Google's New Display URL Policy
Submitted by smile66603 on Mon, 03/24/2008 - 15:55.
I was wondering if Google's new display URL policy will have a big impact on affiliate marketing.
Jeremy, I think you usually recommend sending a user to your own site first for tracking and then redirect them to the merchant site for direct linking, but according the the new policy, they won't allow redirects. Does this mean you'll have to use your affiliate links in the destination URL for direct linking?
James
The April 1st change is really nothing new. In fact, they've had this rule on the books since 2005. The only change is that they've finally decided to enforce it.
Redirects are fine, as long as your final destination matches the display URL. I believe most of the confusion comes from Google's definition of destination url and landing page.
A destination URL is the field you see in your ad, directly below the display url field. Many people use the destination url for tracking, affiliate links, and redirects. In many instances the destination url may not match the display url in the ad - and that's ok.
Example 1 - Correct Use of Google AdWords
Example 2 - Incorrect Use of Google AdWords
Many affiliates have been getting around this policy by iframing, or cloaking their landing pages - making it difficult for Google to discern the landing page url.
Does that make sense?
Best,
Jeremy
Yes, thank you very much for the explanation. If only Google could explain it as well as you, then there wouldn't be as much confusion.
James