Why Google may ban you
Okay, Affiliates--Another concern was brought to my attention in the past day from a few different members asking me why they got a warning from Google regarding SPAM on their website.
The answer is very simple and easy to correct so that no action will be taken against you. So, sit tight and don't fret!
AN EXAMPLE
Say you are promoting WA and you post several "external" affiliate links connected to WA's page on the same page of your website--THAT is considered SPAM. BUT-- ONLY if those links connect to affiliates.
THE EXCEPTION
On the other hand, If they connect to authority sites for seeking more information, OR if the page you're linking from is a "best of" or "review" page giving the visitor helpful advice, it is acceptable to use several "external" affiliate links.
GOOGLE LOVES INTERNAL LINKS!
The proper thing to do in this case would be to post "internal" links within your website in place of all but one or two "external" affiliate links--Perhaps one link going to a review page, another going to a related blog, etc. Make those "external links "internal."
So, when all is said and done, you will only have one or two "external" affiliate links going to WA's page using your custom WA link.
WHAT ARE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL LINKS?
Internal Links: A link leading to another page within a website when clicked.
External Links: Hyperlinks that point to an outside domain.
Note: External Links can be either affiliate links OR links connecting to an authority site. (You CAN have several External links connecting to a site that is offering more information, an "Authority" site.)
I hope this answers some questions! Happy webbing!
PLEASE NOTE: As Stella2 pointed out below, NOT ALL EXTERNAL LINKS ARE AFFILIATE LINKS.
Several External links CAN be used when connecting to AUTHORITY SITES such as sending your visitor to Wikipedia or another source for further information. They ONLY become a problem when the external links are affiliate links.
PLEASE ALSO NOTE as per moeller79's comment below, it IS perfectly fine to have as many as 10+ affiliate links on a "best of" or "review" page.
Please continue to post me your suggestions and input--I'm learning, too!
I would love your input on this one!
Thanks! Erin :)!