As part of vBulletin 4.1.2, vBulletin is happy to announce it has integrated with Skimlinks.
Skimlinks is a leading affiliate technology provider, more information on Skimlinks is available here, they have been around since 2008, and have a lot of experience working with vBulletin forums.
What does this integration do?
It enables you to easily signup for Skimlinks and integrates it with your vBulletin forum.
Where can this integration be found?
Under the Advertising section of your Admin Control Panel
Does it cost anything to utilize?
Similar to Google Adsense, it is a ad provider and it is a free service.
What is the benefit of enabling Skimlinks?
Skimlinks enables you to earn revenue from seamlessly converting existing links on your site to online retailers or auction sites such as eBay and Amazon and appending them with an affiliate link. At the time of writing, Skimlinks has affiliate relationships with over 12,000 merchants in a number of different regions to enable you to earn money from. Skimlinks also has a feature to convert certain keywords into links, called Skimwords which you may elect to opt into too.
How much can I earn?
Lots. Most forum websites will earn a similar amount by enabling Skimlinks as they do with having basic Adsense advertisements – depending on the nature of the website. Sites devoted to electronic goods, and other purchasable items work really really well.
Why will enabling Skimlinks on my site brighten my day?
Well, it provides you with an additional revenue stream that doesn’t impact your user experience, OR replace any existing advertising you may have on your site. We have even heard people call it “free money”
Does vBulletin know how much I earn if I integrate from Skimlinks?
We do not.
Does vBulletin gain access to any of my statistics through the integration with Skimlinks, like click-thru's, purchase data etc.?
We do not.
Does vBulletin earn anything from me integrating with Skimlinks?
Yes, vBulletin does earn something from this. We cannot disclose more info because of contractual obligations. However the main benefit to customers is another option to help earn money from your site without costing you a cent.
Does this mean vBulletin takes some of my commission away?
We do not. Integrating through vBulletin actually provides you with a greater level of commission due to the agreement we have been able to strike with Skimlinks.
So you have been able to do a special deal for me?
Glad you asked Yes. If you stay on the program for 6 months, as thanks for joining up through vBulletin, Skimlinks will add an additional 5% to your earnings to date for this first 6 month period only.
Do I have flexibility in where Skimlinks works, and who it gets displayed to?
You do! You can chose what usergroups it gets displayed to, in what forums it works, only in threads past a certain date range, and a number of other options that are under the section “Skimlinks Advanced Options”
Does it just work in the forum section
No. Skimlinks will append affiliate ID's to links throughout any section of your vBulletin website, CMS, Blogs etc.
I already use Skimlinks…
Great! You can associate your existing account if you so wish.
I utilize vBulletin 3.X, not 4.1.2, can you help me?
You can download the latest Skimlinks product HERE, http://skimlinks.com/files/vbulletin/skimlinks.zip
If I sign up, who will pay me, and how?
Skimlinks handles all that fun stuff. Payment terms are under here: www.skimlinks.com/faq
This all sounds gravy, how do I sign up?
What about setting it up?
Here is the setup guide:
And here is a guide on how to get the most from the integration:
If I have a technical issue with SkimLinks, who should I contact?
Skimlinks should be able to help you out via your member account.
I have integrated it, and don't see anything on my site?
The Skimlinks integration is seamless - you, or your users won't see a change
I have more questions…
They might be answered here: www.skimlinks.com/faq
If they aren't – feel free to post a question [B]here[/B].
vBulletin 4.1.2 with Skimlinks
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I say to all you whiners: If you think you can do it better or have some other board that is better then vB then just **** off.
Don't waste the precious time of vB for your own tirade on the forum.
I've seen nothing but improvements on each upgrade, although I also agree that they should work on Faster Loading Speed, no fear of losing your custom skin when upgrading and removing clutter from the system I don't think it's the right place to discuss this.
vB I must THANK YOU for this opportunity!
I have not been paid in 4 months of installing this they owe me around £1000
but they keep stalling on a monthly payment.
Do not install this or use it until they can start paying there customers.
SHOCKING!!!
I have quite a large forum and would never move from vbulletin it just has everything i need (vbulletin however could look after the big boys a little better though and not just worry about the new sales!!) but why are they partnering with sites that do not pay.
They should be backing us the paying members.
I have complained again today to skimlinks, but I will be pulling the plug on there software on my site!
I do not use there adwords - but the concept of invisible affiliate linking is a great one!
Mick
I'm the CEO of Skimlinks. Just jumping in here to answer a few of the questions and concerns raised, as it seems there are some misunderstandings about what Skimlinks does and the nature of our relationship with vBulletin.
Payments - we pay once we have collected all the commissions from the merchants, and that takes 60 days (after 60 days, we pay out commissions approved by the merchant even if we haven't been paid it yet by that merchant). We pay the month end after this 60 days. We know it is annoying that you have to wait for 3 months for that first payment, but after that it is month on month, as long as you reach your minimum monthly threshold of $10. We have 20,000 publishers that we work with, and we always pay on time, we really passionately want to help and reward publishers, it is everything we stand for and want to achieve.
Default - by default, Skimlinks is NOT enabled, it is fully up to you if you enable it, and precisely how it is enabled. You can turn it ON/OFF via vBulletin, but more detailed settings can be accessed via Skimlinks interface.
Relationship with vBulletin - vBulletin does not make any money off publishers that use Skimlinks. We actually arranged for publishers to earn even more if they are referred by vBulletin, than if you came to us direct. We do pay vBulletin a referral bonus for referrals, but that comes out of our marketing budget, not out of your pocket.
Weight - our vBulletin integration is not at all heavy, does not slow your site down, has no impact at all on the performance of you site if you do not turn it on.
I hope that has alleviated some of the concerns, they are understandable, but please let me heartily assure you that all the work we do is primarily to help publishers, to be more accessible by publishers that we know do well with our technology (i.e. forums), and to reward publishers for the role their content plays in driving ecommerce. Check out our site - you can see we are legitimate, trustworthy, and passionate about what we do.
Thank you,
Alicia
CEO - Skimlinks