# Monetization Map + Description Checklist Pattern

Use this for TrueTraceShorts / Everyday Red Flags monetization planning after the user accepted partner/checklist monetization but explicitly excluded newsletter and 30-day learning-program funnels for now.

## Current monetization stance

- Do **not** propose a newsletter or 30-day learning programme unless the user reopens that direction.
- Primary path for now: practical safety checklists in video descriptions, plus later optional affiliate links where they fit the topic.
- YouTube descriptions may carry a short 3-bullet checklist.
- TikTok/Reels captions should stay short even if the platform allows long text: use 1–2 concise lines plus 4–6 hashtags. Public sources often report TikTok captions around 4,000 characters, but the useful visible area is much smaller.
- Add affiliate disclosures only when an affiliate link is actually present.

## Topic-level monetization map

A generated map exists in the AutoShortsBot runtime project:

- `data/monetization/everyday_red_flags_monetization_map.json`
- `data/monetization/everyday_red_flags_monetization_map.csv`
- `data/monetization/monetization_strategy_summary.md`

Helper script:

```bash
python scripts/print_monetization_copy.py <topic_id-or-slug>
```

It prints:

- monetization fit
- partner fit
- YouTube checklist block
- TikTok/Reels short caption
- claim guardrail

If those files are not present in a future environment, recreate the same pattern from `data/content_ideas/everyday_red_flags_topic_database.json` rather than blocking the workflow.

## Fit categories

Use these broad classes rather than one-off per-video monetization ideas:

- `checklist_only` — pure trust building; no direct product pitch.
- `business_invoice_fraud` — invoice/payment-route/vendor changes; checklist first; later Bitdefender Business, Malwarebytes Teams, Norton Small Business.
- `marketplace_payment_safety` — buyer/seller platform and payment-flow scams; mostly checklist, optional security-suite mention.
- `password_manager_security_key` — fake login, password reuse, MFA, OAuth, account recovery; password manager + security key/Amazon hardware fit.
- `malwarebytes_bitdefender_norton` — fake support, malware, fake downloads, browser extensions; Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, Norton.
- `aura_identity_family` — family/emotion scams, AI voice calls, identity theft; Aura/Norton LifeLock fit.
- `vpn_privacy_data_removal` — app permissions, public Wi-Fi, data brokers, leaked data; Aura, Surfshark/Incogni, NordVPN later.
- `shopping_safety` — fake shops, subscriptions, urgency timers, refunds; checklist plus Malwarebytes Browser Guard/Norton/Bitdefender.

## Default YouTube checklist block

```text
Quick checklist:
- <safe action 1>
- <safe action 2>
- <safe action 3>

Tools can help, but the safest move is to verify before you click, pay, scan, or share a code.

#ScamAlert #DigitalSafety #EverydayRedFlags
```

Example for invoice/bank-detail changes:

```text
Quick checklist:
- Do not pay from the message alone.
- Use a contact you already trust.
- Confirm bank-detail or supplier changes through a second channel.

Tools can help, but the safest move is to verify before you click, pay, scan, or share a code.

#ScamAlert #DigitalSafety #EverydayRedFlags
```

## TikTok/Reels caption pattern

Keep it concise:

```text
Red flag: <topic>. <one safe action>. Save this before you click or pay. #ScamAlert #DigitalSafety #OnlineSafety #EverydayRedFlags
```

Example:

```text
Red flag: Geänderte Zahlungsdaten. Do not pay from the message alone. Confirm changes through a trusted second channel. #ScamAlert #DigitalSafety #InvoiceScam #EverydayRedFlags
```

## Claim guardrails

- Never say antivirus, VPN, identity monitoring, or a password manager prevents all scams.
- Prefer: `Tools can help, but verification is the core defense.`
- Prefer: `Tools can help, but the rule saves you first.`
- Do not turn every short into a sale. Use checklists first, affiliate links only when topic-fit is high.
- Keep tone calm and practical; avoid fear-based overclaims.