Discover the simple but powerful trick that skyrocketed my earnings on YouTube, long before I hit that 1,000-subscriber mark
If you’re grinding away on YouTube, waiting to reach the 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours needed for monetization, you might be wondering how you can start making money now instead of later. Trust me, I was in the same boat, thinking ad revenue was the only way forward. But what if I told you there’s a trick that can literally double your income before you ever see your first YouTube ad? It’s true, and I’m here to share exactly how I did it.
This trick changed everything for me, and the best part? It’s not complicated, and it doesn’t require a massive audience. Whether you’re just getting started or already on your way to growing your channel, this approach can work for you too.
Realizing That Ads Aren’t the Only Way to Make Money
When I first started on YouTube, like many creators, I thought the ultimate goal was to qualify for the YouTube Partner Program. I believed that until I hit those required numbers, there was no point even thinking about money. Boy, was I wrong. I was so focused on grinding for ad revenue that I ignored other, far more lucrative opportunities to start earning right away.
It wasn’t until I discovered affiliate marketing that I realized how much money I was leaving on the table. This one trick changed everything for me and turned my small YouTube channel into a legitimate income source long before I hit those monetization requirements.
Affiliate Marketing: The Game-Changer You Need
So what’s the trick? It’s affiliate marketing—a strategy that lets you earn commissions by recommending products and services related to your channel’s niche. You don’t need thousands of subscribers to make this work. In fact, the most successful affiliate marketers often have smaller, highly engaged audiences.
Affiliate marketing allows you to start earning from day one. You partner with companies, promote their products, and earn a commission whenever someone makes a purchase through your unique affiliate link. And here’s the best part: your viewers don’t have to spend any extra money. They’re simply buying something they already want or need, and you’re getting a cut for recommending it.
How I Used Affiliate Marketing to Double My Income
I started by signing up for a few affiliate programs that aligned with my content. Since I was already reviewing tools and software that helped YouTubers grow their channels, it was a natural fit to promote these products to my audience.
I didn’t go overboard with the sales pitch either. Instead, I focused on providing genuine value by recommending products I personally used and loved. I’d mention these tools in my videos, add affiliate links to my descriptions, and casually talk about how they helped me. As my viewers clicked the links and made purchases, the commissions started rolling in.
Within a few months, my income doubled. And the best part? I wasn’t even monetized yet. The commissions from affiliate sales outpaced what I probably would have earned from ads, even if I had been part of the YouTube Partner Program.
Why Affiliate Marketing Works (Even if You Have a Small Channel)
Here’s the secret sauce behind why affiliate marketing works so well: it doesn’t rely on big numbers. While ad revenue scales with the size of your audience, affiliate income depends more on engagement than anything else. A small but engaged audience can bring in more income through affiliate marketing than a much larger channel with low engagement.
That’s why this trick can be such a game-changer for small creators. If you have a loyal following, even a tiny one, you can start making money right now by recommending products your viewers actually want to use.
Choosing the Right Affiliate Products
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Okay, affiliate marketing sounds great, but how do I find the right products to promote?” That’s a crucial part of the process, and I’m going to share what worked for me.
Stay Within Your Niche
The first thing you need to do is make sure the products you’re promoting align with your content. Your audience subscribed to you for a reason, so stick with products that make sense for them. If you’re running a tech review channel, for example, promote gadgets, software, or tools that help people in the tech world. If you’re a beauty YouTuber, affiliate with skincare or makeup brands.
Promote What You Love
One of the biggest mistakes creators make with affiliate marketing is promoting products they don’t actually use or believe in. Don’t do this! Your viewers trust you, and they can tell when you’re being genuine. Promoting products you don’t love might bring you a quick buck, but it’ll cost you long-term trust with your audience. I only promote products I’ve personally used, and I make sure to show my viewers how those products have helped me.
Use High-Quality Affiliate Programs
Not all affiliate programs are created equal. Some will offer very low commissions or have difficult-to-navigate terms. I recommend starting with programs that have a good reputation, like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or CJ Affiliate. They have thousands of products across every niche, so you’re bound to find something that works for your audience.
How to Integrate Affiliate Marketing into Your Content
Once you’ve chosen the right products, the next step is to seamlessly integrate affiliate marketing into your YouTube content. You don’t want to bombard your viewers with sales pitches, so here’s how you can incorporate affiliate links naturally:
Video Descriptions
The easiest way to get started is by adding your affiliate links in the description box of your videos. Make sure to mention the products in your video and let your viewers know they can find the links below. For example, you can say, “If you’re interested in trying out the software I used, check out the link in the description!”
Dedicated Product Reviews
Another effective method is to create dedicated videos where you review the product in-depth. This works especially well for tech, beauty, or lifestyle channels. In these videos, you can dive into the benefits of the product, how it works, and why your viewers should consider buying it. Just don’t forget to include those affiliate links in the description!
Tutorials and “How To” Videos
If you’re already creating educational content, affiliate marketing fits in perfectly. You can recommend products or tools as part of your tutorial, showing viewers exactly how they can use them to achieve the same results. This approach not only adds value to your audience but also makes your affiliate recommendations feel more genuine.
Scaling Your Affiliate Marketing Income
Once you’ve seen how affiliate marketing can double your income, you’ll want to scale it even further. The best way to do this is by experimenting with different types of products and expanding your reach.
Try New Products
Don’t be afraid to test out new products that fit your niche. As your channel grows, you can introduce different tools, software, or services that your audience might find helpful. Just make sure you’re always being transparent about your recommendations and sticking to products you trust.
Build an Email List
Another great way to increase your affiliate sales is by building an email list. This gives you direct access to your audience, so you can send them updates, product recommendations, and exclusive deals. If you have a blog like mine, you can offer a free resource (like a downloadable guide) in exchange for email sign-ups.
A Few Last Tips for Success
Before we wrap this up, here are a few final tips to help you make the most out of affiliate marketing on YouTube:
- Be Transparent – Always let your audience know when you’re using affiliate links. This builds trust and ensures you’re staying within YouTube’s guidelines.
- Track Your Performance – Keep an eye on which products are generating the most clicks and sales. This will help you refine your strategy and focus on what works.
- Don’t Be Pushy – Affiliate marketing should feel natural, not forced. Only recommend products you believe in and keep your audience’s needs in mind.
Final Thoughts: You Can Start Earning Before You’re Monetized!
You don’t have to wait until you’re accepted into the YouTube Partner Program to start making money. Affiliate marketing is a powerful trick that can double your income before you hit those monetization requirements. I’ve done it myself, and I know it can work for you too.
By promoting products you genuinely love and integrating affiliate links into your content, you can create multiple streams of income long before YouTube ads even enter the picture. So, what are you waiting for? Start using this trick today, and watch your earnings grow!
