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Do Uncloacked Affiliate Links Harm SEO?

by kurosaki4d
15 replies
  • SEO
    • |
Hi Everybody,

In order for me to track my affiliate earnings better from various sources, I have to add UTM parameters to my links that will change dynamically depending on the referring site.

The problem with using these new custom links, is I have to remove the cloaking and put the regular affiliate links instead.
  1. Old links: https://mydomain.com/visit/product
  2. New links: https://aff.track?id=1234&source=facebook

Now, if I do that, is that considered to be in any way harmful or risky to the SEO of my sites?

I want to be absolutely sure about this before I make any changes.

Any valuable insights on this topic will be welcome. Thanks.
#affiliate #harm #links #seo #uncloacked
  • Profile picture of the author ahadu jhon
    No, uncloaked affiliate links do not directly harm SEO.
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  • Profile picture of the author rootanna507
    When properly marked, affiliate links have no effect on SEO, either positively or adversely.
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  • Profile picture of the author DABK
    You might end up with someone hijacking your links, i.e., making sales that other people get paid for.


    Originally Posted by kurosaki4d View Post

    Hi Everybody,

    In order for me to track my affiliate earnings better from various sources, I have to add UTM parameters to my links that will change dynamically depending on the referring site.

    The problem with using these new custom links, is I have to remove the cloaking and put the regular affiliate links instead.
    1. Old links: https://mydomain.com/visit/product
    2. New links: https://aff.track?id=1234&source=facebook

    Now, if I do that, is that considered to be in any way harmful or risky to the SEO of my sites?

    I want to be absolutely sure about this before I make any changes.

    Any valuable insights on this topic will be welcome. Thanks.
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    • Profile picture of the author kurosaki4d
      I hear that often, but I can't see it. How can someone hijack my links technically? Can you tell me how it works so I'd know what I'm potentially dealing with?

      Much appreciated
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      • Profile picture of the author DABK
        Not a hijacker. But I understand they can inject code that gets things to happen differently than what you set them up to. Like adding cookies that show on the product owner as having come later than yours, so they get the credit for the sale. Or just stuffing cookies.


        If I were an affiliate link hijacker, I'd be stuffing cookies. Why not get paid multiple times at once for work kurosaki4d did now since I do not know that he'll be around tomorrow or, at least, able to get me on 1 sale I didn't even have to make, I'd stuff. What's wrong with getting 17 payouts all at once?


        The product owner will notice (maybe not right away) that you don't have any 1 sale, there's always 17 and will block you. So, you, honest, hardworking kurosaki4d get penalized, the hacker finds someone else to hack, and life goes on, a bit worse for you, much better for the hijacker.



        Because the hijacker probably lives in a country where the average person makes under $300 a month and 17 payouts equals that.



        Originally Posted by kurosaki4d View Post

        I hear that often, but I can't see it. How can someone hijack my links technically? Can you tell me how it works so I'd know what I'm potentially dealing with?

        Much appreciated
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        • Profile picture of the author kurosaki4d
          That's very interesting for me to know. Thank you so much for your explicit answer.

          Then how can someone counter this cookie stuffing? Beside using an enhanced Wordpress security plugin and proper server security?

          Should we avoid using any cookie scripts related to affiliate marketing and replace the cookie variables with session variables instead?

          What kind of security measures do affiliate marketers take in this case?
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          • Profile picture of the author DABK
            Cloak your links.

            Originally Posted by kurosaki4d View Post

            That's very interesting for me to know. Thank you so much for your explicit answer.

            Then how can someone counter this cookie stuffing? Beside using an enhanced Wordpress security plugin and proper server security?

            Should we avoid using any cookie scripts related to affiliate marketing and replace the cookie variables with session variables instead?

            What kind of security measures do affiliate marketers take in this case?
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            • Profile picture of the author kurosaki4d
              That's it? That's all it takes to secure them? Cloacking?
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  • Profile picture of the author AdvantagePerks
    I don't think that this will hurt SEO, but it might hurt the conversion. For certain, not many people like to purchase from affiliate links.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeff Polaski
    I think it wouldn't have direct harmful impact on your SEO of your sites, but still monitor the performance of your website after implementing some changes, we don't want some unexpected issues.
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  • Profile picture of the author home page
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author DABK
      Which factors?


      Originally Posted by home page View Post

      Uncloaked affiliate links, also known as direct or raw affiliate links, can potentially have an impact on SEO (Search Engine Optimization). However, the extent of that impact can vary depending on several factors.
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  • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
    Originally Posted by home page View Post

    Uncloaked affiliate links, also known as direct or raw affiliate links, can potentially have an impact on SEO (Search Engine Optimization). However, the extent of that impact can vary depending on several factors.
    Originally Posted by DABK View Post

    Which factors?
    Don't ask for too much - at least he explained what SEO stands for.
    Signature


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  • Profile picture of the author DonTineo
    For example, if you are doing SEO for this link then you don't have to worry about it but yes if you think that people will come to your website because of your new link then it is a low chance because nowadays, no one likes indirect links. If there is anyone from the university working on their thesis or dissertation and you don't have more time to do so, I have an ivory research review 2022 platform for you where you can complete your essays, coursework, dissertation, reports, etc. Click Here and then visit to this website. You'll discover all the answers. One of the legitimate online writing services is Ivory Research.
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  • Profile picture of the author RobinIOL
    Sorry about the link - didn't release - I'll try again.

    No = UTM ?paramaters will not affect SEO. Anything after the ? is ignored.

    However, watch out for Apple's new iOS 17 release - this will automatically remove tracking parameters from certain situations (Mail, Messages, Safari in Private mode). Note only an issue in Private mode at this time.
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    • Profile picture of the author kurosaki4d
      That's really good to know. Thank you
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