You are certainly familiar with the so-called Sunday question, in which you are asked about your voting behavior. My Sunday question is not that intimate or political, but I still hope for active participation. My question is:
Do you want Amazon affiliate links here?
Specifically, the point is that I give product tips here every now and then and so far I have only provided a source of supply in exceptional cases. I have often been told that an Amazon affiliate link would be great because it would make it easier for interested readers to buy the product and do something good for me at the same time. Because affiliate means that if you click the link on my site and then buy something on Amazon within 24 hours, I will receive a certain percentage of your purchase from Amazon (unless you clicked on my link afterward clicked on someone else's affiliate link...). You can read the exact compensation percentages on Amazon.
Until now I have not included such links for two main reasons. Firstly, Amazon is not always the cheapest option and I prefer the store around the corner. Of course I'm on the sunny side here in Hamburg because there are a lot of good shops. For example, I got my 35mm f/1.8 here for 10 euros cheaper than it is offered for immediate purchase on Amazon.
Secondly, I don't want to give the impression that I'm writing about a product because I'm hoping to make sales. Here I present products that convince me and that I think might interest you. There are no advertisements on my blog. (I did once though used a voucher.)
By the way, I am very grateful for every visitor to my site and am happy that there are some who come every now and then my Flattr button to press.
So, now I've written enough about my reasons for not using affiliate links until now. Now I'd like to know your opinion. Of course I'm happy about your constructive comment, but if you just write "Just do it" or "No, not you too" due to lack of time, I can do something with that too 😉
good question, good argument. In my opinion, you won't need the link in the future either. When you describe and recommend products, it is better to recommend the store around the corner if the product is available there. or the many other great shops in Hamburg. that is much more personal and personable. Amazon is big enough and for people who don't come from Hamburg and don't have a great store around the corner 🙂
Hi Stefan,
No, I don't like writing novels 😉 so just short and sweet: I wouldn't find the use of affiliate links unreasonable, but rather as an additional service to get further product information, for example. In addition, from my point of view, it must also be possible to have one's own efforts rewarded, which is why I fluttered the article straight away 🙂
I think Amazon sucks because of the Nazi products they always have in their program. And I like stores because of the direct advice and contact. But I wouldn't mind affiliate links 😉
gruß
Personally, I don’t mind if I come across an affiliate link. I think it's fair if you briefly point this out to your readers. The affiliate links do not necessarily have to lead to Amazon; other shops also offer models.
It is also just an indication of where you can buy the product and what it currently costs. Nobody is forced to buy there.
I think it's really cool that you even ask in a friendly way. I think affiliate links should be marked as such*. Then in the end no one can complain...
* for example like this
I don't think it's objectionable if you include an Amazon link. Whether someone buys it or goes to the store around the corner is a different story. On Amazon you sometimes get even more information, so the reader has added value. And since you're asking questions here and are open about the story, it wouldn't be a problem. You can still put a link to the manufacturer.
I also think that Amazon affiliate links are completely OK. If you don't flutter and still want to do something good for you, I think it's ok.
Otherwise you can also look/buy at your local dealer, there is no obligation to buy through them!
For me there is nothing wrong with the Amazon links.
Every adult should be able to find a retailer they trust for a product, and if it's not Amazon, they won't click on the link here, or at least won't buy there. And if he decides that he wants to buy from Amazon, you'll be rewarded with a few pennies.
So: “Just do it.”
I find Amazon links practical: I can click on them, put them on my wish list, and then later send an email to my local dealer, where I copy the necessary information from Amazon so that he can order it for me.
In other words: even if I don't buy from Amazon, I think the shop links are good.
In short: No objections from me, I would also like the service to be great as a side effect. 🙂
I wouldn't do it because it's not worth taking the risk because of the few bucks.
As a non-lawyer, I would describe yours as non-commercial in its current state. At the latest through the Amazon links it becomes commercial - with all the consequences. As far as I know, trademark and competition law, for example, then apply.
As written: all half-knowledge and maybe I'm too paranoid. Personally, the whole thing would be a bit too hot for me - and the legal advice on this would also cost you a few bucks, which you would first have to recoup via the links.
Of course, I don't know your visitor numbers - if you expect more than "a few bucks" then as a visitor I would have no problem with such affiliate links. I think that you can tell pretty quickly on a blog whether the author actually recommends the products or is just discussing them for the sake of the link.
Grüßle
Harry
I also think you don't need that. People will probably be smart enough to go to the dealer and write down your recommendations on a piece of paper beforehand, or if there is no shop nearby, do the guttenberg. Amazon isn't the only place where you can buy this stuff.
Of course you are not a public broadcaster, you can, but I think your conviction is even more important than the opinion of your readers. If you personally find the dealer around the corner better, then don't use the link.
If I had a blog and would recommend a book, I wouldn't recommend it on Amazon. No matter what my readers would want.
Personally, I would choose this order for your decision:
1. Belief
2. Readers' vote
3. Money
Hi Stefan,
I just threw out my Amazon advertising on the Fall asleep podcast. That just makes the site slow and doesn't do anything anyway. In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing wrong with affiliate links in the text. On the contrary. I like to flatter you, and if you write about a good product and win me as a customer, why shouldn't you get something from it?
Thank you very much for your great and helpful comments, which pretty much explain my reasons for and against Amazon links.
I find it remarkable that individuals can get added value from Amazon, even if they don't buy through it. I haven't even looked at it that way.
I think the possibility of added value, your responsible approach to Amazon and the overwhelming support for affiliate links are the deciding factors for future links.