Legendplugins

Amazon Compliance Mode

Amazon Associates has specific requirements for affiliate links to maintain transparency and comply with their program policies. LegendLinks includes Amazon compliance mode to automatically ensure your links meet these requirements.

Overview

Amazon compliance mode automatically detects Amazon affiliate links and applies the necessary attributes and redirect behavior to keep your account in good standing with the Amazon Associates program.

What is Amazon Compliance?

Amazon requires affiliates to:

  • ✅ Clearly disclose affiliate relationships
  • ✅ Use proper link attributes for sponsored content
  • ✅ Avoid misleading users about link destinations
  • ✅ Follow their linking guidelines

Failure to comply can result in:

  • Account suspension
  • Loss of commissions
  • Removal from the program

Why Use Amazon Compliance Mode?

  • Automatic Detection: Finds Amazon links automatically
  • Proper Attributes: Adds required rel="sponsored" and rel="nofollow" attributes
  • Correct Redirects: Uses 302 temporary redirects (Amazon's recommendation)
  • Peace of Mind: Ensures compliance without manual work
  • Future-Proof: Adapts to Amazon's changing requirements

Requirements

  • LegendLinks Plugin (any plan)
  • Amazon Associates Account (if you're an affiliate)
  • Amazon Affiliate Links in your content

How to Enable Amazon Compliance

Step 1: Access Settings

  1. Go to LegendLinks → Settings in your WordPress admin
  2. Click on the "General" tab

Step 2: Enable Compliance Mode

Find the "Amazon Compliance Mode" setting:

  • ✅ Checked (Enabled) - Recommended if you use Amazon affiliates
  • ❌ Unchecked (Disabled) - For sites that don't use Amazon links

Step 3: Save Changes

Click "Save Settings" at the bottom of the page.

That's it! Compliance mode is now active and will automatically apply to all Amazon links.

What Amazon Compliance Does

When you create or edit links to Amazon URLs, compliance mode automatically:

1. Detects Amazon Links

Automatically identifies links to:

  • amazon.com
  • amazon.co.uk
  • amazon.ca
  • amazon.com.au
  • amazon.de
  • amzn.to short links

2. Forces Required Attributes

Automatically adds:

  • rel="sponsored" - Indicates paid/sponsored content
  • rel="nofollow" - Tells search engines not to follow the link

3. Uses Correct Redirect Type

  • Forces 302 Temporary Redirect instead of 301 permanent
  • Why? Amazon recommends temporary redirects for affiliate links
  • Advanced redirects (JavaScript, Meta, Cloaked) are allowed as they don't use HTTP status codes

4. Shows Compliance Indicators

In the link editor, you'll see a notice when compliance is active for Amazon links.

Amazon Associates Program Policies

Link Disclosure Requirements

Amazon requires clear disclosure of affiliate relationships:

<!-- Example disclosure text -->
<p>As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.</p>
<!-- Your affiliate link here -->

Link Attributes

All affiliate links must include:

  • rel="sponsored" - For sponsored/paid content
  • rel="nofollow" - To avoid passing SEO value

Prohibited Practices

  • ❌ Link Cloaking: Hiding the true destination of links
  • ❌ Misleading Text: "Buy here" when linking to Amazon
  • ❌ Auto-Redirects: Immediate redirects without user interaction
  • ❌ Cookie Stuffing: Setting affiliate cookies without clicks

How It Works in Practice

Before Compliance Mode

<!-- Your link -->
<a href="https://amazon.com/dp/B08N5WRWNW">Buy Product</a>

<!-- Becomes (after clicking) -->
<a href="yoursite.com/go/amazon-product" rel="nofollow">Buy Product</a>

With Compliance Mode Enabled

<!-- Your link -->
<a href="https://amazon.com/dp/B08N5WRWNW">Buy Product</a>

<!-- Automatically becomes -->
<a href="yoursite.com/go/amazon-product" rel="nofollow sponsored">Buy Product</a>

<!-- Redirects with 302 status -->

Testing Your Compliance

1. Create a Test Link

  1. Go to LegendLinks → Add New
  2. Enter an Amazon URL as the target
  3. Save the link

2. Check Attributes

  • View the link HTML in your browser's developer tools
  • Look for rel="nofollow sponsored" attributes

3. Test Redirect

  • Click the link
  • Check browser network tab for 302 redirect status

4. Validate with Amazon

  • Use Amazon's Link Checker Tool (if available)
  • Monitor your affiliate reports for any warnings

Best Practices

Disclosure Statements

Always include clear disclosure near affiliate links:

<!-- Good examples -->
<p><small>As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.</small></p>
<p><small>Contains affiliate links.</small></p>
<p><small>Paid link.</small></p>

Link Text

Use honest link text that doesn't mislead users:

<!-- ✅ Good -->
<a href="amazon-link">Check price on Amazon</a>
<a href="amazon-link">Buy on Amazon</a>

<!-- ❌ Avoid -->
<a href="amazon-link">Buy here</a>
<a href="amazon-link">Purchase now</a>

Content Guidelines

  • Be transparent about affiliate relationships
  • Don't make unsubstantiated claims
  • Avoid creating "link farms" or excessive linking
  • Don't use redirects that confuse users

Troubleshooting

Links Not Getting Compliance Attributes

Check:

  • ✅ Amazon compliance mode is enabled in settings
  • ✅ Target URL contains "amazon." or "amzn.to"
  • ✅ Link is saved after enabling compliance

Wrong Redirect Type

Check:

  • Compliance mode forces 302 for HTTP redirects (301, 302, 307)
  • Advanced redirects (JavaScript, Meta, Cloaked) keep their original type

Compliance Mode Not Working

Check:

  • ✅ Plugin is updated to latest version
  • ✅ Settings are saved after enabling
  • ✅ Clear any caching plugins
  • ✅ Try creating a new link (existing links may need editing)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Amazon compliance mode if I'm not an affiliate?

No. If you're not part of the Amazon Associates program, you can disable this feature. However, enabling it won't hurt non-Amazon links.

Does this replace manual disclosure?

No. Compliance mode handles technical requirements (attributes, redirects) but you still need to disclose affiliate relationships in your content as required by Amazon and FTC guidelines.

Can I use short links with Amazon?

Yes. Link shortening is allowed as long as the final destination is clear and all Amazon requirements are met.

What if I use other affiliate programs?

Amazon compliance mode only affects Amazon links. You may need similar compliance features for other programs like ShareASale, CJ Affiliate, etc.

Related Documentation

Need help? Check our FAQ or contact support.