YouTube affiliate marketing for beginners

With its colossal reach, YouTube is like the El Dorado for affiliate marketers. Imagine a platform with over 2 billion monthly active users gobbling up billions of hours of content daily. Sounds like a marketer’s dream, right? This article explains YouTube affiliate marketing—a clever strategy wcto this potential goldmine and start raking in commissions? Let’s get started!

Understanding YouTube affiliate marketing

YouTube affiliate marketing allows creators to earn commissions by promoting products in their videos. By partnering with brands, creators can place affiliate links in their video descriptions. They earn a commission when viewers click these links and make purchases.

This arrangement is mutually beneficial: brands reach YouTube’s massive audience, and creators gain an additional revenue stream beyond AdSense.

Here’s the process: creators develop engaging content, such as tutorials or product reviews, highlighting items they genuinely recommend. They include affiliate links in the video descriptions, providing viewers with an easy way to find and purchase these products.

The idea is simple:

  • Endorse quality products.
  • Give viewers easy access via affiliate links.
  • Earn a commission for each sale.

Commission rates usually range from 5% to 20% but can sometimes go up to 50%.

Garden Answer in the spotlight

Take the Garden Answer YouTube channel as an example of successful YouTube affiliate marketing. They regularly share gardening tips, plant recommendations, reviews, and DIY gardening projects. Some videos offer purely informational content and links to related videos, while others recommend various garden items, complete with a list of affiliate links in the video descriptions.

YouTube channel Garden Answer
The Garden Answer channel counts 1.9 million subscribers and over 2,000 videos

Garden Answer has established a significant presence with 1.9 million subscribers and over 2,000 videos. More than 50 of their videos boast upwards of a million views, indicating that their affiliate links receive considerable engagement. Overall, the channel counts more than 491 million views.

Their videos maintain high quality without appearing overly polished, enhancing their authenticity. This genuine approach likely boosts viewer engagement with the product links, enabling them to earn substantial revenue without appearing spammy.

Moreover, their frequent uploads—several times a week—keep them constantly in their audience’s minds, which also plays well with the YouTube algorithm, as we will discuss further.

Why you should use YouTube affiliate marketing

With over 2.49 billion monthly logged-in users watching over a billion hours of video daily, YouTube offers a vast and engaged audience. 76% of consumers and 85% of millennials have purchased a product or service after watching a video, making it an effective platform for affiliate marketing.

If you already run an affiliate website with blog posts, you can easily repurpose that content into YouTube videos. This strategy expands your affiliate marketing efforts naturally. Building a YouTube audience doesn’t require any spending on advertising or link building, and it can be pretty lucrative: while video ads might earn a YouTuber around $3 to $5 per 1,000 views, affiliate marketing can yield significantly more, even with just a few sales per 1,000 views.

For instance, a YouTube channel with a million monthly views might earn between $3,000 to $5,000 through AdSense. However, you don’t need millions of views with affiliate marketing to see substantial earnings. Even smaller channels with a few thousand views can generate impressive income. All you need to start is a microphone, a camera or screen recording software, and a computer. 

But even though this might sound simple, building a successful YouTube channel is a long journey. It requires regular work and discipline, like an affiliate website, to make it worthwhile.

Top pros of YouTube affiliate marketing

  • Traffic: YouTube offers a vast audience without the need for costly advertising.
  • Competition: Competition is often lower than on the web, especially outside niche areas.
  • Audience: YouTube’s subscription feature helps you maintain a loyal viewer base that receives notifications for new videos.
  • SEO: YouTube videos frequently rank high in Google searches, boosting your content’s visibility.
  • Partnerships: Establishing yourself as a niche authority can attract brand collaborations, leading to sponsored content and exclusive affiliate deals.
  • Repurpose: You can transform YouTube content into blog posts and social media snippets—or vice versa!

Cons of YouTube affiliate marketing

  • Success on YouTube requires high-quality, engaging videos, which demand significant time, resources, and possibly investment in equipment.
  • Relying on YouTube means adhering to their policies. A channel ban can result in losing all revenue from your entire content.

