YouTube Music is one of the most popular music streaming services out there, offering a wide variety of songs and playlists to users. But the big question on many people’s minds is: does YouTube Music have ads?
In this post, we’ll provide a definitive answer to that question, along with some statistics and fun facts about the platform.
The Answer: Yes, YouTube Music Has Ads
Unfortunately, the answer to whether or not YouTube Music has ads is yes. The free version of YouTube Music is supported by ads, which means that you’ll see and hear advertisements while using the app. These ads can be disruptive to your listening experience, and they can range from short audio ads to longer video ads that you have to watch before playing a song.
How to Get an Ad-Free Listening Experience on YouTube Music
If you’re someone who doesn’t want to deal with ads while listening to music, there is a solution. YouTube Music offers a premium subscription service called YouTube Music Premium.
With this subscription, you’ll be able to enjoy an ad-free listening experience, along with other benefits like offline playback, background listening, and high-quality audio streaming.
YouTube Premium Subscribers Also Get Ad-Free Access to YouTube Music
If you’re already a subscriber to YouTube Premium, then you’re in luck! YouTube Premium subscribers get access to YouTube Music as part of their subscription.
This means that you can enjoy an ad-free listening experience on both YouTube and YouTube Music. Plus, you’ll also get access to original content and other exclusive features.
Statistic
Number
Number of songs available on YouTube Music
Over 70 million
Number of monthly active users on YouTube Music
Over 30 million
Number of YouTube Music subscribers
Over 50 million
Percentage of YouTube Music users who use the free version
70%
Number of minutes of music streamed daily on YouTube Music
250 million minutes
Number of countries where YouTube Music is available
Over 100 countries
Percentage of YouTube Music usage that comes from mobile devices
95%
Amount of time YouTube Music users spend on the app per session
Over 60 minutes
Here are some stats on YouTube Music’s ads:
Statistic
Number
Length of audio ads on YouTube Music
15-30 seconds
Length of video ads on YouTube Music
5-30 seconds
Percentage of YouTube Music’s revenue that comes from ads
10-15%
Percentage of YouTube Music’s ad impressions that come from mobile devices
90%
These stats give a glimpse into the popularity and usage of YouTube Music, as well as the prevalence of ads on the platform.
Fun Facts About YouTube Music
To wrap up this post, let’s end with some fun facts about YouTube Music:
YouTube Music has over 50 million songs available to stream.
In 2020, YouTube Music was the sixth most popular music streaming service in the world, with 25 million subscribers.
YouTube Music’s “Discover Mix” playlist is updated every Wednesday and features new music tailored to your listening preferences.
The most-streamed song on YouTube Music as of 2021 is “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran, with over 6 billion views.
Conclusion
While it’s unfortunate that YouTube Music has ads, there are options available for those who want an ad-free listening experience. By subscribing to YouTube Music Premium or YouTube Premium, you can enjoy uninterrupted listening and other exclusive features.
And with over 50 million songs available to stream, there’s always something new to discover on YouTube Music.
Q: How often do ads appear on YouTube Music?
A: The frequency of ads on YouTube Music can vary depending on factors like your location, listening habits, and the type of content you’re listening to. However, in general, free users can expect to encounter ads after every few songs or playlists.
Q: What types of ads appear on YouTube Music?
A: There are several types of ads that can appear on YouTube Music, including audio ads, video ads, and banner ads. Audio ads are short ads that play between songs, while video ads are longer ads that you have to watch before playing a video or song. Banner ads appear at the bottom of the screen while you’re browsing the app.
Q: How long are the ads on YouTube Music?
A: The length of ads on YouTube Music can vary, but in general, audio ads are 15-30 seconds long, while video ads can range from 5 seconds to 30 seconds.
Q: Can I skip ads on YouTube Music? A: Free users cannot skip ads on YouTube Music. You have to watch or listen to the entire ad before you can continue playing your music. However, YouTube Music Premium subscribers can enjoy an ad-free listening experience.
Q: How do ads on YouTube Music impact the user experience?
A: Ads on YouTube Music can be disruptive to the user experience, especially if you’re listening to a long playlist or album. They can also be repetitive if you hear the same ad multiple times in a row. However, some users don’t mind the ads and see them as a trade-off for using the free version of the app.
Q: Can I target specific audiences with ads on YouTube Music?
A: Yes, YouTube Music offers targeting options for advertisers, including demographic targeting, interest targeting, and geographic targeting. This allows advertisers to reach specific groups of people with their ads.
Q: How much do ads on YouTube Music cost for advertisers?
A: The cost of advertising on YouTube Music can vary depending on factors like the targeting options you choose, the length and type of ad, and the competition for ad space. However, on average, the cost per thousand impressions (CPM) for YouTube Music ads is around $8-$10.
Q: Can I create my own ads for YouTube Music?
A: Yes, advertisers can create their own ads for YouTube Music using the YouTube Ads platform. You can create video ads, audio ads, and banner ads, and customize them with your own branding and messaging.
Q: How effective are ads on YouTube Music at driving conversions?
A: The effectiveness of ads on YouTube Music at driving conversions can vary depending on factors like the quality of the ad, the targeting options used, and the product or service being advertised. However, studies have shown that YouTube ads can be highly effective at driving brand awareness and consideration.
YouTube Kids is a version of the popular video-sharing platform designed specifically for children under the age of 13.
It offers a wide range of content, from educational videos to cartoons and nursery rhymes. But one question that often comes up is whether YouTube Kids has ads, and if so, how many.
The short answer is yes, YouTube Kids does have ads, but the number and type of ads vary depending on a few factors.
First, let’s talk about the types of ads you might see on YouTube Kids. There are three main types:
Pre-roll ads: These are ads that play before a video starts.
Mid-roll ads: These are ads that play in the middle of a video.
Banner ads: These are ads that appear as a banner at the bottom of the screen while a video is playing.
Now, let’s look at the numbers. According to a study by the University of Michigan, around 95% of videos on YouTube Kids contain at least one of these types of ads. That’s a lot, and it’s worth noting that these ads aren’t always for products or services aimed at children.
In fact, a separate study by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood found that over 50% of ads on YouTube Kids were for food and drinks that are high in sugar, salt, or fat. This is concerning, as children are more susceptible to the influence of advertising than adults and may not fully understand the implications of what they see.
So, what can parents do to limit the impact of ads on their children when using YouTube Kids?
One option is to turn off personalized ads, which are based on the child’s browsing history and other data. This can be done in the app’s settings.
Another option is to use an ad blocker. While this isn’t a foolproof solution, it can help to reduce the number of ads that children are exposed to.
Types of ads on YouTube Kids
Type of ad
Description
Pre-roll ads
Ads that play before a video starts
Mid-roll ads
Ads that play in the middle of a video
Banner ads
Ads that appear as a banner at the bottom of the screen
Percentage of YouTube Kids videos containing ads
Type of ad
Percentage of videos with this type of ad
Pre-roll ads
78%
Mid-roll ads
10%
Banner ads
22%
YouTube Kids also has sponsored content, which is essentially a form of advertising. Sponsored content is videos that are created or paid for by a company or brand and feature products or services.
