The FTC mandates a clear disclosure for any "material connection," including commissions or free products. Users must know you are compensated before they click or act on your recommendation. Transparency is the standard for all promotional content.
Placement is critical. Disclosures buried at the bottom of a page or hidden behind "Read More" buttons fail the test. The notice must be proximate to the affiliate link. In video content, it should appear on screen or be spoken clearly.
Use simple language like "Paid link" or "Commission earned." Avoid ambiguous terms like "Partner" or "Ambassador" unless the financial reward is explicitly mentioned alongside them. Clear wording prevents consumer deception.
On social media, #ad or #sponsored work if they are prominent and not buried in a sea of other hashtags. If you received a product for free, you must state that fact even if no cash was exchanged for the post.
Ensure disclosures are unavoidable. If a reader can reasonably miss the disclaimer before clicking, your setup is likely out of compliance.
Disclosure Desk
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FTC disclosure essentials: What every affiliate needs to include in their content
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