It’s essential to recognize that building a successful YouTube channel and affiliate marketing business requires time, effort, and dedication. Significant earnings may take months or even years to materialize. Success often stems from consistently producing high-quality content, cultivating a growing and engaged audience, and strategically promoting products or services. 

How much money you can make from affiliate marketing on YouTube

In the world of YouTube affiliate marketing, views are like currency. The more views your videos accumulate, the more potential clicks on your affiliate links and, subsequently, the more products you can sell. But before diving into strategies for increasing views, let’s explore the earning potential of an average YouTube affiliate marketer.

The income you can generate from YouTube and affiliate marketing can vary significantly. It hinges on various factors, such as your niche, the quality of your content, the popularity of your channel, your viewer engagement, and the success of your affiliate partnerships. While some YouTubers rake in substantial six- or seven-figure incomes, others may only earn a modest amount.

Targeting and commission matter

However, it’s worth noting that massive traffic numbers aren’t always necessary for significant earnings. What matters more is targeted traffic and aligning with a lucrative affiliate program. On average, the conversion rate on YouTube typically falls between 2% and 5%, though it can soar as high as 8% for specific products.

Commissions for different products vary widely, but let’s consider a scenario: Suppose you’re promoting a product that offers a 6% commission and sells for $80. If your video amasses 10,000 views and boasts a 1% conversion rate, your earnings might look like this:

  • Views: 10,000
  • Conversions (1%): 100
  • Sales: $8,000
  • Commission (6%): $480

While this may not seem remarkable at first glance, imagine if your video garnered 50,000 or even 100,000 views. You’d likely be thrilled; each video could yield a considerable affiliate income. In addition to views, the commission rates offered by affiliate networks are pivotal in determining your earnings. Furthermore, your niche also plays a crucial role. Niches with high demand and valuable products or services typically boast higher earning potentials.

Many YouTubers and affiliate marketers don’t earn substantial amounts until they’ve amassed a sizable audience or fine-tuned their marketing tactics. Nevertheless, it’s vital to remember that these figures are estimates, and your earnings will vary based on the abovementioned factors.

A formula showing how to calculate affiliate marketing revenue: Revenue = Pageviews * Click-through rate CTR in percent * Conversion Rate in percent * Commissions in percent * Product Sale Value in US dollars
How to calculate achievable revenue with affiliate marketing

In this tutorial, you will gain more insights into earning calculations and how much Amazon affiliates can make.

Getting started with YouTube affiliate marketing

It’s easy to start your YouTube Affiliate journey. If you want, you can launch your YouTube channel today and post videos within the hour. But if you’re serious about earning money, you’ll need a plan for creating the type of videos you want to make.

Here’s a list of things you need to get started.

Creating your YouTube channel

To kickstart your journey into YouTube affiliate marketing, set up your channel. It’s free and only takes a few minutes. YouTube provides a straightforward channel creation process for starting your video monetization venture.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the signup:

  1. Navigate to YouTube.
  2. Sign in with a Google account (you must create a free Google account if you don’t have one).
  3. Click on your profile picture or avatar in the top right corner, open the menu, and click “Create a channel.” 
  4. Choose a name for your channel.
Screenshot of the YouTube signup form
Sign in with your Google account and create your channel

Setting up your YouTube channel

Once your channel is ready and you can access YouTube Studio, you can start uploading videos, followed by creating catchy titles and descriptions, selecting appealing thumbnails, and analyzing your content’s performance.

Optimizing your channel is critical to attracting the right audience. Follow this roadmap to fine-tune every vital aspect of your YouTube channel, ensuring it draws the right viewers and maximizes your affiliate marketing potential.

Niche down and attract your tribe

Specializing in a particular niche helps you attract a relevant audience. Select a topic that excites you and aligns with potential affiliate programs. This focused approach builds a channel that resonates with a dedicated community, increasing the likelihood of conversions from your affiliate links.

Explore our post on affiliate niche ideas for valuable insights, considerations, and inspirations when making your pivotal niche decision.

Establish your channel’s identity

Design your channel art to reflect your niche and incorporate vital branding elements. This visual identity creates a cohesive and professional initial impression, enticing visitors to delve deeper into your content.

