=== Amazon Link Engine === Contributors: Geniuslink Tags: amazon, associates, affiliate, universal, localize, link, engine, monetization, globalize, geniuslink, ale, javascript Requires at least: 2.7 Tested up to: 4.3 Stable tag: 1.1.3 License: GPLv2 or later License URI: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html Automatically localize and affiliate Amazon product links to improve user experience, increase conversions and earn global commissions. == Description == The Amazon Link Engine plugin is the easiest way to convert all Amazon links within your WordPress site into globalized links that work across all [Amazon storefronts](https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/gp/associates/help/t22/a13). By "Localizing" these links, you ensure all clicks from international viewers are redirected to the appropriate item in their own local storefront, thus improving conversions. In addition, signup for a Geniuslink account to get access to Advanced Reporting metrics, as well as the ability to attach your Associates IDs to ensure that you earn the international affiliate commissions that you deserve. = How is Geniuslink (Formerly GeoRiot) different? = Most link "localization" plugins only translate a link for an international click when the same product ID exists in both storefronts. The team at Geniuslink has found, however, that oftentimes the same item in different storefronts has a completely different product ID. In addition, even if the ID does match, the product may be an overpriced "import" item or may never be in stock. To address this, Geniuslink matches on more than just the product ID to ensure every click gets to the best possible destination. The Amazon Link Engine plugin uses Geniuslink’s [patented](https://www.google.com/patents/US8838767) five-step algorithm to dig deep into Amazon’s stores to find the best possible result. This algorithm uses the metadata available from each product to match across storefronts and ensure that the user is sent to the most relevant product. So instead of sending your users to blank search results, we guarantee the best possible user experience. In addition, connecting your Geniuslink account to the Amazon Link Engine, gives you access to comprehensive reporting on clicks and commissions that no other plugin can offer. These reports allow you to review your link’s performance across many metrics including product type, referrer, browser, device, operating system, destination storefront, and geography. = How does the Amazon Link Engine plugin work? = As soon as the plugin is installed, your Amazon links are instantly localized every time a user loads the page. Even if you add new links to your WordPress site, each will be automatically converted without any additional work from you. Nothing else is needed on your part. = How do I earn commissions from my links? = To earn international affiliate commissions, you must [create a Geniuslink account](http://social.geni.us/ALESignup), and connect it to your plugin (detailed instructions can be found in the [FAQ](https://wordpress.org/plugins/amazon-link-engine/faq/)). Next, add and manage your Associates IDs for each of the Amazon affiliate programs you’ve signed up for within the Geniuslink Dashboard. Once your IDs are added, the Amazon Link Engine will automatically add the correct Associates ID per country for each click. * *Note: The Amazon Link Engine WordPress plugin is completely free to use. However, in order to earn international affiliate commissions and take advantage of the in-depth reporting, 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. = Key Features: = * *NEW!* Pick which Geniuslink group this plugin syncs to. Set up the plugin on multiple WordPress sites and track clicks separately, or set up a specific group just for your WordPress site traffic. Instructions can be found under “How do I change the default group?” in the [FAQ](https://wordpress.org/plugins/amazon-link-engine/faq/) * *NEW!* Already have Affiliated links on your site? The ALE will now honor these existing Associates IDs within your links. You can also choose to overwrite them with the ID within your Geniuslink account if you prefer. Learn more under “Will the ALE honor existing Associates IDs?” in the [FAQ](https://wordpress.org/plugins/amazon-link-engine/faq/) * Automatic localization and translation of all Amazon product links based off a visitor’s location. * Maximize revenue by earning commissions from all of the Amazon Associates programs. * Simple, easy to use interface. * One time configuration. Simply install the plugin, set up your Geniuslink account, and connect the two with an API key. We take care of the rest. * No need to sign up for an Amazon Developer account or apply for any of Amazon’s APIs or web tools. * Your workflow remains the same. No need to learn a new linking syntax, or disrupt your current flow. = What makes the Amazon Link Engine different from other Affiliate WP plugins? = * Most plugins for Amazon links simply try to match based on ASIN (product ID) across foreign storefronts. The Amazon Link Engine uses a patented algorithm to get your users to the best possible destination. * This in turn helps to both increase conversions and commissions, as well as improve the user experience for your audience. * Unrivaled support from the Geniuslink team. * No need to build links manually with a special link format. All of your Amazon links are automatically converted to localized links when the page loads. == Installation == There are three easy steps to get the most value from the Amazon Link Engine. = To install the plugin: = 1. Install the Amazon Link Engine plugin using the WordPress Plugin Installer above. 1. Activate the plugin through the "Plugins" menu in your WordPress Dashboard. 1. Once activated, your Amazon links will automatically be localized from then on. = To connect your Geniuslink account: = 1. If you don’t have an account already, [create a Geniuslink account](http://social.geni.us/ALESignup). 1. After signing in, navigate to the Account tab and create a new API token. 1. Access the Amazon Link Engine Settings through the “Settings” tab within your WordPress dashboard. 