting it.
The flexibility of MTurk is a big advantage. You can work from anywhere and choose tasks that fit your schedule. This makes it a good option for people in Kenya looking for additional income.
Sometimes, it can be challenging to find high-paying tasks. To increase your earnings, focus on building a good reputation by completing tasks accurately and on time. This can lead to better opportunities and higher-paying tasks.
MTurk also provides a platform for enhancing your skills. By tackling various tasks, you gain experience in different areas which can be beneficial for future opportunities.
8) Amazon Influencer Program
Monetize your social media influence: The Amazon Influencer Program allows social media influencers to earn commissions by promoting Amazon products.
If you have a significant following on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, you can create your own Amazon storefront and share product recommendations.
How to join the Amazon Influencer Program:
- Sign up for the program here.
- Create your Amazon storefront.
- Add products to your storefront that you want to recommend.
- Share your storefront link with your followers.
Benefits of the Amazon Influencer Program:
- Custom storefront: Showcase products you love and recommend.
- Earn commissions: Make money when your followers purchase through your links.
- Leverage your audience: Monetize your social media influence.
Understanding Amazon’s business model
Amazon’s business model is multifaceted, incorporating a range of services and revenue streams.
In Kenya, the company primarily focuses on e-commerce and tech services.
Overview of Amazon’s services
Amazon’s business is diverse, spanning multiple sectors. The core components include:
- E-commerce: This is Amazon’s largest segment, featuring products sold directly to consumers. It accounts for about 42% of Amazon’s revenue.
- Amazon marketplace: A platform where third-party sellers can list their products. This makes up a significant portion of Amazon’s income.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS provides cloud computing services, a major revenue driver, known for its robust infrastructure and scalability options.
- Subscription services: These include Prime memberships, providing benefits like free shipping and streaming services.
- Advertising: Amazon also generates revenue through online advertising.
By combining these elements, Amazon has built a resilient and adaptable business model.
How Amazon operates in Kenya
In Kenya, Amazon’s presence is more focused on its Marketplace and AWS.
Kenyan entrepreneurs can utilize Amazon Marketplace to reach a global audience.
You can sell products through the Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) program, which handles storage, shipping, and customer service.
AWS provides cloud services for businesses. This technology supports a range of industries from startups to large corporations.
Building a successful Amazon affiliate website
Building a successful Amazon affiliate website involves selecting the right niche and driving traffic to your site.
Both steps are crucial for generating income.
Choosing a niche
Choosing the right niche is essential for success. Start by identifying your interests and knowledge areas.
Pick a niche where you can provide valuable content. This will help establish your credibility.
Research to find niches with high demand but low competition. Use tools like Google Trends and Semrush to analyze the popularity of potential niches.
Consider product availability and commission rates in your niche as well.
Remember, your niche should attract a specific audience. This targeted approach makes it easier to drive traffic and increase conversions.
Driving traffic to your site
Driving traffic to your site is the next crucial step.
Use search engine optimization (SEO) to make your website visible in search engine results. Focus on keywords related to your niche.
Create quality content regularly. This encourages visitors to return and can improve your site’s ranking.
Use social media to promote your content and engage with your audience.
Consider building an email list. This allows you to send updates and promotions directly to your audience.
Collaborate with other bloggers or influencers in your niche. These partnerships can bring new traffic to your site.
Resources to enhance your Amazon venture
- Amazon Seller University: Access tutorials and resources to learn about selling on Amazon.
- Jungle Scout: A tool to help with product research, keyword optimization, and market analysis.
- Helium 10: Another powerful tool for product research, listing optimization, and sales analytics.
- Host Pinnacle: For creating your niche website or blog, consider using Host Pinnacle for reliable web hosting.