Everyone’s buzzing over the article about YouTube stars making six figures per year that Yahoo Finance posted last week.

This has sparked questions about my income earned from my YouTube channel that now has over 22,000 subscribers.

I hate to disappoint you guys, but my YouTube Partner earnings aren’t NEAR six figures.  Some months I don’t even break $100.

As I reported in some of my YouTube videos, I earn way more from the contextual AdSense ads on my sites than I do with the partner program.

This may come as a shock since I have over 22,000 subscribers, but here’s the deal…

I hardly display the ads on my videos anymore.  So that’s a big part of the reason my YouTube partner earnings are low.  I don’t like how intrusive they are and many of them are unrelated to what my videos are about.

To me, it’s not worth flashing annoying, unrelated ads across my face just to make a few extra bucks per month.  So if I do display the ads, I opt to only show the banner alongside the video.

Also, every niche is different.  My niche has a lot of banner blindness, but I know of a few people in the hair and beauty niche who are doing very well with the partner program.

This doesn’t surprise me because the ads in this niche are often very relevant and enticing.  However,  the ads aren’t performing as well in my niche.

“Lisa, Help Me Make Partner, PLEEEEASE!”

It’s amazing how many people beg me (literally) to help them become a YouTube Partner. I’ve even been offered money to help people get approved.  Some are so anxious to get in because they assume it’s their instant ticket to hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month.

For some channels, it may be.  But getting accepted as a YouTube partner is not a guaranteed gold mine.  Just like the regular AdSense program, how much you make depends on number of clicks, ad relevance and traffic.

I think the YouTube Partner Program is a great opportunity for popular channels, but I also believe it generates a lot of hype and unrealistic earnings expectations.

You will never know how much you are going to make until you get accepted and start displaying the ads.  Also understand every niche performs differently, so you can’t base your potential earnings off someone else’s.

If you do become a YouTube Partner, great!  But don’t lose sleep if you can’t.  Some people do very well with it, but it’s not an instant income generator like many people believe.

In my personal experience, AdSense text ads on my websites perform much better than banner ads on YouTube.  Of course, everyone’s experience will be different.  This is just my story.

Want to learn more about the YouTube Partner Program and how to apply?  Watch the video below for a quick overview of how the program works…

If you’re reading this blog post via e-mail, click this link to watch the video on my blog.  You may also want to think about subscribing to my blog using RSS instead of e-mail to free up your Inbox.

… my YouTube channel, that is.

Well, I’m not exactly changing my YouTube channel (that just made for a catchy title), but I decided to put more focus into my abandoned channel, 2createawebsite.

You are probably already subscribed to my original YouTube channel, lisa3876. But a year ago, I registered the 2createawebsite username.

Umm… yeah. Don’t ask why I didn’t use that name originally on YouTube.

Apparently my marketing brain was in the OFF position when I started creating YouTube videos a year and a half ago. I guess branding was a foreign concept to me back then.

So I decided to use this channel for tutorials specifically related to coding, design, using various Web tools, etc.

Right now there are only four videos on this channel and my immediate goal is to add more.  So if you haven’t subscribed, make sure you do so on YouTube or via the RSS feed.

In fact, to kick off the fact I will be posting more videos on that channel, I just created a tutorial that shows you how to create a very simple header in Photoshop.  I’ve been getting a lot of requests for Photoshop tutorials so I will be posting more here in the near future.

Nothing is really changing with my original YouTube channel.  I’ll continue to publish my “keepin’-it-real/ in-your-face” videos about marketing, making money online, etc.  I just wanted to spend more time building up more “techy” tutorials for 2createawebsite.

Errr… maybe I should say “semi-techy” because I don’t really consider myself a technical person. But I know there are enough of you who want to learn to be as semi-technical as me.

Suggestions Please!

As always, I am open to suggestions for video ideas. If there’s something you’d like to learn and you have an idea for a video (related to programming, coding, design, etc.) please feel free to leave a comment here or on the channel page.

I’m also open to widening the scope. Tasks like installing forums, uploading scripts, using cpanel, etc. are all options for videos. Don’t be shy. Start posting those ideas and suggestions folks!