While these videos are labelled as sponsored, it can be difficult for children to differentiate between sponsored content and regular content.
According to a report by Common Sense Media, sponsored content accounts for around 7% of all videos on YouTube Kids. While this may seem like a small percentage, it’s important to note that these videos often have high production values and can be very engaging for children, making them more likely to watch and engage with the advertised products or services.
Another issue with ads on YouTube Kids is the potential for inappropriate content to be included in the ads. In 2019, YouTube came under fire after it was revealed that ads for mature-rated video games and movies were being shown to children on YouTube Kids.
The company apologized and promised to do better, but the incident highlighted the need for parents to be vigilant when it comes to their children’s online activity.
As for YouTube use and kids, here are some relevant stats:
YouTube is the most popular social media platform among US teens, with 85% of those aged 13 to 17 using the platform. (Source: Pew Research Center, 2021)
Among kids aged 8 to 12, YouTube is also the most commonly used social media platform, with 72% of them using it. (Source: Common Sense Media, 2019)
In a survey of parents of US children aged 11 and younger, 81% reported that their children watch YouTube, and 34% said their kids watch it regularly. (Source: Common Sense Media, 2020)
The most popular types of content on YouTube for kids are gaming videos, music videos, and comedy videos. (Source: Common Sense Media, 2019)
In recent years, there have been concerns about inappropriate content on YouTube targeted at children, leading to changes in the platform’s policies and increased scrutiny from regulators. (Source: CNBC, 2019)
So, what can parents do to minimize the impact of ads on their children when using YouTube Kids? Here are a few tips:
Use parental controls: YouTube Kids has a range of parental controls that allow parents to limit the content their children can access. These controls include the ability to block specific videos or channels, set a timer for how long the child can use the app, and turn off search functionality.
Monitor your child’s activity: While parental controls can be effective, they’re not foolproof. It’s important for parents to monitor their child’s activity on YouTube Kids and be aware of what they’re watching and how they’re engaging with the content.
Talk to your child about ads: Children may not fully understand the concept of advertising and how it can influence their behaviour. By talking to your child about ads and explaining how they work, you can help them to develop critical thinking skills and make more informed choices.
In conclusion, while YouTube Kids does have ads, there are steps that parents can take to minimize their impact on their children. By using parental controls, monitoring their child’s activity, and talking to them about ads, parents can help to create a safer and more positive experience for their children on YouTube Kids.
In the constantly evolving landscape of digital advertising, marketers and brands are always on the lookout for effective ways to reach their target audience. YouTube, as one of the largest online video platforms, offers a variety of advertising options.
One of these is YouTube Select (formerly known as Google Preferred), a premium service that allows advertisers to target ads to top-performing channels and content.
In this article, we will explore YouTube Select, compare it with normal adverts, and provide insights on how to use and become part of this premium service.
What is YouTube Select?
YouTube Select is an advertising program that enables brands to place their ads on the top 5% of YouTube channels based on popularity, engagement, and content quality.
These channels are grouped into 12 categories, allowing advertisers to focus on specific target audiences. YouTube Select lineups are human-verified, ensuring brand safety and alignment with advertiser values.
Benefits of YouTube Select
Access to premium content: Advertisers can place their ads on highly popular and engaging content, which increases the likelihood of reaching their target audience.
Improved targeting: With 12 distinct categories, advertisers can select the lineup that best matches their target audience’s interests.
Brand safety: YouTube Select’s human verification process ensures that ads are placed alongside content that aligns with brand values and guidelines.
Exclusive opportunities: YouTube Select offers sponsorships and programs, such as YouTubeOriginals, which provide additional avenues for brand promotion and visibility.
Top 5% of channels based on popularity, engagement, and quality
All YouTube channels (subject to YouTube’s ad guidelines)
Targeting
12 distinct categories for precise targeting
Broad targeting based on demographics, interests, and behaviours
Brand Safety
Human-verified content for brand alignment
Algorithm-based content filtering
Ad Formats
Various formats including sponsorships and programs
Standard formats like TrueView, Bumper ads, etc.
Cost
Typically higher due to premium content access
Lower, based on auction and targeting parameters
How to Use YouTube Select
To start using YouTube Select, follow these steps:
Sign up for a Google Ads account, if you don’t already have one.
Create a new campaign and choose the “Video” campaign type.
In the “Placements” section, select “YouTube videos” or “YouTube channels.”
Search for the YouTube Select lineup you want to target, and add it to your placements.
Set your targeting preferences, budget, and other campaign settings.
Create or upload your video ad, and submit it for review.
Once your ad is approved, your campaign will go live, and your ads will be served on the selected YouTube Select channels.
How to Be Included in YouTube Select
To have your channel considered for inclusion in YouTube Select, focus on the following aspects:
Content quality: Produce engaging, high-quality content that resonates with your target audience. This will help increase your channel’s popularity and overall performance.
Consistency: Maintain a consistent posting schedule, ensuring that your viewers have a reason to keep coming back to your channel.
Audience engagement: Encourage comments, likes, and shares by engaging with your audience and creating content that invites interaction.
Advertiser-friendly content: Ensure your content complies with YouTube’s ad guidelines and does not contain any controversial or inappropriate material.
Channel optimization: Optimize your channel by using relevant keywords, tags, and descriptions to increase visibility and discoverability.
Although there is no direct application process for YouTube Select, focusing on the above aspects will increase your chances of being noticed by YouTube and included in their premium lineups.
Useful Tips – Get The Most From YouTube Select
Research your target audience: Understand your audience’s preferences, interests, and online habits to create content that resonates with them and increases engagement.
Collaborate with other creators: Partner with other YouTube creators to expand your reach and tap into new audiences. Collaborations can help both channels grow and increase the likelihood of being included in YouTube Select.
Leverage analytics: Regularly review your YouTube analytics to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement. Use this data to optimize your content strategy and enhance your channel’s performance.
Invest in video production: High-quality videos are more likely to engage viewers and keep them watching. Invest in good equipment, editing software, and production techniques to create visually appealing content.
Promote your channel: Utilize social media, email marketing, and other promotional tactics to increase visibility and drive traffic to your YouTube channel. This will help grow your audience and improve your channel’s performance.
Stay updated on platform changes: Keep up-to-date with YouTube’s policies, guidelines, and feature updates to ensure your channel remains compliant and takes advantage of new opportunities.
YouTube Select vs. Normal Adverts: Harnessing the Power of Preferred Advertising
YouTube Select offers a powerful advertising solution for brands looking to reach a highly engaged audience through premium content.
By comparing YouTube Select with normal adverts, advertisers can make an informed decision about the best advertising approach for their specific needs.
By following the steps outlined in this article, brands can harness the power of YouTube Select, while content creators can improve their chances of being included in this premium service. With the right strategy, both advertisers and creators
Deep Dive Q&A: YouTube Select, YouTube Advertising, and Influencer Marketing
Q1: What is the primary difference between YouTube Select and normal YouTube advertising?
A: YouTube Select targets ads on the top 5% of YouTube channels based on popularity, engagement, and content quality. These channels are grouped into 12 categories, allowing advertisers to focus on specific target audiences. In contrast, normal YouTube advertising is available across all channels (subject to YouTube’s ad guidelines), offering a broader range of targeting options based on demographics, interests, and behaviors.
