Readers Asking Where They Can Buy a Product

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   eugbugposted 5 years ago

   A reader has asked where they can buy a product that appears in an article. I don't have an Amazon link in the article proper. Can I add one in the comment section?

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2. 0

   Beth Eaglescliffeposted 5 years ago

   If you can find the item on Amazon.com, why not add a link into the main article? That way you'll earn some commission. 
   
   I don't like to put links in the comments section, as it gives free publicity to a store that I may not especially like. Also it may encourage others to post spammy links in comments.

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   1. 68

      eugbugposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Ok, but I was thinking of an Amazon link in a comment. I'm not sure it actually works and displays the Amazon icon. I'll check. The item is a UK product, so unfortunately it's probably not worthwhile for the reader to order it on Amazon.com (because of delivery charges). I wish Hubpages would allow us to add Amazon.co.uk links.

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         theraggededgeposted 5 years agoin reply to this

         I'd go ahead and add it anyway. With your associate link. You can always tell them you will earn a small commission.

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   2. 66

      OldRosesposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      I added an Amazon link in an article after a commenter asked where they could buy the produce and the editors immediately snipped it.  In their email they said:
      
      "Product Removal: The editor removed a product(s) that doesn’t meet our Network Site requirements for product inclusion. Product guidelines for Network Sites are:
      
      "You have personally used or have demonstrated firsthand experience with the product and give a genuine, first-person review. (This is really important for products on Network Sites!)
      The product is 100% relevant to the content.
      A reader would be happy to see the link to the product and would not be confused or feel like they are being sold something solely for the benefit of the writer.
      The topic is commercial, e.g., if you googled the keyword of your topic, you will likely see shopping results."
      
      I was a little confused by this because the reader specifically asked about the product,  I did give a review of the product (a plant) and aren't Amazon links meant to sell things to readers?  I let it go and didn't argue with the editors.  I would love to hear from the editors how we are supposed to answer reader questions about where to buy a product that we write about.

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      1. 79

         samanthacubbisonposted 5 years agoin reply to this

         I can't speak to your personal example, as I wasn't the one who snipped it. But I can definitely try to answer your question! 
         
         Usually, we try to encourage authors to only include products that will greatly enhance the reader's UX. An article about a battery-powered cat toy doesn't really need a link to a 6-pack of batteries, but a link to the toy would be acceptable if the author demonstrates their personal use.
         
         If the reader is asking where they can find the batteries, well, they can find them anywhere. A link is not necessary. And since we are a world-wide community, recommending a reader to go to a specific pet store near your house to find the toy is probably not going to be helpful.
         
         Therefore, if it this particular product can best be found on Amazon, do you discuss the product in your article? Do you offer your personal experience with it? If so, I don't see why you can't include it.
         
         I hope that was helpful.

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            theraggededgeposted 5 years agoin reply to this

            The problem, Samantha, is that the reader was in the UK. Obviously we can't put Amazon UK links in the article but they could be put in the comments in reply to a question.

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            1. 79

               samanthacubbisonposted 5 years agoin reply to this

               Yes, I am just answering @OldRoses question. I don't believe that she is asking about UK products, but just how to reply to requests. We do not advise the inclusion of Amazon links in the comment section, as they will most likely be removed by Mods.

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3. 68

   eugbugposted 5 years ago

   I decided to add a product link in the main article and then referred the reader up to that. I think they want a UK product, hopefully they'll see my comment and get back to me (something which needs to be added by HubPages is a notification to a reader that their comment has been replied to).

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   1. 79

      samanthacubbisonposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      That is the best choice. HubPages only allows for US Amazon links. And since Moderators review comments, links will most likely be deleted. It's unfortunate that you can't benefit from the click, but adding the product will at least help them find their way to the right product. (And get a few more clicks, perhaps?)
      
      Also, nice suggestion!

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         eugbugposted 5 years agoin reply to this

         Maybe they do actually get a notification because they auto-subscribe to article notifications when they comment? Although probably not the case for guest commenters.

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   PaulGoodman67posted 5 years ago

   I've had similar issues. I've cut (or HP has snipped) all Amazon links back to the bare minimum. That means that sometimes I mention a product in an article without linking and have had the occasional comment asking for link. I worry about putting in more links to article and I don't think that linking is possible in the comments... No easy solution that I can think of.

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