Frequently asked questions

How does this work?

With this plugin enabled, your Amazon links will route through Geniuslink, helping you earn more commissions by driving visitors to matching products in their local storefronts, and letting you take advantage of the international Associates programs.

The original URL to Amazon will be preserved until the moment the link is clicked, keeping your links compliant with the Associates program, with no additional work. (Note: You may change that behavior in the Advanced settings. If so, be sure to indicate to your shoppers that each link goes to Amazon)

See also: How to test that things are working

What is Geniuslink

Geniuslink is the secret sauce behind the Amazon Link Engine that allows you to build the world’s most intelligent links. Improve user experience, and maximize your affiliate earnings and marketing efforts through Geniuslink’s service. For marketers promoting content within the Amazon ecosystem, Geniuslink allows you to build intelligent links that automatically route customers to the correct product within their own local storefront. Geniuslink also allows you to enter your Associates IDs to earn international commissions from all of your clicks.

Do I need a Geniuslink Account to use this plugin?

No, you do NOT need a Geniuslink account to use the Amazon Link Engine plugin. As soon as you install and activate the free plugin, all of your links will be automatically localized, and your customers will be routed to the product in their local storefront. However, if you want to earn international affiliate commissions, you must have a Geniuslink account. By default, Geniuslink’s Associates IDs will be used until you have connected your account, and added your own via the Geniuslink Dashboard.

What links work with this plugin?

This plugin will optimize product links that go directly to an Amazon store, such as amazon.com, amzn.to, amazon.fr, amzn.co.uk, etc...

This plugin will NOT work for links generated by javascript or embedded in iframes, such as Amazon Native Ads.Amazon "Text+HTML" ads, and Amazon banner ads.

How do I get my API keys?

To get your Geniuslink API Keys, follow these simple steps:

1. If you do not have a Geniuslink account, create an account.
2. Log into your Geniuslink Dashboard, and navigate to the to the Tools Tab.
3. Click the 'Add an API key' button to create a an API key and secret code.
4. Navigate to the Amazon Link Engine Settings under “Settings” in your WordPress dashboard.
5. Next, simply copy and paste the “Key” and “Secret” codes into the “Enable Reporting and Commissions” area of the plugin.
   Please note: It may take up to 3 minutes for new keys to become available for use after adding them to your dashboard.
6. Once pasted, your Geniuslink account will be automatically connected.

How do I earn International Commissions?

First, connect the plugin to your Geniuslink account (see “How do I get my API keys?”). Then, follow the steps below:

1. Add your Amazon Affiliate parameters to your Geniuslink dashboard. Instructions on how to do this can be found here.
   Note: If you’ve already done this within your existing Geniuslink account, you do not need to add your parameters again.
2. You’re all set! You’ll start earning international commissions from anything purchased in Amazon’s international storefronts.

Do I have to pay for Geniuslink?

If you’re only interested in giving your international audience a better experience by redirecting them to their local storefront, the Amazon Link Engine is completely free.

However, if you would like access to advanced reporting features and be able to earn international affiliate commissions, you will need to sign up for a Geniuslink account. Learn more about our [fair and transparent pricing](http://social.geni.us/ALEPricing).

Please note: By default, Geniuslink's international affiliate parameters will be used until you have added your own via the Geniuslink dashboard. Please contact Geniuslink if you have any questions.

How do I change the default group?

In order to change the group that the plugin syncs with, you must first connect your Geniuslink account using your API keys. Once you have done this, you can simply select the group you would like to use from the drop down menu under “Using Link Group” in the Amazon Link Engine Settings.

Will the ALE honor existing Associate IDs?

Yes. By default, the ALE will honor any existing Associates IDs that are already added to the link.

This will ensure that you still earn the affiliate commissions you deserve on your existing affiliate links within your site. In addition, this is great for blogs that have multiple editors with multiple Amazon Associates IDs to keep track of clicks, commissions, etc. per editor. By selecting this option the ALE will honor any existing Associates IDs already within links on the site, ensuring those editors continue to get the credit they deserve for helping you earn those affiliate commissions.

If you would like to toggle this on or off, simply uncheck the “Honor Existing Associate IDs” checkbox in the Amazon Link Engine settings under "Advanced Settings".

How does the on-click feature work?

The preserve until click time option leaves your link URLs alone until the moment a visitor clicks them. This way, when visitors hover over or copy your product links, they will see the raw Amazon URL instead of the Geniuslink one. Some users prefer this method because Amazon Associates Program has additional guidelines for using short links, and by using this option, you are not actually shortening your links.

Please note:

• Note: If you use another WordPress plugin that manipulates links, this option could conflict with it. Be sure to test.

How to test that this plugin is working

With the default "On click" option enabled, it takes a little more effort to test whether your links are redirecting through Geniuslink successfully, since the raw Amazon URL is always shown. We recommend using a link tester browser extension such as this one, and use it to verify that you see “buy.genius….” listed in the extension after you click one of your Amazon links. You may also disable "Preserve Amazon URLs" in the Advanced Settings temporarily, and then hover over your links to see that your Amazon links are converting into geni.us links. For more, see Troubleshooting the Amazon Link Engine WordPress Plugin (& JavaScript Snippet)

Is it safe to use this plugin and Geniuslink with the Amazon Associates program?

Yes!

Geniuslink is safe to use with the Amazon Associate program, and has been trusted by thousands of Amazon associates for years. Just be sure to follow the program guidelines and do not use your links to deceive your visitors. Learn more in our knowledge base...

Note that you can also enable our "on-click" method in the plugin advanced settings, which preserves your raw Amazon links until the moment they are clicked. Some users prefer this method because the Amazon Associates Program has additional guidelines for using "short links", and by using this option your links are shown in their original form.