Share your story in your description

The channel description is crucial. Use it to outline your channel’s purpose and primary content focus clearly. Integrate relevant keywords to improve search visibility and include compelling calls to action to encourage viewers to explore your video collection.

Strategically curate your content

Group your videos into playlists based on topic and, if applicable, the affiliate programs they correspond to. This user-friendly organization lets viewers quickly discover related content and navigate directly to affiliate-linked products they’re interested in.

Prioritize transparency

Craft a dedicated welcome video or incorporate a clear statement within your channel trailer explaining that you may recommend affiliate products. Always disclose your affiliate relationships transparently in your video descriptions, fostering trust and adhering to YouTube’s guidelines.

Nurture a community

Actively engage with your viewers by responding to comments, addressing their questions, and encouraging likes and shares. This two-way communication builds loyalty, demonstrates expertise, and strengthens trust in your content. Extend this engagement to other platforms where you share your YouTube videos, like Facebook and Twitter. By actively participating in discussions across channels, you encourage viewers to return for future content, ultimately boosting your videos’ ranking on YouTube.

Finding the right affiliate programs for YouTube marketing

YouTube affiliate marketing remains a hidden gem for many content creators. Surprisingly, countless YouTubers upload unboxing and gadget review videos without leveraging affiliate links, missing out on potential earnings. They could easily monetize their content by adding affiliate links to the products they review.

The beauty of YouTube lies in its versatility. It serves as a platform for broadcasting to any audience, regardless of niche. Most affiliate programs are compatible with YouTube, offering ample opportunities for affiliate marketing. Given its comfortable integration with recommended affiliate plugins, I highly recommend the Amazon affiliate program for starters. It facilitates synergies between your website and affiliate products.

The Amazon affiliate program
The Amazon partner program is a good choice to start with YouTube affiliate marketing

Additionally, many affiliate programs cover diverse topics and are accessible through various affiliate networks.

For instance, suppose you’ve recently purchased a garden shredder and plan to create an unboxing video. A quick search for “shredder affiliate program” reveals numerous affiliate programs offering commissions, such as Amazon. Despite the seemingly modest commission rates, products like shredders practically sell themselves, making them lucrative opportunities for affiliate marketers.

When selecting affiliate programs, consider factors like competition and demand. Shredders, for example, face stiff competition from established retailers. In contrast, focusing on niche products like roller shredders, which have moderate demand and lower competition, may offer more favorable prospects for success.

Top affiliate programs for YouTube

Amazon’s affiliate program is a giant in affiliate marketing and a standout favorite, attracting many YouTubers. Becoming an Amazon associate is easy, with most applications approved within a few days. Once accepted, you can promote millions of products and earn commissions on each sale.

Check out our Amazon affiliate tutorial for a step-by-step guide on the Amazon referral program.

While Amazon is famous, it’s far from the only option. Thousands of affiliate programs cater to various niches, though some may have specific approval requirements, such as joining exclusive networks, regularly posting content, or displaying product feeds on your site.

Here are some highly recommended and lucrative affiliate programs for YouTube channels:

  • Amazon Associates: The biggest player, offering high commissions on various products.
  • ShareASale: A reputable network with over 4,000 merchants across multiple niches.
  • ClickBank: Ideal for digital products like ebooks, software, and online courses, with commissions up to 75%.
  • CJ Affiliate: Provides access to top advertisers in diverse industries.
  • Rakuten: Offers generous recurring commissions and extensive affiliate resources.
  • AWIN: A commendable ad network featuring over 30,000 merchants.

What are the best affiliate programs for you will depend on your channel’s niche and audience. Consider these factors and the program details to find the best fit for your content. Selecting the right programs from the start is crucial for maximizing your YouTube affiliate marketing earnings.

Your technical environment

While passion and dedication are crucial, having the right equipment can significantly enhance the quality of your content and elevate your production value. 

The video and audio quality must be great if you don’t want your audience to bounce off after the first few seconds. The videos should be at least 720p resolution, but it’s even better if they have 1080p or 4k resolution. Get a high-quality mic if you’re going to provide voiceover or commentary. Cheap mics provide only inferior voice quality which can put off viewers.

