Affiliate Link Disclosures: A Beginner’s Guide to Ethical Blogging
“Starting a blog to earn affiliate income? Before you publish that first ‘recommended product’ link, there’s a non-negotiable step: disclosures. Get it wrong, and you risk fines or losing reader trust. Get it right, and you build credibility while growing income. Here’s exactly how to disclose affiliate links properly (with easy templates!) — no law degree required.”
Why Disclosures Matter (Trust + Legal Compliance)
- The Trust Factor: Readers support transparent creators. Hidden affiliations = lost credibility.
- FTC Rules Simplified:
- Disclosures must be clear, conspicuous, and unavoidable.
- Place them before the affiliate link (not buried in footers!).
- Real Consequences: Fines up to $50,000 per violation (cite FTC guidelines).
Where & How to Disclose (Placement Strategies)
- Ideal Locations:
- Top of Post: For review/affiliate-heavy content (e.g., “This post contains affiliate links…”).
- Above the Link: For single recommendations (e.g., “Disclosure: I earn a commission if you buy via this link”).
- Sidebar/Footer: A general site-wide disclaimer (but never rely solely on this!).
- Pro Tips:
- Use bold text or a contrasting color.
- Avoid vague terms like “Partners” or “Supporters” (say “affiliate links”).
“Full disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I’ve tested and love!” – The She Approach
3 Ready-to-Use Disclosure Templates
- Blog Post Template:“Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. If you buy through my links, I may earn a commission to support this blog. Thanks for your support!”
- Product Review Template:“I tested [Product] for [time]. Disclosure: I earn a fee if you buy via my links below. My review is 100% honest.”
- Sidebar/Footer Template:“This site uses affiliate links. I may earn commissions on purchases made via these links (at no cost to you).”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Hiding Disclosures: Tiny fonts, obscure placements.
- ❌ Ambiguous Language: “Thanks for supporting me” ≠ clear disclosure.
- ❌ Assuming Social Media is Exempt: Disclose in captions/stories too!
Transparency = Long-Term Success
“Disclosures aren’t just legal checkboxes — they’re your readers’ trust foundation. Start ethically, and your audience (and income) will grow sustainably. Use the templates above, keep disclosures visible, and focus on authentic recommendations!”
CTA:
Ready to launch your blog? [Download my free checklist: “5 Legal Must-Dos for New Bloggers”]
Does affiliate disclosure applicable in Singapore?
Singapore does require affiliate disclosures, primarily governed by broader consumer protection, advertising, and data privacy laws rather than a specific “affiliate disclosure law.”
| Aspect | Requirement/Practice | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Disclosure Clarity | Use unambiguous labels (e.g., #Ad, “Affiliate link”) | CCCS/ASAS Guidelines |
| Placement | Immediately before links or within content; avoid burying in T&Cs | CPFTA |
| Data Collection | Disclose affiliate tracking in Privacy Policy; obtain PDPA consent for profiling | PDPA |
| Contractual Terms | Brands often mandate disclosures in affiliate agreements | Marketing Agreements |
For detailed templates, refer to Singapore Legal Advice’s guide on Marketing Affiliate Agreements
