Do Affiliate Links Affect Creditibility?

[MindTweaks]

Affiliate links and ads will always be touchy for some people, but transparency can help with credibility - people like it when you're upfront and honest about it. That means not only not hiding the affiliate links, but openly disclosing that they are affiliate links. (or that you blog for the company, or whatever)

If you build a loyal following, and provide really great and helpful info in your reviews, some readers will go out of their way to buy via your links. It also helps when you strive to create a balanced view of the product, including its shortcomings, weaknesses, and even recommending alternative products where it makes sense to do so.

That same loyal following will also often defend you against those who will attack you for affiliate links.. and be prepared, some people will attack you if they even THINK you have a vague intent of earning a dollar or two.

(The worst attacks I ever got was when I didn't have so much as a Google ad running... that experience convinced me to go ahead and run affiliate ads. I mean, heck, If we're going to be yelled at no matter what, I might as well be MAKING the money!)

[WhoJayBe]

Honestly, it depends how you present it. But when it comes down to it, if you KNOW its going to help readers and you have proof to back it up, I'm sure it doesn't matter if you include your link or not.