Welcome to Episode 59 of the Amazon Influencer Podcast! In this podcast, Mike and Andrew talk about a host of topics from our latest sales trends, to conversion rates, creator connections updates, and finally our coaching program.

Enjoying the podcast? Please leave us a review/rating and share with your friends.

Join our Amazon Influencer Success Facebook group to be part of this supportive AIP support community:

www.facebook.com/groups/amazoninfluencerssuccess/

Follow us on TikTok to get sneak previews of upcoming podcasts and to support our podcast:

https://www.tiktok.com/@amazoninfluencerpodclips

Our Amazon Influencers course is now for sale at a lower price.

Sign up below:

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Show Notes:

In the 59th episode of the Side Hustle Podcast, hosts Mike and Andrew discuss recent developments and strategies in the Amazon Influencer Program (AIP). With regular co-host Jim Ed on Thanksgiving break, Andrew and Mike dive into their current statistics, emphasizing the importance of conversion rates, effective video strategies, and Creator Connections. They also share their own numbers and offer practical tips on improving performance. The conversation touches on the effectiveness of Facebook groups for up-to-date knowledge, the impact of video clicks and conversions on sales, and the benefits of selling unused review products on secondary markets like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Amidst the practical advice, Andrew mentions the importance of disclosing sponsorships and offers one-on-one coaching opportunities for those wanting personalized guidance.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Updates

00:51 Facebook Live and Group Engagement

02:16 Instagram and Latest Trends

03:20 Honest Reflections and Positivity

04:16 Mike's Success and Hard Work

09:08 Discussing Numbers and Performance

15:32 Conversion Rates and Strategies

17:46 Crafting Click-Worthy Videos

18:52 Understanding the E-Commerce Funnel

20:07 Analyzing Metrics for Success

20:40 Learning from Influencers

21:33 Improving Video Quality

23:38 Offering Coaching Services

25:02 Maximizing Creator Connections

29:46 Reselling Reviewed Products

32:20 Ethical Disclosure Practices

34:26 Wrapping Up and Future Topics

Glass Half Full Perspectives:

Jim Ed has earned over $4,000 from paid video reviews over the past year

Both hosts still receiving valuable free products from Chinese sellers

Planning spring yard sale with accumulated products

Products can be used for holiday gifts and employee Christmas party items

Updates & Tips:

Using Descript software for podcast/video editing

Now on TikTok - providing show previews and clips

Recording schedule: Thursday evenings, released Sunday nights around 7-8pm

Tips on video quality: Focus on efficient, good quality production rather than perfection

Looking Forward:

Testing out Airbnb product reviews as a new content opportunity

Upcoming guest speaker in two weeks to discuss content creation and monetization

Jim Ed pursuing potential dash cam sponsorship deal for his work trucks

Career Numbers:

Jim Ed's lifetime AIP earnings: $78,543

Andrew's lifetime AIP earnings: ~$14-15,000

Combined earnings approaching $100,000

Follow the Show:

Join Facebook group: Amazon Influencer Side Hustle Heroes

Follow on TikTok for show previews

Watch for upcoming episode teasers

Next Episode: Special guest discussing successful content creation and monetization strategies

Welcome to Episode 57 of the Amazon Influencer Podcast! In this podcast, Mike and Andrew talk about the ins and outs of uploading AIP videos to YouTube.

Enjoying the podcast? Please leave us a review/rating and share with your friends.

Join our Amazon Influencer Success Facebook group to be part of this supportive AIP support community,

www.facebook.com/groups/amazoninfluencerssuccess/

Our Amazon Influencers course is now for sale at a lower price.

Sign up below:

https://bit.ly/provenazinfluencer

Show Notes:

Introduction:

• Hosts Andrew and Mike dive into side hustle strategies, updates on Jim Ed’s involvement, and today's lineup covering income diversification through YouTube and systemizing reviews for Amazon Influencers.

Podcast Highlights:

1. Earnings and Growth:

   • Mike shares his Amazon Influencer numbers, surpassing last month’s earnings with $2,311 so far and a year-to-date of over $26K.
   • Andrew’s numbers reflect a slower trend this month, but his video count has grown. Both emphasize the importance of consistent uploads, especially heading into Q4.

2. Tracking and Organizing Products for Reviews:

   • Andrew recommends using Amazon wish lists to organize products you’re reviewing, making it easy to find and link them later.
   • Mike suggests creating a spreadsheet or handwritten notes to track supplier requirements, such as filming locations and specific video content, to keep content aligned with supplier expectations.

3. Q4 Strategy:

   • Focus on getting videos up before mid-November for the holiday shopping rush. Sales are expected to peak from November 10th through December 20th.
   • A post-holiday bump might occur when people buy items they didn’t receive as gifts.

