To encode, or not to encode: ClickBank HopLink Shield

A standard ClickBank HopLink has the next format:

http://affiliateID.vendorID.hop.clickbank.net/

You can easily create such hoplink if you know a vendor's ClickBank ID.

But, in April 2009 ClickBank announced ClickBank HopLink Shield. It produces an encoded version of a hoplink that has no clear vendor ID in it. Since May 2009, it is only possible to create encoded hoplinks on the ClickBank website.

As stated on the ClickBank website, unencoded hoplinks are still valid and will continue to be tracked. So, you may create and use them as well.

Why did people at ClickBank decided to encode HopLinks?

The most common reason is to secure affiliates from stealing their commissions.

When another affiliate or even a customer (it is easy to create a ClickBank account) sees unencoded hoplink, he knows which vendor is being promoted and can make a purchase through his own hoplink. In this case, the initial affiliate won't receive any compensation.

But if the initial affiliate used an encoded hoplink, it would be harder (however, still possible) to "steal" his commission.

Until ClickBank HopLink Shield was implemented, smart affiliates used another services to cloak their hoplinks. So, it is really awesome that ClickBank has created its own mechanism:

• ClickBank HopLink Shield is free
• You don't have to worry about your links' expiration and uptime

It is strongly recommended to use HopLink Shield to encode your hoplinks.

Is it possible to decode encoded hoplinks?

Yes. If you are looking to decode an encoded hoplink, you can use this hidden page.