eBay better than Amazon?

1. 60

   Michael J Rappposted 12 years ago

   I've been reading (on this forum mostly) about how Google isn't liking the Amazon affiliate capsules in Hubs so much these days.  Is it better to replace them with eBay capsules if applicable?  Or, does Google take issue with anything where we're trying to sell something?
   
   I don't have a lot of Amazon Hubs so far, but I have a few.  I was just approved for eBay so I'm thinking of switching them up.

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2. 79

   Uninvited Writerposted 12 years ago

   I usually put both Amazon and Ebay ads on my hubs.

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   1. 60

      Michael J Rappposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      What I think I've been reading, if I understand correctly, is that some people are saying that Google might penalize Hubs with Amazon sales capsules.  Do you feel like you've had any problem with that?

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         Uninvited Writerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I haven't noticed. I get decent traffic from Google.

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      2. 84

         Marisa Wrightposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Load of rubbish. 
         
         There was a bit of a witch hunt about Amazon-based Hubs after Panda, but it wasn't because of Amazon.  It was because many people created Amazon-based Hubs which were too light on content (which Google hates) and flooded with ads.  Or they were written with too much focus on keywords, so they ended up being keyword-stuffed (which Google hates).
         
         The expert Amazon affiliates used a lot of Amazon capsules, but they also wrote long content - over 800 words - which diluted the keywords to an acceptable level and ensured there was ample content to please Google.  They're no longer on HubPages but they still use that format successfully on blogs.  I have several websites which have entire pages full of eBay ads and they've never been slapped.
         
         Personally I think eBay is better than Amazon, though.  Amazon has only a one-day cookie - if people don't buy immediately, you get nothing.  eBay's cookie is longer, so your readers have more time to think about their purchase.  The downside on HP is that you can't specify "Buy It Now" items only - I've found that makes a big difference to how many sales you make so I'm very disappointed that feature isn't offered.

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         1. 60

            Michael J Rappposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Thank you.  Good to know.  Like I said, I don't use a lot, but I have a few Hubs with Amazon capsules so far. 
            
            I'm almost afraid to ask, but why are the "expert Amazon affiliates" no longer on HubPages?

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3. 89

   WryLiltposted 12 years ago

   I believe Google would see Amazon/eBay capsules as both the same - they are both affiliate adverts to sell items.
   
   I have an account with just Amazon sale hubs and it got hit hard after the subdomain change and still hasn't recovered.
   
   So I'd advise using Amazon/eBay capsules sparingly to avoid a penalty.

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   1. 84

      Marisa Wrightposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Wry, did you ever do keyword density analysis on your sales Hubs?
      
      All the advice these days seems to be that you must keep your keyword density below 4%.  I analysed of some of Izzy's Hubs and found her density up over 5%, even though she had good content.  The problem seems to be you can write naturally and not over-stuff, but your keyword is appearing in every single Amazon ad and that pushes you over the limit.  Might be worth checking.
      
      There's also a rumour that Google has got wise to the advice that you must have your keyword in every title and sub-title - if you do that, Google sees that as a sign of calculated SEO and doesn't like it.  Especially if you repeat the keyword more than once in the same title.  Of course it's just speculation, but it makes sense - I mean, it's advice that's bandied about all over the internet.  Google would be pretty stupid if they didnt have someone monitoring what webmasters are saying so they can counteract the latest tricks.

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      1. 89

         WryLiltposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Ok thanks Marisa. When I wrote them I did try and avoid using my main words (synonyms where possible) but that was over a year ago so when I get around to it I'm hoping to do them over a bit. I was waiting for the six months as someone mentioned a few people had been sandboxed for that time period.
         
         But I'll keep that in mind when I do go over them, thanks.

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            Marisa Wrightposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            I wish there was some way to differentiate between sandbox and Panda.  Both have essentially the same "symptoms", except that the sandbox only happens to new domains, a month or so after they're set up.  Apparently Google gives all new domains the benefit of the doubt for the first month or so, then takes a look to see whether it's built some decent content and gained any backlinks (or if it's gained too many, which look suspicious!). If it gets a tick, it's assessed and given a ranking.  If not, it gets sandboxed.
            
            So if your traffic drop happened a long time after you got your sub-domain, or if your sub-domain just never took off, it's not the sandbox.  But - and here's the catch - if it happened a few weeks after your sub-domain started, it could be either.
            
            That's my understanding anyway.  Of course, some people say the sandbox doesn't even exist...

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            1. 89

               WryLiltposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               It happened within a few weeks. I liked the sandbox theory mainly because it gave me an excuse not to touch the account for awhile (has over 50 hubs on it). So laziness really!
               
               I have SO many projects on the go at the moment, not enough time in the day. I have three websites that are doing quite well and need more content (one has almost NO content yet is getting plenty of views, so really needs some actual content). And I'm starting an online business in July. Plus my autobiography has fallen onto the backburner...
               
               I have been trying out oDesk to outsource some of the boring stuff. Have you ever tried it?

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                  Marisa Wrightposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  No I haven't.  I've just discovered Fiverr - students will write three or four short promo articles for $5.  I'm surprised how good the quality is.

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                     WryLiltposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     On oDesk you can hire people for as little as $2.22 an hour.
                     
                     I've had to try a few to get some I was happy with, but they'll do anything from find you the cheapest hotel to keyword research or finding you information.
                     
                     You can also review their work history to see what they're doing to complete your job.
                     
                     Must admit, I find Fiverr pretty awesome too. But with oDesk you can hire one person to work for you indefinitely, instead of have to rehire them for different jobs each time.

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