💡 Amazon announced an update to its Affiliate Program Operating Agreement, specifically regarding rules about affiliate commissions.
Simply put, after December 20th, Amazon Associates can only use one monetization method per link.
This support doc will help you stay compliant with Amazon's new terms.
Once you're signed up for a free or paid Lasso plan, you can enable Lasso to auto-upgrade your Amazon links.
This means that Lasso's AI will regularly scan your product links, check for products offering bonus commissions, and ensure you're earning the highest possible commissions for each product on your site.
Difference Between Amazon Associates and Affiliate+
Before we explain how Lasso's automations work, it's important to understand why the automations are needed.
Essentially, there are two ways to earn commissions from Amazon, Amazon Associates and Affiliate+ bonuses.
| Amazon Associates | Affiliate+ |
Average Commission Rate | ||
Cookie Duration | 1 Day | 14 Days |
Link Attribute | Tracking ID | Maas String |
Who Pays Commissions | Amazon | Individual Brands |
Availability | All Amazon products | Select products |
Amazon Associates is a great way to earn commission on almost anything. Affiliate+ is more specific and requires direct brand deals, but it typically offers higher commission rates and cookie durations.
Let's look at this Amazon link as an example:
https://amazon.com/dp/B0CC6HMHJ7?tag=testid-20&maas=maas_adg_api_580431975071436813_static_9_129&ref_=aa_maas&aa_campaignid=lv_frmbr7B2EkgSziGRyu&aa_creativeid=lv_3Hl4CYTMOP91LDmADA&aa_adgroupid=lv_55fzzmw3yR5vKB7lEE
This is the tracking ID for Amazon Associates:
testid-20
This is the maas string for Affiliate+:
maas=maas_adg_api_580431975071436813_static_9_129&ref_=aa_maas&aa_campaignid=lv_frmbr7B2EkgSziGRyu&aa_creativeid=lv_3Hl4CYTMOP91LDmADA&aa_adgroupid=lv_55fzzmw3yR5vKB7lEE
Amazon doesn't allow you to use both in the same link, and Lasso will automatically ensure you're using whichever one will pay you more.
How Auto-Upgrades Work
Lasso uses a JavaScript snippet to detect Amazon links on your website. Each link is scanned and adjusted:
Existing Affiliate+ Attributes: If your link was created with Affiliate+, Lasso will keep the attribution 'maas' elements and remove your tracking ID.
No Existing Affiliate+ Attributes: If your link wasn't created with Affiliate+, Lasso will check if the product is in the Affiliate+ Marketplace, offering a higher commission. If it is, Lasso will remove your tracking ID and add the Affiliate+ elements. If no product match is found, Lasso will keep the link as-is and treat it just like a normal Amazon Associates link.
Note: This upgrade doesn't change the Primary Destination URL in Lasso or the URL included in your text links and product displays within your posts.
Lasso adjusts the specific tracking attributes attached to your link on a click-by-click basis to ensure you automatically earn the most per link without violating Amazon's terms by using two kinds of tracking.
Your readers will still see the same product link, but you’ll earn more when they click and buy. All without changing a thing - it's free money!
That means more bonus revenue for you and Amazon compliance, without lifting a finger.
How to Enable Affiliate+ Auto-Upgrades
First, make sure you're signed up for Lasso. Then, choose the process that's easiest for you.
For WordPress Sites
👉 You'll need to have Lasso installed and running at least either v331 for Pro or v130 for Lite.
The setting to automatically upgrade your links and keep them compliant will be on by default for most users. But, you can verify that it's on using the steps below.
Inside your WordPress installation, navigate to the Amazon settings inside Lasso Pro or Lasso Lite.
There, you'll see a toggle underneath the Amazon Product API section named Auto-upgrade Eligible Links:
Toggle this ON, and you'll be set up for Lasso to use its intelligent AI. Cha-ching! 💸
For Non-WordPress Sites
Lasso uses a slim JavaScript snippet to auto-upgrade your Amazon links on non-WordPress sites.
This support doc will walk you through the steps to install that snippet.
Once that's done, Lasso will handle all of your link upgrades for you automatically. 🚀
Prefer to Manage Your Links Manually?
If you'd rather manually control which links use your tracking ID and which links use Affiliate+ while still using Lasso:
Ensure the 'Auto-upgrade Eligible Links' toggle is off in your Lasso Amazon Settings. You can find more about that toggle here.
Remove your Amazon tracking ID from the 'Tracking ID for This Site' box in your Lasso Amazon Settings.
With this method, Lasso won't add a tracking ID or maas element for Amazon Associates or Affiliate+. You will need to ensure your links are monetized properly.
Need More Help?
If you have any questions, please contact us via the chat bubble in the bottom right corner of this page or email us at [email protected]. We're here to help!