Amazon ref=nosim/

[PeteM]

I've often read that coding 'ref=nosim' in Amazon links improves conversions. I'm sceptical, surely Amazon know what's best. Does anyone have any evidence that coding 'ref=nosim' actually works?

[hunderdown]

I'm more concerned about the experience of my visitors--that's why I use it. If someone on my site clicks on a link to a specific book, then they expect to see, and I want them to see, more information about that book, not a page full of cover images and titles for similar books.

If your only concern is with conversion, why not test it? Every site and every site's visitors are different, after all.

[onlineleben]

It works well for me.
Only problem I see is that you cannot implement them for anything else than text links. For product links it seems to work, but the referral doesn't get counted.
Anyone having an idea how to fix that?

[BriGuy20]

I have it for all my links. It's good because it focuses the attention on just the product you're selling.

As an added bonus, you get an extra 2.5% for direct links, meaning if you send them to a product and they buy THAT particular product, you get an extra 2.5% referral fee.

Put those two together, and I think you end up making more money.

[deepestblue]

I've been an Amazon affiliate since around '98 and when they changed format i began using the ref=nosim/ exclusively because conversions are much better with this method.

[Fairla]

I use it, and I think it's better both for visitors' experience and my earnings. When you click on a book title, you want info on that book, not 15 other books.

However, if you're shopping for some other type of item -- electronics, for instance -- you're probably going to want to compare many different items, and in that case Amazon's default landing page might be best.

[onlineleben]

However, if you're shopping for some other type of item -- electronics, for instance -- you're probably going to want to compare many different items, and in that case Amazon's default landing page might be best.

Have you tested that? I am very interested in better conversions for electronics.

[mblair]

I would think it also would depend on how you are linking to Amazon. If you are inclusing substantial information from their feed on your own site the default page may be better.

[PeteM]

I'm thinking that if you have pre-sold the item yourself then 'ref=nosim' might be beneficial. Otherwise it might be better to leave it to Amazon. Testing is difficult when volumes sold are low.

[Fairla]

Have you tested that? I am very interested in better conversions for electronics.

No, I'm sorry, I haven't -- my focus is on book sales.

[Poppy122]

Amazon has stated that in every test they've ever run the landing page has been shown to convert the best.

Either page qualifies for the direct link bonus.

[patient2all]

Just so it's 100% clear to everyone, hopefully it's okay to post the most recent response from the Associate Program (12/10/2004):

We haven't done any research on how using "ref=nosim" impacts the direct-link premium, but in previous tests linking directly to the detail page using ref=nosim has had a negative impact on conversion as compared to the Similarities Explorer page that shows the featured product and other related products.

Myself, I rarely use 'ref=nosim' because even though I have a program that checks AWS and alerts me if there is any change in the 'Availabilty' status, I'd rather them see something to buy rather than nothing when the direct item is out of stock, etc.

I've toyed with the idea of having the program email me, but instead I just run on demand since I'm not going to leave a party or something to change a link!

I get the impression, the landing page inspires a lot of customers to pick up another item or two also. Unfortunately, I can't prove that unless I use a massive amount of tracking ids. Many have implored Amazon to come up with a report that shows what items constituted a given order.

patient2all

[hibuddy]

May I know what is the use of adding 'ref=nosim' and how would I add this for example

http://www.example.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/product-id/affiliate-id/ref=nosim

Thanks in advance.

[hunderdown]

hibuddy,

Here is a sample URL for a link -- insert the item's actual ISBN and your actual Associate ID:

[amazon.com...]

You would use this link if you had worked to convince your visitor that they should buy a particular item, and you don't want to have them distracted or confused by having a page full of allegedly similar items thrown up at them.

If your visitor buys an item after clicking a direct link to it you can get a bonus--ref=nosim may increase the chance of getting the bonus by increasing the chance that they will buy that item and not some other.

I would not take the Amazon statement as being very useful. They are talking about averages, and I would think there are Associates who use ref=nosim more effectlvely than others.

Also, purely aside from the question of whether or not it brings you more money, you may like to use it to enhance your visitor's experience. On many of my pages, when someone clicks on an Amazon link, they expect and want a specific item, not a bunch of similar stuff.

One final point: don't overuse it. If you've got a lot of links in a list, and you're not providing much other info., I don't see any point to using it. Use it only if you're proving real information about something....

[hibuddy]

Hi hunderdown

Thanks for your useful info.I love this forum.