4. Expanding to YouTube for Multiple Revenue Streams:

   • Mike highlights the benefits of using Genius Link or similar services to create deep links that open directly in the Amazon app, ensuring that you capture sales from mobile users.
   • YouTube allows for broader audience reach and provides analytics for tracking link clicks and conversions.

5. Creating Engaging YouTube Content:

   • Both hosts encourage using YouTube not only for individual reviews but also for comparison videos of similar products.
   • Mike shares the benefits of YouTube Shorts for increased exposure and gaining subscribers, which may ultimately drive traffic to other Amazon Influencer content.

6. Monetizing on YouTube:

   • Monetization requires 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time within a year, or 3 million Shorts views in 90 days. Reaching monetization unlocks ad revenue and other monetizable features.

7. Building an Engaged Community:

   • Join the SideHustle Heroes/Amazon Influencer Facebook group for support, tips, and shared strategies.
   • Engaging in a community fosters growth and brings fresh ideas from newcomers and experienced influencers alike.

8. Working with Suppliers:

   • Tips on managing relationships with suppliers, including best practices for timely responses and tracking requests.
   • Be mindful of the products you accept for review to avoid overwhelm and ensure efficient content creation.

Final Thoughts:

• Consider YouTube and other platforms as extensions of your content strategy to create multiple income streams.
• Feedback is encouraged! Reach out in the Facebook group or drop a comment on the podcast platform.

Our affiliate partners/links:

• Andrew's recommended transcript-based video software that saves a ton of time in editing. This is now also the service we use for our Podcast.

---> https://bit.ly/descriptSHHAIP

• For feedback/questions or if you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, please email us at sidehustleheroeshq@gmail.com

Welcome to Episode 56 of the Amazon Influencer Podcast! In this podcast, Ali, a new AIP member joins us to talk about her experience with the program so far.

Enjoying the podcast? Please leave us a review/rating and share with your friends.

Join our Amazon Influencer Success Facebook group to be part of this supportive AIP support community,

www.facebook.com/groups/amazoninfluencerssuccess/

Our Amazon Influencers course is now for sale at a lower price.

Sign up below:

https://bit.ly/provenazinfluencer

Podcast show notes:

Intro and Free Product Dilemma

• Discussion on the challenges of accepting too many free products and how it can impact sales.
• Andrew and Jim Ed reflect on their early success with high-ticket name brand items like pool pumps vs. current lesser-known products.
• Encouragement to focus on name brand items that sell more frequently than off-brand products.

Scaling Beyond Free Products

• Strategies for scaling without relying on free products
• Considering creative ways to involve others in product reviews, such as paying parents or friends for their insights on niche products.
• Emphasizes the importance of staying selective with free products and making smarter content decisions.

Q4 Strategy & Gift Planning

• Jim Ed shares how he's preparing for Q4 by looking for products that can double as gifts for a White Elephant exchange at his company’s Christmas party.
• Tips on using free products to give meaningful gifts while keeping costs low.

Ali's Advice for New Influencers

• Don’t get discouraged by slow days or small earnings. Keep posting and stay consistent.
• Find a community to share your journey, as it helps with motivation and learning. Allie started a TikTok account to connect with other Amazon influencers and it’s been a great resource for her.

Community Importance

• Jim Ed, Andrew, and Ali emphasize how being part of an influencer community is key to growth. Connecting with others can provide motivation and ideas to keep pushing forward, especially when it comes to new strategies like product reviews and collaborations.

Final Takeaways

• Andrew reflects on the non-monetized nature of the podcast and the joy that comes from helping others grow their Amazon businesses.
• Jim Ed highlights the growth in Q4 and encourages listeners to prepare for the holiday season by creating more gift-related content

Closing Remarks

• Special thanks to Ali for joining and sharing her insights as a newcomer to the Amazon Influencer program.
• Tease for future episodes: Mike will be joining regularly with Andrew to continue sharing updates, strategies, and more tips for influencers looking to maximize their success.

Our affiliate partners/links:

• Andrew's recommended transcript-based video software that saves a ton of time in editing. This is now also the service we use for our Podcast.

---> https://bit.ly/descriptSHHAIP

• For feedback/questions or if you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, please email us at sidehustleheroeshq@gmail.com

Welcome to Episode 55 of the Amazon Influencer Podcast! In this podcast, Mike returns to the podcast (he's been on a few others). He's going to take a larger role with the podcast and he shares about his experience with Creator Connections.

Enjoying the podcast? Please leave us a review/rating and share with your friends.

