What gives?

Why aren't they buying?

[WallaceCleaver]

I recently launched a coupon code web site and people are coming. That isn't the problem. The problem is that they aren't using the codes to buy anything. Since the links are all affiliate links I am not making any money if visitors don't buy something through the links. Why do you suppose they aren't using the codes?

[Lil_Red]

It can sometimes take 1000 clicks on a particular link to generate a sale.

[RenFromPenn]

Then how can one possibly generate income from affiliate links?

[eljefe3]

>>I recently launched a coupon code web site and people are coming.

How are they coming? What kind of traffic is coming and how did they find your site ( what search terms were used?) Depending on how they found you, your conversion rates could be really good or really bad.

>>The problem is that they aren't using the codes to buy anything

Are people not buying anything, or are they not buying using affiliate codes? Perhaps your prices are too high, your traffic is not of good quality, or your order page/process isn't easy to negotiate.

[conroy]

I recently launched a coupon code web site...

My guess is that your traffic isn't of very high quality. Or your expectations are too high.

[chrisnrae]

Speaking from a customer standpoint, I usually won't go in search of a coupon code until a merchant's shopping cart alludes that there is one. Then I'll open a new browser, search and find a coupon code and then enter it into the other browser I left open (since I am likely halfway through the checkout process) and complete my sale. I'd imagine I am not the only buyer who does this.

[ronin]

Then how can one possibly generate income from affiliate links?

Enough visitors -> Clicks
Enough clicks -> Sales
Enough sales -> Income

It's a numbers game, innit?

[sean]

I always suspected a lot of customers did like chrisnrae, or typed the shop into their browser bar, or whatever. So on some sites I added instructions that included clicking the link, just for grins.

example instructions:
1. jot down coupon code
2. click the link below
3. how to redeem at site

It helped, but nothing raised the conversion rate enough to compensate for the discounted affiliate commission. You might have a slightly better luck on the discounts that are embedded in the affiliate link.