I did hear through the grapevine affiliate programs have to be designated with something like "affil", "Aff", etc. I even see some ads specifying this. However, I've never seen it in print at Adwords. Do any of you know the rule here... or even better, the link that explains this?
Another thing, Adwords says there is to be no bridge page used. This is confusing because several affiliates set up their own page... which essentially links the visitor to the Parent Affiliate Page! To be in-line with their rules, does this mean I could have a "bridge page", as long as it's full of content, is relevant to the clicked on search and serves MORE than just a page that links to the Main Affiliate Page? (which essentially is a page that bridges to the main affiliate page. LOL!)
To me it seems info about affiliate advertising was spread out, not really being in or on one page for easier reading. Any info you can get me about their rules is appreciated. Even if there's an info product out there that explains would be appreciated. Just need a name or link and if that violates the rules here, then maybe tip me which keywords to use and I'll find it myself. LOL!
Also, is it customary or common used practice to just create an Adwords Ad that directly links to the main affiliate program page? Is this allowed? Must be, but it's confusing.
Your help is appreciated. As you can tell, I'm no affiliate guru and the info you can provide would help me greatly!
Thanks,
Webseeker
Hence unique/ useful content with affiliate links blended in, will work with adWords. Rest is only temporary and will get knocked off by google sooner than later..
Cheers..
P.S. The only way I could drive adWords traffic towards affilaite links was as described above. However, this is tricky as it is difficult to get conversions unless pre sale copy is very smartly blended in with unique content..
Secondly, you must have your own website with quality, unique content before you consider taking your visitors to an affiliate sales page. You cannot link directly to the affiliate sales page in your adwords ad.
Secondly, you must have your own website with quality, unique content before you consider taking your visitors to an affiliate sales page. You cannot link directly to the affiliate sales page in your adwords ad.
I am confused though. Ok, I understand it may be a long standing rule that's done/changed now, but I do see ads marked "Aff" or similar still.
flanker23, you said: "You cannot link directly to the affiliate sales page in your adwords ad."
I find that to be another confusing statement because I see frequently that affiliate marketers are linking "directly" to the main affiliate page.
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Green_Grass,
While new at this, I find your reply to be inline with my thoughts and believe it's good stuff.
I just watched a video about QS, ie, quality scores, and understand more of it's importance.
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Thank you for the replies. I will have to confirm the nature of how I can link to the main affiliate page without breaking any rules.
Webseeker.
I haven't done IM for myself or clients in a while so unless Google recently changed their policy (which I doubt in this case), you CAN link direct to the affiliate's page from your ad. Same rules apply: no popups allowed on landing page, only one ad per URL should there be others doing Adwords for that affiliate.
Also, be sure to take a look at the suggested keywords list and add negative keywords that don't stand a good chance of converting (free is a good starter one). You'll save a lot of money on wasted clicks and get higher conversions/QS that way.