afiliate links in new window or not?

[moizez]

Hi all,

An easy one, just 2 options LOL

Should affiliate links open a new window/tab?

I think people are not angry when a new tab is opened as they were when a new window was opened, so yes, new tab.

Bounce Rate is another reason to answer yes.

Any positive thoughts on affiliate links opening on same window?

[MMM]

There were few discussions here on the topic. Found this one, but I think there was a longer one which I can't find atm.

https://www.gpwa.org/forum/adblockplus-affiliate-link-solution-217681.html

[Renee]

When I'm on a site and I want to open a link on it, I always click the scroll button on the mouse so it opens in a new tab. I can't stand it when you open a link and you are taken away from the site you're on.

So IMO, rather open the link in a new tab than a new window. If the link takes the user away from the site that is. If it's an internal link I think it's better to open in the same tab.

[sweetbet]

I think that affiliate links should open in a new window. If the visitor doesn't like the site that just opened, then he can close the window and still be on your site. Besides, I hate it when I open a site in the same window and then have to click the back button 50x to go back because the current site is trying to force you to stay on it.

[universal4]

Years ago using the _blank helped much more than it does now.

Many of us have found that popup blockers, such as adblocker (see other discussions) will sometimes block the affiliate link.

Most people are so much more web savvy now than 5 or 10 years ago, and for those people that LIKE to open links in new tabs/new windows can easily control that behavior with their mouse or control key, so sometimes it might be better to not offend those who do not like new tabs or new windows.

Rick
Universal4

[gary.cbt]

I prefer to open Affiliate Link in a new window which is taking visitors away from our website.Because once other website will open in same window visitors can forget to get back to your website.

[moizez]

Thanks for the answers

Wow I see a big problem: Adblocker.

I've always had the links opened in same window and never bothered about adblocker.
Installed in my firefox and target="_blank" links are not working. So changed all again to same window.

Read that Adblocker is in 30% browsers

I will read how to deal with adblocker because now I want to test how new window affiliate links work in my website.

[DaftDog]

I think the reason a lot of affiliates don't open aff-links in a new window is that browser Adblocking plugins block your link if you do.

This thread explains the issue in detail, the solution to preventing Adblock from blocking your links was detailed from page 4 onwards.

[MatchedBetting]

I really think any external link you should have open in new tab/window - you've worked hard to get them to your site, and you'll lose them in one click, they start playing on the gambling site you referred to, which is great you get your commission... however, why not have it open in a new window/tab and when they finished playing, they are back on your site and maybe try an other offer or then bookmark it. Thats my personal opinion anyhow. Although, if I'm on a good site I always open external links in new tabs manually myself.

[wonderpunter]

Always same window.. most of my visitors are regulars.. if the visitor doesn't like the new site they click back.. if its a mobile user its even easier to click back rather then pinching screen to close down the page.. if you have good content people will always come back then there is the adblock

[universal4]

I really think any external link you should have open in new tab/window - you've worked hard to get them to your site, and you'll lose them in one click,

I agree that everyone works hard to get visitors to sites, and if they have adblocker installed, there is a much larger chance the external link will be blocked.

I always open external links in new tabs manually myself.

I think this is becoming more common for everyone that wants to follow links, even when they do have adblocker installed.

Rick
Universal4

[MatchedBetting]

I have seen some sites using a frame for external sites, it keeps the external site opening in the same window - but you just have a top bar with some buttons and such... I think this could work well for some people, but could be a tad bit annoying.

[Rostick]

I use a mix, but mostly in new window. Adblocker is indeed the problem here, but for me results were always pretty much the same for new window vs. same window.

I think the best thing is to do it according to the type of traffic you have. If you have regulars, like Wonderpunter, same window might be better. He has a good point, I might change things myself. But I`d still alternate, just use a higher proportion of 'same window'. I do feel users could become frustrated if every link they click takes them away from the content.

[golfbettingsystem]

Very interesting debate, there's got to be a trade-off here I suppose between reduced bounce rate/better on-site metrics by using _blank versus the presumably higher conversion rate of not using _blank. Does a short-term gain in terms of conversion by opening in the same window ultimately erode your site's performance through a reduction in on-site metrics/SEO (if you assume that a reduction in these metrics will impact that in the longer run). One to test methinks...

[Stupport]

All my aff links in new window of course

[universal4]

Stupport,
As an example, I just checked some of your links in the right column from your energy page with Adblocker enabled.

Quasar and Casumo auto-close. 888, Fortuna and Frank worked though.

Just an example of how adblocker can have adverse affects.

Rick
Universal4

[sweetbet]

I've just installed AdBlock Plus and browsed through my site, clicking on the casino links. AdBlock closed so many of the casino windows before they opened

[universal4]

Yea,

It has caused much loss of traffic for many, see the thread MMM linked above for more research.

Rick
Universal4

[slotplayer]

A Tab and a Window are not the same thing and it depends on the browser default setting.

Currently I have the open window in a new tab box checked in FF settings but I'm not sure if that is the default setting or not.
I'm also not sure what the default settings are for Chrome/IE/Safari browsers.

With FF version 47.0.1 (irregardless if the the open window in a new tab setting is checked or not)

File > New Window runs a new session of the browsers (like launching FF again). Memory hog I bet.

File > New Tab opens a Tab in the current browser session.

clicking a link with target_ blank opens a new browser when open window in a new tab box is not checked.
clicking a link with target_ blank opens a new tab in the current browser session when open window in a new tab box is checked.

The questions is how many visitors leave their browsers in the default setting or tailor the settings?

[terebet]

chrome browser answer is yes