Q&A ~ Affiliate Links

Q) How many affiliate links should I be using in my posts?

A) This is probably the most common question I’ve been asked since starting my #bloggingtips posts here… [note the new ‘blogging tips‘ category]

And the answer is- there is no definite answer.

Let me explain:

In my #ootd posts, you’ll see anywhere from 0-4 affiliate links, whereas in my #makeup posts, you’ll see somewhere around 8-15 links, depending on what I’m using at the moment. In my product #reviews, you’ll probably see something more like 1-2 affiliate links, because those single pages are devoted to a single [or a couple of] product[s].

Other blogs are different:

I’ve seen wish lists with as many as 10-20 items [links]. I’ve seen extensive Fashion Week outfit re-creation posts with 30+ links even. And let’s not even get into the holiday season…

My personal blogging philosophy:

If I don’t own a product and/or haven’t used it, I don’t link to it. It’s that simple. I like ‘transparency’ between myself and my friends/readers [honesty = trust], and I would never post a good/perfect review for a product I do not like.

1. I’m a bad liar.
2. If caught in a lie, I lose credibility.
3. lost credibility = lost followers & brand deals
4. lost trust = sucks  🙁

In summation:

There are no rules for the amount of affiliate links in your blog posts. It all depends on your blog as a whole and the things you choose to share.

Now, there is something to take into consideration while writing your posts- finding that healthy mix of links and quality content. Too many links and your blog is going to look like one big advertisement. Too few links and you won’t make as many affiliate sales as you’re capable of. While I hate leaving money on the table, it’s important to know when enough is enough. When you’re writing for readers, you have to give them something more, a reason to keep coming back, so err on the ‘less ads’ side if you can help it. [Shopping blogs excluded.] Remember, you’re writing for people, not robots.

What are your thoughts on affiliate links?
#blogging #bloggingtips