This is a four part series outlining some of the issues related to loyaltyware. Loyaltyware is a subset of adware which “reminds” consumers of their opportunities to earn rewards or incentives. Loyaltyware was coined because this type of adware is distributed by incentivized web sites such as rebate, charity or point reward communities. Many of the loyaltyware affiliates justify the adware component of their business model by saying their own members are dissatisfied if they forget to shop through the loyaltyware’s web site. Hence the software to assist consumers so they will earn their reward if they forget. Since loyaltyware affiliates only pay their members when their affiliate link has tracked, the software often times automatically invokes the affiliate link based on the end user’s activity (i.e. visiting the merchant’s web site).
These are video tutorials with audio, so set your speaker controls accordingly. Each link below will open the video in a new browser window.
Loyaltyware Part I: Direct Type-ins
Loyaltyware Part II: Clicks from SERPs
Loyaltyware Part III: PPC Search
Loyaltyware Part IV: Affiliate Overwrites
