Spencer Haws
Spencer Haws, the founder of Niche Pursuits and a well-known figure in digital marketing, has found success with a new side project: the Amazon Influencer Program. Since joining in January 2023, Haws has been earning an impressive $3,000 per month by creating videos that showcase Amazon products.
In a recent podcast, Haws shared his journey and strategies. He discussed how he got started, grew his side business, and overcame various challenges. Haws opened up about his experiences with video creation, including dealing with rejections and deciding to appear on camera. He also emphasized the importance of following Amazon's guidelines.
This article breaks down Haws' experience and podcast insights to help you understand how to make money with the Amazon Influencer Program.
Spencer Haws and the Amazon influencer program
Spencer Haws, known for his work in digital marketing, joined the Amazon Influencer Program in January 2023. His goal was to explore a new revenue stream by utilizing Amazon's platform to promote products through short, engaging videos. The Amazon Influencer Program allows creators to earn commissions by featuring products in their videos and linking to those products through affiliate links on their Amazon storefront.
Initial steps and joining the Amazon influencer program
1. Application process: Spencer’s first step was to apply for the Amazon Influencer Program. The application involved setting up a profile that included linking his social media accounts and crafting a personalized Amazon storefront. This step was crucial as it determined his initial access to the program’s features.
2. Setting up the storefront: Upon acceptance, Haws created a well-organized storefront that showcased products aligned with his content theme. This storefront became a central hub for his video content, allowing viewers to explore and purchase featured products easily.
Strategic content creation
To achieve the same success as Spencer Haws in the Amazon Influencer Program, it's important to focus on making high-quality videos that your audience will enjoy. Spencer carefully planned how he made his videos. He started by researching popular products in his niche to ensure they would attract viewers. Then, he wrote a detailed script for each video, highlighting key features of the product and addressing any concerns customers might have. This method helped him create videos that not only informed viewers but also guided them toward making a purchase.
Spencer also invested in good equipment to improve the quality of his videos. He knew that clear visuals and sound were crucial for keeping viewers interested. He spent time editing his videos, removing unnecessary parts and adding graphics to highlight important details. He also tried different video formats like tutorials, unboxings, and comparison guides to see what his audience liked best. By continuously improving his videos and listening to feedback, Spencer was able to make his content more effective.
Additionally, Spencer has shared a full breakdown of his Amazon Influencer journey in a new YouTube video. In this video, he goes into detail about the strategies that led to his success, lists all his expenses, and gives advice for those just starting out. This video is a valuable resource for anyone looking to follow his path. You can watch the video [here] to learn more about his journey and get practical tips for starting your own.
Understanding and complying with Amazon’s guidelines
1. Adhering to rules: Amazon has specific guidelines for video content, which can be complex and detailed. Haws learned to navigate these rules by thoroughly reviewing Amazon’s content policies. This included ensuring videos were free from explicit content, provided accurate product information, and adhered to Amazon’s formatting requirements.
2. Avoiding common pitfalls: Spencer experienced some initial setbacks, including video rejections. Common issues included failing to meet Amazon’s formatting guidelines or inaccurately representing products. By learning from these mistakes, Haws adjusted his content to align better with Amazon’s standards.
Growth strategies and techniques
1. Optimizing video visibility
- Keyword utilization: Haws strategically used keywords in video titles, descriptions, and tags to improve discoverability. This optimization helped his videos appear in relevant search results, attracting more viewers.
- Engaging thumbnails: Eye-catching thumbnails played a significant role in attracting clicks. Haws invested in creating visually appealing thumbnails that accurately represented the video content.
2. Content engagement
- Building relationships: Spencer actively engaged with his audience by responding to comments and questions. This interaction helped build a community around his content and fostered viewer loyalty.
- Call-to-action: Haws included clear calls-to-action in his videos, encouraging viewers to visit his Amazon storefront and make purchases. This technique effectively guided viewers towards conversion.