1. Copy the API Key and API Secret into your Amazon Link Engine plugin. = To earn international commissions: = 1. If you have already added your Associates IDs to your Geniuslink account, you’re good to go. 1. If you haven’t already, sign up for the [Amazon Associates programs](http://associates.amazon.com) you’d like to earn commissions from (instructions on how to sign up can be found on [our site](http://help.geni.us/support/solutions/articles/3000028199-amazon-associates-program-guide)). 1. Once approved for the various Amazon Associates programs, jump into your Geniuslink dashboard and click on "Affiliate" tab. Then, click "Connect an affiliate program" button and paste in your IDs. Select the appropriate country, then click save. Once saved into the dashboard your links will start using the appropriate Associates IDs with each click. *Note:* You are not required to have a Geniuslink account, to use this plugin. However, if you would like to earn international commissions, you must sign up for a Geniuslink Account. Try it out for [free for 30 days](http://social.geni.us/ALESignup). == Frequently Asked Questions == = What is Geniuslink = Geniuslink is an intelligent link management platform that allows you to build the world’s most intelligent links to improve user experience, and maximize your marketing efforts. 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. In addition, with a Geniuslink account, you can 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 add your international Associates IDs, 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. = 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](http://social.geni.us/ALESignup). 1. Log into your Geniuslink Dashboard, and navigate to the Account Tab. 1. Click the "plus" sign to get your API keys. 1. Navigate to the Amazon Link Engine Settings under “Settings” in your WordPress dashboard. 1. 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. 1. Once pasted, your Geniuslink account will be automatically connected. = 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 add your international Associates IDs, you will need to sign up for a Geniuslink account. Try it out for [free for 30 days](http://social.geni.us/ALESignup). Learn more about our [fair and transparent pricing](http://social.geni.us/ALEPricing). Please note: By default, Geniuslink's Associates IDs will be used until you have added your own via the Geniuslink dashboard. Please [contact Geniuslink](mailto:hi@geni.us) if you have any questions. = Do I need to update the JavaScript myself? = No, the A.L.E. plugin is instantly pulled from a remote server each time your page loads, which means that the snippet is always up to date. If we update the code from our end, it will instantly be updated on your website upon page load. = 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 Associates IDs to your Geniuslink dashboard. Instructions on how to do this can be found [here](http://help.geni.us/support/solutions/articles/3000028199-amazon-associates-program-guide). *Note:* If you’ve already done this within your existing Geniuslink account, you do not need to add your IDs again. 1. You’re all set! You’ll start earning international commissions from anything purchased in Amazon’s international storefronts. **Please Note:** You must [sign up for a Geniuslink account](http://social.geni.us/ALESignup) and add your Associates IDs to the dashboard to earn international affiliate commissions. Once you have done this, and connected your account using the API keys, each of your links will be automatically affiliated. = 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. If you leave this blank, the “Default” group in your Geniuslink Account will be used. = Will the ALE honor existing Associates IDs? = Yes. To honor existing Associates IDs, simply select the “Honor Existing Associate IDs” checkbox under the Amazon Link Engine settings. * 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. * **Please note:** By default the plugin will overwrite any IDs within your site with the ones you’ve added in your GeoRiot account. You must select the “Honor Existing Associate IDs” checkbox in order to honor existing IDs. = Is the Amazon Link Engine compatible with other affiliate tools? = * **Skimlinks:** The Amazon Link Engine plugin works perfectly with Skimlinks. * **VigLink:** The VigLink plugin, however, will overwrite the ALE and not allow your links to be globalized if it has already been installed. If you are currently using this plugin, you simply need to deactivate it from your Wordpress site, download and activate the Amazon Link Engine plugin, and then reactivate the Viglink plugin. Once this is done, the plugins will work seamlessly together. * **Amazon Publisher Studio:** The Amazon Publisher Studio tool is unfortunately not compatible with this version of the ALE plugin. == Screenshots == 1. **Amazon Link Engine Interface.** 1. **Before:** You have links to an item within a single Amazon storefront. 1. **After:** When you install the Amazon Link Engine, we automatically globalize and affiliate all links on your WordPress site. 1. **The Workflow:** Nothing changes for you once the plugin is installed. You can still add Amazon links for every page, just as you’ve done before. 1. **The Results:** Each user gets sent to the correct item in their local store. This is an example of a user from the United Kingdom clicking your link. They’re sent to [amazon.co.uk](http://www.amazon.co.uk) with your proper UK Associates ID attached. 1. **The Results:** Each user gets sent to the correct item in their local store. This is an example of a user from the United States clicking your link. They’re sent to [amazon.com](http://www.amazon.com) with your US Associates ID attached. == Changelog == = 1.0 = * Initial release = 1.0.4 = * Readme and FAQ updates = 1.0.5 = * Force JS over HTTP (HTTPS under development) = 1.0.6 = * Reinstate HTTPS support = 1.0.7 = * API calls now get made over https = 1.0.8 = * Plugin compatibility with iTunes Link Engine = 1.0.9 = * Switch to "//" to allow non-https delivery of JS = 1.1.0 = * Geniuslink Pricing Changes included = 1.1.1 = * Added: “To connect your Geniuslink account” instructions = 1.1.2 = * Tested to 4.3 = 1.1.3 = * Added ability to choose a group & honor existing Associates IDs