To help you get started, here’s a breakdown of the essential gear you’ll need to create professional YouTube videos.

A camera and a computer
All you need to start YouTube affiliate marketing is a microphone, a camera or screen recording software, and a computer. 

Computer

Your computer is the heart of your video editing process, so investing in a capable machine is essential. Here are the key specs to consider:

  • RAM: Aim for 16 GB or more to ensure smooth multitasking and handling demanding editing tasks.
  • Storage: A 3-4 TB hard drive or an SSD (Solid State Drive) will provide ample storage for your video files. SSDs offer faster access speeds, making them ideal for editing large video files.
  • Processor and graphics card: A powerful processor and graphics card will significantly accelerate editing and rendering, especially for projects involving complex animations or special effects.

Cameras and beyond

The type of camera you need depends on the style of videos you want to create:

  • Action videos: A GoPro is versatile for capturing fast-paced action and adventure shots out in the field.
  • Portrait/studio videos: A DSLR or DSLM camera will provide high-quality close-up shots and professional-looking visuals for studio productions.
  • Live streams: A webcam is essential for engaging with your audience in real time during live streams.
  • Screencast videos: Utilize screen recording software to create tutorials or software walkthroughs.
  • Smartphone cameras: Modern smartphones, like the iPhone X and later models, boast impressive video capabilities. If you’re starting, your phone camera can be a great budget-friendly option.

Audio and Lighting

For a more polished and professional look, consider investing in:

  • Microphone: A dedicated microphone will significantly improve the sound quality of your videos, minimizing background noise and ensuring clear audio.
  • Lighting: Proper lighting can make a world of difference in the overall quality of your videos. Explore options like softboxes, ring lights, or even simple desk lamps to enhance your lighting setup.

Video editing software

Video editing software can put a zing on your videos. Use special effects, filters, animations, and graphics to make your videos more exciting. Windows Movie Maker is the most accessible free tool for starting if you are new to video editing. Don’t hesitate to use the trial version of paid software if you’re short on budget.

Here are some free video editing software recommendations for affiliate marketing on YouTube:

Remember, you can upgrade your equipment as your channel grows and your budget allows. The key is to start creating, focus on delivering valuable content to your audience, and allow your passion to show in your videos.

What types of videos generate affiliate revenue?

You have many styles and formats to choose from when creating affiliate videos. While not all formats are ideal for affiliate marketing, several have proven to be particularly effective. Let’s explore some of these successful formats and strategies.

Product review videos

Product reviews are a goldmine for YouTube affiliates, offering ample opportunities to engage viewers and drive affiliate revenue. Whether diving into a single product or comparing multiple options, these videos attract attention, primarily if you can provide hands-on experience with the products you’re discussing.

Using keywords related to specific products can significantly boost revenue potential, as they often indicate strong commercial interest. Unsurprisingly, most consumers turn to online reviews before making a purchase, with many swayed by the recommendations found in YouTube product review videos.

The impact of this content is clear: it converts viewers into active shoppers who click on affiliate links and potentially earn you substantial commissions. To maximize your earning potential, add links to reputable affiliate programs.

Tutorials and how-to videos

A compelling approach for YouTube affiliates is producing instructional videos showcasing the usage of affiliated products. Through detailed demonstrations and clear instructions, you can guide viewers on utilizing the featured products while subtly endorsing them effectively.

For instance, consider creating a tutorial on setting up and operating autonomous drip irrigation systems. Such videos serve as informative guides and provide an opportunity to integrate affiliate links for the featured products. Whether it’s irrigation kits from online marketplaces like Amazon or specialized components from gardening retailers, you can highlight products relevant to your audience and affiliate partnerships.

To enhance the effectiveness of your affiliate marketing endeavors, consider showcasing each product in action within the video. By offering firsthand demonstrations of the product’s functionality, you provide compelling evidence of its utility, resonating with viewers and bolstering conversion rates. After all, seeing a product in operation firsthand can significantly influence purchasing decisions.

