Video is the most powerful form of advertising. It allows consumers to see and understand products before hitting the purchase button, and as visual creatures, we can’t help but watch a well-made, captivating video. Just think about it — video has only been around for about a century, but now it’s everywhere. We have Snapchat videos, 3D movies, videos on our Facebook walls, and more.
It only makes sense for us to discuss affiliate marketing YouTube strategies. As video becomes more and more prominent, this is a trend that’s just not going away—so the sooner you can hop on board and utilize your YouTube, the better.
VIDEO: How To Make Money With Affiliate Marketing On YouTube
You Don’t Need Fancy Equipment
That’s right, although you might see YouTubers using much nicer (and expensive equipment) such as Pat Flynn, this is not a requirement. In fact, we highly recommend you use what you have first to decide if using YouTube for affiliate marketing is a strategy you like. If not, then you won’t have wasted any money. As with everything else, I don’t recommend you put time and effort into anything unless you actually enjoy it. Play to your strengths! If it is something you enjoy, though, then you can make an informed decision on what equipment you might want to upgrade to eventually.
To make a decent YouTube video, you need a few things:
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- Some kind of video recorder. Again, this doesn’t need to be anything crazy! A simple webcam or your phone will do just fine. For many of my videos I’ve used a cheap $300 camera, my iPhone, and the built in camera on my MacBook. All have worked just fine.
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- A great idea for a video. Sit down and brainstorm a little bit for dynamic ideas that will interest people. Also take a look at YouTube and see what’s been done before. I’m not saying you should steal other peoples ideas outright, but maybe you can give better advice than they did or do something better? Everything can be improved upon.
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- Enthusiasm. You don’t need to be bubbly and happy throughout your video — you should be yourself. But you should not speak in one tone and completely deadpan. Try to get people excited about whatever it is you’re video is about. Think of the things YOU like to see in YouTube videos and then try to do that the best you can. Remember, you will never please everyone, but you don’t have to.
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- A YouTube channel. This is free and easy to start. Simply go to YouTube’s main page and get started.
Not too hard, right? Aside from the equipment you need, which at the beginning will be pretty minimal anyway, you’re not going to need to invest any money. It will only take a little bit of time to make great videos and start growing your following. Heck, if you’re super shy and don’t want your face on camera, you can just use a PowerPoint presentation and narrate a presentation for your audience. The only one stopping you from promoting affiliate products on YouTube is YOU!
Make Your Videos Stand Out
Obviously, you don’t want to be like every other YouTuber out there. Why? Well, because you’re not! You have a unique perspective, and this should shine through in your videos.
Of course, this is much easier said than done. Many people freeze up in front of the camera, becoming stiff and less interesting versions of themselves. To avoid this, try:
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- Warming up, vocally and physically. Read things out loud and move about a little bit before hitting the record button.
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- Listening to music you like beforehand. What kind of tunes get you pumped up and excited? Listening to this before you record a video will help you feel at ease.
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- Having a loose script. You don’t need to read anything word for word, but know what you’re trying to say and the general flow of your video. You can even set a piece of paper off-screen to glance at to help you remember, and this can help put your mind at ease—making it much easier for you to feel like yourself while you talk.
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- Imagining a person you’re talking to. Many people make videos and simply “talk to the camera.” Instead, picture that the camera is someone you know. Maybe it’s your mom or dad, a good friend, or a co-worker. Talk to that person as if they’re there, and you will come off as more personable in your video.
Creating The Videos
Anything is fair game in the world of YouTube, so get creative. Your affiliate links will be included in the description below the video, and you can incorporate affiliate links to products and services in a number of ways.
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- Product unboxing and reviews. If you’re excited about something you’ve purchased, don’t open it right once you get it home! Instead, film yourself opening it and your reaction as you go through the process. Also, you can do product reviews, which takes the usual written review and puts it into a more engaging medium.
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- Consumer buying advice. Focus on your niche and offer up great advice for buying certain items. Sprinkle in some of your affiliate products throughout.
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- How-tos and tutorials. If you have a skill that you can share, there are other people out there wanting to learn it. You can always break down tutorial videos into smaller, bite-size chunks to make them easier to film.
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- Educational shorts. Instead of “how,” ask “why.” Explain something about your industry or niche to help your audience better understand it.
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- Humor or sketch. This is a very popular category, and if you can tie it into your niche then you’re golden! It’s a unique way to promote affiliate links and also has less of a tendency to feel sales-y.
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- Celebrity and entertainment. If you keep up on trends, then this one’s for you. Awards shows, movie releases, and celebrity gossip are all hot topics.
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- Lifestyle, fitness, and self-help. Incorporate affiliate links to health-related products and services here.
The Benefits Of YouTube
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- Low to no start-up costs. As mentioned, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on high-end equipment for this. If you get started and realize you really like YouTube and it’s working for you and your audience, then you can always upgrade later. Upgrades could include nicer camera equipment, microphones, and video editing software.
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- It’s popular, and for good reason. People love video, and they will continue to love video for years to come. It’s a lasting medium and it’s your way to make your mark as a cutting-edge affiliate marketer.
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- People will trust you more. You’re no longer some faceless person writing on a website; instead, you are a living, breathing human being that your audience can see. Even if you only produce short videos, it will be a chance for them to get to know you better.
