How to Get an Amazon Associates Ad

One of the easiest banner ads you can add to your section is an Amazon Associates ad. It only takes a couple of minutes to sign up for an account, and it's pretty simple to get an interesting widget advertisment. 

Here are the steps for getting your code. There are a variety of options, but I will give step by step for the Amazon Carousel widget. Some of the code-heavy widgets may not work, just FYI:

• Create an Amazon Associates account.
• When you are logged in, click "Build Links/Widgets" (FYI, this is also where you could build links for content items, such as a text link in a review to the actual product at Amazon)
• Choose Carousel Widget from the options
• You can choose to hand-select your favorite products (which would be a good option as editors since you are the mom expert in a specific area, and since you can use cookbooks or kitchen gadgets or whatever fits your specific topic). You can also choose bestsellers, most wished for, etc. for a specific category. Click Next.
• Unclick show border, and you might consider adding your own title, such as "recommended by the Foodie Mom xx editor."
• You MUST choose ferris wheel, and 160x600.
• Click Save, name it something, and then click "Add to Web Page."
• Choose to copy the code, and then This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

There are also some other widgets that work nicely, such as the Recommended Product Links and Omakase. In all ads, you cannot choose a size larger than 300 pixels wide. When you send me an ad, please note the size in the email.

Individual Affiliate Program and Affiliate Sites

There are several individual products that have their own affiliate programs. If there is a site you love that sells a product you think your readers would enjoy, look on their web site closely and you might discover an "Affiliate" link. Check before you sign up, but if it is a quality and legitimate product, it should be approved. Then you simply need to get a code for an advertisement (the size must be 300x250 or 160x600) and send it to me. If you recommend it, also send a short text blurb about why and I will try to add that in. There are also numerous affiliate sites that have several programs, and you can find a short list here.

Promote a Cause with your Banner

Many affiliate banners really don't earn an awful lot until you have a lot of traffic. You certainly can use them, and I encourage you to do so. The more it seems that you have put thought into your affiliate ad and made personalized recommendations, the better I think it will perform.

One other option is you can find a cause you care about or would like to promote, and approach them to see if they have a banner ad code or image. I am happy to use this space to support good causes, particularly causes related to women, children and families. I don't mind at all if the space earns no money between paid ads. Again, simply be sure the ad is in the 300x250 size or 160x600. 

Promote Yourself

Alternately, you can simply use this position to get another ad for yourself. Provide an ad image and link of a size 160x600 or 300x250 and send it in.