Unboxing videos

Unboxing videos offer a unique peek into the excitement of unwrapping a fresh purchase, allowing viewers to experience the unveiling process alongside the creator vicariously. As you delve into the contents of each package, narrate your thoughts and reactions, providing insightful commentary on the product’s design, features, accessories, and overall presentation.

Moreover, unboxing videos attract a surprisingly large audience, reflecting the widespread fascination with the anticipation and revelation of new products. Despite initial skepticism, the allure of witnessing the unboxing experience has garnered a devout following, making it a viable and engaging content format for affiliate marketers.

Contrary to common belief, you don’t necessarily have to foot the bill for every item you unbox. Many companies are open to providing review copies of their products in exchange for a favorable assessment. By establishing positive relationships with brands and expressing genuine interest in their offerings, you may access complimentary products to feature in your unboxing videos, enriching your content without straining your budget.

Best-of videos

Roundup review videos are the video equivalent of roundup review posts. They offer viewers a comprehensive overview of multiple products within a specific niche and are highly effective in providing valuable insights and recommendations to your audience.

The key to success lies in establishing yourself as an authority in your niche cultivating trust and credibility among your viewers. By positioning yourself as an expert, your audience will value your opinions and recommendations more, increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversions.

Consider the example of the video above, which has amassed over 310,000 views at the time of writing. It demonstrates roundup review videos’ substantial reach and impact when executed effectively. Many creators have capitalized on this format, uploading numerous videos. Most of them monetize these through Amazon affiliate links in the video descriptions.

You can apply this approach to various popular (micro)niches, such as:

  • Top 5 choppers
  • Optimal drip irrigation systems for busy gardeners
  • Seven essential tools for weed removal
  • Prime compost bins to produce garden gold

Each roundup video presents an opportunity to generate significant affiliate revenue, notably when partnered with the right affiliate program. However, conducting thorough research beforehand is essential to assess competition levels and ensure the success of your endeavors.

Tips to create great YouTube affiliate marketing videos

To make money with YouTube affiliate marketing, you need views. No one clicks your affiliate links without views, and you don’t earn commissions. Given that over 300 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute, attracting viewers requires exceptional content.

If you’re new to making YouTube videos, your first attempts might not look great. That’s okay—don’t get discouraged. Focus on getting your initial videos published. Gather audience feedback and compare your work with others in your niche. Learn from this process, and you’ll soon improve.

Here are some tips to help you create compelling YouTube affiliate marketing videos.

Plan your videos

Instead of rambling in front of the camera, write a script to guide your video. Such preparation helps you stay focused and concise, preventing your video from becoming long and tedious. A well-structured script ensures that every part of your video is relevant and exciting. 

During editing, remove any irrelevant or uninteresting parts. Keep your video crisp and engaging to increase viewers’ likelihood of watching it all through.

Integrate the affiliate product naturally into your video, whether you review or demonstrate it. Avoid sounding like you’re reading an ad. Instead, aim for a conversational tone. Discuss the product’s features, benefits, and your personal opinions in an authentic manner.

To make your video stand out, get creative with camera angles, movement, and B roll—footage of related scenery or action—to keep the visuals dynamic. Use on-screen text, graphics, or effects to highlight key aspects such as the product name, features, prices, and discounts.

Target your videos

Target your videos towards smaller sub-segments within your more extensive audience. For example, if you’re promoting drip irrigation systems, you can make a video about solar-driven drip irrigation solutions. This focus will make your video show up higher in the results when someone searches specifically for sun-powered drip irrigation systems.

Be excited 

The video must sound as enthusiastic as you want your audience to be. If you talk in a dull and monotonous voice, viewers will unlikely feel excited and buy the products.

Don’t be sketchy or stupid

People watch videos to get information so they can make their own purchase decisions. Pushing them to buy will likely drive them away, and providing incorrect or sketchy information will likely put them off. Loud, obnoxious, or repetitive videos kill sales faster than any other medium.

Know the product

I advise selecting affiliate products you know well and are passionate about rather than choosing products merely because they pay well. The more you know about the product, the greater the value your videos supply to viewers.

Where can you put affiliate links on YouTube?

