Link Cloaking
Link cloaking is the practice of masking a long, parameter-heavy affiliate URL behind a shorter, branded, or tidy link that redirects to the destination, making links cleaner, more trustworthy-looking, and easier to manage.
Instead of sharing a long tracking URL, a publisher uses a neat link like yoursite.com/go/product that redirects through the affiliate link. Benefits include better aesthetics, higher click-through, centralized link management, and the ability to update a destination without changing every published link.
Cloaking must not deceive: audiences still need an affiliate disclosure, and cloaked links should never hide that a page is an affiliate offer. Some platforms and programs restrict cloaking, so it should be used transparently and within each program's terms.
See also
- Deep Link
A deep link is an affiliate tracking link that sends the customer to a specific product or page on the merchant's site rather than just the homepage.
- Affiliate Disclosure
An affiliate disclosure is a clear notice telling readers that a link may earn the publisher a commission if they buy, required by the FTC and comparable regulators to keep affiliate recommendations transparent.
- Promo Code (Coupon Tracking)
A promo code is a unique coupon assigned to an affiliate so that purchases using the code are attributed to them, even without a tracked link click.
- Attribution
Attribution is the process of determining which affiliate or marketing touchpoint should receive credit — and the commission — for a conversion.
Turn the theory into a live program
Afflio handles tracking, commissions, and payouts so you can run the program these terms describe — start free in an afternoon.
Find brands to promote →