Commission Junction has announced that they are phasing out keyword links, which were typically used by search affiliates.
The problem with the keyword links was that affiliates didn’t always know when an advertiser made a change. So, CJ is modifying the way search policies are changed and communicated to affiliates.
Now advertisers will be including the same information that they’ve included in their keyword links into their program terms as optional search engine marketing (SEM) policies.
Whenever an advertiser modifies the SEM policies in their program terms, affiliates will receive an email notification outlining the details of their current program term and the new term, including any changes to the SEM Policies.
Since the SEM Policies will now be in the program terms, affiliates will also be guaranteed a full 7 days advance notice prior to the new program term going into effect, so they’ll be able to make any necessary changes to SEM campaigns.
Some advertisers have already updated program terms with SEM Policies. On October 1, 2009 all remaining keyword links will be expired and advertisers will no longer be able to create new keyword links. The expired keyword links will remain visible in the CJ Account Manager for affiliates to review through October 31, 2009.