An affiliate disclosure must be immediately visible. Don't bury it as this defeats the whole object.

It should not be:

  • in a footer
  • in blocks of text people are not likely to read
  • in hyperlinks (the reader may not click the link)
  • on your About Us page or in a ‘terms of service agreement’.
  • in a pop-up (it may be blocked) or only viewed when a button is clicked.

It should be:

  • in the user’s field of vision as soon as they enter the website.
  • visible above the fold, so users don’t have to scroll down to see it.
  • placed as close as possible to the “triggering item” (e.g. an affiliate link).
  • repeated if necessary. A single disclosure on the home page may not be enough because readers may miss it when they enter a site from a different location or travel through the site via a different path.

If you have an affiliate link within a product review, and the reader can see both the review and the disclosure like 'I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post - this is all you really need.



Join the Discussion
Write something…
Recent messages
dickw Premium
Hey Erica. This could help a lot of us to stay out of hot water. Thank you.....Dick
Reply
Ericabried Premium
It's a pleasure!
Reply
johnwnewman Premium
Thanks Erica! Nicely done :-)
Reply
Ericabried Premium
Thanks John!
Reply
GeoffGS Premium
I'm not sure why anyone would have a problem with a site owner making money. They worked for it, and it wasn't free to build in most circumstances. I think people just want to know where their money is going. Geoff
Reply
Ericabried Premium
I don't think people have a problem with it and we should be able to disclose with confidence.
Reply
GeoffGS Premium
:)
Reply
fmusiol Premium
Thank you for this important information
Reply
Ericabried Premium
It's a pleasure!
Reply
Josh From Oz Premium
Thanks. I believe this should be in the main training as it is a serious problem
Reply
Ericabried Premium
Hi Josh,
People do seem to take it rather lightly, considering it is the law.
Reply
Josh From Oz Premium
Especially if your affiliate program is harsh as well. Amazon close accounts down all the time for stuff like this. It may take a year, 5 years, 10 years, but they will catch them. Most new people are unaware too.
Reply
Top