10 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
10 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

WSO/eBook proper protocol with affiliate links

by NicholasCollins
8 replies
I have read and viewed quite a few eBooks/WSOs offered and wondering if it is proper protocol or frowned if in the PDF you put affiliate ads to products you are suggesting. For instance if your suggesting using hostgator and godaddy and dragon dictate... would you put your HG, GD and DD affiliate links in the pdf or supplemental info or is that frowned upon since your buyer already purchased your ebook/wso. I have seen many authors link to their other ebooks and products but just curious about the linking of a product using an affiliate link and its place in the material.
#affiliate #links #proper #protocol #wso or ebook
  • Profile picture of the author Yogini
    I think it is acceptable to have some affiliate links within a paid product, especially if you yourself are using those services/products. I personally always like when someone will also mention free options as well. For instance, if someone has affiliate links to market samurai, I will like it if they also mention the google keyword tool and traffic travis. I don't like when I buy a product and then to really use it properly you are obligated to buy another product in order to have success with what just paid for.

    Debbie
    Signature
    90 Quotes on Nature Pictures-Only $5
    Get Five Picture Quotes Free- Perfect for FB
    Free Kindle Marketing Tips And Books
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4503511].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author NicholasCollins
    Great input Debbie, I also think possibly disclosing something like 'the aforementioned links provided are my affiliate links' if you gained value or learned from this feel free to click the link or visit the site directly' or something of that nature.
    Signature
    GIANT end of year WARRIOR sale on Aged, Established sites. Use password warrior to gain access. http://rankedsites.com/warriors-special-sale/

    I am a startup guy and a proud 11 year Self Employed Veteran. www.NicholasCollins.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4503527].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by NicholasCollins View Post

      Great input Debbie, I also think possibly disclosing something like 'the aforementioned links provided are my affiliate links' if you gained value or learned from this feel free to click the link or visit the site directly' or something of that nature.
      I dont think most people care either way... you are going to get that one out of 100 guys who wont click just because they dont want to support your affiliate commission, but anyone who buys your report is probably hoping for the best for you...

      There are a few who wont click an affiliate link for no good reason other than someone is making money... so they give the money to someone else other than the person who brought the message to them... Thats their Karma... they will probably get more poverty, because they didnt take the opportunity to spread goodness to someone when it wouldnt have cost them anymore, in fact they went out of their way NOT to...

      I cant imagine there is a very big percentage like that... 2% are always going to have issues with something, no matter what it is they will find it. You cant base your whole marketing plan on the smaller percentile, if you place links and nobody clicks you havent lost anything, but if they DO, then you GAIN something...

      Only in the IM community do people really feel the need to announce an affiliate link...outside of that most people are actually ignorant of them altogether, and you are certainly not harming anyone by using your own link...take that from a guy who doesnt use his affiliate links half the time because they are too much trouble to look up... I would have ZERO conscious about using one announced or otherwise as long as I believe in the product Im referring.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4503814].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mac the Knife
    Personally, I feel if it is disclosed, it is ok. People can surely go straight to the website sans the affiliate link if they don't feel like becoming your "customer" but if you state it plainly you should be fine.

    Mac the Knife
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4503784].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author NicholasCollins
      Originally Posted by Macurdy View Post

      Personally, I feel if it is disclosed, it is ok. People can surely go straight to the website sans the affiliate link if they don't feel like becoming your "customer" but if you state it plainly you should be fine.

      Mac the Knife
      Thank you fellow Marylander
      Signature
      GIANT end of year WARRIOR sale on Aged, Established sites. Use password warrior to gain access. http://rankedsites.com/warriors-special-sale/

      I am a startup guy and a proud 11 year Self Employed Veteran. www.NicholasCollins.com
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4503786].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Burton Lancaster
    I believe it's a good trade off for the information, and provides a way for them to "say thanks" if they find value in your copy. It's always good practice to remind them that they are affiliate links. In some cases, stating that they are affiliate links CAN increase the conversions on those links.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4503806].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author NicholasCollins
    Wonderful and helpful input, thank you!
    Signature
    GIANT end of year WARRIOR sale on Aged, Established sites. Use password warrior to gain access. http://rankedsites.com/warriors-special-sale/

    I am a startup guy and a proud 11 year Self Employed Veteran. www.NicholasCollins.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4503819].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mywebwork
    I also don't see any problem with them, provided they are used correctly.

    What I mean by that is that the eBook should NOT be tailored to support the affiliate links - it needs to be the other way around. I have no problem with someone throwing in an affiliate link for a hosting plan or an autoresponder if the content of the book is about "how to get hosting" or "how to do an e-mail campaign".

    But on the other hand I do have a problem with eBooks whose main purpose is to string together a bunch of affiliate links, or that provide affiliate links to products that have nothing to do with the topic of the book. Such books are usually unreadable and come off as spammy.

    Making a statement at the beginning of the book explaining that the links may be affiliate links and that the author may receive a commission from them (at no cost to the consumer) is probably not a bad idea too. I think that it shows integrity on the part of the author, and if the book turns out to be valuable to the consumer they may even decide to "reward" the author by purchasing through the affiliate link.

    Bill
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4504892].message }}

Trending Topics