Happy happy New Year !

The one thing I really like about a new year is the idea of a fresh start or new beginning. Sometimes this is just the pick-me-up we need to rekindle our spark and do our unique part in the creator community. 

In thinking about a few things for my business in 2024, and to review what’s important to me right now, I did a live stream covering a few updates and answering some questions that have come up recently. 

Watch the video for the fill-in details, but here’s a review of what was on my mind:

1 - Comments from Twitter (X) to add to your livestreams are now available along with a few other Streamyard  (affiliate link) updates, like the ability to have video backgrounds, transcripts from your videos, custom markers, going LIVE on Instagram, and more. (For me, Twitter API for livestream services, YAY!; but for Insta LIVE, not so much!!) I’m a huge fan of Streamyard— Geige and the team are fantastic and they continue to evolve and upgrade to meet our needs and requests! #theyard

2 - For me personally, monetizing from AdSense on YouTube was getting harder which is the reason I put extra focus on Amazon* [As an Amazon Influencer I earn from qualifying purchases] affiliate and influencer marketing in 2023 and plan to continue efforts there this year as well. Pay attention to Amazon's service terms and conditions because they’re NOT like other affiliate programs. 

Note that they often change things up, sometimes unexpectedly. Some of the rules seem tough, like not sharing affiliate links in Facebook Groups or emails for example, but you must be careful to comply, or risk losing your account. 

NOTE: Making product videos that perform well is NOT the same as making your typical social media or YouTube videos. It may surprise you to know, I’m not even on camera in some of my top-performing Amazon Influencer videos. You'll need to experiment as I am in how you create videos for consumer products to find what works best for different products. 

Now you can download the iOS or Android App for Amazon Shopping LIVE if you are an influencer and go LIVE, right from your phone.

NOTE: I will be sharing more info about the Amazon Influencer Program including how it is expanding to other countries (like Canada and U.K.) in an upcoming webinar. Stay tuned for details, but in the meantime you can visit my international influencer storefronts if you want to see the work in progress [As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases]:

AMAZON CANADA STOREFRONT

AMAZON UK STOREFRONT

YouTube Tips and support from your fans

3 - One way to optimize your YouTube videos is to use end cards or info cards so people can click on a live link to whatever other video or playlist you select. If you are in the YouTube partner program, your info card click can go to ANY URL, not just YouTube videos, where you want to direct folks to visit. Another way to optimize your videos is to grab TubeBuddy (affiliate link) for the assist, starting with SEO help.

4 - Superchat and Supersticker support (donating to a creator during a YouTube LIVE video) pays more to the creator if you don’t use your iPhone app. Rather, send Superchat support via your desktop for an increase in the portion the creator receives. NOTE: You can also donate using Super Thanks when the stream is over or on any uploaded videos and shorts.

5 - Don’t forget the power of BuyMeACoffee for developing support for your work as well as using the option for exclusive content, or even to start a membership site. I’m not saying BuyMeACoffee or a Patreon Page as a replacement for your website, but it can be a nice additional asset and another way to work on monetizing. Now you can offer private audio content for contributors or members to your page. 

Most of these topics are not only things I’m working on for my New Year biz plan but also answer questions from comments or emails from you. And, while I’m giving general information and answers, I suggest you carefully consider your audience, business goals, and YouTube (or video) strategy to focus your content, content types, and even the platforms where you will post/publish. 

But most importantly, carefully consider, plan, and execute whatever you are working on to monetize your online presence and grow your business. 

Think about multiple streams of income and what core content publishing strategy assists you in creating a vibrant community, anxious to hear from you. 

Stay beautiful,

~ Ms. Ileane Smith 

[Some of the links mentioned are affiliate links, which means that if 

you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.]

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NOTE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.