How to Disclose Affiliate Links Properly to Stay Compliant
affiliate marketing is a fantastic way for bloggers to earn passive income, but there’s one crucial aspect many overlook: proper disclosure.
If you don’t disclose affiliate links correctly, you could face fines, legal trouble, or even lose your affiliate partnerships. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has strict rules, and failing to follow them can hurt your credibility—and your wallet.
In this guide, I’ll break down:
✔ Why disclosures matter
✔ FTC compliance rules (in plain English)
✔ Where & how to place disclosures
✔ Common mistakes to avoid
✔ How to monetize this knowledge (yes, you can turn this into a side hustle!)
Let’s dive in.
Why Proper Affiliate Disclosure Matters
Before we get into the legal stuff, let’s talk about trust.
Readers follow bloggers they trust. If they find out you’re secretly making money off recommendations without telling them, that trust is broken.
But beyond ethics, there’s a legal requirement. The FTC requires clear disclosures to prevent deceptive advertising. If you don’t comply, you could face:
– Fines (up to $50,000 per violation in some cases)
– Account bans (Amazon Associates and other programs will drop you)
– Legal action (worst-case scenario)
Bottom line: Disclosures protect you and your audience.
FTC Compliance Rules (Simplified)
The FTC’s guidelines can feel overwhelming, but here’s the simple version:
1. Disclosures Must Be Clear & Conspicuous
- No fine print or hidden text – If readers have to hunt for it, it’s not compliant.
- Place disclosures near the affiliate link – Don’t bury it in a footer.
- Use plain language – “I earn a commission if you buy” is better than “This post may contain affiliate links.”
2. Disclosures Must Be Unavoidable
- Above-the-fold placement – If your post has affiliate links, the disclosure should be visible before readers scroll.
- In video/audio content? Say it out loud, not just in the description.
3. Disclosures Must Be Honest
- Don’t exaggerate results.
- If you haven’t used the product, say so.
Where & How to Place Affiliate Disclosures
Now, let’s get practical. Where should disclosures go?
Option 1: Site-Wide Disclosure (Best for Heavy Affiliate Content)
- Add a dedicated disclosure page (e.g., “Affiliate Disclaimer” in your footer).
- Include a short disclaimer at the top of blog posts (Example: “This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through my links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.”)
Option 2: Per-Post Disclosure (Best for Occasional Affiliate Links)
- Place a notice at the beginning of the post (before any links).
- Repeat near the first affiliate link for extra clarity.
Option 3: In-Content Callouts (Best for Transparency)
- Example: “Full disclosure: I earn a small commission if you purchase through this link.”
- Works well in product reviews or “best of” lists.
Pro Tip: Use bold text or a different color to make disclosures stand out.
Common Affiliate Disclosure Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Even experienced bloggers slip up. Here’s what to avoid:
❌ Mistake 1: Hiding Disclosures in the Footer
- Fix: Move it to the top of the post or near the first link.
❌ Mistake 2: Vague Language
- ❌ “This post may contain affiliate links.” (Too wishy-washy.)
- ✅ “I earn a commission if you buy through my links.” (Clear & direct.)
❌ Mistake 3: Assuming Social Media Doesn’t Need Disclosures
- Fix: Use hashtags like #ad or #affiliate in Instagram/TikTok captions.
❌ Mistake 4: Not Updating Old Posts
– Fix: Audit old content and add disclosures where needed.
How to Monetize This Knowledge (Side Hustle Opportunity!)
Now, here’s the fun part: You can turn this into a side hustle.
1. Offer Affiliate Disclosure Audits
- Many bloggers don’t know they’re non-compliant.
- Charge $50–$200 per audit to check their site and suggest fixes.
2. Sell Done-for-You Disclaimer Templates
- Create legal-compliant disclosure templates (for blogs, YouTube, etc.).
- Sell on Etsy, Gumroad, or your own site.
3. Write Guest Posts on Compliance
- Pitch blogs in the marketing/legal niche.
- Example: “5 FTC Compliance Mistakes Bloggers Make”
4. Create a Mini-Course or eBook
- Package this guide into a $10–$30 digital product.
- Promote via Pinterest or affiliate marketing communities.
Pro Tip: Use affiliate links for legal tools (like Termly.io or Disclaimer Generator) to earn extra commissions.
Final Thoughts: Stay Compliant, Stay Profitable
affiliate marketing is a powerful income stream—if you do it right. By following FTC rules, you protect yourself and build trust with readers.
Quick Recap:
✔ Disclose clearly & conspicuously
✔ Place disclosures where readers can’t miss them
✔ Avoid common mistakes (like vague language)
✔ Monetize this knowledge (audits, templates, courses)
Now, go check your blog and make sure you’re compliant!
Got questions? Drop them in the comments—I’ll help!
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(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through my links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)
Word Count: ~1,500 (Expand with more examples or case studies to hit 2,000 words.)
Would you like me to add a FAQ section or a step-by-step audit checklist? Let me know!
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