Starting a YouTube channel can feel… well, overwhelming. Especially if your goal isn’t just to talk but to actually earn something from it. Maybe even build a bit of a business. Or at least see if it’s possible.
I’ve been through the process myself—and honestly? It’s not just about uploading a few videos and dropping a bunch of affiliate links. There’s a bit more to it. But don’t worry. It’s not rocket science either.
Here’s what I’d suggest if you’re starting out or even just thinking about it.
First Things First: The Name Dilemma
Choosing a name seems simple. But also… not. You’ve basically got two directions: personal brand or business brand.
If you already have an existing business name? Just use that. No need to reinvent the wheel.
But if you’re brand new, starting from zero, then I’d probably lean toward using your own name. Something like Sam Johnson instead of HealthBanter. It feels more flexible. People connect faster with a face and a name than with a corporate-sounding handle.
Then again, some people just really want to stay anonymous. That’s fine too. There’s no absolute rule here. Just what feels right.
Branding. It Matters, but Don’t Obsess
You don’t need to go full Hollywood. But how your channel looks will affect how people see you.
That said, you don’t need to design everything yourself. If you’re not particularly visual (or just don’t have the time), outsource the bits that slow you down: intros, outros, thumbnails, editing maybe.
Still… I personally think you should handle the content part yourself. At least in the beginning. Because it’s your voice. Your message. Outsourcing that too early can feel a little… off. Like something gets lost in translation.
Fiverr: Cheap, Quick, Surprisingly Decent
I’ve used Fiverr a bunch over the last few years. And look, it’s not perfect. Sometimes you get something weird. But for things like logo design or thumbnails? It’s honestly kind of a lifesaver.
You can get small jobs done for $5–10, which is great when you’re just starting out and don’t want to invest a fortune.
Just be a bit picky. Check reviews. Message the seller first. You know the drill.
Your Video’s First Few Seconds Are Crucial
There’s this weird pressure to be amazing right out of the gate, but most people overthink it. Here’s a basic idea that helps:
- In the intro, don’t ask people to subscribe right away. It’s a little much.
- Just get to the point. What’s the video about? What are they going to learn?
- Keep it short. Like, 30–45 seconds max. Attention spans are shorter than ever.
At the end, then you can mention subscribing, or maybe suggest another video. That’s your space to nudge people without feeling spammy.
For Design Stuff, Canva Just Works
If you’re designing your own channel art, Canva is probably the easiest tool out there. You don’t need a design degree to make something that looks halfway professional.
Use one of their templates for the header. For the logo? Honestly, just use a nice photo of yourself. Feels more personal. Builds trust, especially if your face is part of your brand.
But again—if you’re short on time or it stresses you out? Fiverr can help here too.
Where to Actually Find Affiliate Programs
So, how do you monetize all this?
Join affiliate networks. There are a lot, but these are solid starters:
- Commission Factory – more APAC focused
- Brand Reward
- Skimlinks
- Awin
- ShareASale
If you’re overwhelmed by the choices, there’s also a Discord group where people share the latest programs and updates. Kind of nice not doing it all alone.
YouTube Ads: Worth It?
Yes, actually. They work. And in ways you might not expect.
YouTube ads don’t just get you views. They also improve your organic ranking—meaning your video keeps performing after the ads stop.
What I’ve done (and recommend) is run a basic $40 campaign for 4 days at $10/day. Nothing too crazy.
Just set your audience to English-speaking countries, choose the language (ENG), and then plug in a few interest keywords related to your video. YouTube kind of figures out the rest after a day or two of testing.
Quick Pros & Cons of YouTube for Affiliate Marketing
Pros
- You can start from anywhere
- Costs almost nothing to begin
- Potential for real passive income
- Builds your personal or business brand
Cons
- Yeah, there’s a lot of competition
- Takes time to get traction
- You feel like you have to keep posting
- Your success kind of depends on the platform’s algorithm… which is annoying
Still, it beats trying to rank in Google search these days. YouTube’s just more dynamic.
How Often Should You Post?
People say, “Be consistent.” Okay—but what does that mean?