And I’ll see ya on YouTube!

This is the 4th blog post I’ve written about YouTube in the past year. I keep coming back to this topic because almost everyday I am reminded how much YouTube has helped grow my presence, traffic and income online.

I never thought the Sony HD HandyCam that I casually purchased in 2006 would turn into an investment that pays me over and over again.

If you haven’t jumped on the YouTube bandwagon yet, here are more reasons you may want to think about taking that leap…

1.  The YouTube Partner Program

As a YouTube Partner, you get the opportunity to display ads alongside your videos and earn money for every click.  Most of the time, YouTube will display a graphical ad, but sometimes AdSense ads will also appear.

To apply you must be an AdSense Publisher and your YouTube channel has to meet undisclosed traffic and subscriber criteria.

2.  It’s Owned By Google

While Google continues to dominate the organic search market, I try to make use of any of their tools that could positively affect my rankings. As a YouTube channel owner you get the opportunity to display your website address on your channel’s homepage.

Google treats the channel homepage just like any other site and assigns a PageRank. So as your channel becomes more popular, it can be considered a high-quality backlink for your site.

3.  It’s So Darn Easy

I remember the pre-YouTube days when uploading video to the Web seemed to require a degree in computer technology.   YouTube has made it so simple and accepts a multitude of formats so adding your videos to the Internet is no longer the challenge it once was.

Not to mention, embedding them into your site or blog takes 5 seconds of copying and pasting.

4.  Get In Front of the YouTube Audience

I know people who go to YouTube almost everyday in search of anything from the latest entertainment gossip to basic “how-to” information.  Having videos on YouTube will put you and your site in front of a whole new audience.

5.  Embedding Benefits

Produce useful / entertaining videos, and no doubt, people will want to embed your videos into their sites.  I’ve gathered a ton of new customers, subscribers and followers from people who have found me through 3rd party sites that embedded my YouTube videos.

6.  “Response”-ible Promoting

One way to promote your own videos is to use YouTube’s “response system.” If you come across a video related to your niche, you can respond to that video with your own and your video will appear beneath the one you’ve responded to. This will instantly give you the opportunity for more exposure.

Due to spamming, many YouTubers have disabled the response feature, but every now and then you can find someone who has enabled it for their channel.

7.  Video Annotations

If your video editing software is not advanced enough to add text overlays, Google allows you to use their Annotations feature to add text and caption overlays to your videos in a few simple steps.

This is great if you want to call out certain parts of your video or even promote a website address.

8.  Build Credibility

People often underestimate the amount of credibility you need to establish before you make good money online.  This is especially true if you have chosen a niche related to making money online.

There are so many scams and schemes out here when it comes to that niche so people are rightfully more skeptical when it comes to sites and blogs about making money.

This is not to suggest, of course, that scammers don’t use video.  But many people find it comforting when they can sit and watch the site owner present their information in a video format.

If done properly, video can add a dose of personality to your site while giving you a nice credibility boost, no matter the topic.

9. Free Promotion

Of course you have to pay for the video camera (if you don’t have one already), but I think that’s a small price to pay for the benefits that can come from a free service that may generate thousands and thousands of new visitors to your site.

One of the most common questions I receive from people is “How do I drive traffic to my site for free?”

YouTube is definitely one way to do it. Not only can you verbally promote your site in your videos, but YouTube allows you to add a description alongside your video that can contain hyperlinks.

Remember, just like writing content, the more useful your videos are, the more traffic you will generate from them in the long run.

10. It’s Just Plain Fun

Maybe it’s just me, but there’s something enjoyable and empowering about creating a video for the world to see.

I’ll admit, part of it could be the fact I am sort of a ham when it comes to video cameras. Watch any video of my family vacations and I somehow always managed to find my way in front of the lens.

Perhaps I was a TV personality in a former life.

Not to mention, some things are just better said with video than content. I’ve found that video is a fun way to add some pizazz to your website or blog! Plus, it gives you a break from writing.

