Thieves are a problem out in the brick and mortar world is for business owners and thieves
are a concern for cyber space business owners. Out in the brick and mortar world, thieves
will take money and merchandise and it isn’t any different online. The real world merchants
use locks and alarms to deter thieves. Internet business owners need to use anti-theft
software to protect their commissions. Here are some things you can do to protect yourself
and your commissions:
1. Use Meta Refresh: A meta refresh is a simple bit of HTML code which automatically
redirects your visitor to another page (your affiliate URL). It provides a neat way of
presenting affiliate links in newsletters. It probably helps reduce commission bypassing
and commission hijacking. A big advantage of using meta refreshes is that if merchants
change their affiliate links, you can change links on dozens of pages quickly and easily
by altering only one file.
One problem is that some search engines don't like meta refreshes because they're frequently
used for unsavory purposes. So if you use this technique, use it with caution.
2. Use a URL redirection service. You can use free services or buy a unique domain name
for each affiliate program you join. URL redirection makes affiliate links less obvious, so
this will reduce some commission thefts.
3. Use a web-based ad tracking service. The ad tracking link initially hides the
affiliate link, reducing thefts.
4. Use an ad tracking script. Good ad tracking scripts hide the affiliate link as well
as being useful for tracking. It has the advantage that it doesn't promote someone else's
domain.
5. Use JavaScript redirect. Because this initially hides the affiliate link, it should
reduce commission thefts.
Be aware that thievery is a problem for online businesses and take the necessary steps to
protect your commissions.
Something to think about:
We must leave our mark on our life while we have it in our power. -Isak Dinesen