Join our Amazon Influencer Success Facebook group to be part of this supportive AIP support community,

www.facebook.com/groups/amazoninfluencerssuccess/

Our Amazon Influencers course is now for sale at a lower price.

Sign up below:

https://bit.ly/provenazinfluencer

Podcast show notes:

• Creator Connections Overview

  • Mike dives into Creator Connections, offering tips and strategies.
  • Shares success stories of getting 60+ campaigns linked and landing high-ticket products.
  • Emphasizes the importance of standing out in a crowded space and personal outreach.

• Promotions & Social Media Links

  • Jim ed shares his YouTube channel, The Improvement Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheImprovementChannel)
  • Andrew shares his dog rescue coffee website Harvey Coffee Co. – website harveycoffeeco.com, Instagram and TikTok @harveycoffeeco.
  • Mike promotes his YouTube channels: Mike Strahl (https://www.youtube.com/@mikestrahl) and Handy Homestead Reviews (https://www.youtube.com/@HandyHomesteadReviews)
  • Mike is also on TikTok as Mike Strahl and emphasizes his farm and family content.

• Mike’s Creator Connection Insights

  • Tips for effectively managing campaigns and improving product videos.
  • The importance of using deep linking and affiliate programs outside of Amazon.
  • Mike shares his strategy of following up on Monday mornings to increase responses.

• Q4 Preparation & Optimization

  • Advice on getting prepared for Q4 and Prime Day.
  • Review of past successful products, optimizing thumbnails and titles for visibility.
  • Mike’s tip on using comparison videos to increase engagement and commissions.

• Final Thoughts & Next Steps

  • Mike discusses upcoming opportunities, including a potential brand partnership.
  • Emphasizes staying consistent with Amazon and other platforms to diversify income.

Our affiliate partners/links:

• Andrew's recommended transcript-based video software that saves a ton of time in editing. This is now also the service we use for our Podcast.

---> https://bit.ly/descriptSHHAIP

• For feedback/questions or if you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, please email us at sidehustleheroeshq@gmail.com

Welcome to Episode 54 of the Amazon Influencer Podcast! In this podcast, we interview new Amazon Influencer, Jourdan. She's off to a great start with almost 200 videos uploaded after just a few months. She shares her experience so far with the program and provides some valuable insights.

Enjoying the podcast? Please leave us a review/rating and share with your friends.

Join our Amazon Influencer Success Facebook group to be part of this supportive AIP support community,

www.facebook.com/groups/amazoninfluencerssuccess/

Our Amazon Influencers course is now for sale at a lower price.

Sign up below:

https://bit.ly/provenazinfluencer

Podcast show notes:

Intro & Numbers Update

• Andrew celebrates reaching 300 videos after being stuck at 200 for months.
• Jim Ed shares his weekly and monthly earnings, noting a dip in performance from earlier in the year.
• Discussion about Amazon’s inconsistency in showing influencer videos, affecting views and sales.

Special Guest: Jordan

• Jordan, new to the AIP program, has uploaded 186 videos since June and shares her experience as a videographer.
• She talks about starting with products she owned and using TikTok to edit her videos.
• We offer advice on optimizing her Amazon storefront and using Instagram to attract suppliers.

• Key Discussions:

  • The challenge of maintaining income with fluctuating views and sales on Amazon.
  • Strategies for building relationships with suppliers and increasing video output.
  • Thoughts on the future of the AIP program and the need for influencers to stay adaptable.

• Jordan’s Advice for New Influencers:

  • Focus on quality over quantity when starting.
  • Set realistic goals and avoid comparing yourself to others.
  • Use the resources you have and gradually build momentum.

• Jordan’s Side Hustles:

  • Shares insights on her dog-sitting business and multiple YouTube channels.
  • Encourages balancing AIP with other side gigs for sustainable income growth.

• Closing Thoughts:

  • A reminder to stay consistent, focus on what you can control, and adjust as needed.
  • Links to Jordan’s YouTube channels: My Favorite Things - Not a Real Influencer (https://www.youtube.com/@myfavoritethingsnotreal) and Kind and Gentle Word (https://www.youtube.com/@EJourdanLewis)

Our affiliate partners/links:

• Andrew's recommended transcript-based video software that saves a ton of time in editing. This is now also the service we use for our Podcast.

---> https://bit.ly/descriptSHHAIP

• For feedback/questions or if you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, please email us at sidehustleheroeshq@gmail.com

Welcome to Episode 53 of the Amazon Influencer Podcast! In this podcast, we react to a great post from one of our FB group members, Jeff, about some recommended best practices/learnings from his AIP experience. Thanks, Jeff!

Enjoying the podcast? Please leave us a review/rating and share with your friends.

