In today’s digital age, finding ways to earn money online has become increasingly popular in Kenya. One platform that offers a plethora of income-generating opportunities is Amazon. While it might seem like a far-fetched idea to make money from Amazon in Kenya, the reality is that anyone with a computer, smartphone, and an internet connection can tap into Amazon’s vast ecosystem and turn it into a source of income. Whether you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or someone looking for a side hustle, there are numerous ways you can leverage Amazon’s services from Kenya.
This article explores eight tried-and-true methods to make money from Amazon, even if you’re based in Kenya.
1. Amazon Associates Program
One of the easiest and most popular ways to make money from Amazon in Kenya is by joining the Amazon Associates Program. This is an affiliate marketing program that allows you to earn commissions by promoting Amazon products. After signing up, you’ll receive affiliate links for the products you want to promote. Every time someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn a percentage of the sale.
Steps to get started:
- Sign up for the Amazon Associates Program through the Amazon affiliate site.
- Choose a niche (e.g., electronics, books, or fashion) that resonates with your interests.
- Create a blog, website, or use your social media accounts to promote products.
- Write content around these products (e.g., reviews, comparisons, or buying guides) and include affiliate links.
- Drive traffic to your content using SEO or social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Benefits:
- No inventory required.
- You earn passive income from sales through your links.
- It’s scalable, meaning your earning potential increases as your audience grows.
With commission rates ranging from 1% to 10%, the key to success is choosing products that align with your audience’s interests and creating high-quality, SEO-optimized content to drive traffic.
2. Publish on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Are you a budding author with stories to share? Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) offers an excellent opportunity for writers to self-publish eBooks and paperbacks, reaching millions of readers globally.
Steps to get started:
- Sign up for a free KDP account.
- Write and format your eBook according to Amazon’s guidelines.
- Design a captivating book cover (or hire a freelance designer).
- Upload your manuscript and cover to KDP.
- Set pricing and royalty options (authors can earn up to 70% in royalties on eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99).
Benefits:
- Passive income from book sales.
- You retain creative control over your content and pricing.
- No need for a traditional publisher.
To maximize your success, actively promote your books on social media, build an email list, and engage with your readers through platforms like Goodreads or a personal blog.
3. Selling Handmade Crafts on Amazon Handmade
If you’re a talented craftsperson or artist, Amazon Handmade offers a fantastic platform to sell your creations. From jewelry to artwork, handmade goods have a special place on Amazon.
How to get started:
- Apply to join Amazon Handmade as an artisan.
- Set up your profile, detailing your story and the crafts you offer.
- Upload high-quality photos and descriptions of your products.
Advantages:
- Access to a global market of millions of potential customers.
- Amazon handles logistics like shipping and customer service.
- You can build a unique brand as an artisan.
Amazon Handmade allows creators from Kenya to turn their hobbies into profitable businesses. Just ensure that your products meet Amazon’s handmade criteria and focus on creating high-quality, unique items to stand out.
4. Retail Arbitrage
Retail arbitrage involves buying products at a discounted price from local stores in Kenya, such as supermarkets or clearance sales, and reselling them on Amazon for a profit.
How to get started:
- Use apps like the Amazon Seller app to scan products while shopping and see if they sell for higher prices on Amazon.
- Buy products in bulk and resell them on Amazon at a markup.
- Ensure the products you’re selling comply with Amazon’s resale policies.
Common products for retail arbitrage:
- Toys and games.
- Electronics.
- Home and kitchen appliances.
While retail arbitrage requires a keen eye for bargains, it can be an excellent way to earn money without needing to create your own products.
5. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is a service that allows you to store your products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers. When someone buys your product, Amazon handles everything from packing to shipping and customer service.
Steps to get started:
- Create an Amazon seller account and opt into the FBA program.
- Ship your products to Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
- Let Amazon handle storage, packaging, and shipping when a sale is made.
Advantages:
- You can focus on growing your business while Amazon handles logistics.
- FBA products are eligible for Amazon Prime, attracting more customers.
- You can sell your products globally.
FBA is ideal if you want to scale your business but don’t have the capacity to manage shipping and inventory yourself.
6. Merch by Amazon
If you have a flair for design, Merch by Amazon offers an easy way to create and sell custom-designed T-shirts, hoodies, and other merchandise without handling any inventory.
How to get started:
- Apply for a Merch by Amazon account.
- Once approved, upload your designs and choose the types of products you want to sell.
- Set your prices and earn royalties on every sale.
Benefits:
- No upfront costs or inventory to manage.
- Amazon takes care of printing, shipping, and customer service.
- You earn passive income from sales of your designs.
To succeed with Merch by Amazon, focus on trending designs and use keywords that increase your visibility in search results.
7. Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk)
Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is a crowdsourcing platform where you can earn money by completing small tasks known as HITs (Human Intelligence Tasks). These tasks can include data entry, transcribing audio, or moderating content.
How to get started:
- Create an MTurk account.
- Browse available tasks and accept those you can complete.
Advantages:
- Flexible working hours; you can complete tasks at your own pace.
- Build skills in data entry, transcription, and other areas.
While MTurk tasks may not pay a lot per task, completing multiple tasks can add up to a reasonable side income over time.
8. Amazon Influencer Program
If you have a significant following on social media, the Amazon Influencer Program allows you to create your own Amazon storefront and promote products to your followers. You’ll earn commissions when they purchase through your referral links.
Steps to get started:
- Apply for the Amazon Influencer Program.
- Once approved, create your Amazon storefront and add products you recommend.
- Share your storefront link on your social media platforms.
Benefits:
- You can monetize your social media influence.
- Earn commissions on sales through your storefront.
- Showcase products you genuinely love and recommend.
Influencers with large followings on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok can leverage their audience to generate passive income through product recommendations.
Conclusion
Amazon offers numerous ways for individuals in Kenya to make money, from affiliate marketing to selling handmade crafts and publishing books on KDP. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or aiming to build a full-time business, Amazon provides a platform that accommodates various interests, skills, and business models.
The key to success is finding the method that best aligns with your talents and consistently putting in the effort to grow your online presence. With persistence, strategic planning, and a bit of creativity, you can tap into Amazon’s vast marketplace and turn it into a profitable venture.
