=== ProductLinker for Amazon ===
Contributors: philtorre
Tags: amazon-affiliate, amazon-associates, no-api, affiliate-links, product-list
Requires at least: 5.0
Tested up to: 6.9
Requires PHP: 7.2
Stable tag: 1.1.0
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Create affiliate product lists using just ASINs — no Amazon API key required. Perfect for bloggers who can't qualify for or don't want API access.

== Description ==

**ProductLinker for Amazon** is the easiest way to add Amazon affiliate links to your WordPress site - no Product Advertising API required!

Perfect for bloggers who can't qualify for Amazon's API (10 sales requirement), lost API access, or simply want a simpler solution without API complexity.

This plugin is not affiliated with or endorsed by Amazon. Amazon is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc.

= Why Choose ProductLinker for Amazon? =

* **No API Required** - Works for everyone, no sales requirements or API keys needed
* **Product List Management** - Organize products into logical groups (kitchen tools, hiking gear, etc.)
* **Professional Display** - Clean text links or styled product cards
* **Amazon Policy Compliant** - No image hosting issues, links directly to Amazon
* **Fast Loading** - Lightweight plugin with no external API calls
* **Easy Setup** - Create product lists in minutes, not hours

= Key Features =

**Product Lists**
* Create unlimited product lists
* Auto-generate slugs from list names
* Add optional headers (e.g., "Equipment I Use")
* Add products with ASIN and title
* Display with simple shortcode: `[productlinker]list-name[/productlinker]`

**Multiple Display Styles**
* **Text** - Clean text links that inherit your theme colors (default)
* **Cards** - Beautiful product cards with buttons
* **List** - Clean bulleted list format
* **Simple** - Inline text links

**Optional Headers**
* Add a header to each product list (e.g., "Equipment", "Recommended Tools")
* Override headers per shortcode: `[productlinker header="My Tools"]list-name[/productlinker]`
* Hide headers when needed: `[productlinker header="false"]list-name[/productlinker]`

**Design Customization (Cards Style)**
* Customize button colors to match your brand
* Adjust card borders and styling
* Change product title colors
* Built-in WordPress color picker
* Reset to defaults option

**Affiliate Disclosure**
* Built-in FTC-compliant disclosure
* Customizable disclosure text
* Display above or below products
* Toggle per shortcode

**Export/Import**
* Export product lists as JSON for backup
* Import product lists from another site
* Merge or replace on import
* Perfect for managing multiple sites

**Shortcode Options**
* `[productlinker]list-name[/productlinker]` - Basic usage (text style)
* `[productlinker style="cards"]list-name[/productlinker]` - Card format
* `[productlinker style="list"]list-name[/productlinker]` - List format
* `[productlinker header="Equipment"]list-name[/productlinker]` - With header
* `[productlinker style="cards" columns="2"]list-name[/productlinker]` - 2 column cards
* `[productlinker disclosure="false"]list-name[/productlinker]` - Hide disclosure

= Perfect For =

* Food bloggers (ingredient/equipment lists)
* Travel bloggers (packing lists, gear recommendations)
* Lifestyle bloggers (product roundups)
* DIY/craft bloggers (supply lists)
* New bloggers (can't qualify for API yet)
* Anyone who wants simple affiliate links

= How It Works =

1. **Add Your Amazon Associates ID** - Enter your affiliate tracking ID
2. **Create Product Lists** - Group related products together
3. **Add Products** - Enter ASIN codes and product titles
4. **Optionally Add Header** - e.g., "Equipment I Use"
5. **Use Shortcode** - Add `[productlinker]list-name[/productlinker]` to any post or page
6. **Earn Commissions** - All links include your Associates ID

= No API Hassles =

Unlike other Amazon plugins, ProductLinker for Amazon doesn't require:
* Amazon Product Advertising API credentials
* 10 sales in 30 days requirement
* API quota management
* Complex API configuration
* Dealing with API errors or rate limits

Just add your Associates ID and start creating product lists!

= Lightweight & Fast =

* No external API calls = faster page loads
* Optimized CSS and JavaScript
* No bloated features you don't need
* Works with any WordPress theme
* Mobile responsive out of the box

= Privacy Friendly =

* No data collection
* No external tracking
* No cookies set by the plugin
* GDPR compliant

= Support =

For support, please visit the [support forum](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/productlinker-for-amazon/) or [GitHub repository](https://github.com/philtorre/productlinker-for-amazon).

== Installation ==

= Automatic Installation =

1. Log in to your WordPress admin panel
2. Go to Plugins > Add New
3. Search for "ProductLinker for Amazon"
4. Click "Install Now" and then "Activate"

= Manual Installation =

1. Download the plugin ZIP file
2. Log in to your WordPress admin panel
3. Go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin
4. Choose the ZIP file and click "Install Now"
5. Activate the plugin

= Configuration =

1. Go to **Settings > ProductLinker for Amazon**
2. Enter your **Amazon Associates ID**
3. Create your first **product list**
4. Optionally add a **header** (e.g., "Equipment I Use")
5. Add **products** with ASINs and titles
6. Click **Save Settings**
7. Use shortcode `[productlinker]list-name[/productlinker]` in your posts

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Do I need an Amazon API key? =

No. ProductLinker for Amazon requires no API key and no Amazon Product Advertising API (PA-API) access. You only need an Amazon Associates account and your tracking ID.

