A reader reaches a product recommendation, clicks through, and only later discovers that the publisher may earn a commission. That is a trust problem a short, visible explanation could have avoided. Disclosure is part of the content experience, not a line to hide after the useful advice.
Make The Relationship Clear
Use plain language to explain that a link is an affiliate link and that the publication may earn a commission if a reader buys through it. Place the explanation where it is easy to notice before or alongside the relevant recommendations, rather than relying only on a site-wide footer or a vague phrase such as “partner link.”
The recommendation still needs its own reasoning. Explain what the product is suited to, who may prefer another option, and which details a reader should verify—such as local availability, shipping, or return terms. A disclosure tells readers about the commercial relationship; it does not replace a balanced account.
Check Rules In Each Market
If your publication reaches the US, Australia, and the UK, do not assume one placement or wording automatically covers every situation. Review current guidance relevant to your audience and platform, including US Federal Trade Commission guidance and the applicable advertising and consumer-protection rules in Australia and the UK. Requirements can depend on context, so seek qualified advice if your setup is complex.
Build disclosure into your publishing checklist and check it on mobile, where a desktop sidebar may disappear. Revisit older pages when you update their links or recommendations. The standard worth keeping is straightforward: readers should be able to understand the relationship without having to search for it.
