Affiliate links in your own eBook.

17 replies
I'm writing this thread for the purpose of asking for tips and tricks for putting affiliate links inside your ebook. Let me explain, exactly how do you guys go about inserting affiliate links into your book.

You can't just say "Hey guys here's an affiliate link. Click on it!!". I know you're suppose to make is subtle, but I'm doing that. I've given away about 250 copies of my ebook and no one has bought anything through my links. I could really use some help.

Thanks in advance
#affiliate #ebook #links
  • Profile picture of the author RogueOne
    That affiliate link in your sig. is against the rules. If you don't get it out quick, you will lose your sig. privileges.
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  • Profile picture of the author trevord92
    If it's a PDF, just make it a clickable link.

    Ideally, one that goes via a redirect on your own domain so that if - at some stage in the future - the link fails or changes, you can change it.

    Other than that, put a resource page or whatever else you want people to click on early in the ebook. Not everyone will finish reading the ebook but most people should at least open it and get through the first few pages.
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    • Profile picture of the author billspaced
      Originally Posted by trevord92 View Post

      If it's a PDF, just make it a clickable link.

      Ideally, one that goes via a redirect on your own domain so that if - at some stage in the future - the link fails or changes, you can change it.

      Other than that, put a resource page or whatever else you want people to click on early in the ebook. Not everyone will finish reading the ebook but most people should at least open it and get through the first few pages.
      Great points! I especially like the idea of putting the resource page nearer the front. Brilliant.
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      Chief Marketing Officer, SoMoLo Marketing

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  • Profile picture of the author wrcato2
    While we are on the subject of clickable links in pdf, anyone know how to do that with Warriorpdf? I could not find a way to make it clickable when I created my report.
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  • Profile picture of the author johnben1444
    The best way is to recommend it somewhere inside the content IF/WHERE necessary otherwise you can boldly recommend it at the end of the book. It's been done every time and not a problem..
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    • Profile picture of the author moneyman7710
      Originally Posted by johnben1444 View Post

      The best way is to recommend it somewhere inside the content IF/WHERE necessary otherwise you can boldly recommend it at the end of the book. It's been done every time and not a problem..
      What about a combination of the two? What if I have a resources page somewhere at the beginning and/or end of the book with the affiliate links AND have the links mixed in with the content where necessary. Do you think that would be a good idea?
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      • Profile picture of the author sanhal
        Originally Posted by moneyman7710 View Post

        What about a combination of the two? What if I have a resources page somewhere at the beginning and/or end of the book with the affiliate links AND have the links mixed in with the content where necessary. Do you think that would be a good idea?
        Yes, I have done that in my paid for eBook.

        The other thing you could do is write a blog post about the affiliate product you want to promote and include a link in the book to the blog post.

        Sandy
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  • Profile picture of the author RogueOne
    I use LibreOffice (free office suite software)
    That's pretty interesting, just downloaded...can't wait to play with it!
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  • Profile picture of the author karolk
    Hey,

    The easiest way to put a clickable link in a PDF is to create the PDF with MS Word (or something similar). You put the links in Word and then they remain active after the conversion to PDF.

    Also, it's a good idea to use a link shortener when doing so (like bit.ly). That way you can monitor the clicks and because the link is shorter, you also make it easier to the reader to input it manually in their browser address bar (should they print your PDF out).
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    You know what, I won't try to lead you in with fake promises and false advertising. So let me just be honest. If you're looking for some online business advice for normal people (with no hype and constant product pushing) then hop over to newinternetorder.com

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  • Profile picture of the author mpollak450
    Maybe you already do this but the link should be a natural progression for the reader. For instance, you are instructing them how to improve their mindset and how great a particular technique is. Once you've done a great job getting the reader to agree with the way you are going, your next step is to give them the offer like this, "to get started with this solution check out this [link]amazing ebook[link] that took me from hopeless to hero." I wish you the best.
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    No EN links, please

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  • Profile picture of the author zimzalabim
    Nothing wrong with the occasional related affiliate link placed within the ebook naturally. Or perhaps as a "suggested resources" section at the end.

    If you don't want to insert links within an alternative is to include a separate PDF with perhaps a short review of the products/services you are seeking to promote and include your aff link(s) in that.
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    • Profile picture of the author Chris Silvey
      Well I think Pat Flynn does a wonderful job at affiliate link disclosure.

      A heads up to the reader is a good idea. Some people out there think affiliate links are evil and add cost.

      Here is Pats statements on his resource page. It is a good template to go by.

      "
      I thought it would be helpful to create a resource page that you can always come to for all of your passive income needs. I'll add to it as I learn more, but you'll notice that in the future I will reference this page quite often. I recommend bookmarking it for your reference and convenience. Enjoy!
      Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase. Please understand that I have experience with all of these companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals."
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  • Profile picture of the author digitalsapien
    Affiliate links won't hurt. Just don't over do it.
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  • Profile picture of the author jbsmith
    I add affiliate links sparingly to my paid ebooks, the way I approach it is I typically try and give them a free or low-cost way of accomplishing something, then give them a "better" or "improved" way with affiliate link to higher priced product IF I really believe or know that it is better or faster - of course.

    Ex. helping someone with keyword research, I cover freebie tools and then cover a paid tool that helps speed things up.

    Another value-add is if you offer an incentive to buy through your link - ex. extra information, email assistance, a video course, or money back when purchased through your link.

    As long as your affiliate link is contextually relevant and adds value (via one of the methods above) you should be fine. I never get complaints about our links when done this way.

    Jeff
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    I'll write a sentence like:

    "You need an autoresponder. Aweber .com is a great place to start."


    Then i'll insert my affiliate link into the text "Aweber .com", and if my readers click on it and sign up, then i make money. Simple.
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  • Profile picture of the author BradVert2013
    Affiliate links in ebooks are a great way to make extra money off an ebook. But there are a few things to keep in mind.

    1. Read the affiliate TOS to see if it's allowed. I've read Amazon doesn't allow their affiliate links in ebooks, nor do they all shortening the links with services like bit.ly.

    2. Disclose in your ebook you are using affiliate links and you'll get paid if a reader clicks and buys. The FTC has been cracking down hard on this. I doubt you'd get in trouble for it, but it's the ethical thing to do.

    3. Use them very, very sparingly. Nothing turns me off more to an ebook than when it's filled with a bunch of affiliate links. I don't mind the occasional link, and will gladly purchase an item or service recommended. My general rule of thumb is, for an average length book, I should need only 1 hand to count the number of affiliate links in the book.

    I think it's a great strategy to monotenizd a book, especially if it's not selling for very much. Just be careful, that's all.
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