There are a ton of scripts and plugins to rewrite links, and hide affiliate links. Most “how to make money gurus” say that you absolutely need to hide the affiliate links in order to profit.
I say that is wrong.
There is a good reason for that. Lets see what happens:
- You hide the affiliate link.
- Your reader does not instantly realise that he got through your referral link.
- If he signs up, you get credit.
- You end up with more signups.
Now, lets see what happens when you don’t hide your affiliate links:
- You show the technique, and link to the offer/service with your affiliate link in plain sight.
- Your reader sees it is a referral, but voluntarily clicks on it.
- He signs up at the service, uses it following your instructions, and sees that the technique works.
- The reader is satisfied, and his trust in you is increased.
- The next time you refer him to something, he will jump on the wagon with no hesitation.
- You end up with more signups.
I prefer the second scenario. There are downsides of course. You will get a ton of emails saying “I signed up under you, now tell me this and that and the next”. Some will make legitimate questions, which you should answer. Others will paraphrase the demand “gimme your credit card info”, and thus you can ignore them.
The point here is simple:
If you don’t suggest shitty products, your readers will be more than happy to sign up under your link.
This is a fact, and I know it by experience. I have used every single one of the products or services that I have referred, and I have gained a degree of return from every one of them.
How do you like that for a make-money-blogging secret?
Popularity: 1% [?]
written by Glowleaf
\\ tags: affiliate links, make money online blogging
October 1st, 2009 at 9:36 am
It’s either this or you can just get a disclaimer saying that this is a commercial blog that uses aff links banners and blah blah blah…
October 1st, 2009 at 10:41 am
I am talking about trust, not disclaimers.
October 1st, 2009 at 2:19 pm
But I make more money selling shitty products
October 1st, 2009 at 3:02 pm
That is so true…
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:40 pm
+1 newjersey I am down with selling shitty products.
October 3rd, 2009 at 5:56 am
What about hiding affiliate links so toolbars and other spyware / adware don’t change the links, thus stealing your commissions?
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:37 am
Yes, that is an issue, but it borders on paranoia. And if stolen commissions are really an issue for you, you should put pressure on your aff networks about utilizing alternate forms of tracking.
For example, this link tnx is now a tracked referral. The technology is simple, using it is possible, yet networks still use cookies.
October 3rd, 2009 at 3:53 pm
It depends on your target market too. Blogging in the latest gardening accessories niche, your readers ain’t gonna give a shit or know a shit about an affilwhat?
I prefer to hide my affiliate links for convenience sake. It’s easier for me to remember a subfolder than a dirty ID tracking code.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Great post
Mark Robinson
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:13 am
Generally linkshare affiliate network leads to increase in sales.