Affiliate Links in Reviews
While preparing to write my next software review, I had an interesting question run across my mind: Should I use affiliate links to link to the website and software download of the program I’m reviewing?
Pros:
I might make a few bucks - Honestly, my feelings wouldn’t be hurt if I was able to monitize my blog, although that’s not my primary focus.
I could offer my readers discount - Some affiliate programs allow you to sacrifice a portion of your commission to offer discounts to your potential customers. I know that the RegNow affiliate program allows this and I’m sure others do as well. (If you’re feeling the love, sign-up with my affiliate link instead.)
Cons:
My integrity could come into question - I’m almost certain that many readers will question my motives especially if I give it a glowing review. I write software reviews because I want to tell people about quality software; not because I’m trying to get paid.
I might ONLY make a few bucks - Is it worth diminishing the appearance objectivity in order to make $6 (or less) on a $20 sale?
I might lose readers forever - Some people may never visit my blog again because they don’t believe what I say in my reviews.
Conclusion
No way José.
It’s just not worth having my integrity and reputation come into question over a few links that most likely won’t generate any revenue anyway. I realize this is a pessimistic view, but my experience with software affiliate programs is tells me that making nothing is more probable than making something.
I don’t intend to review the most popular software around; I’ll leave that to CNET and Wired. I like to review those little gems you run across which save you tons of time or increase your productivity considerably.
I’ll Make You a Deal
I won’t use affiliate links the in the body of the review, but I will include a section at the bottom that is clearly labeled ‘Affiliate Links’, just in case you want to throw me a bone. I do reserve the right to use affiliate links in non-review posts.
Either that, or I could take John Chow’s advice and install the buy me a beer plug-in.
I’d love you hear your thoughts.
Just read a post over at Shoemoney about this subject. He basically said that he “expects” everyone is selling stuff when he reads their blogs and sees product links.
I feel the same way whether the links are marked or not. I figure they’re aff links, no big deal.
Don
Don: That’s a good point. I’ll head over to Shoemoney and see if I can find that post.
I have been second guessing myself since I wrote this post, especially after reading some of John Chow’s monitization articles. In one of his articles, he basically said that the people that cry about affiliate links aren’t going to click or buy anything anyway, so who cares?
I don’t think that people will respect your opinion any less if you are using an affiliate link. Everyone more or less figures that you are anyway.
If you are really worried about it, there are basically two things to 2
1) Cloak your links so the affiliate code doesn’t show
2) Just come out and say you are getting money off the link, after all hosting a site requires money
Scott: Thanks, I appreciate your feedback.
The points you make sound very resonable to me. I think I will just come out and say they are affiliate links or mark them with (aff).
Problem solved.
Thanks again!
Thats all
I prefer my reades rather then money