3. Utilizing analytics
- Performance tracking: Haws regularly monitored video performance metrics using Amazon’s analytics tools. Key metrics included view counts, click-through rates, and conversion rates. By analyzing this data, he identified successful content types and areas for improvement.
- Iterative improvement: Spencer used performance insights to refine his content strategy, focusing on what resonated most with his audience. This iterative approach helped him continuously enhance his content and achieve better results.
Challenges and lessons learned
Working with the Amazon Influencer Program presented Spencer Haws with a series of challenges, each of which provided valuable lessons. Addressing these challenges and learning from them was essential to refining his approach and achieving sustained success. This section explores the key obstacles Haws faced and the insights he gained.
Overcoming the learning curve
When Spencer Haws first joined the Amazon Influencer Program, he encountered a steep learning curve. The platform's tools, interface, and detailed guidelines for video content required significant time and effort to master. He had to learn how Amazon’s platform operates, including the nuances of uploading and managing videos, as well as effectively using the analytics tools provided. This process involved understanding how to optimize video descriptions, titles, and tags to align with Amazon's algorithms and maximize visibility.
Spencer also found that understanding Amazon’s guidelines was crucial. These rules dictate everything from video content and format to disclosure requirements and promotional material guidelines. He realized early on that failing to follow these guidelines could lead to video rejections, which would hinder his progress. To ensure he was on the right path, Spencer spent considerable time researching and training. He took advantage of Amazon’s resources, attended webinars, and sought advice from seasoned influencers to better grasp the platform's intricacies. This preparation was instrumental in helping him avoid common pitfalls and establish a strong foundation for his content strategy.
Handling content rejections
Spencer Haws experienced several rejections of his videos due to non-compliance with Amazon’s content guidelines. These rejections were often related to issues such as incorrect formatting, failure to adhere to product representation rules, or the inclusion of unapproved promotional material. For example, some of his videos were rejected because they did not clearly disclose affiliate relationships, a requirement that Amazon strictly enforces to maintain transparency with its customers.
Each rejection was a learning opportunity, prompting Spencer to closely review Amazon’s content guidelines to understand where he went wrong. He realized that meticulous attention to detail was essential to avoid further rejections. This meant carefully crafting each video to meet Amazon’s standards, from ensuring that the product was accurately represented to making sure that all necessary disclosures were made. By taking the time to thoroughly understand these requirements, Spencer was able to improve his content and reduce the number of rejections, ultimately leading to more successful video uploads.
Competing in a saturated market
The Amazon Influencer Program is highly competitive, with thousands of content creators all vying for attention. Spencer found it challenging to make his content stand out in such a saturated market. The sheer volume of videos on the platform made it difficult to gain visibility and attract viewers, which are crucial for success in the program.
To overcome this challenge, Spencer focused on creating a unique value proposition. He analyzed the existing content on Amazon and identified gaps where he could offer something different. Whether it was a new perspective on a popular product or a unique approach to video production, Spencer sought to create content that would capture viewers' attention and set him apart from other influencers. He also invested in high-quality production, ensuring that his videos were visually appealing and professionally presented. This strategic approach helped him differentiate his content in a crowded marketplace and build a loyal audience.
Building audience engagement and trust
Building a loyal audience from scratch was one of the most significant challenges Spencer faced. Engaging viewers and fostering trust required consistent effort and effective communication. Early on, Spencer struggled to maintain viewer interest and ensure that his content resonated with his target audience.
To address this, Spencer made a concerted effort to engage actively with his audience. He responded to viewer comments, answered questions, and took the time to understand what his audience was looking for in his videos. By incorporating viewer feedback into his content strategy, Spencer was able to create videos that better aligned with his audience's expectations and needs. This not only helped him build trust with his viewers but also fostered a sense of community around his content. Over time, this approach led to increased viewer loyalty and a more engaged audience.
