Do we need to put a "disclosure" next to each affiliate link?

10 replies
Quick question for affiliate marketers. With the ftc changes are you putting a disclosure next to each link? Or just one page like a privacy policy? Or on each page?

I have never been in affiliate marketing before, only sold my own stuff, but I found a great one that is in a niche I am passionate about, so I want to try it out.

Ashley
#affiliate #disclosure #link #put
  • Profile picture of the author OzDesign
    I'm no lawyer but from what i see putting a disclosure message at the bottom of the page should be ok. You can also look at other sites promoting the same product and see what they're doing.
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    • Profile picture of the author R.Rapp
      I wouldn't necessarily go by what other sites are doing just because they may be doing the wrong thing. The FTC has said a "link" at the bottom of your page that points to a disclosure is no longer appropriate and it has to be displayed on your page. So yes, Kimi is right - if you put your text at the bottom it is okay, just don't put it inside of a link
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  • Profile picture of the author Krish2007
    I post this Disclosure on my Sites where I give Affiliate Banners:

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    FTC MATERIAL CONNECTION DISCLOSURE: You should assume that the Owner of this Website has an affiliate relationship and/or another material connection to the providers of goods and services mentioned in this Webpage and may be compensated when you purchase from a provider. You should always perform due diligence before buying goods or services from anyone via the Internet or offline.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Krish
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    • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
      Originally Posted by Krish2007 View Post

      I post this Disclosure on my Sites where I give Affiliate Banners:

      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      FTC MATERIAL CONNECTION DISCLOSURE: You should assume that the Owner of this Website has an affiliate relationship and/or another material connection to the providers of goods and services mentioned in this Webpage and may be compensated when you purchase from a provider. You should always perform due diligence before buying goods or services from anyone via the Internet or offline.
      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      Krish
      What you made is clear, according to me is suitable. Mine is similar to this.
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      • Profile picture of the author Peter Nguyen
        I also have a shorter version of this next to my links
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  • Profile picture of the author Ashley Gable
    Thanks guys!

    That doesnt seem to unreasonable, putting the text at the bottom of each page, a lot better then next to each link!

    Is this the same method you all use in emails? Just at the bottom of the email, above the unsubscribe info?
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    • Profile picture of the author Sylonious
      Originally Posted by AshleyAA View Post

      Thanks guys!

      That doesnt seem to unreasonable, putting the text at the bottom of each page, a lot better then next to each link!

      Is this the same method you all use in emails? Just at the bottom of the email, above the unsubscribe info?
      The disclosure should be above the link (or at least above the fold) on any page where you make an endorsement.

      That means if you review a product you should disclose on that page.

      If you are just adding affiliate links and banners on general pages they consider that just plain old advertising.

      That's what Richard Cleland of the FTC said.
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      • Profile picture of the author Ashley Gable
        Originally Posted by Sylonious View Post

        The disclosure should be above the link (or at least above the fold) on any page where you make an endorsement.

        That means if you review a product you should disclose on that page.

        If you are just adding affiliate links and banners on general pages they consider that just plain old advertising.

        That's what Richard Cleland of the FTC said.
        Are you sure about this? The part about general pages and banners not needing a disclosure?

        I can see what you mean, you arent directly endorsing them, saying "buy this, its good" but you still have it on your site.

        Could you link to the article or interview where you read this?
        If it is so, then there is no need for me to have a disclosure, I will only have generic banners on my site. No direct endorsment.

        Thanks!
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      • Profile picture of the author Riz
        Thanks for that info - but is the 'above the fold' part neccessary? You can't just have a disclaimer at the bottom of the same page you are reviewing products?

        Riz

        Originally Posted by Sylonious View Post

        The disclosure should be above the link (or at least above the fold) on any page where you make an endorsement.

        That means if you review a product you should disclose on that page.

        If you are just adding affiliate links and banners on general pages they consider that just plain old advertising.

        That's what Richard Cleland of the FTC said.
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  • Profile picture of the author Riz
    Also, is there any stipulation on the font size and color of the disclaimer (obvioulsly it has to be visible). Can it be faded (compared to the text on the rest of the page) and smaller?

    Riz
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