You can place affiliate links in YouTube videos in four main ways: in the video description, as a sticky comment, as an end card, or in the community tab. I recommend adding the links to the video description and verbally mentioning them within the video. For instance, say, “Check the link in the description to get 10% off your purchase today.”

This approach is less intrusive and maintains a better viewing experience. If you choose to use on-screen annotations, do so subtly to avoid giving the impression that you are overly focused on making a sale. You can also direct viewers to dedicated resource pages or blog posts on your website where you can provide more in-depth product information.

Video description

Here’s an example of using affiliate links in your video description. 

Amazon affiliate marketing links in a YouTube description
Affiliate links in the video description

Suppose you create a video demonstrating how to install a drip irrigation system. You could include an affiliate link like this in your description.

Pinned comments 

Another effective spot for affiliate links is your video’s ‘Pinned Comment’ section. However, moderation is key. Avoid cluttering your comment with too many links, as this can be overwhelming and off-putting. Instead, aim for a few relevant and strategically placed links to maintain a clean and user-friendly experience.

Screenshot of a fixed comment with affiliate links on YouTube
Pinned comments are a good place to embed a few affiliate links

Community tab

Many affiliates overlook the ‘Community’ tab for link placement. Engaging with subscribers in this section can be an excellent opportunity to share affiliate links. By actively interacting and posting valuable content, you can integrate links that feel natural and beneficial to your audience.

Amazon links in the community tab of YouTube
Many Youtuber ignore the chance of placing affiliate links in the community tab

End cards

Another effective method for incorporating affiliate links is through the end screen of your videos. You need to be approved for the YouTube Partner program to use this option. While you can’t directly link to an affiliate offer from your end cards, you can link to your website or any site associated with your YouTube channel. This indirect method requires a well-optimized landing page to maximize conversions.

You can add up to five end cards per video. The first placement is typically at the end of your video, but viewers can also click on the “i” symbol to view additional cards. This strategy subtly guides your audience towards affiliate offers without disrupting their viewing experience.

Affiliate marketing in YouTube end cards
You can see this when you click on the ‘i’ icon of the end screen

Whatever method you choose, the ultimate goal is to monetize your content by driving traffic to affiliate programs.

Make sure to include an affiliate link disclosure right below the link. This short statement informs viewers that you will receive financial compensation if they purchase through the link. Always include an affiliate link disclosure wherever you use an affiliate link.

How to get traffic to YouTube affiliate marketing videos?

Social media promotion, collaborations, eye-catching thumbnails, and optimized titles are crucial to growing your YouTube audience as an affiliate marketer. Here are some more tips to help expand your reach.

Get on social channels

Establish your channel profile on Facebook, Pinterest, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Reddit, and other relevant social media networks for your product. Share your YouTube videos across these platforms to encourage your followers to share and broaden your content’s reach. Engage with your audience by participating in Facebook Groups and relevant subreddits, interacting through likes, comments, and responses.

Optimize your videos for Google organic search

One way to get traffic to a YouTube video is to rank it in Google. So, where should you start?

To drive traffic to your YouTube videos via Google ranking, utilize keyword research tools to identify relevant topics and high-ranking keywords.

Recommended keyword tools

Screenshot of Google search results containing YouTube videos
Affiliate marketing videos from YouTube in Google SERPs

Implement video SEO techniques to enhance your videos’ visibility in search results, leading to increased views.

  • Start the title with your focus keyword
  • Keep titles short, under 60 characters
  • Use attention-grabbing power words like “How To” or “Beginner’s Guide”
  • Pose engaging questions such as “What is the best drip irrigation system?”
  • Hook viewers in with their pain points like “Struggling with withering plants? These tips help them.”

YouTube organic search

Did you know that YouTube is the second-largest search engine globally, just behind Google? Ranking well on YouTube can drive a surge of highly relevant viewers directly to your affiliate links. Above, I already shared some YouTube video SEO tips, such as optimizing your title, tags, and description for a single keyword.

Keywords

Before diving into anything else, it’s crucial to conduct keyword research. A good starting point is the YouTube search bar. Instead of guessing, type in potential keywords related to your niche, and YouTube will provide suggestions based on accurate user searches.

