What is encrypting a link at CJ?

[positivecarry]

If anyone uses CJ, they have probably seen a box that you can check that states encrypt link. Does this have anything to do with cloaking, is it cloaking? And another box states hide tracking code in link, is this like cloaking?

Any experiences appreciated, thanks.

[samk]

Yes the encryption feature is similar to hiding or cloaking affiliate link. CJ uses different technologies to cloak or hide affiliate link. Using encryption will help in preventing lost affiliate sales.

[positivecarry]

Ah , thanks for the response. Is CJ encryption and hiding sufficient to cloak and protect your links or should you do some additional cloaking? Their methods still leave the link pretty long, but I am sure they still work well.

[samk]

Yes the link is encrypted if you choose the encryption option. You don't have to encrypt it again but you can use url trimming service like tinyurl to shorten the size or long urls.

[positivecarry]

I've read that Google doesn't like affiliate links and has been pushing pages down in rankings because of them. Is encryption with the CJ method sufficient to hide from Google or is encryption and shortening required, or is there some extra step that needs to be taken? Your correspondence is much appreciated, thanks.

[Linda Buquet]

"I've read that Google doesn't like affiliate links and has been pushing pages down in rankings"

Google doesn't like "thin affiliate sites" and cookie cutter duplicate sites and banner farms. Good affiliate sites that add value are no problem and don't have problems ranking I don't think.

[positivecarry]

Hmm, yeah, I am hearing some conflicting opinions about this. I see much talk about making sure to cloak everything silly even though Google only supposedly cracks down on thin affiliates. You know more than I though.