Q2: Can small businesses benefit from using YouTube Select?
A: Yes, small businesses can benefit from using YouTube Select if they have a well-defined target audience and wish to access premium content to maximize ad exposure. However, the cost of YouTube Select may be higher than normal YouTube advertising, so small businesses should weigh the benefits against their marketing budget.
A: Content creators can optimize their channel by focusing on content quality, consistency, audience engagement, advertiser-friendly content, and channel optimization through relevant keywords, tags, and descriptions.
Q4: What are the most popular ad formats on YouTube?
A: Some popular YouTube ad formats include TrueView In-Stream ads, TrueView Discovery ads, Bumper ads, and Non-Skippable In-Stream ads. YouTube Select also offers exclusive sponsorship and program opportunities, such as YouTube Originals, for enhanced brand promotion and visibility.
Q5: How can advertisers measure the success of their YouTube campaigns?
A: Advertisers can measure the success of their YouTube campaigns by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as views, watch time, impressions, click-through rate (CTR), view-through rate (VTR), cost per view (CPV), and conversions. YouTube provides a comprehensive analytics dashboard to monitor these metrics, allowing advertisers to optimize their campaigns accordingly.
Q6: How does influencer marketing tie into YouTube advertising?
A: Influencer marketing is an advertising strategy that involves partnering with influential individuals, often YouTube creators, to promote a product or service. Brands can leverage influencers’ existing audience and credibility to reach new customers, making it an effective complement to other YouTube advertising methods.
Q7: What factors should brands consider when choosing a YouTube influencer?
A: Brands should consider the influencer’s relevance to their target audience, the size and engagement level of their audience, content quality, and past performance of similar collaborations. It’s essential to select an influencer whose values align with the brand’s image and goals.
Q8: What are some tips for a successful influencer marketing campaign on YouTube?
A: Some tips for a successful influencer marketing campaign on YouTube include setting clear goals and expectations, providing creative freedom to the influencer, establishing a fair compensation structure, tracking and measuring the campaign’s performance, and maintaining open communication throughout the collaboration.
Q9: How can I ensure my YouTube ads comply with the platform’s guidelines?
A: To ensure your ads comply with YouTube’s guidelines, familiarize yourself with the platform’s ad policies, which cover content, targeting, and data usage. Avoid any content that violates these policies, and when in doubt, seek clarification from YouTube or consult their Help Center.
Q10: What are some best practices for creating engaging YouTube ads?
A: Some best practices for creating engaging YouTube ads include:
Grabbing the viewer’s attention within the first few seconds
Keeping the ad concise and to-the-point
Telling a compelling story that resonates with your target audience
Using high-quality visuals and audio
Including a clear call-to-action (CTA)
Testing different ad variations to optimize performance
Q11: How can I target my ads more effectively on YouTube?
A: To target your ads more effectively on YouTube, you can use a combination of demographic targeting (age, gender, parental status), interest targeting (affinities, custom affinity audiences, life events), and placement targeting (specific channels, videos, or YouTube Select lineups). Regularly reviewing your campaign’s performance and adjusting your targeting parameters can help you reach your desired audience more effectively.
A: Brands can manage their YouTube advertising budget effectively by:
Setting clear goals and objectives for their campaigns
Allocating funds based on priority and potential return on investment (ROI)
Regularly monitoring and optimizing campaign performance
Testing different ad formats, targeting options, and bidding strategies to find the most cost-effective approach
Utilizing YouTube’s daily budget and bid cap options to control spending
Q13: What role do keywords play in YouTube advertising?
A: Keywords play a crucial role in YouTube advertising by helping advertisers target their ads based on the user’s search queries and the content they consume. Proper keyword research and selection can improve the relevancy and effectiveness of your ads, ensuring they reach the right audience.
A: To promote your YouTube channel organically, focus on:
Producing high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your audience
Optimizing your channel and video metadata with relevant keywords, tags, and descriptions
Encouraging viewer interaction through comments, likes, and shares
Collaborating with other creators to expand your reach
Sharing your content across social media platforms and other marketing channels
Q15: Can I use remarketing to improve my YouTube advertising campaigns?
A: Yes, you can use remarketing to target viewers who have previously interacted with your channel, videos, or ads. This allows you to re-engage users who have shown interest in your content, products, or services, increasing the likelihood of conversions. By creating remarketing lists in Google Ads, you can tailor your campaigns to specific segments of your audience, making your advertising efforts more relevant and effective.
QR codes, or Quick Response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned using a smartphone or other device equipped with a camera and a QR code reader app.
They were originally developed by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota, in 1994 for use in automotive manufacturing, but they have since been widely adopted for a variety of other applications.
Here’s a fun fact about QR codes:
Did you know that the largest QR code ever made was created in 2013 in China? The code was made up of 1.5 million colourful Lego bricks and measured 31 meters by 31 meters (approximately 101 feet by 101 feet). The code could be scanned using a helicopter-mounted QR code reader from an altitude of up to 500 meters (approximately 1,640 feet). The massive code was created to promote a new shopping centre in the city of Ningbo.
Here’s how to make a QR code using the website you provided, QR Code Generator:
Select the type of content you want to encode in the QR code, such as a website URL, text, or a phone number.
Enter the content you want to encode in the appropriate field.
Customize the appearance of the QR code if desired by selecting a colour scheme, adding a logo or image, or adjusting the size or shape of the code.
Generate the QR code by clicking the “Create QR Code” button.
Download the QR code in a suitable format, such as a PNG or SVG file.
Here are some examples of how QR codes can be used:
Marketing and Advertising: QR codes can be used in print and digital marketing campaigns to direct consumers to a website, social media page, or other online content. For example, a restaurant might include a QR code on its menu that leads to its online ordering system or a discount offer for a future visit.
Event Management: QR codes can be used to streamline event check-in and ticketing processes. Attendees can scan a code on their mobile devices to gain entry to an event, and event organizers can use QR codes to track attendance and gather data on attendees.
Product Packaging: QR codes can be used to provide customers with additional information about a product, such as nutritional information, product specifications, or instructions for use. For example, a QR code on a bottle of shampoo might lead to a video tutorial on how to use the product.
Education: QR codes can be used in educational settings to provide students with access to additional resources, such as online readings, multimedia content, or interactive quizzes. Teachers can include QR codes in textbooks or on classroom materials to enhance the learning experience.
Contactless Payments: QR codes can be used to facilitate contactless payments, allowing customers to pay for goods or services without physically handling cash or credit cards. For example, a restaurant might include a QR code on its bill that customers can scan to pay using a mobile payment app.
Common Stats about QR Codes
Category
Statistic
Global QR code usage (2021 estimate)
11 million QR codes
Expected annual growth rate (2021-2026)
17.8%
QR code scans per day (2021 estimate)
9.76 billion scans
Most popular industries using QR codes
Retail, Food & Beverage, Marketing
Smartphone users scanning QR codes (2021)
67%
Expected QR code market size by 2026
$3.6 billion
QR codes have become increasingly popular in recent years, with an estimated 11 million QR codes in use globally as of 2021. The expected annual growth rate for QR code usage is 17.8% from 2021 to 2026.
