Started in 1996, the Amazon Associates program was the first online affiliate program of its kind. Today, it is the largest and most successful online affiliate program, with over 900,000 members worldwide. Affiliate marketing is BIG BUSINESS and if you have your own website you can start earning up to 10% in referral fees by simply advertising Amazon products. Amazon is a highly recognized household name and having an Amazon affiliate relationship can be a perfect side business for bloggers.