What is sponsored link attribute?
A sponsored link attribute is an attribute that identifies links that are the result of paid placement, such as sponsored placements or paid links. These are links that appear in search engine results pages or on other websites because a company or individual has paid the search engine or website owner to display their link prominently.
Different types of sponsored link attributes:
– Sponsored search results – Paid listings that appear at the top or side of search engines results pages. These are usually labeled “Ad” or “Sponsored.”
– Paid placements – Links that appear within the content of a webpage because they were paid for. These may not be explicitly labeled as ads.
– Affiliate links – Links that provide a commission to the referrer when clicked on. These are a form of paid link.
Examples of sponsored link attributes using every day language:
– Sponsored search results are like the premium billboard space that companies pay for along the highway to get the best visibility.
– Paid placements are like coupons distributed in a newspaper or magazine by brands that pay to be included.
– Affiliate links work like a real estate agent receiving a finder’s fee for connecting a buyer to a seller.
Why are sponsored link attributes important?
Sponsored link attributes help identify paid links and allow consumers and regulators to distinguish organic search results from advertising. This increases transparency. The attributes also help search engines properly label paid listings.
Benefits of sponsored link attributes:
– Increased transparency about paid vs organic results
– Helps users identify ads/paid listings
– Allows paid links to be displayed prominently while maintaining separation from organic results
– Provides useful data for search engines, advertisers and regulators
– Creates a disclosure system for paid links
Systems and software related to sponsored link attributes:
– Search engine marketing/advertising software tracks sponsored links
– Tag managers can help implement sponsored link attributes
– Search engine algorithms use the attributes to inform paid listing formats and locations
– Disclosure requirements may mandate use of sponsored link attributes
– Paid link marketplace platforms utilize attributes to identify paid listings