My YouTube Channels

Take a peek at some of the videos I’ve published in the last year…

2 Create a Website – Just The Facts

2 Create a Website Screencast Tutorials

2 Plan a Website

The e-mails have been pouring in regarding the recent changes to my YouTube Channel, so I thought I’d address them on my blog.

I always wondered why some YouTube channels had small banners over the profile names and others didn’t. So after doing some research, I found out about the YouTube Partner program.

I just got accepted last week and I’m pretty excited about the added perks…

1) A customized banner (875×75) at the top of my Channel homepage

2) A customized banner (360×55) above the “Video Info” box

3) Ad revenue sharing for “InVideo” ads and other ads along the right side of the video

4) An HTML-enabled text box at the top of my Channel homepage that I can use to promote my sites, blog, forum, etc.

5) Recognition for being on YouTube’s Top 100 list for “Most Subscribed Partner” of the week

6) More space for video descriptions

Payments are made through AdSense, so you must have an active AdSense account before you can get accepted into the program.

I really like that YouTube rewards members for high-trafficked channels.  Hopefully this is just the beginning of more opportunities.

My YouTube Channel homepage now has a PageRank of 5. And while I’m not one to put much emphasis on PR, I still keep track of it.

Now being able to add links to my sites and blogs from this page may be beneficial since this channel is considered pretty reputable in Google’s eyes.

Getting The Kinks Out

While I’m excited about the YouTube Partner program, it’s obvious there are still a few kinks.  I tried adding the “InVideo” ads to one of my videos about WordPress, and suddenly an ad for Playtex Bras scrolled across my face.

Ummmm…. hopefully YouTube is working to target these ads a little better.  Or maybe there’s a WordPress bra out there that I am not familiar with? 

I also noticed the Google ads that display are often unrelated to the title or description of the video.  So I’ll continue to experiment with different videos to check for relevancy, etc.

Making Your YouTube Debut

OK, enough about me.  Let’s talk about you!

If you haven’t thought about putting yourself on YouTube, now’s a great time.  YouTube continues to add revenue and branding opportunities that will only get better over time.

And if you’re not comfortable putting your face on camera, remember you can also record ScreenCast tutorials with software like Camtasia.

If your site is related to computers or there is some relevant software you can demonstrate for your audience, you can also upload this type of video too.  You can see an example with my CSS tutorial.

I’ve definitely learned one thing in the past year…  People absolutely love video.  They provide a nice break from reading and they give your site personality, uniqueness and depth.

So hopefully you are putting some thought into how you can use YouTube to grow your brand awareness, traffic and even make a little revenue on the side.  Before you know it, you’ll be the next YouTube celeb in your niche!

Go here for more details about becoming a YouTube partner.

I’m always looking for ways to make my site stand out.

So for the past month, I’ve been researching software that will allow me to create screencast tutorials for my website.

In case you’re unaware, screencasting is the process of recording actions on your computer screen and publishing the recording in a video format.

Since I have a site that teaches people how to create and manage their websites, I figured this could go over well with my audience.

I’ve even received a few emails requesting this.

Not only is screencasting great for teaching, but if you happen to promote any kind of computer-based product on your site, you can demonstrate it and publish the video for your audience to preview.

I did this for Site Build It!. Using a screencast video, I walk my visitor through my personal SBI! account so they can see how it works.

Check out my SBI! screencast video here.

Not only does the video provide an in-depth preview of the product, but it helps build credibility because I am showing how I use the product. I even let you take a peek at my traffic stats.

Choosing Screencasting Software

The first software I tried was Camstudio. Even though it’s free and easy to use, you definitely get what don’t pay for.

I knew that if I wanted my videos to look professional, I needed to invest in more advanced software. So I downloaded Camtasia. They offer a free, 30-day trial.

Some companies only let you use a limited version of their software when they offer a free trial, but the folks over at TechSmith let you demo the full version.

I was so pleased with Camtasia’s ease of use and range of options that I purchased a license after only one day of using it.

If $299 is too steep for your budget, there are a variety of other solutions. As I mentioned earlier, you can try Camstudio (free) and this blog has a nice review of other software options.

