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Playing by the Rules
When traveling on a busy highway everyone can get where they need to go
without incident as long as everyone plays by the rules of the road. One
unsuccessful multi-tasker, applying mascara, answering the cell phone, and
merging three lanes without a signal can ruin the morning commute for
everyone.
Follow the Right Road
The concept is the same for affiliates 'driving on the Information
Superhighway'. There are a few important rules to follow so affiliate
marketing can continue to be profitable for everyone. Affiliates who brake
the rules are not only scorned by fellow affiliates, but are also under
penalty of law for breaking term agreements. If you are planning to be an
affiliate, plan to follow these rules:
No Spam
The first and most important rule of affiliate marketing is, no spam! Do
no send unsolicited email to get people to click on affiliate links. This
is considered unethical, is annoying, and gives the merchant (and you) a
bad reputation. Sending unsolicited email is illegal and authorities have
begun to really crack down on those who send it.
No Forums
It is also against the rules to use commercial links, or affiliate links
in forums, message boards, or online bulletin boards. While it is
generally acceptable to post a hotlink to your web site in a forum, you
may not post an affiliate link in a forum.
Don't Alter Banner Content
Merchant's banner advertisements are protected by copyright and affiliates
are given the permission to use them as is. They are not to be altered by
the affiliates. This is punishable by law. Some merchants may allow a
slight altering of the size of the banner or the banner HTML code, but
usually only with expressed permission. Be aware of the merchant's rules
for minor alterations. Altering the content of a banner is prohibited.
Illegal Site=Illegal Traffic
Do not post affiliate links on illegal sites. Traffic from illegal sites
is not recognized as legal and thus any revenue and sales earned from such
traffic is forfeited and void at the Merchant's discretion. In most cases
illegal sites will then be turned over to the authorities.
Play Fair
Affiliate marketing can be wonderfully profitable for affiliates and
merchants as long as affiliates continue to play fair. Playing by the
rules means placing text links and banner advertisements on legitimate web
sites, or placing an affiliate link on a legal, and requested, e-zine, or
newsletter. Affiliates can make big bucks by taking the legal road and can
feel good about their honest efforts when the revenue begins rolling in.
Related Article:
What are Affiliate Programs? >> |
