by Jessica Bosari

Created on: April 21, 2009   Last Updated: June 13, 2009

Affiliate marking is one of the most common methods people use to make money online. You can have a better chance of success in this marketing arena if you understand two pitfalls that new affiliate marketers often fall into. One is failing to hide affiliate links and the other is using banners.

Link Shorteners

While some affiliate marketers have been using links shorteners like tinyURL to hide links, these links often make potential consumers wary because the link could lead them to just about anywhere and they want to know where they are going. What the link shortener does do for you is prevent stolen commissions from hijackers who replace your affiliate link ID with their own. You will still need to take another step to increase click-throughs and sales.

Building Trust

Making consumers trust your link by hiding it is very easy. You only need to change the mouse over text to show the name of the product or site you are promoting. This ensures you are not making it obvious that your link is for an affiliate program. Many users assume that your endorsement of the product is shameless retail and will avoid any link that shows your affiliate ID. You can avoid this pitfall by hiding or cloaking your affiliate link.

Avoid Banners

Banners are another common mistake in affiliate marketing. No wonder so many people fall into this problem, given that every affiliate program offers some sort of graphic or banner for you to use when promoting their products or services. The problem is that Internet readers avoid ads like the plague. They are either ignored or avoided by most visitors.

The solution is simply to not use banners. If no text links are offered, you can take out the image code from any banner to turn it into an affiliate link. Then be sure to change the hover text so users see something less promotional. Ad banners make your site look like a walking advertisement, rather than the source of information visitors are looking for.

Text and Content is King

Studies of affiliate programs show that text and content links typically outperform banners by a large margin. Strangley, many affiliates continue to use them, possibly because they need a graphic to make the site look good.

How to Use Graphics

Graphics do have their place in affiliate marketing and can drive conversions. However, they should not be obvious advertisements. Instead, choose a compelling image and place a simple, non-intrusive text link under the image. This will drive more visitors to sign up for your affiliate program or buy your affiliate product.

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