You must include an affiliate disclosure on your website whenever you promote products or services for a commission. This statement notifies your audience that you receive payment if they click your links or make a purchase.
Why you need to display clear notices
Photo: impact.com on Google
Transparency builds trust with your readers and keeps your business in line with legal requirements. When you recommend a product, your audience deserves to know if you have a financial incentive to do so. If you don’t include this notice, you risk losing credibility and could face penalties from regulatory bodies. According to the Federal Trade Commission, you must clearly and conspicuously disclose your relationship with a brand whenever your endorsement could affect the weight or credibility of your recommendation.
If you’re a casual hobbyist, you still need this notice if you earn any money from links. If you’re a professional publisher, you must ensure the disclosure is visible on every single page where affiliate links appear.
Essential rules for your site notices
- Place the statement near the top of the page before any affiliate links appear.
- Use clear, simple language that a reader can understand at a quick glance.
- Avoid hiding the notice in a footer or a link that requires a second click.
- Ensure the font color and size are easy to read against the background of your site.
- If you use social media, include a hashtag like #ad or #sponsored in your post.
- Update your notice if your relationship with a company changes or if you join new programs.
When the standard disclosure rules change
Photo: geniuslink.com on Google
The standard for a disclosure changes depending on the platform you use to reach your audience. While a website post requires a clear written statement, other mediums have different requirements for visibility and length.
| Situation | What changes | What to do instead |
|---|---|---|
| Video content | Audio or text | State it clearly in the audio |
| Short social posts | Character limits | Use #ad at the start |
| Email newsletters | High open rates | Put it in the header |
| Podcast episodes | Audio-only format | Read it during the intro |
| Live streams | Real-time flow | Mention it verbally every hour |
How to write and place your affiliate disclosure
- Draft a short sentence stating that you earn a commission from links on the site.
- Choose a prominent spot at the top of your blog post or product review page.
- Check that the text isn’t buried inside a long, legalistic paragraph of terms.
- Use a bold or highlighted style if your design allows to draw the reader’s eye.
- Review your page on a mobile device to ensure the text isn’t pushed down.
- Test your links to confirm they work after the reader has seen the notice.
The mistakes that ruin your transparency
Photo: affiliatewp.com on Google
- Using vague terms like “partner” or “ambassador” instead of explaining that you earn money.
- Placing the disclosure at the very bottom of the page where most readers never scroll.
- Writing the notice in a small, grey font that blends into the background of your site.
- Assuming that a general “terms of service” page covers your specific affiliate links on individual posts.
Frequently asked questions
Does my disclosure need to be a specific length?
No, the law doesn’t require a specific length for your notice. You only need to ensure the statement is clear, easy to find, and explains your financial interest to the reader.
Can I just use a generic footer link?
No, a footer link isn’t enough to meet the requirements for clear disclosure. The reader must see the information before they encounter the affiliate links on your page.
Is a simple hashtag enough for social media?
Yes, a hashtag like #ad or #sponsored is usually sufficient for short posts. You must ensure the hashtag is visible and not hidden among many other hashtags or links.
Do I need a disclosure for every single link?
No, you don’t need one for every link, but you do need one for every page. One clear, well-placed statement at the top of your article is enough for all links inside.
What happens if I forget to add one?
You risk losing the trust of your readers and potential legal trouble with regulators. Always check your posts before you hit publish to ensure your notice is visible.
Does it matter if I am not an influencer?
Yes, it matters regardless of your status. If you’re earning a commission for your recommendations, the requirement to disclose that relationship applies to you just the same.
How long should the notice stay visible?
The notice must stay visible for as long as the content exists on your site. Don’t remove it later, as the relationship between you and the brand remains relevant.
Conclusion
Following these steps protects your reputation and keeps your site compliant. Always put your reader first by being open about how you earn your income, as honesty is the best way to maintain a long-term audience.