Web Design and Development – Paul's Tech Talk

Google Affiliate Network Summit 035 (Photo credit: Affiliate

Testing the Waters!

A friend told me, a couple days ago that I should be telling my readers when I have affiliate links. He said I would would get even more sales if I were to be a little more honest with which ones are actually the ones that I make money off of! It would better help those decide if your going to be a a good blog or not. I really didn’t have much to say on the matter because I didn’t know what to say. I am sure there will always be those who will not tell you. I thought it was quite obvious when I didn’t tell you but then I forgot I was hiding my affiliate links, not to be dishonest but to prevent programs and virus from taking away from all the work I have done. I know there will always be people who will got the site directly and not give the site the credit. I understand that, and somewhat expect that.

Honesty is the best Policy!

That being said, if you ever come to one of my posts and you see the (Affiliate links) or (Affiliate link) then it will be linked to this post. So you can read about my honesty and understand that I am working really hard at changing. Here is how this will work:

Reviews — I promise to my readers that I believe in the review of the product and that it is a recommendation from me.

Reimbursement — Hosting isn’t cheap now a days, that is I put up my Affiliate links and also to try supplement my working income.

If Gifted to me — I will clearly state that in my post and my review will no be swayed by the free gift of the item. If it sucks, you will know about it and if it is something useful then you will also know about it. I may however have affiliate links for the item.

Nicer URLS — even though I have hidden the urls and you have to click the URL to go the affiliate site in question, it is because the URL aren’t really neat and tidy. If you feel offended because you can’t see URL then please feel free not to click those links. (I wouldn’t want to see http://www.amazon.com/blah/blah/blah/blah/etc, anyways and I bet you don’t either)

Gift Cards — If you are wanting me to review a certain item and it is on Amazon or some other place then I will gladly accept a gift card through email(First name @ this domain). However if it is something else please don’t hesitate to email me.

Review UNITS — Same as Gifted cards, if your wanting me to review an item but don’t know where to send it. Please email me and I’ll discuss with you where to send it. (First Name @ this domain) Please bear in mind that I may not give a nice review, so I make no PROMISES and there are no expectations.

Prove to me!

I’ve done the unthinkable and stopped hiding all my links on this site. So if you want me to continue to do it this way, I will need to see a positive out come. I was making money hiding sites links and not telling people about them being affiliate links. Now I don’t want to see a drop in sales and money by being honest. Help support my love to blog and being able to read about the stuff that matters to you. Just like Glasses USA (Affiliate link) matters to me because I have to wear glasses everyday and I can’t afford to go buy some really expensive pairs of glasses. They have been the one source for me, when I need to buy new glasses. If you find a post that you really think is good, then don’t be afraid to share it on Facebook or Twitter. Those are one ways to show your support of my blog.

Nothing shows support like sharing a post!