Affiliate disclosure is the clear notice that tells readers you may earn a commission from the links on your page. It is not just polite, it is required by the FTC in the United States, and getting it right protects both your audience and your business. This guide covers the rules in plain language, plus templates and examples you can adapt for your own site today.
Key takeaways
- Affiliate disclosure is required by the FTC, not optional.
- It must be clear, close to the links, and easy to notice.
- Simple, honest wording works best.
What is affiliate disclosure?
Affiliate disclosure is a short statement letting readers know that you may earn a commission if they buy through your links. The goal is honesty. People deserve to know when a recommendation comes with a financial incentive. A good disclosure does not scare readers away. Most people understand that creators earn this way, and being upfront actually builds trust rather than breaking it.
What the FTC rules require
The FTC expects disclosures to be clear and conspicuous. That means plain language a normal reader understands, placed where they will see it before clicking, not buried in a footer or hidden behind a link. It should be close to the affiliate links themselves, easy to read on mobile, and not written in tiny gray text. The rule is simple in spirit: do not make people hunt for the fact that you earn a commission.
Affiliate disclosure templates and examples
- Short inline: “We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.”
- Top of review: “This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we earn a small commission.”
- Friendly tone: “Heads up: some links here are affiliate links, which help support this site.”
- Clear and plain: “As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.”
How to use disclosures well
Place a short disclosure near the top of any page with affiliate links, and keep the wording simple. Make it visible on mobile, where most people read. Pair honest disclosure with honest reviews so your whole site feels trustworthy, which also helps with our GEO for affiliate sites approach. Always check the official source, the FTC disclosure guidance, since rules can change.
Frequently asked questions
Is affiliate disclosure legally required?
Yes. In the United States the FTC requires clear disclosure when you earn from recommendations. Many other regions have similar rules, so disclosing is always the safe choice.
Where should I put my affiliate disclosure?
Near the top of the page and close to the affiliate links, where readers see it before clicking. Do not bury it in a footer or hide it behind another link.
What should an affiliate disclosure say?
Keep it plain and honest, such as telling readers you may earn a commission at no extra cost to them. Simple wording a normal reader understands works best.
Does disclosure hurt conversions?
Rarely. Most readers expect creators to earn this way, and honesty builds trust. A clear disclosure usually helps your credibility rather than costing you sales.
The bottom line
Affiliate disclosure done right is simple: be clear, be visible, and be honest. Place a plain statement near your links, keep it readable on mobile, and follow the FTC guidance. Do that and you protect your readers and your business while building the trust that makes affiliate content work in the first place.