Welcome to CodeSites

We've put these pages together to highlight some of the issues and misconceptions arising from the use of codes by visitors, code site owners, affiliate marketing networks and online stores.

One thing is clear, interest and awareness of codes are at an all-time high.

The two main reasons are increased media coverage and the credit crunch.

Statistics for code terms on google and other search engines are through the roof.

Currently the most popular search terms are:

• discount codes
• promotional codes, promo codes
• voucher codes
• shop codes, shopping codes

Searches are often combined with the store name, for example "Dixons discount codes" and competition between code sites to fill the top slots on google is fierce.

Unfortunately as demand for codes increases so does the number of sites wanting a slice of the action which has led to accusations of sharp practices being employed by some code site owners and even some merchants which has resulted in discussion about acceptable practices and increased scrutiny of code sites and accountability for their actions which in the long term has to be a good thing.

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What visitors want from codes

That's easy - visitors want a discount on everything which means any and all the codes they can find on code sites, code forums, magazines, newspapers, TV etc and they're not interested where they originated from so long as they work.

What code site owners want from codes

Like all affiliate marketeers code site owners want commission. They want to publish every code available but (most) understand they have to work within the terms and conditions for each and every merchant they promote which means any or all of the following requirements have to be met:

• Only codes intended for the affiliate channel may be published
• Visitors must not be tricked or forced into clicking to display codes
• Merchant sites may not be displayed in frames or iframes
• etc, more later.

Clarity of communication and common sense are sometimes in short supply which can lead to misunderstandings and a high signal to noise ratio on the affiliate forums which is time wasted for all concerned. If you're thinking of starting a code site read this useful blog post.

What merchants want from codes

More sales without giving away discounts to shoppers or commission to affiliates if the visitor has already decided to purchase from them.

What the networks want from codes

Affiliate marketing networks make their money from override commissions from merchants so more sales means more commission for them. However codes means admin and extra work for network staff so they have to strike a balance between servicing the needs of their merchants and affiliates with their own workload. Some networks are very good at handling codes, others still have their head in the sand, but the goalposts are constantly moving.