Does monetization change the recommendation?
The site is designed around decision fit first. Affiliate links, if added, must stay replaceable and disclosed.
Who this is for
Good fit
- readers
- affiliate reviewers
- retailer partners
Not the right fit
- users looking for coupon-only pages
Decision factors
Phase 1 can work without affiliate links.
Outbound links should use a central layer.
Public recommendations should not be shaped by payout alone.
Trust risks and mistakes
Trust risks
- Commission terms can change.
- Some programs require approval before full terms are visible.
- Amazon requires compliant routing before product-link use.
Mistakes to avoid
- hardcoding affiliate links in article copy
- using direct Amazon product links before tag enforcement exists
- treating higher commission as a buyer benefit