I get it! Getting in front of the camera is scary! However, if you want to up your affiliate marketing game, and commissions, videos are key.

Videos allow your followers to engage with you on a more personal level.  My top converting affiliates create both a traditional blog post as well as a video review. Here are just some of the reasons why.

  • According to 70 percent of marketers, video produces more conversions than any other type of content.
  • Social video generates 1200% more shares than text and images combined.
  • YouTube is the golden child for Google therefore expanding your reach.
  • Within YouTube or Vimeo, you can include affiliate links directly in your Description box. Also, include a link to your blog post.
  • You can embed your video on your affiliate blog post for increased engagement and duration on your site.
  • Facebook embedded videos take a top priority in the Facebook algorithm. Translation? Your followers are more likely to see your uploaded video versus a standard post and picture.
  • Shorten your video for an engaging Instagram post or add to Instagram TV.

Key things to remember about your YouTube video are:

  • Prepare Your Followers. You have just a couple of seconds to keep your viewer engaged so use it wisely. Start off with the top take away you plan to give your viewer. A great example would be “Today, I am sharing natural remedies for age spots”
  • Make it personal!  Talk about your personal experience with Healing Natural Oils products. Explain why you opt for holistic options versus more traditional solutions.
  • Click Here. Tell your viewers to click on the affiliate link in the description for more information and to purchase. Make it obvious.
  • Tell Them What To Do. Similar to your blog post, have multiple calls to action throughout the post – beginning, middle and end.
  • Title It. Titles are your first impression. Your video title should be optimized with your keywords, give a clear understanding of your topic  and be engaging.

Tips For Beginners

Don’t wait for it to be perfect. As Nike says “Just Do It” This simple video structure was provided by Justin Brown with Primal Video. It is a useful guide.

Questions To Ask Before Filming

Set your video goals and get clear on the content you are creating.

  1. Why are you creating this video?
  2. Who is the video for?
  3. Why would someone watch this video?
  4. What action do you want people to take after seeing Gain reach? Sell? Gather emails?  Subscribe?
  5. How can Imake the video easy to understand?

Create an outline of your video with the following simple structure

Justin Brown’s Simple Video Structure

Hook – hook your audience with your content immediately within 3-5 seconds. Explain why they want to keep watching Get straight to the point.  No intro.

Intro – expand on the topic and self  why they should listen to you  Go a little deeper but still broad and getting interest

Content – Deliver what you promise

Bonus – Over-deliver on what you promise in the content. Something like “stick until the end because I will share “extra tip”

Call to action – what do you want your viewer to do after watching the video. Examples subscribe, comment, click on your affiliate link, sign up for your newsletter

Equipment Tips

You can absolutely use your phone to create your videos. Just make sure you delete your photos and videos so you have room on your phone for the video.

However, I recommend investing in some support equipment as well.

Lighting – I bought a rim light after I went to Social Media World. Wow, what a difference. Here is the one I use.

Sound – Quality sound is crucial for your videos. Using a wireless lapel mic isn’t going to put you at TV production level but I guarantee you will notice a difference.

Editing Software – I admit it. I use child labor…aka my son…for my video editing. If you don’t have someone willing to edit your video in exchange for sushi or candy, you can use Lumen5 for fun social videos.