New to both Amazon Associates, and the Influencers program.

I’m a bit confused so I’m looking for advice/help if possible. Please correct me if I’m wrong on anything I mention.

When I first made the Associates account, I didn’t know it was separate from Influencers, but I know that now. I ended up applying for both and getting approved. If I understand correctly?

Associates = “direct links” to a specific product using your Associates Store ID.

Influencers = links to your Amazon store front, Ideas list, and so on.

Please note; my main platform to promote items is Instagram and sometimes but rarely on Facebook Groups. My social media is mainly a personal blog of my hobbies. My following isn’t crazy up there, but when I post and I’m using specific products, several ppl ask me for info on the products I used. In which they ask via DM, comments, etc. Sometimes these people are also friends of friends and ask me via text. Will I generate a lot of commission? Probably not. But I’m always sending several links out just cause ppl ask, so might as well get something vs nothing right?

Here are some question I have:

1. Associates & Influencers - can I send those links via text, email, social media comments/DM’s, etc. or does it have to be on a website, in my bio/caption, etc. to get the commission? Specifically for my storefront, I do have my store front link in my Bio. But sometimes I engage with my followers directly in comments, DM’s and so on.

2. Associates - Do you keep a saved list of links you’ve generated for the different products you’ve promoted? That way you don’t keep generating new links?

3. Associates & Influencers - How long does it usually take to update on our end, to see if people are clicking, purchasing, etc. I asked a friend if they can purchase something from my links (one link sent via text, and another directly on my social media), to test what happens, and it’s been days and so far nothing on my end. Not sure if I did something wrong?

4. Associates & Influencers - I have looked up many YouTube videos and Amazon’s links/information and what not. But are there any do’s and don’t you that really stick out there? Maybe some that happen often and ppl make mistakes doing?

5. Associates & Influencers - is it worth being apart of both programs?

If there’s anything else I should know, let me know. Thank you all I advance.