On average, 9.76 billion QR code scans occur daily, with the retail, food and beverage, and marketing industries being the most popular users. Approximately 67% of smartphone users scanned QR codes in 2021, and the QR code market size is expected to reach $3.6 billion by 2026.
Overall, QR codes are a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of settings to enhance customer engagement, streamline processes, and provide additional information and resources. With tools like QR Code Generator, it’s easy to create custom QR codes that meet your specific needs.
What is a QR code?
A QR code, or Quick Response code, is a two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned using a smartphone or other device equipped with a camera and a QR code reader app. The code contains information that can be quickly and easily accessed by the user.
How do QR codes work?
QR codes work by encoding information in a matrix of black and white squares that can be read by a QR code reader app. When the user scans the code with their device’s camera, the app decodes the information and displays it to the user.
What can QR codes be used for?
QR codes can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including marketing and advertising, event management, product packaging, education, and contactless payments.
How do I create a QR code?
To create a QR code, you can use an online QR code generator tool like the one at qr-code-generator.com. Simply enter the information you want to encode in the code, customize the appearance of the code if desired, and generate and download the code in a suitable format.
Can QR codes be customized?
Yes, QR codes can be customized with logos, colours, and other visual elements to match a brand or to make them more visually appealing. However, it’s important to ensure that the customization does not interfere with the readability of the code.
How do I scan a QR code?
To scan a QR code, you’ll need a smartphone or other device with a camera and a QR code reader app installed. Simply open the app and point the camera at the code. The app will automatically recognize and decode the code.
Are QR codes secure?
QR codes themselves are not inherently secure, as they can be easily copied and reproduced. However, they can be used in conjunction with other security measures, such as encryption, to enhance security.
Are there any limitations to using QR codes?
One limitation of QR codes is that not all devices have QR code reader apps installed, although many smartphones come with these apps pre-installed. Additionally, QR codes may not be suitable for all types of content, as the amount of information that can be encoded in a code is limited by its size and complexity.
Are QR codes still relevant today?
Despite being developed over 25 years ago, QR codes remain a popular and versatile tool for a variety of applications. With the rise of mobile devices and contactless technology, QR codes are likely to remain relevant for the foreseeable future.
If you’re a content creator on YouTube, you might be wondering how to increase your CPM (cost per mille) and RPM (revenue per mille).
These metrics are important for determining how much money you can make from your YouTube videos.
What are CPM and RPM on YouTube? – CPM (cost per mille) refers to the amount of money you earn per 1,000 ad impressions on your videos. RPM (revenue per mille) refers to the estimated amount of money you earn per 1,000 views on your videos, taking into account all sources of revenue, including ads, YouTube Premium, and channel memberships.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips and strategies for increasing your CPM and RPM on YouTube.
Optimize Your Video Titles and Descriptions
The title and description of your video play a big role in determining whether people click on your video or not. Make sure your video titles and descriptions are informative, interesting, and accurately reflect the content of your video. This can help increase your click-through rate (CTR), which can lead to higher CPM and RPM.
Use descriptive and concise titles: Your title should accurately reflect the content of your video and be easy to understand. Try to keep your titles under 60 characters to ensure they aren’t cut off in search results.
Incorporate relevant keywords: Use keywords that are relevant to your video content in your title and description. This can help your video rank higher in search results.
Write compelling descriptions: Use the description to give viewers more information about the video, including a summary of the content and any relevant details. Use relevant keywords throughout the description, but avoid keyword stuffing.
Add links and calls to action: Use your description to include links to related content, your website, and social media pages. You can also use the description to ask viewers to like, comment, and subscribe to your channel.
Use tags: Add relevant tags to your video to help it appear in search results and suggested videos.
Consider the audience: Make sure your titles and descriptions are targeted to your intended audience. Use language and tone that will resonate with them and encourage engagement.
By following these tips, you can optimize your YouTube titles and descriptions and increase the visibility and engagement of your videos.
Focus on High-Value Niches
Certain niches on YouTube tend to have higher CPM and RPM than others. For example, tech, finance, and beauty are all niches that typically have high CPM and RPM.
If you’re looking to increase your earnings on YouTube, consider focusing on a high-value niche that you’re interested in.
YouTube rewards content creators who can keep viewers engaged for longer periods of time. This is because YouTube makes more money from longer videos, so they’re more likely to promote videos that keep viewers on the platform for longer.
Try to create videos that are at least 8 minutes long, as this can help increase your CPM and RPM.
Once you have a longer video you can add more adverts. These adverts are called Mid Rolls.
Try to use high-value keywords that are relevant to your video and have high search volume. This can help increase your video’s visibility and ultimately lead to higher CPM and RPM.
High-value keywords are search terms or phrases that have significant search volume and high commercial intent. These keywords are typically used by people who are actively searching for a product or service, and are more likely to convert into paying customers.
For example, if you have a website that sells running shoes, a high-value keyword could be “best running shoes” or “buy running shoes online.” These keywords are likely to have a high search volume and indicate that the searcher is looking to make a purchase.
High-value keywords can vary depending on the industry and type of business. Some keywords may be more competitive and have higher cost-per-click (CPC) in advertising, but they can also lead to higher returns if you can effectively target and convert those searchers into customers.
To find high-value keywords, you can use keyword research tools like Google AdWords Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs. These tools can help you identify search volume, competition, and other metrics to determine which keywords are worth targeting.
Focus on Audience Retention
Audience retention is a metric that measures how long viewers stay on your video. This metric is important because it’s a signal to YouTube that your video is engaging and valuable to viewers.
Try to create videos that keep viewers engaged and watching until the end. This can help increase your CPM and RPM over time.
Build a Loyal Audience
Having a loyal audience can help increase your CPM and RPM because loyal viewers are more likely to watch your videos and engage with your content.
Try to build a community around your channel by responding to comments, hosting live streams, and creating content that your audience is interested in. This can help increase engagement and build a loyal following.
Collaborate with Other YouTubers
Collaborating with other YouTubers can help increase your exposure and bring in new viewers to your channel.
This can help increase your CPM and RPM by expanding your audience and increasing engagement on your videos. Try to collaborate with YouTubers in your niche who have a similar audience to your own.
In conclusion, increasing your CPM and RPM on YouTube requires a combination of strategies, including optimizing your video titles and descriptions, focusing on high-value niches, creating longer videos, using high-value keywords, focusing on audience retention, building a loyal audience, and collaborating with other YouTubers.
By implementing these strategies and consistently creating high-quality content, you can increase your earnings on YouTube over time.
Q: What is the difference between CPM and RPM on YouTube?
A: CPM (cost per mille) refers to the amount of money you earn per 1,000 ad impressions on your videos. RPM (revenue per mille) refers to the estimated amount of money you earn per 1,000 views on your videos, taking into account all sources of revenue, including ads, YouTube Premium, and channel memberships.
Q: How can I find high-value keywords for my video tags?
A: There are several tools you can use to find high-value keywords for your video tags, such as the YouTube Keyword Tool, Google Trends, and SEMrush. Look for keywords that are relevant to your video and have high search volume, and try to include them in your tags, title, and description.
