It’s safe to say that Google has a bit of a strong-hold over search. So, when they make a change to their algorithm, people tend to notice.
Every update, big or small, can affect countless websites (and the businesses behind them) that, in many cases, are relying on that search traffic.
Those using Skimlinks’ URL Shortener are required to use links in a responsible manner and with the right form of disclosure – we thought we’d share some information here:
Skimlinks shortened URL’s earn commissions from online retailers and service providers if people buy products and services through Buyth.at, Tryth.at, Getth.at or Useth.at links.
Because there is a monetary commission involved, there is a degree of responsibility with using these links.
So you’ve been approved as a Skimlinks publisher (hooray!) and don’t know what to do next? No worries! We’ve asked one our fabulous publishers, Sian Meades, of DomesticSluttery.com to create a quick Skimlinks guide for you based on her experience.
How do I use Skimlinks on my site?
by Alicia Navarro
Online journalism has become a vast grey area created by the blend of black and white extremes of objective content and commercially-driven content. We all want to be confident that what we read online is in fact as authentic and objective as possible, but we also know that everyone needs to pay the bills, which means that online content is likely to somehow have a degree of commercial influence. While users may at first be sceptical that monetised content can be trusted, it is in fact possible to be ethical in this grey area. Monetised content can be authentic, and with honesty and disclosure, publishers can retain the trust of their users and still make money.
As an industry, affiliate marketing can occasionally get a bad rap for not being transparent with users. We believe there’s no reason why this can’t be a thing of the past if you follow some good practice and open communication principles. Whilst there are some poor websites out there that abuse affiliate marketing, there are also many content-rich editorial sites created by dedicated people who just want to make some money from what they love doing by using affiliate links.
This is a win-win-win marketplace, with publishers making money from content, merchants making more sales, and consumers getting honest recommendations and finding new products; but it’s important to be transparent as to how you make your daily bread.
