The internet offers countless opportunities for individuals to earn money from the comfort of their homes. One inspiring story is that of Carissa DeVries, a stay-at-home mom who managed to earn up to $12,000 in a single month by reviewing Amazon products. Her journey from a network-marketing job to a successful Amazon Influencer is not only motivational but also provides practical insights for anyone looking to start a side hustle without any initial investment.
Carissa DeVries left her network-marketing job in May 2022 after nearly six years. As a new mom, her priorities had shifted, and she no longer wanted to be tied down by endless Zoom meetings promoting the same product every day. Initially, she had no backup plan and relied on her husband's income while figuring out her next move. Her experience in network marketing had taught her how to make money online and grow a following on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
In the winter of 2022, DeVries came across multiple social media posts about making money by posting Amazon reviews. Intrigued by the simplicity of the Amazon Influencer Program, she decided to give it a try. The program allows users to create a storefront by signing up through a social media account and, upon approval, uploading product reviews that can earn a commission when shoppers purchase after viewing their video.
DeVries signed up for an Amazon Influencer account in February 2023. She believed this opportunity would allow her to film videos sporadically throughout the week whenever she had time away from her responsibilities as a mom. Her initial skepticism quickly turned into excitement as she began to see the potential for passive income.
Testing the Waters
In November 2023, DeVries decided to test how passive her earnings could be by posting only six reviews. To her surprise, she made about $6,700 that month. She attributed this increase to the holiday-shopping season. Encouraged by these results, she posted about 40 reviews a month for the remainder of the year. By the end of 2023, she had made $67,000, according to records of her Amazon account viewed by Business Insider.
DeVries' success story is a testament to the potential of the Amazon Influencer Program. She managed to turn a simple idea into a lucrative side hustle, all while balancing her responsibilities as a stay-at-home mom. Her journey offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to start a similar venture.
Top 5 Tips for Getting Started Without Any Money
Carissa DeVries shares her top five tips for anyone looking to start earning money by reviewing Amazon products:
Leverage Your Existing Social Media Accounts: Use your current social media platforms to sign up for the Amazon Influencer Program. This can help you get approved faster and start earning commissions sooner.
Start Small and Be Consistent: Begin by posting a few reviews and gradually increase the number as you get more comfortable. Consistency is key to building a following and increasing your earnings.
Focus on High-Quality Content: Ensure that your reviews are detailed, honest, and engaging. High-quality content is more likely to attract viewers and lead to purchases.
Utilize Free Tools and Resources: Take advantage of free tools and resources available online to improve your video editing and content creation skills. This can help you produce professional-looking reviews without spending any money.
Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and questions from your viewers. Building a relationship with your audience can increase their trust in your recommendations and lead to higher conversion rates.
Carissa DeVries' story is a powerful example of how anyone can turn a simple idea into a profitable side hustle. By leveraging the Amazon Influencer Program, she managed to earn up to $12,000 in a single month, all while balancing her responsibilities as a stay-at-home mom. Her top five tips provide a practical roadmap for anyone looking to start their own journey in the world of online reviews.
