When I first started blogging, I felt like a secret agent.
I would sneak my affiliate links into my posts. I would hide them inside words. I thought, “If I tell people I am making money, they won’t click on it. They will think I am just a greedy salesperson.”
I was scared that admitting I earned a commission would ruin the magic.
But I was wrong.
One day, I saw a blog post that started with a big, bold sentence: “Hey guys! I earn a small commission from these links, which helps me buy coffee to keep writing for you!”
I didn’t hate that blogger. I actually liked them more. I thought, “Wow, they are honest. I want to buy from them just to say thanks.”
That was the day I learned that Transparency is sexy. Being honest doesn’t scare readers away, it brings them closer.
In the United States (and many other places), there is a group called the FTC. They are like the “Internet Police.”
They have one simple rule about ads and affiliate links. It isn’t complicated legal jargon. It is basically the “Mom Rule.”
The Rule: If your Mom was reading this, would she understand that you are getting paid?
If the answer is “No,” you are breaking the law.
You cannot trick people. You cannot hide the fact that you have a relationship with the brand. You have to be clear, obvious, and boringly honest.
Many new bloggers try to be sneaky. They put their disclaimer:
- In tiny white text at the very bottom of the page.
- In the “Terms and Conditions” page that nobody reads.
- Hidden inside a confusing sentence.
This is illegal.
The FTC says the disclosure must be “Clear and Conspicuous.” This means:
- Before the Link: The reader must see the disclosure before they click the affiliate link. (Putting it at the bottom of the article is too late!).
- Hard to Miss: It should be normal-sized text, not microscopic.
The Best Spot: Put a simple sentence at the very top of every single blog post, right under the title.
You don’t have to sound like a lawyer. You can sound like a human.
š« The Bad Example (Don’t do this):
“Some hyperlinks in this digital content may be affiliate links pursuant to the FTC guidelines…” (Boring. Confusing.)
ā The Good Example (Simple):
“This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, I may earn a commission. Thanks.”
ā¤ļø The Fun Example (My favourite):
“Heads up! I love these products and I hope you do too. If you buy through my links, I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you).”
Think of your relationship with your readers like a bank account.
Every time you are honest, you make a deposit. Every time you try to trick them, you make a withdrawal.
If you recommend a bad product just to make money? Withdrawal. If you hide your links? Withdrawal.
Eventually, your account will be empty. And once a reader stops trusting you, they never come back.
But if you are honest? If you say, “I get paid for this link, but I would recommend this product even if I didn’t,” you build trust. And trust is the only thing that actually sells products in the long run.
You work hard on your blog. You spend hours writing, editing and researching.
You deserve to get paid.
Don’t be ashamed of your affiliate links. Be proud of them! You are providing a service. You are helping people find cool stuff.
So, put that disclaimer at the top of your page. Make it bold. Make it friendly.
Tell the world: “I am a professional and this is how I support my work.”
Your real fans won’t mind. In fact, they will probably click the link twice just to help you out.
