Affiliate Links With or Without Target="_blank"?

[Morganzolar]

Hi all! It's been a while since I've been on here but I was browsing and saw some different views on opening affiliate links into a new window or not. I always find a pop up/ new window opening ‘spammy’ and normally close it down, so I’ve not bothered with target=”_blank”. I know I’m losing a visitor from my site when the affiliate link is clicked, but I can’t help but feel the conversion rate is better that way.
What do you find better / have any of you run any tests either way.
Thanks!

 

[AussieDave]

I've never found the conversion rates differ and have tried both. Have also tried both versions with cloaked (no follow) links and straight links. Again, the data doesn't suggest dropping target=_blank would increase conversions. Though one point worth mentioning. Mobile traffic doesn't activate a new window.

 

[Online18Casino]

Well my rule of thumb has been, if linking to a source or another website (that won't make me money) I usually add target=_blank... But when linking to a casino... As my goal is to really try and make money off that click, I let the casino have them 100% (no new window)..

 

[KasinoKing]

I always use the "New Window".
My thoughts on this is that if the player doesn't like what he sees on the casino's site and closes the window, mine is still there!
But I have no idea if this makes any difference to conversions.

KK

 

[xMikeRoss]

This is very interesting as I have not thought of it one way or the other. Both sides make very good points. But I do like the idea of the player being able to pick another casino if they don't like the first one they open.

 

[byebyebaby]

When I browse I like when links open in new windows so I don't lose my original website. So I hope most players will feel the same. So I always use blank.

 

[slotplayer]

with the all the mobile devices it is not as important as it once was as I believe mobile browsers do not support it but double check.
I still use it but I think desktop browsers default to a new tab.

 

[roey]

I always use the "New Window".
My thoughts on this is that if the player doesn't like what he sees on the casino's site and closes the window, mine is still there!
But I have no idea if this makes any difference to conversions.

KK

I do and think this also.

 

[Online18Casino]

I guess it really just depends on what your using... I almost always hold Ctrl when clicking on a new link, so _blank or not, it opens in a new tab. However if I don't hold Ctrl and click a link that is set to _blank... My popup blocker (Google toolbar) prevents me from opening it.

I would hope most users know to open a new window on their own, if they wish. But I also know, some big money players may be a little older and/or less computer savvy.

 

[Rhondagrace]

I prefer to have my links open in a new window. this way if they don't like the looks of the website or are from a restricted country their still on my site and will continue too look for an alternative.

 

[AussieDave]

I prefer to have my links open in a new window. this way if they don't like the looks of the website or are from a restricted country their still on my site and will continue too look for an alternative.

Agreed.
Players are hard to get these days. I don't see the point in throwing them away to a casino, where there is no guarantee they'll signup and deposit.

As far as popup blockers, they certainly stop javascript windows activating but I'm yet to see one which stops a new browser window opening. If there is one which does that, then maybe a rethink is in order. Though, actioning a div layer would circumnavigate that issue.

 

[NDG]

I always use the "New Window".
My thoughts on this is that if the player doesn't like what he sees on the casino's site and closes the window, mine is still there!
But I have no idea if this makes any difference to conversions.

This has always been my view on using target="_blank" as well.

 

[MacCOR]

I guess it really just depends on what your using... I almost always hold Ctrl when clicking on a new link, so _blank or not, it opens in a new tab. However if I don't hold Ctrl and click a link that is set to _blank... My popup blocker (Google toolbar) prevents me from opening it.

I would hope most users know to open a new window on their own, if they wish. But I also know, some big money players may be a little older and/or less computer savvy.

I'm in a similar position. I didn't even really give much thought about "New Window" since I almost always click links with my mouse wheel which opens them in new tab. It's natural to me, but I would expect it from everyone.

 

[pinkytoe]

Another consideration is user metrics.
The paradox of most affiliate websites is that you do all you can to get users to your site, so you can get them to click on a link to leave.
The user metrics this brings is unfavourable to your site and your site's rankings.

I'm sure opening a new window negates this somewhat.

 

[baldidiot]

For lists or pages with multiple links (eg: tables, comparisons etc..) I tend to use a new window but recently I've been using the same window for reviews.

 

[muffincrumbs]

I like using a target="new" (valid html5) or target="_new" (non-valid) that will inset the links url into a new window if open, or just load in the same window is no new tab is open. But for aff links I always _blank 'em