Whether it is a specific category, product, or promotion page on a Merchant website, the goal is to direct your audience to the most relevant information to create action or drive a purchase. The ShareASale Custom Link tool will provide the option to create links for a Merchant and select the landing page you would like to direct your audience to!
The Custom Link tool allows you to create License Plate Links, which are shortened URL’s for your social media platforms. License Plate Links also come with the optional Social Sharing Function that is designed as a “social toolbar” to help users share their links in a viral manner.
Affiliates are able to use the Custom Link Tool to use an afftrack= portion to the code to include Affiliate Defined Tracking strings.
Learn “how to” create a custom link HERE and find best practices in implementing the custom links on your website and social media below!
Deep Linking to Category or Product Pages
Sending prospects to just the right web page eliminates 25% of all lost sales, resulting in higher commission.
Deep linking has been proven to increase Affiliate sales as the viewer is directed to a specific page on a Merchant website that will provide all of the necessary information to convert to a sale. Create a deep link using the Custom Link tool by providing a URL leading customers to an exact page other than the homepage.
- Generic Link: http://blog.shareasale.com/
- Deep Link: http://blog.shareasale.com/2014/03/14/cant-find-the-right-text-link-create-your-own/
- License Plate Link: http://shrsl.com/?gfc0(click link to view the Social Toolbar)
As the primary information provider on a topic, create links that will add substance and shape the readers click-path to the most relevant content or products. Link to a destination with a low-bounce rate, such as category pages, or direct the reader to a specific product page as to increase the conversion rate!
TIP: Each Affiliate’s strategy will differ depending on the audience and topic, although one method should be universal for increased engagement – reference relevant articles from YOUR website! Decrease the exit rate and expose Affiliates to even more content.
Social Media and License Plate Links
Facebook Tip: Allow the image to do the talking – get to the point and decrease characters using a ShareASale License Plate Link!
Not only will shortened links host tracking information for you to assess the effectiveness of your tweets, but they also appear much cleaner in a tweet.
Twitter Tip: Use the ShareASale License Plate Link option to create a shortened URL! In addition, the extra character space allows your followers to retweet without eliminating any text.
Kathy Buono says
August 9, 2014 at 10:03 pmHey Morgan,
I was wondering about when I make custom links for pinterest and license plate links for twitter, how do I let people know these are affiliated links? Or do I even need to?
Thank you,
Kathy
Rachel says
November 25, 2014 at 2:46 pmAccording to ALL the merchants I am an affiliate for, this is not permitted. A line in every terms and agreements document is: “Submitting affiliate links to social sharing sites such as Pinterest, Reddit.com, Digg.com, Twitter, StumbleUpon.com, and others is prohibited. Affiliate links may only be placed on sites that you own and manage.”
Brian Littleton says
December 22, 2014 at 7:36 pmRachel – I’m not seeing that as much of a common thread as you are, certainly there are some Merchants who may restrict that but I haven’t seen it as a mass problem as of yet.
Sara says
July 16, 2015 at 11:45 amHi Morgan,
As an approved affiliate, do you get paid for a sale for any item from either Modcloth or Brooklyn Industries (for example) or just the items you featured?
Brian Littleton says
July 30, 2015 at 3:48 pmSara – you’ll need to check on the terms for each program that you participate in – however, the VAST majority over 99% of them would pay on any item purchased (the total gross sale amount) not just one that is featured.