VideoHerd
The 101 on YouTube Affiliate Marketing
Category: Selling With YouTube
YouTube Affiliate Marketing is where you can promote products via your YouTube videos and earn a commission for sales made through the links you share. These are called affiliate links and they are usually included within the video description or the banner links of your YouTube channel. This technique lets viewers conveniently find and purchase the products or services you endorse or talk about, while giving you a small cut of the sales if you successfully convert them. Now, if it was this easy to make money on YouTube, we'd all be doing it. However it is not. And in this article we will look at what you need to do to become a ninja at affiliate marketing on YouTube.
Pros and Cons of YouTube Affiliate Marketing
Pros
YouTube Affiliate Marketing is popular because it's easy to start and can be used for almost every niche. Furthermore, thanks to YouTube’s enormous traffic potential, there is always viewers with deep pockets which you can get your links in front of. The wide selection of products or services available to promote means you can choose whichever resonates with your audience or niche, and there's still potential for earning passive income. Plus, the upfront investment is minimal, lowering the entry barriers for newcomers.
Cons
It’s not all fun in the sun for YouTube affiliate marketers. The downside is that commissions can vary between different affiliate programs. The process of creating quality videos can be time-consuming, and waiting for approval to join affiliate programs might test your patience. And, as always, payouts might be delayed.
So, You Still Want to Become a YouTube Affiliate Marketer
Study the Rules
To start, it's essential to read YouTube’s content guidelines to ensure your promotions are allowed. That means not promoting scams, crypto 'pump and dumps', fraudulent products, or anything shady. You should also read up on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines on affiliate marketing and YouTube's linking policy. Furthermore, you must also be transparent in your video and description that you are making a commission off any products or services you’re promoting.
Identify Products
Start by making a thoughtful list of products or services you genuinely want to promote and recommend to your audience. Make sure they are also inline with your niche and your content you can create to promote it. Remember, the more specific the better chance of conversions.
Research
Research and sign up for affiliate marketing programs that align with these products or services. Add the affiliate links strategically to your video description and within the videos themselves. Lastly, be sure to clearly disclose in your videos that product links in the description are affiliate links, to maintain trust with your viewers and comply with regulations.
Expand
If your videos are gaining traction and you can apply for the YouTube Partner Program, please do. The program unlocks new in-stream features that can allow you to further monetize your videos. These new Partner features include: the option to add affiliate links in end cards and channel subscriptions which can potentially boost your affiliate income due to they preferred position in your video.
Three Video Ideas That Could Drive Affiliate Revenue
You may be wondering, “what type of video should I make that will drive traffic to my affiliate links”? A classic age-old question. Below are a few helpful types of videos you could aim to create for maximum affiliate revenue.
1. Trending Videos and Outfit Links
If you can tap into current YouTube or other viral trends with your videos, then you have a recipe for success. Especially if you can weave in a relevant product or service to sell. An example could be you teaching your audience how to perform the latest viral dance move to a popular song while providing some affiliate links to your shoes and outfit in the description.
2. Round-Up Videos
If you have built up a small audience, consider creating Round-up videos. These videos are also known as a “monthly favorites” review video, tap into impulse buying as viewers might find several items they are interested in, with conveniently placed affiliate links in the description.
3. Honest Product Reviews & Tutorials
Honest and thorough product review videos give viewers the valuable insights they need before purchasing a product or service they’re interested in. If your review video is genuine, valuable, and strategic, perhaps they’ll even make a purchase decision through your affiliate link. Tutorials and Product Reviews are also excellent for educating your viewers on how to use a particular product, while also giving them an opportunity to purchase through your links.
A classic example would be you showing your viewers the process of unpacking a new product, offering your genuine thoughts and including affiliate links for viewers to purchase the product themselves. Remember, in any video, you can also include affiliate links to your video equipment, furniture, or even software that you use in your shot or to create your video. The possibilities are endless!
Our Conclusion on YouTube Affiliate Marketing
YouTube Affiliate Marketing is a promising and exciting strategy which offers a strong potential for income and the opportunity to share products you love with a broad or niche audience. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, and sticking to the FTC guidelines, you can navigate and make some money in the world of YouTube Affiliate Marketing effectively and ethically. Remember, authenticity and transparency with your audience are key to creating rapport and revenue with this strategy. Contact us today to get a head-start on your next creative YouTube affiliate marketing strategy.