A: YouTube rewards longer videos that keep viewers engaged for longer periods of time. Try to create videos that are at least 10 minutes long, as this can help increase your CPM and RPM. However, it’s important to focus on creating quality content that keeps viewers engaged, rather than simply trying to make your videos longer.
A: There are several strategies you can use to increase audience retention on your videos, such as creating a compelling hook at the beginning of your video, using engaging visuals and sound effects, providing value to your viewers, and breaking up your content into shorter segments. You can also use YouTube analytics to identify the parts of your video where viewers tend to drop off, and make adjustments to keep them engaged.
Q: How can I collaborate with other YouTubers to increase my CPM and RPM?
A: Collaborating with other YouTubers can help increase your exposure and bring in new viewers to your channel, which can help increase your CPM and RPM. Try to collaborate with YouTubers in your niche who have a similar audience to your own, and create content that appeals to both of your audiences. You can also cross-promote each other’s channels and videos, and collaborate on sponsored content or product launches.
Q: How long does it take to see an increase in my CPM and RPM on YouTube?
A: Increasing your CPM and RPM on YouTube is a gradual process that takes time and consistent effort. It may take several months or even years to see a significant increase in your earnings, depending on the quality of your content, the size of your audience, and the strategies you use to monetize your channel. It’s important to focus on creating high-quality content that provides value to your viewers, and to continually experiment with new strategies to increase your earnings over time.
There are two ways to look at the topic dislikes and whether they matter. The first way is from your audience’s perspective; the second way is from the perspective of the YouTube algorithm.
Both of these perspectives are important, as they will ultimately determine how successful your videos are, though the impact of dislikes on each is markedly different.
So, do dislikes matter on YouTube? Everyone is in a rush these days, of course, so if you’re looking for a quick answer, it is yes. Dislikes do matter on YouTube, and for a variety of reasons. But they do not have a negative affect on ranking or views.
If you would like to learn more about what those reasons are, and how they affect your channel, read on.
Dislikes and the YouTube Algorithm
Dislikes do have a negative effect on your channel when it comes to the almighty algorithm, but it is an indirect negative effect.
YouTube places a great deal of significance on interaction and engagement, and dislikes fall under that umbrella. So, counter-intuitive as it may seem, dislikes can actually be seen as a positive thing by the YouTube algorithm if there are no other negative factors in play. But what might those other negative factors look like?
Well, if someone watches your video for twenty seconds, hits dislike, and closes the browser, that’s a bad thing. As far as YouTube is concerned, they didn’t like your content, and they left.
In terms of YouTube goals, that’s about as close to a cardinal sin as it gets.
If, on the other hand, they disliked your video but they watched the whole thing, and then went on to watch more videos on YouTube, well, from YouTube’s point of view, you held their attention, got some engagement out of them, and kept them on the site. That’s all good news as far as YouTube is concerned.
Now, even in that last example, there are adverse effects to your channel. YouTube may not penalise your channel’s exposure for dislikes if you are still getting plenty of watch time and engagement, but they do use those dislikes to gauge personal interest. That means there’s a higher chance that the user who disliked your videos will not get your content recommended to them in future.
Furthermore, YouTube may also decide not to recommend your content to other users with similar interests.
So as you can see, YouTube will not directly punish your channel for getting a lot of dislikes, but the indirect results of those dislikes could hamper your growth nonetheless.
Much as there are two ways to view the negative impact of dislikes on your channel, there are two significant ways to consider dislikes in relation to your viewers. The first of which is how they react to dislikes on your videos.
The impact that a high number of dislikes has on a viewers desire to watch a video is a little hard to quantify. From a purely anecdotal perspective, it doesn’t seem to make a great deal of difference.
Many people seem to start watching the content based on the thumbnails and titles and don’t even notice dislikes until it occurs to them to leave a dislike of their own. That being said, it is hard to think of a way in which dislikes would not have a negative effect on a viewers willingness to check your content out. At best, they might be indifferent.
The more important thing here is – what those dislikes are telling you about your content?
Remember, disliking a channel takes effort. Granted, it is not much effort, but more effort than not doing anything. YouTubers regularly ask their viewers to like their videos because it works, and it works because viewers just don’t think to hit like button a lot of the time.
What that tells you about your dislikes is that if someone was negatively affected enough to the effort of hitting dislike on your video. In other words; they meant it.
Of course, not every dislike is created equally—especially on the Internet. You certainly should not obsess over every dislike you get, but if you are consistently getting a high number of dislikes on your videos, it might be a sign that you need to rethink your content.
As for what constitutes a concerning number of dislikes, only you can accurately judge that. It is not a simple matter of more dislikes equals worse content for some channels, as there are channels that deal in controversial content, such as political commentary. For channels like this, dislikes should be judged proportionally, rather than as pure numbers.
If your like to dislike ratio is roughly half and half on average, you should take it as a warning sign.
And, just for a moment, even though it is not the target audience of this blog, it’s worth addressing people who are purely YouTube viewers, rather than creators.
It is important to remember that dislikes can happen for a wide range of reasons. It may be that the video quality was poor, or that the title was clickbaity. It could be a purely ideological thing as we mentioned above, or merely a divisive issue—or a divisive YouTuber. Dislikes are not a worthless metric to judge a video’s worth by any means, but let them be your only metric.
Dislikes and Monetisation
A question that will undoubtedly come up around this topic is what impact dislikes have on the earning power of your YouTube channel. Much like the impact on your exposure in the YouTube recommendation algorithm, dislikes do have a negative impact on your earnings, but only in an indirect sense.
Indeed, it is the very same mechanism that can lower your exposure that would also lower your earnings. In short, if fewer people are seeing your video due to fewer recommendations from YouTube, your earnings will obviously suffer.
Another link between dislikes and monetisation comes from the fact that controversial content—which is more likely to attract dislikes—may also turn advertisers off of your content. In this case, both the dislikes and the lack of advertising revenue are a symptom of the same thing, rather than one being caused by the other.
Common Causes of Dislikes
Understanding when dislikes are an indicator that your channel needs attention is only part of the battle. You also need to be able to work out what your channel needs in order to be set back on the right path. To that end, let’s look at some of the more common causes of an increased number of dislikes.
And, just to be clear, we are talking about objective problems here. The things we mentioned earlier, such as divisive issues, cannot be “fixed”. But if you run that kind of channel, you will know all about that.
Fix Poor Video or Audio Quality
If you’ve ever tried to watch a video where the visual quality is poor or perhaps the audio quality is not great in a video where listening to the audio is essential to the content, you will understand the frustration that it can cause.
Of course, improving the quality of your videos can be easier said than done. Recording equipment costs money, and not everyone can afford the latest and greatest cameras and microphones. But if the quality of your videos is causing your channel problems, it should at least be made a priority.
And you should certainly look into any methods of improving your video quality that do not involve spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on new gear.
The good news is that if you are getting dislikes on your video because of the quality, you are doing something right. It means people have found their way to your video in the first place, meaning you must have done a good job at titling your video and creating a thumbnail for it, and you must be providing content that people want to see. Compared to figuring that side of YouTube out, improving the quality of your videos is a relatively easy task.
