Is there proof that having "too many" affiliate links on a post is a bad thing?

[TuNguyen]

Hi guys,

So I've noticed that people always seem to preach what has become the accepted wisdom, that having "too many" affiliate links on your post is a bad thing.

Now my question to you is this: Is there actually any demonstrable proof of this claim? or is it just an assertion based on perceived wisdom, and without evidence?

And following from this: If you DO think that having too many affiliate links on a post IS a bad thing, then how many affiliate links is "too many"? Please quantify, justify and provide evidence where possible.

Please note that I do not feel one way or another with this claim, however do strongly feel it is important that if you make a claim (which will invariably influence people), then you should provide evidence to support your claim.

Thanks!

[TuNguyen]

I take it from the lack of replies, that indeed nobody has any evidence which supports the assertion?

[dreamtoreality]

Originally Posted by TuNguyen

Hi guys,

So I've noticed that people always seem to preach what has become the accepted wisdom, that having "too many" affiliate links on your post is a bad thing.

This seems to one of the many myths floating around on this forum. I've never had a problem with this (posts consistently ranking on the first page with 10 affiliate links in them). Then again, I've always made these links no-follow. This is the only way I know.

[linkbuildr]

I'd just make sure they're all nofollowed because if they're not, Google sees them as a paid link. Too many in a post looks sloppy and amateurish though so funnel the reader into one or two great calls to action. If your affiliate content sucks though then you're fighting a battle that cannot be won....ie reviewing a product you've never actually touched or used.

[KevL]

Originally Posted by TuNguyen

Hi guys,

So I've noticed that people always seem to preach what has become the accepted wisdom, that having "too many" affiliate links on your post is a bad thing.

Now my question to you is this: Is there actually any demonstrable proof of this claim? or is it just an assertion based on perceived wisdom, and without evidence?

And following from this: If you DO think that having too many affiliate links on a post IS a bad thing, then how many affiliate links is "too many"? Please quantify, justify and provide evidence where possible.

Please note that I do not feel one way or another with this claim, however do strongly feel it is important that if you make a claim (which will invariably influence people), then you should provide evidence to support your claim.

Thanks!

I've not seen any proof, but I write for the reader, i.e. I'm thinking of not confusing them or annoying them with link after link.

I think it also matters whether you're talking about the same affiliate link or different links.

I don't think it's possible to make a sweeping statement about how many, I think there are too many variables and I don't think it's worth worrying about, personally I just get a feel for what I think is right as I'm writing.

[nik0]

I've tested it quite a few times, now how you expect the evidence to be packed, did I had to take ranking reports and screenshots of before & after to please forum people who don't take someone's words for it?

You should be happy that people share their knowledge here instead of demanding evidence.

[discustipated]

"I've tested it quite a few times, now how you expect the evidence to be packed, did I had to take ranking reports and screenshots of before & after to please forum people who don't take someone's words for it?

You should be happy that people share their knowledge here instead of demanding evidence."



These types of useless replies are the reason why I frequent TrafficPlanet.com

[nik0]

These types of useless replies are the reason why I frequent TrafficPlanet.com

Why don't you stay there?

You know it's always the same with these type of people, they show me a site where everything is wrong that can be wrong and then they start asking questions here on the forum hoping and waiting for the one that provides an answer that pleases them so that they don't have to change a thing on their terrible site that they are so proud of.

What a freaking waste of time.

[TuNguyen]

Originally Posted by nik0

I've tested it quite a few times, now how you expect the evidence to be packed, did I had to take ranking reports and screenshots of before & after to please forum people who don't take someone's words for it?

You should be happy that people share their knowledge here instead of demanding evidence.

No offence Dennis, but this post was in no way targeted at you or your advice. Maybe you have projected a little slightly here.

That said, I would however like to reply to your comments...

Originally Posted by nik0

...people who don't take someone's words for it?

You should be happy that people share their knowledge here instead of demanding evidence.

Actually no, no I should not.

I find that scepticism and reason to be a much better path to truth and knowledge. Not to mention that it saves you a lot of time and money...

[smodha]

Why don't you test is yourself? Create a free Blogger account and load it with lots of affiliate links after it's ranking. I would say the outcome of this would be pretty conclusive.

FYI - I don't use more than 3 on a page. It works for me.

[trade4861]

I have one website 2 years old that has between 5 to 25 affiliate links on ever single page and all no follow. Has made me loads of money. I did see a small reduction in organic visitors on one update, but it still does great money wise. I would focus on putting some great content on affiliate pages though.