Don’t forget you can try Camtasia for for 30 days at no charge, so why not create as many videos as you can in that 30-day trial period!

Publishing is a Snap

With Camtasia, you can create a video for a variety of media – the web, iPod, blog, or a CD.

And what’s even better is Camtasia provides you with the HTML code you need to paste into your blog or web page.

All you do is upload the video file to your web server, paste the provided code into your page and you’re video is ready for viewing.

You can also choose from a variety of video file formats – SWF (Flash), WMV, AVI, etc.

How Can You Use Screencasting?

You don’t have to have a site about web development to take advantage of screencasting.

Let’s say your site teaches people about financial planning. You could walk your visitor through the process of using QuickBooks or some other financial software.

Or if you have a site that offers advice on public speaking or giving presentations, you can show them how to create the perfect PowerPoint presentation.

The possibilities are endless, and if you put some thought into this, I bet you can come up with a way to make this work for your audience.

Remember, most sites still do not use video, so if you can be one of the few in your niche, you can really get a leg up on your competition.

I just logged into my YouTube account today and noticed my videos have handy little “Add to MySpace and Facebook” buttons below them.

Now anyone who likes your mini flick can post it on two of the most popular social networking sites with greater ease.

I’ve toyed with using another video hosting service because I’d like to have more control over the playback options.

However, it’s hard to give up on YouTube considering the benefits…

More Traffic

Since I started making YouTube videos in August 2007, I’ve received an explosion of traffic to my sites. Almost every day I get an email from at least one person who has recently viewed my videos.

Not to mention you can now add hyperlinks to your description so people can click over to your site from YouTube in a snap.

The viral benefits are the best. Look how simple it is for anyone to embed your video into their site or blog. YouTube makes it ridiculously easy to spread your message around the Web for free.

If you’re struggling with traffic, you might want to tap into the video market and see if you can generate some interest to your site.

Videos don’t have to be elaborate or professionally done. Just presentable. It’s like writing content in a sense. Provide useful, relevant information to your target audience, only with video.

Google Owns YouTube

As I wrote in a recent post, why wouldn’t you want to make use of as many Google tools while they are dominating the Web in search and other Webmaster arenas?

Don’t you think Google is keeping tabs on the YouTube channels with lots subscribers and number of video views? Especially since you can list your website address in your channel.

Yup… I believe it all links up.

Video Sells

One of the biggest challenges of marketing online is trust. People want to know they can trust you before they buy. Video is an excellent way to help your audience get to know, trust and like you.

Get Ahead of The Game

While video is getting more popular, most Webmasters still don’t use it. So those who are, have an extreme advantage right now.

I definitely believe video will become the standard in years to come, so if you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon, it’s time to start considering it.

It’s Easy

If you’re worried about the technicalities of video, don’t. Uploading videos to YouTube couldn’t be easier. The only tools I use are my camera (Sony HD) and Windows Movie Maker (free with XP and Vista).

Don’t put off using video any longer. Get yourself a piece of the viral traffic storm YouTube can bring.

Last year, Ken Evoy of SiteSell.com conducted a video contest that paid $10,000 for the first prize.

Yes, $10,000.

He simply asked his customers to create a 2-3 minute video for why they love his product, Site Build It!.

Well, the video entries came pouring in, and even though there could only be one winner, many of the contest participants still feel like winners even though the contest ended months ago.

Why?

Because they are using their own videos on their websites to show their audience how Site Build It! has changed their lives. And as SiteSell affiliates, they earn a commission for every person that buys. Some of the customers reported sales immediately after they launched their video.

Here’s an example of a customer video below…

Of course, these SBI! customers could have written an article talking about the product, but a video showing their expressions and emotions is far more effective, because video connects with people in a way that text on a screen cannot.

Anyone can write about how great a product is, but there’s something about a visual that really adds a taste of realism to your testimonials.

If you have an ecommerce/affiliate website, I really hope you’re thinking of adding video in some way. It is the future, and that’s why we’re starting to see more companies offering video tools for their affiliates to use on their sites.

WebVideoZone is a great resource for learning how to develop video for your website. Joe’s site is super informative and suitable for all levels of expertise.