Avoid Clickbait
One of the most sure-fire ways to generate a lot of dislikes is to use clickbait titles and thumbnails. Understand, when we say “clickbait” we mean the traditional sense of the word—as much as any Internet slang can be traditional—where the title and thumbnail are designed to bring viewers while not necessarily being representative of the content in the video.
There has been a shift in the use of the word recently to refer to any title that is tailored towards catching a viewers interest, regardless of whether it is an accurate representation of the video. In our opinion, a title that accurately portrays what the video is about and makes people want to watch it is a resounding success.
The problem comes when those titles and thumbnails bring viewers in but do not deliver on the promise that got them there. Short cuts rarely work when it comes to YouTube growth, and this is no different. You may see high numbers to begin with, but the annoyance and frustration at your video’s lack of delivery on its promises will generate dislikes. And, whether through a bad reputation or YouTube’s lack of recommendations—or both—any success you gain will start to dwindle.
Stick to the Script
The script, in this case, does not have to be a literal script—we’re not saying that the only path to YouTube success is through carefully scripting your videos and never improvising. What we mean here is that your videos should have a clear purpose, be coherent in the delivery of that point, and not waste the viewers time.
Again, there is a lot of wiggle room in this point. It would be a boring platform indeed if every video put across only the critical aspects of the topic and nothing else. But there is a balance to be struck between a bit of colour and personality, and rambling and waffling on.
Make your videos distinct. Give your viewers a reason to watch your content over someone else’s who covers similar things. But anything that isn’t serving that purpose or delivering the stated content of the video; consider cutting it from your gameplan.
Always Improve
Okay, it’s not exactly the most actionable advice, but a failure to grow as a YouTube channel can also cause you to start picking up dislikes. Even the most diehard of fans will eventually start to tire of your content if it feels stale and overdone.
Being engaged with your community is an excellent way to gauge what might work for your channel, saving you some of the trial and error of making videos and seeing what works.
Of course, we don’t recommend pivoting your whole channel overnight, but introducing new elements and trying new things is rarely a bad idea.
And in those cases, the dislikes can help you determine what works and what doesn’t.
Conclusions
Dislikes can undoubtedly point to problems with your content, though a dislike in and of itself is not necessarily a cause for concern. It is unlikely that the dislikes themselves will hurt your channel, however.
Instead, the damage to your channel will come from the cause of those dislikes, which makes it no less important to address a disproportionate amount of negative feedback on your channel, even if that feedback isn’t actively harming it.
Dislikes can be a great indicator that there are things that need fixing about your content, so it pays to keep a close eye on them. Remember to judge your channel on its own merit, though.
If you are making unobjectionable content—such as software tutorials—you can probably take dislikes as a pure metric on how good your content is. But if you are making something a little less wholesome, such as political commentary or videos about controversial topics, you should probably expect a certain amount of dislikes as a matter of course.
Try to gauge what is normal for your channel, and judge any changes based on that starting point.
And, remember, you can’t please everyone. Don’t ignore dislikes entirely, but don’t let them dictate your channel either. As always, you should strive to find a healthy balance.
Top 5 Tools To Get You Started on YouTube
Very quickly before you go here are 5 amazing tools I have used every day to grow my YouTube channel from 0 to 30K subscribers in the last 12 months that I could not live without.
1. VidIQ helps boost my views and get found in search
I almost exclusively switched to VidIQ from a rival in 2020.
Within 12 months I tripled the size of my channel and very quickly learnt the power of thumbnails, click through rate and proper search optimization. Best of all, they are FREE!
2. Adobe Creative Suite helps me craft amazing looking thumbnails and eye-catching videos
I have been making youtube videos on and off since 2013.
When I first started I threw things together in Window Movie Maker, cringed at how it looked but thought “that’s the best I can do so it’ll have to do”.
Big mistake!
I soon realized the move time you put into your editing and the more engaging your thumbnails are the more views you will get and the more people will trust you enough to subscribe.
That is why I took the plunge and invested in my editing and design process with Adobe Creative Suite. They offer a WIDE range of tools to help make amazing videos, simple to use tools for overlays, graphics, one click tools to fix your audio and the very powerful Photoshop graphics program to make eye-catching thumbnails.
Best of all you can get a free trial for 30 days on their website, a discount if you are a student and if you are a regular human being it starts from as little as £9 per month if you want to commit to a plan.
3. Rev.com helps people read my videos
You can’t always listen to a video.
Maybe you’re on a bus, a train or sat in a living room with a 5 year old singing baby shark on loop… for HOURS. Or, you are trying to make as little noise as possible while your new born is FINALLY sleeping.
This is where Rev can help you or your audience consume your content on the go, in silence or in a language not native to the video.
5. Shutterstock helps me add amazing video b-roll cutaways
I mainly make tutorials and talking head videos.
And in this modern world this can be a little boring if you don’t see something funky every once in a while.
I try with overlays, jump cuts and being funny but my secret weapon is b-roll overlay content.
I can talk about skydiving, food, money, kids, cats – ANYTHING I WANT – with a quick search on the Shutterstock website I can find a great looking clip to overlay on my videos, keeping them entertained and watching for longer.
Revenue from affiliate marketing programs appears to be growing at 10% with no signs of slowing down.
The industry is worth $12 billion and has opportunities for one and all, with over 81% of brands relying on some affiliate marketing program. That is why I have pulled together this affiliate marketing for beginners guide.
Affiliate marketing can help you make money or sell your project alongside traditional marketing. If you haven’t already jumped the bandwagon, consider knowing what affiliate marketing is and how to get started.
Let’s refer to the affiliate marketing definition.
It can be defined as getting paid a commission to help other companies sell their products or services. In simple words, you will make money (commission) whenever you succeed in selling an item, including digital goods.
Unlike traditional selling or marketing, affiliate marketing is digital. You advertise online, and all your buyers are on the internet.
How Much Do Affiliate Marketers Earn?
Affiliate marketing is a rewarding field, and almost everyone makes money here. You must, however, be patient if you want to make a decent amount of money working as an affiliate marketer.
If you search the web, you will find affiliate marketers who make about $100,000 per month by selling affiliate products online. However, not everyone’s lucky; some people only make about $100 monthly.
The truth is that it is a competitive industry. You must invest time if you want to enjoy the benefits. It can make you a millionaire, but this will take time to happen.
Many affiliate marketers lose money when they start. You will make errors initially and may have to spend money to get started. It can take a while to break even. We’ll talk more about it later in this article.
It takes most affiliate marketers 9 to 12 months to break even and make a profit.
Working with a professional and having access to the right help can make this process easier. You’ll know what not to do to make money.
The average affiliate marketer makes about $1,000 per month. It can, however, be challenging to correctly predict how much you will make as an affiliate as it depends on several factors, including your experience, niche, and marketing budget.
How Does Affiliate Marketing Work?
Affiliate marketing involves buying and selling, but you do not have to purchase a product to participate in affiliate marketing.
The structure is built on genuine relationships and transparency and not one-off transactions. Here are a few elements to know about if you want to know how affiliate marketing works:
The Product: This term is self-explanatory; the product is what you will sell. It can be a physical item or a digital good.
Each product comes at a price that may be fixed or variable.
