So far, I sent visitors clicking on an affiliate link directly to the offer from my SEO websites. Reasoning: they should sign up at the offer and not browse my site.
But now I think opening the offer in a new window improves User Metrics / time on site, which could in turn increase the rankings.
What do you think is better?
I pretty much always used target blank with my sites. Sometimes, I would say that the CVR was a bit lower this way, but at the same time, I was able to keep the visitors on my sites for some more - so I could serve them an exit pop, have them browse some more thus serve more ads ... I still believe, target blank is the better option for affiliate links and all outgoing links in general.
I agree with matuloo
Using "blank" is giving me better user experience and increasing time on page, that good for seo
Little known fact: it's possible for the page you linked (offer) to redirect the visitor away from your landing page.
Full details on the vulnerability and fix here:
https://www.jitbit.com/alexblog/256-...rability-ever/
Huh. Wow. I had no idea that was possible. Nice share!