Disclosure wording that holds up: clear examples and vague phrases to remove

Disclosure wording that holds up: clear examples and vague phrases to remove

Use a simple test: can an ordinary reader understand your relationship with the brand before clicking or buying? State the connection and what it means. Place the disclosure beside the recommendation, link, or video, not in a profile, footer, or after “more.”

Clear options include:
• “I earn a commission if you buy through this link.”
• “Affiliate link: I may earn from qualifying purchases.”
• “Sponsored post.”
• “I received this product for free; this review is my honest opinion.”

The FTC has criticized wording that makes readers decode the relationship: “Thanks to our partners,” “commissionable links,” “collab,” “I work with brands,” or “affiliate disclosure” without an explanation. “Ad” and “Sponsored” work best when prominent and tied to the specific content.

Use the same standard in captions, stories, newsletters, and reviews. Repeat the disclosure where the recommendation appears, and keep it readable on mobile. Legal-sounding language cannot replace visibility or meaning.

Clear words, clear placement, clear connection: disclose before the click, not after the sale.