Disclosure-&-Consent-Statement

The FTC requires that any affiliate marketing or endorsement on your website must be clearly disclosed to consumers. This is essential for transparency and legal compliance, ensuring that your audience understands when you are earning a commission or have a material connection to a product or service.

Key Requirements:

Clear and conspicuous disclosure: The statement should be easy to see and understand, placed near the affiliate link or endorsement. Phrases like “I earn commissions,” “Affiliate link,” or “Sponsored” are common examples.

Specific placement: Disclosures should appear before the user clicks on the affiliate link or consumes the endorsed content. They should be in the same visual space, visible without scrolling when possible.

Plain language: Use simple, straightforward language that can be easily understood by the average consumer. Avoid complex legal jargon.

Consistent disclosure: Every page with affiliate links or endorsements must include a disclosure, maintaining fairness and transparency across all content.

Why it’s important: Failing to disclose affiliate relationships can lead to substantial fines, legal action, and damage to your reputation. Being transparent not only complies with FTC rules but also builds trust with your audience.

In practice: Place a disclosure at the top of blog posts, videos, or pages with affiliate links.

Use language such as “This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase.”

Include a dedicated disclosure page linked from your site’s footer or menu for full transparency.