Commission Junction and Link Popularity

I have recently started an affiliate program for my website Instrumentpro.com. I was originally thinking that one of the benefits would be an increase in my link popularity due to all of the affiliates linking to my website. I have recently learned that all of the links first go through CJ's servers which as I understand kills my idea of increased link popularity from my CJ affiliate Marketing program. Can anyone shed some definitive light on this subject?

As long as your affiliates can link DIRECTLY to your site, then you should gain link popularity.

Any time affiliates link through any URL that doesn't show YOUR url in the href, you cannot gain link popularity.

For example, if I link directly to your website in this post, and google spiders (and indexes) this post, then this post would be considered a 'point' for your link popularity. If, however, I link through your CJ links, then your site will not get any credit for the link.

Full Disclosure Note: My company competes with CJ in the Affiliate Marketing space.

I hope this helps.

Todd

Tod, what is the name of your company? I'm interested in, at some point, getting started with an affiliate program for my perfume/cologne e-tail store.
JP

Hi JP -

I don't want to do any promotion here, as I love forums for open discussions.. However, I'm delighted to answer your question..

My company is Kowabunga! Technologies:
http://www.kowabunga.com

Our Affiliate Tracking & Management Solution is called "My Affiliate Program" (MYAP for short):
http://www.myap.com

And finally, our Affiliate Network (where you can sign up as an affiliate, get aggregated reports, centralized log in's, find new programs, rate programs, learn affiliate marketing, etc.) is Kolimbo - The Open Network:
http://www.kolimbo.com

If you would like any help with determining your Affiliate Marketing needs, please do not hesitate to contact us, toll free: 888-224-6565.

Have a great day -

Todd