YouTube keyword research
Use the search field for keyword research on YouTube

This procedure eliminates guesswork since these keywords are based on actual user input.

When examining the top results for your keyword search, observe how the primary keyword appears in the title.

Titles with specific keywords on YouTube
Your video title is a ranking factor and should contain your focus keyword

Additionally, check the description of the top result, where you’ll likely find the primary keyword mentioned multiple times. Don’t underestimate the importance of the description! 

Like in the video titles, naturally integrating your target keyword throughout the description reinforces your video’s relevance to YouTube’s search engine.

Example of embedded keywords in a video description on YouTube
Don’t forget to place your keywords in the video description

A helpful tool for working on the SEO of your affiliate marketing videos on YouTube is TubeBuddy.

Engagement

Engagement is also important in YouTube SEO, and YouTube considers various factors when ranking videos, including:

  • Likes
  • Shares
  • New subscriptions
  • Comments
  • Session duration (how long viewers watch the video)

To improve these metrics, be sure to interact with your community.

Create clickable thumbnails

Craft captivating thumbnails that entice viewers to click on your video. It’s decisive to ensure that your thumbnail accurately represents the content and isn’t just clickbait.

Here are some tips for creating compelling thumbnails:

  • Design vibrant, high-contrast thumbnails that grab attention.
  • Ensure essential elements are visible, even on mobile devices.
  • Incorporate recognizable objects, people, or text to pique curiosity.
  • Utilize bold colors, expressions, and imagery to stand out.
  • Experiment with different thumbnails to determine which ones yield a higher click-through rate (CTR).
Screenshot with multiple video thumbnails from YouTube
Which one out of the top 4 results for ‘solar drip irrigation’ do you think the customer would be likelier to click?

Create an affiliate marketing website

Remember how I mentioned creating videos for your affiliate content?  An affiliate website takes things a step further. Having a website makes you look more professional and trustworthy. Plus, it becomes a central hub for promoting your videos. Embed them directly on your website so visitors from search engines, social media, or anywhere else can easily watch them.

Consistency is vital, and schedule your secret weapon

Regularly uploading videos is key for YouTube affiliate marketing. By sticking to a consistent upload schedule with predictable days and times, you’ll train your viewers to expect new content from you. This publishing interval keeps them engaged and coming back for more, which can ultimately lead to more clicks on your affiliate links.

Subscribers

Growing a robust subscriber base is vital for driving traffic to your videos. When someone subscribes, you gain a loyal audience, making it easier to keep them engaged over time.

Consider Garden Answer, a top independent gardening YouTuber with an impressive 1.9 million subscribers. Each time Laura LeBoutillier and her husband post a new video, their subscribers receive notifications through various platforms, including the YouTube browser interface, mobile app, and email.

Effective management and investing time and money enable a new channel to reach 100,000 subscribers within a year quickly. With such a sizable subscriber count, earning money on YouTube becomes almost inevitable.

Subscriber of the Garden Answer YouTube channel
A long-term success factor is a high number of subscribers who are notified of new videos

Recommended videos

The front page of YouTube is the most sought-after spot for any video. Getting featured here means your video is shown to a vast audience. Typically, the videos on the front page are influenced by user preferences and favorites. However, any channel that lands here can expect a significant increase in subscribers.

Screenshot from YouTube with recommended videos
YouTube’s front page is the very best spot

One effective way to boost your YouTube traffic is by getting your videos featured in the ‘Related Videos’ sidebar. These are suggested based on users’ viewing habits and often include content from creators they haven’t subscribed to yet.

YouTube aims to keep viewers on its platform, clicking on ads between videos. If your videos generate high engagement and long viewing sessions, YouTube will send more traffic your way. More traffic means more chances for viewers to click on your affiliate links, benefiting everyone involved.

Follow all the video SEO tips mentioned before to increase your chances of appearing in the related videos section. Moreover, organize your videos in playlists. This arrangement enhances the chances that YouTube recommends your videos together, engaging viewers to stay longer and driving more traffic to your channel.