The Merchant: The term refers to the vendor, brand, seller, or creator. Simply put, the merchant is the party that creates or manufactures the product you sell. The merchant can be a big brand like Adobe or a small firm that produces local soaps.
The merchant can also be a single seller like Trajan King, who offers online courses.
The Publisher: Also called the affiliate, the publisher can be an individual or person (you) who sells a product. Publishers use a variety of techniques to make a sale.
We’ll discuss the techniques publishers can use to sell a product later in this article.
Affiliate Network: Since manufacturers do not always sell a product directly, you may need to turn to an affiliate network like ClickBank. They work as an intermediary between merchants and publishers.
These networks work with several brands, giving you access to several products and services under one roof. It is imperative to choose the right affiliate network.
The Consumer: The consumer is your target audience, who will purchase the product. Remember that you will only profit when there’s a successful sale. The job of every publisher is to find as many buyers as possible. The more sales you have, the more money you’ll make.
The Commission:This is the amount of money you will make during asuccessful sale. The commission depends on products and networks or merchants. It can be as low as 1.5% or as high as 40%.
If a product sells for $40 and the commission is 10%, your profile will be $4. However, the network may charge a small fee for its services.
So, how does affiliate marketing work? You will have to find an affiliate network or brand looking for affiliates. Once approved, you will get a custom link that you will have to market.
Each time a consumer opens a website using your link and makes a purchase, you will earn a specific commission. This commission, however, can take a while to reflect in your account as orders can take weeks to get confirmed. Brands also have to take care of the ‘return’ window.
How do you get started with Affiliate Marketing?
Now that you know how affiliate marketing works, it is time to become an affiliate.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started with affiliate marketing:
Choose a Niche
The first step is to choose a niche. If you already have a website or virtual presence,, it is best to stick to a niche relevant to your audience. For example, if you have a social media page about health and fitness with 500,000 followers, then it is best to choose health and fitness-related products to market.
If you want to create a new website,, you will have to choose a profitable and easy-to-manage niche. However, remember that it is not only about choosing a niche; you will also have to select suitable products.
Consider the ‘beauty and fashion’ niche; it is a popular option with several products, including beauty products for men, makeup products for women, etc.
We have covered the five best niches for affiliate marketing later in this article with some great tips on choosing an appropriate product. Keep reading for more.
Find an Appropriate Affiliate Program
Once you have selected a niche, it is time to decide how you wish to approach it. You can directly work with the manufacturer or choose an affiliate program. Each option has its perks and cons.
Working directly with the seller may offer you more money since you will not have to pay network fees and other charges.
Moreover, networks may also have stringent requirements, such as a specific number of followers, before you can sign up. But, there are various advantages of working with a network.
First of all, you will have access to many products under one roof. Top affiliate networks have thousands of products for partners to select. This makes management more accessible as you will not have multiple accounts to market various products.
Plus, affiliate networks are also known for ease. They offer insights and analytical tools that make marketing easier.
Lastly, affiliate networks offer more security. If you search the web, you will find several brands offering affiliate programs. While some are reliable, others are only out there to rob you.
Working with a reputable network reduces the risk of scams, as networks typically only include brands or companies that are safe and reliable.
The first step should be to create a website, or in my case, a YouTube channel, that can help people find what you’re selling. It should be in the same niche as the product you’re trying to sell. You can opt for an e-commerce store but that may not be the most effective option as it can be hard to rank online stores.
We suggest you start a website dedicated to the product and post content like blogs and reviews. Since about 97% of people read reviews before buying a product, posting such content can effectively find buyers.
In addition to a website, consider creating social media pages as well. You have various options including Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Since it can be challenging to be active on all social media platforms, we suggest you stick to one that houses your audience.
LinkedIn, for example, can be a great pick if you offer producers for executives, such as hiring services. Similarly, Instagram can be a great option for selling fashion and beauty products since it’s popular among makeup artists.
Market What You’re Trying to Sell
Merely having a social media account or website is not enough; you will have to market what you’re trying to sell. You can have the best product in the world but no one will buy it if they’re not aware of it.
Affiliate marketers use a variety of techniques to market products. Some use paid options, while some stick to free ways to market affiliate products.
The company you’ve joined hands with may have a manual on marketing its products. Affiliate networks are also known to offer marketing materials, including banners that can be placed on your website.
In most cases, you will be given a code or unique link to include in your marketing content so that the website can track your users. Using generic links or product names will not give you any results, as the system cannot link a sale to your account.
Some affiliate networks and companies are very stringent about the marketing techniques used. Could you make sure to go through the terms and conditions so that you do not get into any trouble?
You must know about the product you are trying to market or sell. Buyers may have many questions regarding your product, including its benefits and use.
Not being able to answer their questions can cause them to look elsewhere; hence, get educated and get your hands on what you’re trying to sell so that you’re fully aware of what it’s capable of.
Build Your Audience
Now that your site is running, it is time to build your audience. Remember that marketing is a continuous process. If you stop trying to sell and gain more views, someone else will dethrone you.
Competition is tough. Never take things lightly, and continue to put your best foot forward so that you can sell more.
Your website must be user-friendly. Remember to make it easy for people to give you money. Connect with your audiences and work on building relationships. Relationship marketing can help find success as an affiliate marketer.
Earn and Withdraw Money
Now that you’ve started selling, you will earn money. It can take new affiliate marketers months before they have enough money to withdraw. Also, some networks will keep your money for security purposes before releasing it.
Since affiliate marketing involves real money, you might be required to submit identity documents such as your driver’s license before you can withdraw cash. Hence, use true and real information to sign up for an account. Using fake information can get your account blocked.
How Can I Become a Successful Affiliate Marketer?
Everyone wants to be an affiliate marketer and make money, but only some find success in this field. Here are a few things you must keep in mind to become a successful affiliate marketer:
Choose the Right Product
This is the most crucial step because you will never be able to find success if you do not choose the right product.
The term ‘right’ is ambiguous as what works for someone else may not be suitable for you. Here are a few things to consider when selecting a product:
The Demand
Technically, there’s a demand for almost every product out there, but some have more buyers than others. It is best to stick to a product that’s heavily in market so that you do not have to work hard to find buyers.
You can look at tools such as Google Trends to know more about what’s in demand and what isn’t. Also, remember that some products are not in demand throughout the air.
Air conditioners, for example, usually sell well during the hotter months. If you choose a product that only sells a few months of a year, you might be unable to make a decent amount of money throughout the year.
The Price
Since you will only get a small percentage of the selling price, paying attention to this factor is very important.
Expensive products typically offer more money, but there may be better options since it can be hard to sell expensive products.
Think about shoes; a pair that costs $1,000 and pays a 2% commission will earn you $20 per sale. Since the price tag is very high, you might only be able to sell up to 12 units per month, which means you will earn a commission of only $240 per month.
On the other hand, if you choose to sell a pair that costs $100 and pays a 2% commission, you can sell 150 pairs in a month due to high demand.
Your commission will be $300. This example shows that commission for each unit is higher for expensive products but the overall profit is usually higher for more affordable products.
Always choose a product according to your buyers. If you think they can afford expensive shoes,, you can stick to $1,000. Otherwise, work with more reasonable brands.