Start with once a week. If you can manage more (like twice), great. But don’t burn yourself out. That’s the real killer. I’d rather see one high-quality video a week than three rushed ones.
Eventually, you’ll figure out what works for you. Some creators do every other week and still grow. Your audience will tell you what they want, in their own way.
Should You Show Your Face?
Well… maybe?
Using your face definitely helps with connection. People trust what they can see. And faces build familiarity.
But no, it’s not essential. Plenty of channels do fine with just voiceovers or animations. It’s more about the content and how you present it. Still, if you’re comfortable, give it a try. You might be surprised how much people respond to it.
Picking a Niche That Won’t Burn You Out
Pick something you care about. That sounds obvious, I know—but it matters.
Not because of passion, but because if you’re not at least interested, you’ll quit. It’s just too much effort otherwise.
Also check:
- Are there affiliate products related to the niche?
- Is there an audience looking for help or info?
- Can you bring something different to the table?
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. But you do need to show up consistently and add some kind of value.
SEO Isn’t Just Keywords (But Start There)
YouTube SEO is a mix of science and guessing.
- Use keywords in your title and description
- Create thumbnails that catch the eye
- Encourage engagement (likes, comments, all that)
You can also search the keyword you want to rank for on YouTube and see what titles are already showing up. Borrow from them. Mix and match. Play around.
About Affiliate Commissions
Some affiliate programs are one-time payouts. Others offer recurring commissions (like subscriptions). Recurring is usually better long-term, but harder to sell up front.
Either way—don’t make your videos feel like thinly disguised sales pitches. It won’t work. People click when they trust you, not when they feel sold to.
Telling Your Story
This part gets overlooked, but your story matters. Even if you think it’s boring or not relevant.
Why are you creating this content? What have you experienced that someone else might relate to?
Even if it’s just: “I tried a bunch of stuff that didn’t work, and now I’m documenting what actually does.” That’s enough. That’s real. And people can feel it.
Growing Followers (Slowly But Surely)
If you’re expecting a viral explosion, you’ll probably be disappointed. Growth comes from doing the boring stuff—posting regularly, improving slowly, testing what works.
YouTube starts to reward channels that stick around. So just… keep showing up.
If you’re using ads, you’ll notice subscribers start to come in naturally. Not in waves—but a few here, a few there. That’s fine. That’s normal.
Reuse Your Content Elsewhere
Once you’ve got a video, don’t stop there.
Cut it up into shorter clips and post them on TikTok or Instagram. You’d be surprised how much traction one small moment from a longer video can get.
Gear? Keep It Simple
You do not need a $2000 camera setup.
Use your phone. Or a decent webcam. What matters more is the editing and sound quality.
I recommend CapCut. It’s free, and you can do a lot without needing to watch a million tutorials.
Final Thoughts
This whole YouTube affiliate marketing thing? Honestly, it works. I’ve been in the affiliate industry for over 10 years now, making millions in sales and pulling six figures in commissions each year. But here’s the thing—it’s not instant. It takes time, patience, and a fair bit of tweaking along the way.
You don’t need to be perfect. What matters is being real. Show up consistently, genuinely help your audience, and give them a reason to come back.
Also, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your income streams, keep an eye on market trends, and remember seasonal spikes—like Black Friday and other big shopping days—because that’s when people are most ready to buy.
Finally, as you grow, think about creating your own digital product. That should be your long-term goal. It’s a powerful way to boost your earnings and build something uniquely yours.
Quick FAQ
Do I need to show my face on camera?
Not at all. It helps, but it’s optional.
How often should I post?
Start with once a week. Adjust based on how manageable it feels.
Best beginner editing software?
CapCut – free, intuitive, works on phone and desktop.
Where do I find affiliate programs?
Start with ShareASale, Awin, or Skimlinks.
When will I start earning money?
Well, it really depends. For some, it could be a few weeks; for others, a few months. The key is to stay consistent and keep optimizing your content and strategy as you learn what works.
If you want to speed up your progress and avoid common mistakes, I offer a mentorship program where I personally guide you through every step—from setting up your channel to running ads and scaling your income. It’s designed to help you get results faster and with less guesswork.
You can check out all the details and sign up here.
