We are often asked by Associates "Can I run Amazon Associates' context-based tools, such as Omakase™, on the same page as other content-based advertising such as Google AdSense™?"
The short answer is "Yes!" For more details read on…
We are aware that some advertising platforms include exclusivity clauses that restrict site owners from using other 3rd party advertising products on their sites. However, Amazon Associates is an affiliate program focused on providing tools that allow website owners to refer their site visitors to purchase products for sale by Amazon and our merchants. We are not a 3rd party advertising provider. As such, Omakase and other context-based solutions from the Associates program are not in direct competition with contextual advertising tools, which means they can be placed on the same page. In addition, Amazon.com places no comparable exclusivity on our Associates. Our perspective is that website owners should control how they monetize their sites to be able to select the best mix of advertising links and affiliate programs.
It is also important to differentiate the meaning of context as it applies to Omakase. Whereas advertising platforms such as AdSense focus on the page content and the site visitors' geographical location to display relevant text advertisements, our engine recommends to your site visitors products from Amazon's vast catalog based on our unique understanding of the site, the user, and the page content.
We realize that it can be tricky to navigate the various exclusivity clauses from other companies and wanted to clarify our position. If you receive feedback from other advertising providers that you are not permitted to put Amazon's affiliate links on your site please contact us.
Do you have questions or comments on this topic or others? Please join us on our Associates discussion boards!
-Sean, Amazon Associates Product Marketing Manager
