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How does link cloaking work with Amazon links?
Link cloaking refers to the practice of hiding the true destination of an affiliate link by using a shortened or disguised URL, making it more user-friendly or less intimidating to click on. While link cloaking can be common in affiliate marketing, Amazon has strict rules regarding the use of cloaked links, and they do not allow affiliate link cloaking for Amazon Associates.
How Link Cloaking Typically Works
- Cloaking via URL Shorteners: Affiliates often use link shortening tools (like Bitly, Pretty Links, or custom redirects) to shorten the long Amazon affiliate URL (which includes tracking information) into a cleaner, more attractive link.
- Custom Redirects: Some affiliates use their own websites to create custom redirects, so instead of showing a long Amazon URL with tracking parameters, they might show a shortened URL like “yourwebsite.com/deals” that redirects to the actual Amazon link.
Amazon’s Policy on Link Cloaking
Amazon prohibits link cloaking in their Affiliate Program. This means you cannot hide the fact that a link is an affiliate link or disguise the Amazon affiliate URL in any way. Specifically:
- No Custom Redirects: You cannot create your own redirects (such as using a custom domain or URL shortening service) to mask the true Amazon link. This is considered cloaking and is against Amazon’s policies.
- Transparent Affiliate Links: Amazon requires that affiliate links be transparent and show the full Amazon URL, which includes the affiliate tracking ID and any other relevant identifiers.
- Amazon’s SiteStripe Tool: Amazon provides a tool called SiteStripe for affiliates to generate properly formatted affiliate links that are compliant with their rules. These links are automatically appended with your tracking information, and there is no need for any cloaking, as they are clear and direct to Amazon’s website.
- Shortened Amazon Links: While Amazon allows shortened affiliate links (using their own Amazon link shortening service through SiteStripe), this is different from cloaking because the link still clearly shows that it is an Amazon URL. For example, Amazon uses its own “amzn.to” shortening tool, which does not hide the fact that the link is pointing to Amazon.
Why Amazon Doesn’t Allow Link Cloaking
- Transparency: Amazon wants to ensure that users are aware that they are clicking on an affiliate link and that the person who created the link will earn a commission if a purchase is made. This transparency is important for consumer trust and complies with FTC guidelines that require affiliates to disclose their relationships with merchants.
- Tracking and Compliance: Cloaking can interfere with Amazon’s ability to properly track purchases and ensure that commissions are correctly attributed to the affiliate. When you use Amazon’s affiliate tools, the links are properly formatted for tracking, so they’re able to identify the correct affiliate source for each sale.
- Avoiding Deceptive Practices: Cloaking links can sometimes be used in misleading ways (for example, to trick users into thinking they are going to a non-Amazon site), and Amazon wants to prevent deceptive practices that could hurt its brand reputation.
Alternatives to Cloaking Amazon Links
- Use SiteStripe: The easiest and safest way to generate Amazon affiliate links is by using Amazon’s SiteStripe tool. This tool automatically creates links with your affiliate ID that are fully compliant and don’t require cloaking.
- Shorten with Amazon’s Built-in Link Shortener: If you want shorter links, Amazon provides a legitimate shortening service through SiteStripe, using amzn.to. This allows you to share shorter, more user-friendly links without violating Amazon’s policies.
- Disclosure: Always ensure that you disclose your affiliate relationship clearly, as required by the FTC. Make it clear to your audience that they are clicking on an affiliate link and that you earn a commission if they make a purchase.
Risks of Cloaking Amazon Links
If you are caught cloaking Amazon affiliate links, Amazon may take action, which could include:
- Termination of your Amazon Associates account: Violating Amazon’s link cloaking policy can lead to the suspension or permanent termination of your affiliate account.
- Loss of commissions: If your account is suspended or terminated, you may forfeit any pending commissions or earnings.
Summary:
- Amazon strictly prohibits link cloaking for affiliate links.
- Affiliates must use transparent links that show Amazon’s URL, including their tracking ID.
- SiteStripe is the recommended tool for generating compliant Amazon affiliate links.
- Shortened links via Amazon’s own amzn.to tool are allowed but are not considered cloaking.
- Ensure that your affiliate links are disclosed clearly to maintain compliance and transparency with your audience.