Working with Amazon’s rules and updates
Amazon’s guidelines and rules for influencers are complex and often subject to change. Spencer encountered difficulties in keeping up with these updates and ensuring that his content remained compliant with the latest requirements. This was particularly challenging as Amazon frequently updates its policies, which could impact everything from content formatting to disclosure requirements.
To navigate this, Spencer adopted a proactive approach to staying informed. He regularly reviewed Amazon’s guidelines, subscribed to updates, and participated in influencer forums where he could discuss the latest changes with other content creators. By staying on top of these updates, Spencer was able to quickly adapt his content to comply with new rules and avoid potential issues. This vigilance was key to maintaining his status in the Amazon Influencer Program and ensuring the continued success of his videos.
Insider tips for success
Achieving success in the Amazon Influencer Program requires more than just creating videos; it involves strategic planning, execution, and ongoing refinement. Drawing from Spencer Haws’ experience, here are some comprehensive insider tips for maximizing your success with the program:
1. Invest in quality production
High-quality production is crucial for making your videos effective and engaging. Good visuals and clear audio help grab viewers' attention and improve their overall experience. When videos have poor quality, it can distract from the content and make it seem less credible. To enhance production quality, invest in good equipment like a high-resolution camera, a clear microphone, and proper lighting. Editing software can also play a big role. Using advanced tools helps to trim unnecessary parts, add engaging elements, and create a smooth flow. Maintaining a consistent style across your videos also helps in making your content look professional and recognizable.
2. Be consistent
Consistency in posting is key to keeping your audience interested and engaged. Regular updates help build a loyal following and ensure your content stays relevant. To maintain consistency, create a content calendar to plan and schedule your videos in advance. Producing multiple videos in one session can help you stay on track and manage your time better. It’s also important to set realistic goals for posting frequency based on your resources. Posting high-quality content less frequently is often better than posting regularly with lower quality.
3. Understand Your audience
Creating content that resonates with your audience is essential for engagement. To understand your viewers better, use analytics tools to gather data about their demographics, interests, and viewing habits. Collect feedback through comments or surveys to get direct insights into what your audience likes or dislikes. Adjust your content based on this feedback and performance metrics. Experimenting with different formats and topics can also help you find what works best for your viewers.
4. Adhere to platform guidelines
Following Amazon’s content guidelines is vital for maintaining your account's good standing and avoiding rejections. Amazon has specific rules about content quality, affiliate disclosures, and product representation. Regularly review these guidelines to ensure your videos comply with the latest standards. Clearly disclose any affiliate relationships to build trust with your audience and avoid potential issues. It’s also important to avoid content that Amazon prohibits, such as explicit material or misleading information.
5. Leverage performance data
Using performance data helps you understand how your videos are doing and where you can improve. Track key metrics like view counts, click-through rates, and conversion rates to gauge success. Analyzing these metrics will show you how well your videos engage viewers and highlight areas that need adjustment. Look for trends in your data to spot patterns in viewer behavior. Use these insights to refine your content strategy and make informed decisions about future videos.
6. Build and maintain relationships
Engaging with your audience helps build strong relationships and encourages repeat viewership. Respond to comments on your videos to show that you value viewer input. Hosting live sessions or interactive events can also enhance real-time engagement. Providing valuable content that addresses your audience’s needs keeps them satisfied and more likely to stay engaged with your content.
Conclusion
Spencer Haws' experience with the Amazon Influencer Program shows the potential of strategic content creation in driving good income through digital platforms. His journey, beginning in January 2023, highlights the importance of a thoughtful approach to video production, adherence to platform guidelines, and consistent engagement with an audience. By gradually integrating videos, focusing on high-quality content, and leveraging performance data, Haws has effectively turned his expertise into a reliable revenue stream. His story can help others who want to try the Amazon Influencer Program. If you're thinking about it, you can learn from what Haws did right and the mistakes he fixed along the way. With some hard work and clever ideas, you might be able to earn money like he did.
