Affiliate disclosure basics for bloggers

Affiliate links are normal in blogging, but disclosure is not optional. It is required by law in many places and it builds trust with readers. The good news is you do not need legal language or a long paragraph. A short, clear sentence is enough.

Below is a simple guide to affiliate disclosures that keeps you compliant and reader-friendly.

What a good disclosure does

A strong disclosure is:

• Clear (no vague wording)
• Visible (easy to see before links)
• Honest (says you may earn a commission)

If a reader has to hunt for it, it is not good enough.

Where to place it

Use more than one location if you publish a lot of affiliate content:

• Near the top of the post
• Close to the first affiliate link
• In your site-wide footer or disclosure page

The best practice is a short sentence near the top and a longer disclosure page linked in the footer.

Disclose by content type

Different formats need slightly different placement:

• Comparison posts: place the disclosure before the first table or list
• Tutorials: place it near the first affiliate link inside the steps
• Reviews: include it above the verdict or rating

The goal is for the reader to see it before any buying decision.

Keep it visible on mobile

Most readers are on phones. Make sure the disclosure is not hidden by long intros or collapsible sections. It should be visible without scrolling too far.

Simple disclosure examples

Short, clear examples:

• "This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you."
• "Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through them."

Avoid vague language like "sponsored" or "may be compensated" without context.

Disclosures in email and social

Affiliate disclosure is not just for blog posts. Use it in:

• Email newsletters (near the first affiliate link)
• Social posts (use #ad or #affiliate)
• YouTube descriptions (above the fold)

Wherever the affiliate link appears, a disclosure should be near it.

Make it readable

Keep it in plain language. Do not hide it in tiny text or legal jargon. Use normal font size and place it before the first affiliate link.

If you use a callout box, that is fine, but make sure it is not visually hidden.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Placing the disclosure only on a separate page
• Using vague language that does not explain commissions
• Hiding it at the bottom of the page
• Forgetting disclosures in email and social posts

Do you need a full disclosure page?

Yes, it is a good idea. A short disclosure page that explains your affiliate relationships helps with trust and AdSense reviews. Link it in the footer alongside your other policy pages.

How disclosures help your business

Disclosure is not just compliance. It also:

• Builds credibility
• Reduces refunds and complaints
• Sets reader expectations

Readers do not mind affiliate links when you are honest and helpful.

What to include on a disclosure page

Keep it short and simple:

• Explain that some links are affiliate links
• State that you may earn a commission
• Clarify that opinions are your own

Link this page in the footer so it is easy to find.

Sample placement block

If you want a simple reusable block, use this at the top of posts:

"Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you."

Wording patterns that stay clear

Use language that explicitly says you may earn a commission. Here are three safe patterns:

• Short: "This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them."
• Contextual: "We tested these tools ourselves. Some links are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission."
• Review-style: "If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps fund our testing."

Avoid phrases like "partner link" or "supported by readers" without the word "commission" or "affiliate".

Placement by page template

Different page layouts change where the disclosure should live:

• Top 10 or list posts: Place the disclosure above the first list item, not buried after a table of contents.
• Comparison tables: Put the disclosure immediately above the table so the reader sees it before scanning prices.
• Product reviews: Put a short disclosure above the summary box or star rating.
• Gift guides or seasonal picks: Use a short disclosure near the intro and another short line before the first product grid.
• Deals or coupon pages: Use a visible disclosure at the top and keep the wording extra direct.

If a reader can make a buying decision without seeing the disclosure, it is not placed well.

Visual design tips that build trust

Disclosures do not need to be ugly. They should be readable, consistent, and easy to spot:

• Use the same font size as body text
• Add a subtle background or border to make it stand out
• Keep it above the first affiliate link, not below
• Avoid tiny footnotes or muted gray text

A clean disclosure block can look like a helpful note, not legal clutter.

How to automate disclosures in WordPress

If you publish frequently, automate the placement so you never forget:

• Create a reusable block in the block editor and insert it at the top of affiliate posts
• Use a shortcode if you want to add it inside specific sections
• Add a theme template part that appears above product tables
• For advanced setups, hook into the_content and insert a disclosure before the first affiliate link

Automation keeps disclosures consistent across your site and reduces errors during busy publishing weeks.

How disclosures support SEO and conversions

Search engines do not reward disclosure directly, but they do reward trust signals:

• Clear disclosures reduce complaints and refunds
• Transparent recommendations lead to better engagement
• Readers are more likely to return when they trust your intent

In the long run, honesty is a growth strategy, not just a compliance task.

International readers and platform policies

Even if your audience is global, the safest approach is to disclose everywhere. Many platforms and ad networks expect it:

• Large marketplaces often require disclosure for affiliate participation
• Social platforms can limit reach if they think a post is misleading
• Email providers may flag messages with commercial links and no context

If you are unsure about specific regional rules, a simple, visible disclosure still keeps you on the safe side. Think of it as a universal trust marker that works across locations and platforms.

Original insight you can replicate

Example you can run on your next article:

1. Draft a 5-bullet outline from reader questions.
2. Publish with a short intro and one concrete example section.
3. Ask one reader to find the answer in under 30 seconds.

Decision rule: If they struggle, tighten the intro and headings before the next post.

FAQ

Do I need to disclose if links are nofollow? Yes. No-follow is for SEO, not disclosure.

Do I have to disclose if I did not get paid? If the link is an affiliate link, yes.

Is one disclosure enough for the whole site? No. Each post or page with affiliate links should have a visible disclosure.

What about sponsored products or free samples? If you received a product for free, disclose that too. The reader should know about any relationship that could affect your recommendation.

Do I need a disclosure in product comparison tables? Yes. Place it above the table or directly before the first comparison so it is seen before decisions are made.

Can I use a shortened disclosure on social media? Yes. Use #ad or #affiliate and keep it near the link so it is visible without clicks.

Do I need disclosures on landing pages or resource pages? If the page includes affiliate links or promotes products you earn from, add a short disclosure near the top. Visitors often land directly on those pages, so they should see the relationship immediately.

Quick checklist

• Disclosure near the top of the post
• Simple language, no legal fluff
• Disclosure on email and social posts too
• A full disclosure page linked in the footer

Clear disclosure protects you and builds trust. That trust makes your recommendations more effective long term.