Glossary / Definition
Link Cloaking.
The practice of disguising affiliate links to make them shorter and more user-friendly.
Link cloaking involves using a redirect or URL shortening service to hide the affiliate tracking parameters and create cleaner, more professional-looking links. This can make links appear more trustworthy and reduce the likelihood of commission theft.
Cloaked links can improve click-through rates by appearing more professional and less obviously promotional. However, transparency is important to maintain trust with users, and some platforms have policies regarding link cloaking practices.
Link cloaking implementation involves redirect services, custom domains, and tracking preservation while maintaining SEO value and user trust. Best practices include disclosure of affiliate relationships and compliance with platform guidelines.
Related terms
- Affiliate An individual or company that promotes products for a merchant in exchange for a commission.
- Affiliate Marketing A performance-based marketing strategy where affiliates earn commissions by promoting a merchant's products or services.
- Affiliate Network A platform that connects merchants with affiliates to facilitate affiliate marketing partnerships.
- Affiliate Program A system where a merchant rewards affiliates for driving traffic or sales through their marketing efforts.
- Commission The fee paid to an affiliate for generating a specific action, like a sale or lead.
- Click-Through Rate (CTR) The percentage of people who click on an affiliate link compared to those who view it.
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