If you have a blog with a music focus the Amazon Associates program have today announced a widget that you’ll want to check out – it’s an MP3 Clips Widget that lets your readers listen to clips of music live on your site.
You can hand select songs to be included on the widget or pick categories of songs. Any sales generated by the widget earn you 10% of the sale as an associate. Just be aware that only those in the US can buy music from Amazon (or at least they seem to need a US credit card). All of your readers will be able to see the widget – just not actually convert with a sale of an MP3.
Amazon.com Widgets
Let me know how it goes if you decide to give it a go!
Interesting, looks like you can have quite a selection of songs available in the widget.
Do they allow you to pick a certain amount of songs that show or is it just a set number?
Having run a popular music site for 10 years, I can see the obvious advantages of using such a widget. I am curious though if Amazon allows single-song purchase vs. purchasing the entire album.
A 10% cut isn’t all that bad though given you are attracting a very focused audience – of course, this would be counter-intuitive if you are running a music store yourself…
I just tossed it into my sidebar – I think it’s a fun thing to throw up there for the time being. We’ll see how it pans out.
Ah! This should go well with my guitar blog. Would put it up now and see how it goes.
This looks advantageous also to those that may have a focus on electronics products? What say you Darren?
I’ve been thinking about doing a music post for some time now. This could be a great addition to the post. Thanks a lot for the tip.
I saw this and started using it immediately. Actually running a little poll and giving away a soundtrack on the site if anyone is interested. I think that this could be a decent moneymaker. It looks decent too, so I think it actually adds well to music posts.
I tried this widget as soon as it came out and it looked fantastic. Too bad it didn’t convert–only one person clicked through the entire first day.
Back to the ugly AdSense unit that’s much more successful.
Sounds interesting but you have to actually sell the MP3’s right? And at 10% that’s like a few cents per sale which doesn’t seem like it would really work.
I run music blogs. It didn’t get any clicks really.
This may be more for artists who want to put their music songs on the page for people.
It sure looks nice though. I think most people are also just browsers and really are not interested enough to purchase music all the time.
I’m looking forward to checking out the new MP3 widget. Amazon seems to be doing a nice job of unveiling interesting new affiliate components lately.
I know that’s the case with me. I mostly just browse around, but Amazon has to do something to keep up with the Jones’. This is a great new feature that I believe will prove beneficial for them in furthering their distinguishment.
Hey this is quite new, very interesting. This is one of the reason’s I love Amazon, they’re always coming up with new ways for people to make money as one of their associates. The widget looks awesome! I’ll definitely be using this on MySpace, and FaceBook!
It would be great for music blogs…
I just started an artblog and the music I’ve selected, mostly Mozart and Beethoven, is as much, or more, for me as the people that find my blog. The classical music matches the classical realism of my paintings, so the music adds a nice touch.
As a music industry blogger – Amazon has a great selection, the tracks are DRM free mp3’s that are burnable and work on any device, and I think 10% is a great commission…
BUT thanks to record label restrictions most of these clips are only 30 seconds long! If pleasing readers is your goal more than $, try songza or imeem. In fact Darren, if you want I’d love to write a post for you on “adding music to your blog”.
Wow this is great. Something useful for my music site. Thanks for the heads up =)
Great idea but not pertinent to my blog.
Until someone buys the huge 300×250 adspot on my site I’ve put the music widget in place.
I’m not thrilled with 8 cents per purchase when adsense likely pays more without needing sales to convert.
I’m also not thrilled with the widgets loading time, it feels like a short intentional intro to temporarily flash the name Amazon and I’m not being paid for that.
Someone please buy the 300×250 (top right, huge, you can’t miss it) and stop me from wincing when I see the widget load!