What Link Cloaking Is
Affiliate link cloaking replaces a long affiliate URL, full of IDs and parameters, with a short branded link on your own domain. The visitor clicks yoursite.com/go/tool and is redirected to the real affiliate link.
The name sounds shady, but in affiliate marketing it simply means a tidy redirect. It has nothing to do with "SEO cloaking", which shows search engines different content from people.
Why Affiliates Use It
- Cleaner links that look trustworthy in emails, videos and social posts.
- One place to update. If the program changes your link, you edit one redirect, not every page.
- Click tracking on every link, by placement.
- Some protection against casual commission theft, where someone strips your ID.
How It Works
When It's Not Allowed
Program terms decide. Amazon Associates is the best-known example: its rules forbid links that hide the fact they lead to Amazon, which is why many affiliates use Amazon's own amzn.to short links instead. Other networks and programs set their own rules, so read each one before you cloak.
Disclosure is separate from cloaking. Whether a link is cloaked or not, you still need to tell readers it's an affiliate link.
Cloaking Methods Compared
| Method | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| WordPress plugin | Bloggers with many links | Only works on that site; limited tracking |
| Link shortener with custom domain | Social and email links | Click counts only, no sales |
| Click tracker with custom domain | Paid traffic, email, video | A monthly cost |
| Server redirect rules | Developers | No reporting unless you build it |
Doing It Safely
- Check the program's termsSkip cloaking where it's forbidden.
- Use a consistent prefixSuch as /go/ or /recommends/, so links are easy to manage.
- Mark the linksAdd rel="sponsored" or nofollow to affiliate links on your pages.
- Use a temporary redirectA 302 or 307 lets you change destinations later.
- Keep the tracking ID intactTest each link once to confirm the merchant credits you.
- DiscloseClearly, near the links or in your site footer.
Cloaking With ClickMagick
ClickMagick tracking links can run on your own custom tracking domain, so your links look like track.yoursite.com/tool, redirect to the affiliate offer, and record every click. Pair them with postback tracking and you'll see which links earned commissions, not just clicks. See how to track affiliate links and custom tracking domains.
Branded affiliate links that show which ones actually pay.
Try ClickMagick FreeFrequently Asked Questions
What is affiliate link cloaking?
It's replacing a long affiliate URL with a short, branded link on your own domain, such as yoursite.com/go/tool, which redirects to the real affiliate link when clicked.
Is affiliate link cloaking allowed?
It depends on the program. Many allow it, but Amazon Associates forbids links that hide the fact they lead to Amazon. Always check each program's terms.
Does link cloaking hurt SEO?
A standard redirect for affiliate links doesn't count as the deceptive SEO cloaking Google penalises. Mark affiliate links with rel="sponsored" or nofollow and you're following Google's guidance.
Do I still need to disclose cloaked affiliate links?
Yes. Disclosure rules apply whether a link is cloaked or not. Cloaking changes how the link looks, not your obligation to say it's an affiliate link.
Can ClickMagick cloak affiliate links?
ClickMagick tracking links can sit on your own custom tracking domain, giving you branded links that redirect to your affiliate offer while recording each click.