SeoSombra’s Secrets – SSS

My friend Carsten Cumbrowski just sent this over:

I have a tip for you. It came to my mind when there was the discussion about the KeyCompete post at SEOMoz. KeyCompete have an affiliate program via Commission Junction, paying 30% commission.

You might want to try something like the following.

Have your designer create a link CSS “class” for affiliate links. A style that makes them stick out (e.g. a little “A” icon next to it or something like that), maybe also a formatted tooltip that has a disclosure text, e.g.:

“This is an affiliate link. SEOMoz receives a commission for referrals generated by this link. The fact that the link is an affiliate link does not change our opinion about the referred to product or service, but you can support the SEOMoz team by using this link, if you consider the purchase of the product or services because of our post. Thank you.”

You can also add that disclosure on a special page and only refer to it from the tool tip. This would allow you to make additional revenue with the blog.

You don’t have to use it for the company, but the blog, such as to pay for drinks at a tradeshow to SEOMoz readers or do something like http://www.affiliatedinner.com e.g. “SEOMoz Dinner”.

I just came back from Affiliate Summit and in especially good “free tips mood“, so you are welcome

This is great advice from Mr. Cumbrowski – probably not something we’d use on SEOmoz, but a fantastic idea for those seeking to effectively utilize affiliate links while keeping their visitors in the know.