Over-optimization happens when website owners excessively use SEO tactics like keyword stuffing, unnatural backlink building, or repetitive anchor texts in an attempt to rank higher on search engines. For affiliate platforms, this can be especially risky because search engines prioritize user experience and relevancy. Overdoing SEO can lead to penalties, causing a drop in rankings or even de-indexing. Additionally, over-optimized content often reads poorly, which can deter visitors and reduce conversion rates. Therefore, affiliate platforms must balance effective SEO practices with natural, valuable content to maintain credibility and sustainable traffic growth without triggering search engine penalties.