= Do I need Amazon Product Advertising API access? =

No! That's the whole point. This plugin works without any API access. You only need an Amazon Associates account and your tracking ID.

= What if I haven't reached the 10-sale requirement for Amazon API access? =

This plugin works without any API access at all, so the 10-sale requirement does not apply. You can start creating product lists from day one.

= Does this work if Amazon revoked my API access? =

Yes. Since ProductLinker uses only your Associates ID and ASIN codes — not the PA-API — it continues to work regardless of your API status.

= Can food bloggers and recipe bloggers use this? =

Absolutely. ProductLinker is built for niche bloggers — food, travel, DIY, lifestyle — who want to add Amazon affiliate product lists to their posts without API complexity.

= Is this plugin compliant with Amazon Associates policies? =

Yes. The plugin includes a built-in affiliate disclosure and does not scrape Amazon data, host product images, or cache prices — all common policy violations with other plugins.

= How do I find product ASINs? =

The ASIN is Amazon's product identifier. You can find it:
* In the product URL: amazon.com/dp/**B08N5WRWNW**
* In the product details section on Amazon
* Usually 10 alphanumeric characters

= Will this work if I don't have 10 sales yet? =

Yes! You only need an Amazon Associates account and tracking ID. No sales requirement.

= What's the difference between the display styles? =

* **Text** (default): Clean text links that inherit your theme colors. Best for natural content.
* **Cards**: Styled boxes with "View on Amazon" buttons. Customizable colors in Design tab.
* **List**: Bulleted list with hover effects and external link icons.
* **Simple**: Inline links separated by | pipes. Good for within paragraphs.

= How do I add a header above my products? =

Two ways:
1. In admin, add a header when creating your product list
2. In shortcode: `[productlinker header="Equipment I Use"]list-name[/productlinker]`

= Can I hide the header on specific pages? =

Yes! Use: `[productlinker header="false"]list-name[/productlinker]`

= Can I customize the button colors? =

Yes! Go to Settings > ProductLinker for Amazon > Design tab. You can customize:
* Button background color
* Button hover color
* Button text color
* Card border colors
* Product title color

Note: Design options only apply to the "cards" style. Other styles inherit your theme colors.

= Does this work with Gutenberg? =

Yes! Add a Shortcode block and paste your `[productlinker]` shortcode into it.

= Can I use this on multiple sites? =

Yes! Use the Export/Import feature to transfer product lists between sites. Each site needs its own Amazon Associates ID.

= Are the product images displayed? =

No. Amazon's policy doesn't allow hosting their images without API access. The plugin shows product titles and "View on Amazon" buttons instead. This actually loads faster and avoids policy violations.

= How do I add an affiliate disclosure? =

Go to Settings > ProductLinker for Amazon > Affiliate Disclosure section. Enable it, add your disclosure text, and choose the position (above or below products).

= Can I disable disclosure for specific shortcodes? =

Yes! Add `disclosure="false"` to the shortcode: `[productlinker disclosure="false"]list-name[/productlinker]`

= Is this plugin GDPR compliant? =

Yes. The plugin doesn't collect any user data, set cookies, or track visitors. It only generates affiliate links to Amazon.

= Can I use different Amazon regions (UK, Canada, etc.)? =

Currently the plugin uses Amazon.com (US). International support may be added in future updates.

= Does this work with caching plugins? =

Yes! The plugin is fully compatible with caching plugins like WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache, and WP Rocket.

== Screenshots ==

1. **Admin Settings** - Clean, intuitive interface for managing product lists
2. **Product List Management** - Dropdown selector and easy product editing
3. **Design Customization** - Color picker for matching your brand (cards style)
4. **Test Display** - Clean text links that inherit your theme colors (default)
5. **List Display** - Clean bulleted list format
6. **Cards Display** - Beautiful product cards on your site
7. **Simple Display** - Inline text links
8. **Export/Import** - Easy backup and transfer of product lists

== Changelog ==

= 1.1.0 =
* New: Product fields now accept Amazon URLs (amazon.com or amzn.to SiteStripe links) in addition to plain ASINs
* Improvement: Validation added for invalid ASIN or URL entries

= 1.0.0 =
* Initial release
* Product list management with unlimited lists
* Four display styles: text (default), cards, list, simple
* Optional headers for product lists
* Design customization for cards style
* Built-in affiliate disclosure with positioning options
* Export/Import product lists as JSON
* Shortcode documentation in admin settings
* Responsive design for all devices
* GDPR compliant - no user tracking
* WordPress coding standards compliant

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 1.1.0 =
Product fields now accept Amazon URLs (including SiteStripe amzn.to links) in addition to plain ASINs. Existing products are unaffected.

= 1.0.0 =
Initial release of ProductLinker for Amazon. Create product lists with your Amazon Associates ID - no API required!

== Privacy Policy ==

ProductLinker for Amazon does not:
* Collect any user data
* Set any cookies
* Track visitors
* Make external API calls (except to Amazon when users click links)
* Send data to third parties

The plugin only generates affiliate links to Amazon.com with your Associates ID.

== Credits ==

Developed by Phil Torre

== Support ==

For support and feature requests:
* [WordPress.org Support Forum](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/productlinker-for-amazon/)
* [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/philtorre/productlinker-for-amazon/issues)

== Donate ==

If you find this plugin helpful, consider [buying me a coffee](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/philtorre)!
