Hello,

I guess I don't expect a definitive answer in regard to this question but would like peoples' opinions or their angle on this.

Should I mention commissions on my site?

Currently I do mention it as follows:


A purchase through this site allows me (Link) to earn a small commission. The customer does not pay a higher price as a result.

Any monies I earn will help me to improve the site and to keep it up and running. You can purchase thru my site by clicking on any banner.

I hope you like and enjoy the site! Charlie, my Dachshund, and I thank you very much! Please come back often!"



I'm very torn between mentioning it or not. One reason I mention it is because I don't want the person to leave my site and then to buy the product directly from the merchant hence depriving me of a commission (not that I'm having much luck anyway.) I have other reasons also for mentioning it.

One thing I don't like about mentioning it is because other people may see it and get the idea to make a site of their own and I don't want the extra competition. I have other reasons for not mentioning it.

I don't put my site url in my signature anymore cause these were all getting sucked into search engines and I like the idea of sharing/discussing amongst the forum but don't want the entire world to see my entries like on google, etc. I like the feeling of a little privacy herein... Comments on this would also be appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Link

Hmm, well I don't know Link. I don't think it's necessary for you to mention the commission part of it on your site.

As far as them running off and buying directly through the merchant. Well, it might happen. They could directly type in the URL into their address bar and get there direct. But, if they happened to click your link to have a look at the product first, you would still be cookied for the sale anyway.

The only way you wouldn't be still cookied for the sale was if they actually went and cleared their cookies after initially clicking the link. I can't see why they would do that, unless for some silly reason, you offended them in some way and "really didn't want you to get the commission" LOL...but, that's doubtful.

Instead of mentioning that you will make a commission, why don't you just work on creating more reasons to pre-sell them to click the link...and a great "call to action"....makes sense to me anyhow.

Cheers
Davin


Cheers Davin

Thanks Davin,

I have removed the commission verbiage from my site.

I thought the only way I could get the commission was for them to click on the banner and buy thru my site. So it is cool to know that there are other ways I can pick up the commission.

I'm somewhat demoralized that I have not made any commissions yet. I've put a lot of time, effort and money into my site. I did just recently finish my site but for example, I've had more than 600 people visit my site since 9/1 and no one has bought so I find that baffling. I think the site is nice, looks good, etc. My unique visitors continues to rapidly climb however and with Christmas approaching hopefully I can get some commissions. I have learned a lot and have had fun.

Per your input from some time back, I have recently finished a paid directory and article submission.

Please respond further with more advice if you have time.

Thanks so much!

Link dachshund gifts .org

I separate my site name now per my signature cause my entries from this forum were getting sucked into search engines and I was not crazy about that as I want my entries to be a bit more private....like within this forum only.

Davin,

I forgot to mention...your advice from awhile back was per SEO enchancement so I have worked hard on that and yes, as a result, visitors to my site has increased by a lot and rather quickly. I've already passed last month per unique visitors...

Thanks, Link

Whoah...whoah Link...Don't misunderstand me here!

While you may not need to have a banner on your site for the product. You do need to have your initial Affiliate Link somewhere. It could be in the form of a text link.

All I meant was that you don't have to mention to people that you are earning commissions through this link. It's unnecessary to tell people that.

Like I said, if they "click on your affiliate link first", they would still be cookied to you for the sale, even if they decided to type in the actual merchant site later on "after" initially clicking your affiliate link.

Your affiliate link, would still need to be clicked at some point to "place the cookie on their computer"

Do you understand? I think I'm making myself clear.

I'm not exactly sure what the product is you are selling, as your link isn't actually working in your post.

But, what I'm saying is....

You don't need to say anything like...

"Please click my link because, if you do I'll make a commission and it will help me to make some money to keep my website going"

That's not necessary, and to be honest, it sounds more like you are begging for a sale.


What I mean by a "call to action" is something like this:

Example:

"For more compelling and amazing stories about Dachshunds check out the book "My Dachshund, My Friend".

and link the words "My Dachshund, My Friend" with your affiliate link.


This is just an example, but, the point is Link, You must lead your visitors and tell them what to do!

The less they have to guess, the better your conversions will be.

Does that make sense?


Cheers
Davin

Davin,

Oh I did not misunderstand you so no worries.

I understand all you are saying.

I purposely disabled my site link cause I didn't like the fact that my honest forum entries were getting sucked into search engines by listing my site herein.

I'll list it now though and then will delete it in a few days.

It is: www.

dachshund gifts

.org

Thanks so much!!