How to Remove VigLink from WordPress

If you’ve noticed unwanted affiliate links appearing on your WordPress site, it could be due to VigLink (now known as Sovrn //Commerce). VigLink is a service that automatically turns regular links into affiliate links, and it’s often enabled by default on certain third-party plugins, such as Disqus. While this can be beneficial for some, many website owners prefer to have full control over the links on their sites. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of disabling VigLink from your WordPress site, specifically focusing on how to check and disable it if you have Disqus installed.

What is VigLink?

VigLink is a monetization service that automatically converts regular links into affiliate links, allowing website owners to earn commissions from sales generated through these links. While this can be a passive income stream, it may not align with every website’s goals, especially if it leads to irrelevant or intrusive affiliate links that could degrade the user experience.

Why You Might Want to Disable VigLink

There are several reasons you might want to disable VigLink on your WordPress site:

• Control Over Content: You may want to ensure that all links on your site are manually chosen and relevant to your content.
• User Experience: Automatically generated affiliate links can appear spammy, potentially driving away visitors.
• SEO Considerations: Too many affiliate links, especially those not carefully curated, can impact your site’s SEO performance.
• Transparency: Your audience might appreciate knowing that any affiliate links are chosen intentionally by you, rather than being automatically inserted.

How Disqus May Enable VigLink

Disqus, a popular comment system used on many WordPress sites, often has VigLink integration enabled by default. This means that any links in the comment section or even within your content might be automatically converted into affiliate links. If you have Disqus installed, it’s essential to check whether this option is active and disable it if it’s not aligned with your website strategy.

Steps to Remove VigLink from WordPress

1. Check if Disqus is Installed

• Login to Your WordPress Dashboard: Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
• Look for Disqus: If you see Disqus listed, it’s likely you have it installed and active.

2. Access Disqus Settings

• Go to Disqus Settings: Under the Comments section in your WordPress dashboard, you’ll find the Disqus plugin settings.
• Log in to Disqus: You may need to log in to your Disqus account to access these settings.

3. Disable VigLink Affiliate Links

• Navigate to the Monetization Settings: Within the Disqus settings, look for an option related to monetization or affiliate links. Click here to find out!
• Disable VigLink: There should be an option to disable VigLink or affiliate link monetization. Uncheck this option to stop VigLink from converting your links into affiliate links.

4. Save Changes

• Save and Confirm: Make sure to save any changes you make within the Disqus settings. After saving, check a few pages on your site to ensure that the VigLink affiliate links have been removed.

5. Remove or Replace Disqus (Optional)

• Consider Alternatives: If you find Disqus isn’t meeting your needs or prefer a comment system without built-in monetization, consider replacing it with a different plugin or the default WordPress comment system.
• Remove Disqus: To uninstall Disqus, go back to the Plugins section of your WordPress dashboard, deactivate the plugin, and then delete it.

Removing VigLink from your WordPress site is crucial if you want full control over the content and links that appear. If you have Disqus installed, it’s worth checking whether VigLink is enabled by default and disabling it if necessary. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your site remains free of unwanted affiliate links, enhancing both the user experience and the credibility of your content.

Remember, keeping your WordPress site’s content clean and controlled is key to maintaining trust with your audience. If you’re using Disqus, take a few minutes to review your settings—it could make a significant difference in how your site is perceived.