So what is an affiliate link?

You’ve probably reached this post because you’ve seen a disclosure sentence somewhere on this site noting that one of my posts “may contain affiliate links.” So what, exactly, is an affiliate link, and why should you care?

Many bloggers use affiliate links to try to generate some revenue from their sites. These links connect readers to websites where they can buy products and services that the blogger has mentioned. If they do buy something after clicking on the link, the blogger receives a (usually small) commission on the sale.

The link may be connected to text, an image or an ad. For instance, I am a Booking.com affiliate, so if you click on the Booking.com ad on most pages or on a Booking.com link in a post, and you book accommodations that way, I will earn a small payment from Booking.com.

Many countries require bloggers to disclose the fact that they might receive financial compensation as a result of mentioning or advertising a service or product on the site. I would do it anyway, because I always like to be as up front with readers as possible.

I’ll be candid: I’m not getting rich by running this site, and I’m trying to figure out ways to justify spending many hours updating it each week. So affiliate links will help—and if you follow one and buy something, I will be very grateful. (But no pressure—honest!)

And let me be clear: I’ll never put an affiliate link on Ottawa Road Trips to a product or service I don’t believe in, or to a company I don’t trust. As with everything on this site, my main goal is to make your travels simpler, better and more fun.

One more question you may have: Why the heck do the book links on Ottawa Road Trips go to far-off stores, such as McNally Robinson in Saskatoon, rather than (a) Amazon or (b) an Ottawa or Ontario store? Here’s the explanation. First, I like to support independent stores or small chains; Amazon certainly doesn’t need any more money from me (and, to be completely honest, they pay their affiliates a ridiculously low commission). Second, I haven’t been able to find an independent Ottawa bookstore with an affiliate program. If you know of one, please let me know! Third, McNally Robinson has been very easy to deal with and their commission is good.