How to Get Paid for Influencer Videos (Even If Amazon Never Pays You)

In episode 139 of The Side Hustle Experiment Podcast John (https://www.instagram.com/sidehustleexperiment/ ) sits down with Billy Thorpe ( https://www.instagram.com/thorpecreative/) Billy is a creator who’s made over 4,000 influencer videos and consistently earns six figures a year by getting paid upfront by brands, before Amazon ever pays a dime.We break down how brand deals actually work behind the scenes, why relying only on Amazon commissions is risky, and how creators can build a real, repeatable business that doesn’t disappear when an algorithm changes.Billy explains exactly how brands find creators, why they’re willing to pay cash per video, how beginners can start landing paid deals without a big following, and how to structure simple agreements that don’t turn into a full-time headache.If you’re in the Amazon Influencer Program, thinking about getting started, or tired of relying on “hope and pray” commissions, this episode will completely change how you look at influencer income.Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss future episodes with top entrepreneurs and creators.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Maybe Money03:53 Strategies for Brand Deals09:16 Finding Companies to Work With11:15 Understanding the Influencer Program15:30 Building a Portfolio and Negotiation21:20 Creating Quality Content for Brands31:37 What Brands Want from Creators36:51 Creating a Consistent Video Format38:33 The Importance of a Dedicated Workspace41:06 Building Confidence Through Preparation42:33 Investing in Equipment and Skillsets44:46 Navigating Brand Collaborations47:46 The Future of Content Creation49:31 Embracing AI and Evolving Business Models51:57 Exploring New Opportunities in Live Selling54:41 Understanding Brand Relationships01:02:00 The Process of Working with Brands01:12:48 Navigating Brand Relationships and Expectations01:14:50 Building Confidence and Securing Deals01:17:54 The Value of Flexibility in Content Creation01:20:42 Understanding Requirements and Deliverables01:23:36 Learning from Experience: The Importance of Portfolio01:26:40 Establishing Systems for Success01:31:27 The Roller Coaster of Business and Opportunity01:36:09 Future Aspirations and Community Building#AmazonInfluencer #SideHustle #MakeMoneyOnlineFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustleexperimentpodcast/ Listen on your favorite podcast platformYoutube: https://bit.ly/3HHklFOSpotify: https://spoti.fi/48RRKcPApple: https://apple.co/4bmaFOk Check out Drew's StuffInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/realdrewdTwitter: https://twitter.com/DrewFBACheck out John's StuffInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustleexperiment/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SideHustleExp FREE ResourcesFREE Guide: How to Make Money Reviewing Products https://bit.ly/3HIGFSP