Should You Use Your Own Name for an Affiliate Site?

Affiliate marketer Shawn Collins answers a question on whether affiliates should use their own names for their sites.

Q: When setting up a new site/blog for an affiliate niche should I use my own name or go with a pen name or even anonymous? With the whole Google Authorship thing I'm wondering what the pros/cons are to using your own name for each affiliate site?

A: As far as I am concerned, I always use my own name.

I am not clear about what the cons would be to you, unless it is some sort of controversial topic that you don't want to be attached to, such as adult.

I like to have my name associated with my sites, as I work on building credibility, and I find that using my name is an asset with my sites. And as you mentioned, Google Authorship is a factor and you will need to use your real name to get the benefits from that program.

Also, I think it's a negative for a lot of people when they go to the "about" page and they see some generic information, rather than details on the person or people behind the site.

I would encourage you to use your name, unless you see some big peril in using it.

This whole topic leads me to another discussion on wishing to remain anonymous online, whether it be in registering domains or the information on your contact page. I would highly encourage you to use a PO Box or a UPS Store box.

Don't put your personal address out there for anybody to see, or else you might get somebody who is a huge fan of your site who decides to visit you at home. Or it could be someone who is a little unhinged and they disagree with something you wrote. They might also pay you a visit.

[shawncollinsatx]

Yeah, well I guess if you want to create a persona that you'll run with in the niche then it totally makes sense.

[flydopefresh]

Hey shawn I'm a hug fan of your stuff. Would you recommend I go with a pseudonym for the dating/pickup niche? I don't want my really name to pop up on google with my face and "How to pick up girls" above me. Thanks a lot Shawn!