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Set up Affiliate Review Site but Rejected by Amazon Associates :(

by Nick the Genius
6 replies
Hi, I've been a lurker for a long time, but I finally manned up and registered since I really need your help guys.

I've been working on this product review site for about 2 months now, and I just found out that I was rejected by Amazon Associates because I "had a trademark name in the URL". I don't wanna throw away the site or switch the URL since I've already done a lot of SEO and backlinking to it, so I need to find an alternative to the affiliate.

It's a specific drums product site, and that's the problem. Would anyone recommend anything? I wanted to try Ebay Partner Network, but I read a thread here that said Ebay only pays PPC now.

The reason I wanted Amazon was because it had the cookie system in place, so even if the product I linked to wasn't bought, the user could still get me a commission if he bought something else.

Can anyone help me out here?

-- I checked out this thread and found some possible alternatives like Linkshare, CJ, Clickbank, but I don't see them fitting my scenario --

ht tp://ww w.warriorforum.com/main-internet-marketing-discussion-forum/193479-alternatives-amazon-associates.html
#affiliate #amazon #associates #rejected #review #set #site
  • Profile picture of the author David Lamb
    Set up another site without a trademark name in the URL. Get that approved by Amazon.

    After you get approved, you can put Amazon links on your drum site or wherever else you want to put them.

    Just remember, by putting trademark names in your URL, you face the possibility of a cease and desist order, or even the seizure or your site. It doesn't always happen, but you may want to reconsider before building your business on it.

    My advice would be to get a new domain name based on a model number without the brand name if you can.
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    • Profile picture of the author Nick the Genius
      Thanks so much for the quick reply! I like the idea, but it seems that I'll have to work shady if I get my account approved and then use my old site to send traffic. Most likely they'll catch on again eventually unless I cover it up somehow.

      I was considering getting a new domain, but wouldn't that mean starting from scratch? I mean, PR back to 0, backlinks back to 0 and all?
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      • Profile picture of the author Marvin Johnston
        Originally Posted by joeydeleon View Post

        Thanks so much for the quick reply! I like the idea, but it seems that I'll have to work shady if I get my account approved and then use my old site to send traffic. Most likely they'll catch on again eventually unless I cover it up somehow.

        I was considering getting a new domain, but wouldn't that mean starting from scratch? I mean, PR back to 0, backlinks back to 0 and all?
        Move the content from your old site to the new one, and do a permanent redirect from the old site to the new site.

        If you kept your old site with a trademarked name in the URL, what would you do if you got a cease and desist letter from an attorney?

        Marvin
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        • Profile picture of the author Nick the Genius
          Originally Posted by Marvin Johnston View Post

          Move the content from your old site to the new one, and do a permanent redirect from the old site to the new site.

          If you kept your old site with a trademarked name in the URL, what would you do if you got a cease and desist letter from an attorney?

          Marvin
          Would I be able to maintain my site's credentials (PR, backlinks, etc.) with this? I'm guessing no but it's just really hard to let go of that work. I'm trying to find a way to minimize the losses.

          Originally Posted by Brad armPitt View Post

          Get a non-offending domain name, then forward it to your current domain. Non-offending name will stay in the browser. You could also use a 301 redirect, as well.
          So as long as I maintain minimal traffic to the site, I can expect to get away with it, right?

          Originally Posted by Media_Mogul View Post

          Musician's Friend offers an affiliate program paying a 6% commission though CJ. I would review CJ's TOS to make sure there isn't a similar problem with having a trademark in the domain name. That is, if Musicians Friend is selling the product you're promoting. Best of luck.
          Checked it out. No listing for my product. Was afraid of that. Thanks though.
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  • Profile picture of the author Media_Mogul
    Musician's Friend offers an affiliate program paying a 6% commission though CJ. I would review CJ's TOS to make sure there isn't a similar problem with having a trademark in the domain name. That is, if Musicians Friend is selling the product you're promoting. Best of luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bradley J Anderson
    Get a non-offending domain name, then forward it to your current domain. Non-offending name will stay in the browser. You could also use a 301 redirect, as well.
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    BRADLEY ANDERSON - Tips, reviews & resources to make your online business more profitable.
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