An external link (outgoing or outbound link) — is a hyperlink that leads from one website to another. For example, when a news website links to an information source or an online store includes a link to a manufacturer's page.
In traffic arbitrage, external links are used to redirect users from advertising landing pages or intermediary websites to the advertiser's website (offer).
Since direct affiliate links are often subject to advertising network restrictions, affiliate marketers build a setup. The user first clicks on an ad and lands on a safe intermediary page (pre-landing page), then clicks a button or link to proceed to the offer website.
What external links are used for
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Separating traffic flows. A pre-landing page is placed between the ad and the advertiser's website, where the audience can be warmed up.
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Redirecting to the offer. They act as a bridge connecting the advertising funnel to the sales page.
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Data transfer. Special tracking parameters (SubID and macros) are passed through clicks. They allow the tracker to record exactly which ad generated a conversion.
Main types of external links
Direct redirects — links that redirect users from one address to another through tracker scripts.
Links on intermediary pages — interface elements (buttons, banners, text links) on an intermediary website that users click themselves.
Masked links — links that hide the final destination using URL shorteners or technical settings.
Advantages
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An ad and an offer can be separated by a pre-landing page.
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Clicks make it easier to collect accurate statistics.
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Tracking parameters and click data are passed to the tracker.
Disadvantages
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Complex redirect chains can increase page loading times, resulting in the loss of some users.
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Certain redirect domains may be blocked by advertising networks or security systems.