Join our Side Hustle Heroes HQ Facebook group to be part of the Side Hustle Heroes HQ community and be the first to get access to the latest tips and strategies for our latest side hustles.

www.facebook.com/groups/amazoninfluencerssuccess/

Our Amazon Influencers course is now for sale at a lower price.

Sign up below:

https://bit.ly/provenazinfluencer

Podcast summary:

In this episode of the Amazon Influencer Podcast, we dive into our latest numbers and discuss the challenges and strategies of being Amazon Influencers, particularly when it comes to dealing with suppliers and maintaining commission levels. We reflect on how our numbers have been declining despite putting in significant effort, especially in creating video reviews. Andrew mentions his focus on product reviews, while Jim Ed shares his frustration with lower commissions despite increasing his video output.

We emphasize the importance of being strategic with time management and where to focus efforts to maximize returns. We discuss the pros and cons of reviewing free products, especially those with less competition on Amazon, and highlight the need to be cautious when engaging with new suppliers. We advise saying yes to some initial products from new suppliers to build a relationship, but warn against being too picky, which could lead to losing out on future opportunities.

The episode also touches on the value of the Creator Connections program, where influencers can choose higher-quality products to review. However, we caution against spending too much time on this, suggesting it may not be the most efficient use of time for everyone. We conclude by discussing the importance of producing quality videos, being mindful of tax implications when purchasing products for review, and the potential risks of relying too heavily on buying products at retail prices for review purposes.

Finally, we tease the introduction of a new tool we are testing, which we believe could be valuable for influencers. We plan to provide more details and a thorough review in the next episode.

Our affiliate partners/links:

• Andrew's recommended transcript-based video software that saves a ton of time in editing. This is now also the service we use for our Podcast.

---> https://bit.ly/descriptSHHAIP

• For feedback/questions or if you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, please email us at sidehustleheroeshq@gmail.com

Welcome to Episode 52 of the Amazon Influencer Podcast! Yes, AIP numbers are lower again. Is it time to throw in the towel? Hardly!

Enjoying the podcast? Please leave us a review/rating and share with your friends.

Join our Side Hustle Heroes HQ Facebook group to be part of the Side Hustle Heroes HQ community and be the first to get access to the latest tips and strategies for our latest side hustles.

www.facebook.com/groups/amazoninfluencerssuccess/

Our Amazon Influencers course is now for sale at a lower price for the next few weeks.

Sign up below:

https://bit.ly/provenazinfluencer

Current Challenges:

• Low Engagement Numbers: Despite increased video output, earnings have declined.
• Frustration: Despite posting more videos, earnings haven’t matched the effort, leading to frustration.

Potential Reasons for Decline

• Increased Competition:
• • More AIP influencers in the market, leading to saturation.
  • Amazon’s changes in video carousel placement have reduced visibility.
• Product Relevance:
• • Many reviewed products, particularly from Chinese suppliers, are new and unproven, leading to lower sales.
  • Previously reviewed household items, which are popular and well-reviewed, tend to perform better.
• Video Quantity vs. Product Quality:
• • High video count doesn’t always equate to higher earnings, especially if the products are not in demand.

Strategies to Improve Earnings

• Diversify Income Streams:
• • Selling Free Products: Leveraging free products received from suppliers by selling them on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
  • Paid Video Reviews: Negotiating payment for video reviews, even if commissions are low.
  • Licensing Content to Brands: Potentially earning $500 or more by licensing video content to brands for a limited period.
• Creator Connections:
• • Get more free products and better deals.

Advice for New AIP Participants

• Getting Started:
• • TikTok as a Gateway: TikTok is currently the most reliable platform for gaining entry into AIP.
  • Avoid Common Pitfalls:
  • • Don’t mention Amazon directly in videos to avoid rejection.
    • Focus on engagement rather than follower count.
• Three-Video Requirement:
• • After you get in for the first level, make sure to go here: https://www.amazon.com/creatorhub/.
  • You'll see that you'll need to upload 3 videos and that there's still a lock for on-site placement.
  • Once you upload the videos and they are approved, then you'll receive a welcome message and the lock will disappear.
  • Remember, if you get rejected, it may not be the videos. It could be your social media account.

Our affiliate partners/links:

• Want to learn more about Amazon FBA? Check out Proven Amazon Course's free podcast and Facebook Group at the link below:

---> https://bit.ly/ssmfreepodcast

• Andrew's recommended transcript-based video software that saves a ton of time in editing. This is now also the service we use for our Podcast.

---> https://bit.ly/descriptSHHAIP

• For feedback/questions or if you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, please email us at sidehustleheroeshq@gmail.com