Example of the related video section on YouTube
Appearing in the related videos section can increase your video views significantly

Collaborate with influencers

Working with influencers from your niche can significantly boost your YouTube traffic. Here are several strategies to consider:

  • Guest appearances: Appear as a guest on established channels in your niche to tap into their audience.
  • Shoutouts: Arrange for influencers to mention you on their social media platforms.
  • Interviews and podcasts: Participate in interviews or podcasts as an expert in your field.
  • Collaboration: Partner with an influencer to create a video together, leveraging their audience for mutual benefit.
  • Custom content: Offer exclusive content tailored for influencers to share with followers.

Growing your YouTube audience takes time, but following these best practices can steadily increase your subscribers, views, and affiliate sales.

Tracking affiliate links and sales

However, YouTube data falls short when it comes to assessing the effectiveness of your affiliate links. You need to take additional steps to get a clear picture.

Most affiliate networks supply links with your partner ID embedded, enabling them to attribute sales to your account. While this suffices for some programs, platforms like Amazon’s affiliate program offer detailed statistics on clicks, click-through rates, and conversions.

YouTube Analytics top searches
YouTube Analytics provides insights about popular search queries

Unfortunately, not all affiliate programs provide comprehensive data. In such cases, it’s wise to track your affiliate link performance independently. Link shorteners such as Bitly or the Advanced Ads Tracking add-on allow you to customize, shorten, and monitor your links effectively.

Here are two more tips for tracking links and sales:

  1. Calculate ROI: Measure your total earnings from affiliate commissions against the time and money invested in your channel. This ROI metric provides valuable insights into the profitability of your endeavors.
  2. Conduct A/B Tests: Experiment with elements like thumbnails, headlines, calls to action, or product placements in your videos. Test these variations to determine which yields better results for affiliate conversions.

Conclusion on affiliate marketing on YouTube

Video content is poised to dominate the future of affiliate marketing, offering long-term income potential via YouTube. Nevertheless, YouTube’s increasing competitiveness necessitates careful niche selection for affiliate marketers.

Combining a YouTube channel with an affiliate website is strategic. It offers diversified monetization avenues and greater income control beyond mere link conversions. 

YouTube’s unparalleled ability to catapult videos to viral status offers ample opportunities. While new YouTube affiliates may struggle to garner initial traction with just 1,000 views, success hinges on adept product selection, top-notch video production skills, and consistent content creation and promotion. Take the plunge, identify suitable affiliate products, and take those crucial first steps toward success.

Frequently asked questions about YouTube affiliate marketing

Does YouTube offer an affiliate program?

No, YouTube does not have an affiliate program. However, affiliate marketers can still earn commissions by promoting third-party products on the YouTube platform.

How do I become an affiliate on YouTube?

Identify products or services that align with your audience’s interests, join the appropriate affiliate program, and create video content where you can endorse those products and services. Then, monetize your content by including affiliate links in video annotations or the ‘Description’ section below the video.

Is affiliate marketing allowed on YouTube?

Yes, affiliate marketing is allowed on YouTube. You can add affiliate links to the ‘Description’ field beneath your video or within it via annotations. When someone clicks one of those affiliate links and makes a purchase, you earn a commission, just like with any other form of affiliate marketing.

Can you make money with YouTube affiliate marketing?

Yes, you can make money with YouTube affiliate marketing. You can add Amazon affiliate links to YouTube within video descriptions or annotations. You need to sign up for the Amazon Associates affiliate program, find products that are relevant to your audience, and promote them through your content. Many people are already making money through Amazon Associates on YouTube, and you can do the same.

How much do YouTubers make from affiliate links?

Creators can make hundreds or even thousands of dollars a month from affiliate links on YouTube. Their earnings will depend on the products and services they promote and the brands they partner with. Generally, most affiliate programs offer commissions of between 5% and 50% of the purchase or subscription price.

Author image Joachim

Joachim started marketing his first local news website in 2009. Shortly after, he successfully monetized his travel blogs about Morocco. He is an expert in affiliate marketing in the tourism and travel industry. When he's not writing tutorials for Advanced Ads or supporting other users, he prefers staying in Marrakech or at the Baltic Sea.

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