Amazon.com offers a way for individuals and organizations (commercial or not) to open up their own aStores. These aStores are user-created bookstores stocked with content we want to push. In my case I’ve added books to categories I’m most likely to discuss here on the blog- anything from photography to cooking to Christianity. When you click the “BOOKSTORE” link in the menu above, it will open up a new frame or window to the aStore. There you will be able to browse and purchase books I’ve listed (and recommend) through Amazon.com. In return for buying through my aStore, I will get about 4% kickback.
I think this could be a helpful tool for church and ministry websites. Your church can open an aStore to offer an easy way for church members to locate Sunday School or small group materials. Each small group or class can have its own unique category listing books, DVDs, or other materials used during their meetings. It’s cheap because it’s from Amazon.com, and it’s easily located because you’ve already got it listed by class. And it’s only one click away. As I said, I think this is an efficient and useful way to help churches help their church members. Plus, any proceeds from the orders can go directly into the church coffers. It won’t necessarily be much, but it’s worth the trouble (not that there is much trouble).
Click to learn more about Amazon Associates and aStores.