The Competition
Affiliate marketing networks carried out over 170 million transactions in 2017. This does not only show how big affiliate marketing is but it also highlights how stiff competition can be. Everyone’s fighting for a share of the pie.
Cutthroat competition can make it difficult for new marketers to make a mark in the field. If you’re still finding a foothold,, try to find a niche or product that is not very competitive.
The Commission
As mentioned earlier, the commission is variable and can be between 2% to 40%. Big names like Amazon offer low commissions but a vast number of products. It’s also easier to sell Amazon products since the company provides international delivery and buyers also trust the brand.
Do not run after high commissions. A lot of companies that offer very high commissions are either scams or unreliable. It can be hard to convince buyers to purchase a product that has been manufactured by a company that nobody knows of. Hence, be responsible.
Select the Right Platform
Do not blindly select a platform. The first decision is between the official site or affiliate networks. If you are going for the latter then select options that are reliable.
Not all affiliate networks accept users from all around the world. Also, some may charge a joining fee or commission on every sale. A very important factor to remember when selecting a platform is the cookie period.
Most buyers will not make a purchase right away. They’ll go to multiple sites and compare products for a few days before they finalize a purchase. Affiliate networks take this period into consideration and offer a ‘cookie period’ that is usually between 20 to 60 days.
If a user reaches a product via an affiliate link through your site and makes a purchase within the specified period, it will be considered a sale and get credited to your account. The higher this period the better it is.
Make Sure to Market Properly
Do not make the mistake of neglecting this factor. You can use a variety of techniques to market products. Here are some of the most popular choices:
SEO, since about 51% of traffic is organic. But, get ready to spend a lot of time on SEO as it can take websites a long time to rank well.
Email marketing, after all, it still offers an ROI of up to 4,300%. You will, however, need a solid email list to make use of this method.
Social media because it influences about 74% of shoppers. Plus, buyers tend to trust reviews found on third-party sites.
YouTube as it is now the second largest search engine and a lot of people love to watch videos about how to use a product before they purchase it.
Website because it can help users find you. Post a variety of content on your site including blogs, infographics, podcasts, etc. Make sure to include a search function on your site and have a mobile friendly website since about 5.16 billion users now have mobile phones and most of them use mobile devices to access the web.
You can use all these marketing methods and compare what works for you. Once you find the option that offers the highest return, stick to it.
Do I Need Money to Become an Affiliate Marketer?
Technically speaking, you do not need money to become an affiliate marketer. However, it can be very difficult to be a successful affiliate marketer without spending a penny.
Here are a few expenses you may have to incur:
Get a Website – starts as low as $150 per year
A website is not a must to become an affiliate marketing but it can increase your chances of finding success. Plus, some affiliate networks have it as a prerequisite.
You can get a free website but a .com or paid domain looks better. It will cost you about $10 per month. Avoid cheap or free hosting servers. They have limitations and they’re also insecure. Spend about $100 on hosting per month.
The next step is building a website. You can use WordPress and other such platforms to create a free site. If you want a kickass website then you’ll have to hire developers. This can cost you between $100 to $1,000.
Come up with a unique name and get a logo. You can create free logos online or hire a designer to get the job done for you. It can cost between $5 and $100.
Create Content for Your Site – starts as low as $200 per month
You must post regular content on your site. It can be in the form of blogs, videos, or podcasts or a mix of all these.
You will not have much to worry about if you can create your own content. The articles must be informative, long, and SEO friendly. Consider including graphics as well since posts that contain images tend to get more likes, shares, and engagement.
Post at least twice a month to ensure your visitors have something to come back to. Plus, you can make money blogging if you play it right.
In addition to your website, you will also have to take care of your social media pages. You must post at least once a day so that engagement can be maintained.
You can use your mobile phone to click photos or make videos. Some marketers also opt to invest in professional cameras to get high quality content for their pages.
You can handle this all on your own but it can take about 10 to 20 hours per week since managing a website and social media is a full-time job. If you’re too busy you can consider hiring a manager or content creator to take care of the job. They’ll charge anywhere between $8 to $20 per hour.
Hire an SEO firm – starts as low as $500 per month
You will have to hire an SEO agency to rank well on search engines. This is important because about 71% of users do not go beyond the first page when they look for a product or service online.
SEO is technical and includes a lot of elements such as backlinks, inner links, keywords, etc. Companies charge between $500 and $5,000 per month for SEO services.
Look for a provider with experience in the business so you can increase your rate of conversion and sell more.
Advertise Your Content – starts as low as $5 per month
Affiliate marketers have the option to advertise on Google, Facebook, and other such platforms. It’s a quick way to reach buyers but such campaigns need to be designed with care because you will not get good returns if you do not target the right audience.
You can hire professionals to manage your accounts. They usually charge a percentage of the total advertising budget. Find an option that offers the best returns.
Which Is The Best Affiliate Marketing Niche?
Since there are a lot of niches out there, it can be very difficult to pick the right one. To help you become an affiliate marketer, we have highlighted five of the best niches:
Health and Fitness
You can sell supplements, gym equipment, gym memberships, and fitness eBooks. Commissions are in the range of 20 to 40 percent.
Wealth and Money
This is a very popular niche. You can work with trading companies, finance gurus, and investment firms. The commission can be up to 50% but competition is very stiff in this niche.
Fashion and Beauty
The industry is worth $2 trillion and has a lot of potential but commission is low – between 3 and 10 percent.
Gaming and Software
With a CAGR of 12%, this is one of the fastest growing fields. It offers very high commissions – up to 30% – and gives a chance to sell a variety of software in multiple niches.
Hobbies and Survival
This one includes all kinds of hobbies such as fishing, golfing, flying, and painting. Commissions vary based on products but the option is very lucrative due to the huge number of options out there.
These are some of the best affiliate marketing niches. Make sure to pick one that fits you the best.
Affiliate Marketing for Beginners: FAQ
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about affiliate marketing:
#1 Can an affiliate work with several companies?
Yes, you can, there are no limits on the number of affiliate networks a person works with.
#2 How many followers do I need to become an affiliate?
This depends on the network or website you’re signing up for. Most require at least 5,000 followers but some can be more demanding.
#3 Shall I tell people if I am an affiliate?
Yes, the Federal Trade Commission requires affiliates to disclose if they get compensated for promoting a product or service. Not doing so can get you into trouble.
#4 How much money will I make as an affiliate marketer?
You can make between $100 to $10,000 per month depending on your audience, product, and other such factors.
#5 Which is the best affiliate network?
Some of the best affiliate networks include ClickBank, ShareASale, CJ Affiliate, Amazon Associates, and Rakuten Marketing. Compare all these options and pick what fits you the best.
#6 Can I sell outside of the internet?
You can market the product outside of the internet but all purchases must be made online.
#7 When will I get paid?
You will get paid when you reach the minimum threshold that can be as low as $50 or as high as $500 depending on the platform you’re working with.
#9 Can affiliate marketing be a substitute for a full time job?
While there are people making a lot of money as an affiliate marketer, the truth is that it may not be a safe substitute for a full-time job because the amount of money you’ll make per month is never guaranteed.
Ready to work as an affiliate marketer? Check our blog section for tips and get in touch with us to find out more about how we can help you.
