Outbound Links

using target="new"

[hereforinfo]

I'm using target="new" for links which leave my site will this lead to any problems with the affiliate links Thanks

[raja4]

No, you should be fine. But be aware that if every link opens a new window, site visitors may not like it because that will take a lot of computer resources.

[Catalyst]

Many pop up blockers erroneously block links that open in new windows. Even the Google and Alexa blockers do it intermittently. I have a study that was done on a bunch of blockers and around 50% blocked links in new windows.

Linda

[hereforinfo]

"50% blocked links in new windows" ouch
is there any data to suggest what works better for affiliate marketing?

[Catalyst]

Some affiliates on another board did some testing with and without new windows. Most reported they did not see a big difference in sales or conversion either way, so many decided to err on the side of caution and just not open new anymore. (This was not a scientific study and numerous factors could have affected results.)Usability people say not to open new windows either.

What I do on some of my sites (not for aff links but for ALL links that leave my site) is - I don't open a new window - but instead add a screen tip to each link that says "Bookmark this site Now. Links do not open in a new window." I'm not really an affiliate and not recommending this is the best way to go, this is just what I have decided to do. I don't have alot of outbound links so can't tell you how much it has increased bookmarks, but it can't hurt to remind people.

NOTE: I'm not trying to give advice, just sharing info. Do your diligence and make your own decision. If I was convinced it was a huge problem for affiliates I would be strongly recommending, but it's hard to say how widespread the problem really is. I would just rather risk losing someone and hope they know how to hit the back button, than have them want to buy, think the links don't work and never return.

Linda

[ThomasB]

we do it mostly in the same window. Also, I'm not sure if links opened in new windows are caught by popup-blockers because they're opened due to a users-request.

[zeb]

Even the Google and Alexa blockers do it intermittently

I'm surfing all the time with Google toolbar on and have never noticed that these links wouldn't open in new windows! What is the experience of the rest of you, both Google and Alexa toolbar users?

[havarian]

i use alexa toolbar, and i experience, when i block ads for a site i have problems following the links with pop up windows from that site, (i have set my pop up killer to ask for each new site)