Handle broken affiliate destinations
Decide whether to replace a link, archive a recommendation, or update the guide.
The scenario
A favorite product now redirects to a merchant homepage and a competing model is in stock.
A homepage redirect can be technically successful but useless to a reader who expects product details. Recheck the recommendation before swapping the URL.
Apply it to your own work
Verify whether discontinuation is permanent. If the content still helps, label the discontinued model and give a qualified alternative with differences explained.
What to watch for
A scheduled checker may miss irrelevant pages that return HTTP 200. Include a sample of manual destination checks.
Choose a replacement that keeps the promise
When a merchant removes a product, inspect the article for any claims or screenshots that would no longer apply. If the recommendation concerned a specific capability, verify that the substitute actually offers it in the advertised plan.
For a discontinued item with continued owner demand, leave repair, compatibility, or setup advice available. Label new-buy alternatives clearly and keep historical details accurate. Update anchor text when the destination changes.
Try a related tool
Measure earnings per tracked referral click after refunds and reversals. Use counts and commissions from the same cohort.
