⚖️ Affiliate Disclosure: Why Your Partners Can’t Skip It

Affiliate marketing works because people trust recommendations. But trust disappears when you don’t disclose paid partnerships. That’s why the FTC requires clear affiliate disclosures. If your affiliates fail to disclose, you and your partners risk fines, legal trouble, and lost credibility.

This guide explains why affiliate disclosures matter, what they should look like, and how you can enforce them with your affiliates.

What Is an Affiliate Disclosure? An affiliate disclosure is a short statement that makes it clear when a publisher earns compensation from promoting a product. Compensation can include commission, free products, flat fees, or sponsorships.

The purpose is simple: let consumers know the endorsement isn’t purely organic. It’s part of a business relationship.

Why Affiliate Disclosures Are Mandatory 

The FTC Endorsement Guidelines, first published in 2009, state that:

• Affiliates must disclose paid relationships.

• Brands are also liable if affiliates fail to disclose.

• Violations can lead to fines, penalties, and bad press.

Even if the FTC doesn’t run daily checks, they pursue serious violations. You can’t afford to ignore this.

Why Disclosures Build Trust With Audiences

Legal compliance is one side. Trust is the other. When affiliates disclose, they show transparency. Audiences appreciate honesty, which makes them more likely to click links and convert. Clear disclosures are good for business.

How to Help Affiliates Add Disclosures Correctly

Not every affiliate knows how to write disclosures. Make it easy for them:

• Provide sample disclosure text in your terms and conditions.

• Create a simple guide or FAQ on disclosure requirements.

• Remind affiliates in newsletters and onboarding materials.

• Pin a compliance reminder inside your affiliate community group.

• Offer webinars or short training sessions for new partners.

Your affiliates want to stay compliant. Help them get there.

What a Proper Affiliate Disclosure Looks Like

The FTC says disclosures must be clear and easy to understand. Avoid vague or hidden language.

Bad: “Check our disclosure policy for details.” 

Good: “I earn a commission if you buy through these links. This comes at no extra cost to you.”

Affiliates can adjust the tone to match their style, as long as clarity isn’t lost.

Where to Place a Disclosure 

Placement matters. According to FTC guidelines:

• The disclosure must appear before the first affiliate link.

• It must be visible on both desktop and mobile.

• General “Disclosure” links in the footer or sidebar are not enough.

• For video or audio content, it must be spoken or shown clearly at the start.

• On social media, acceptable tags include #ad or #sponsored (but not vague ones like #affiliate or #collab).

Recommended Tools to Simplify Compliance

 You can suggest plugins and tools to affiliates who use WordPress:

• WP Affiliate Disclosure – customizable placement options.

• FMTC Affiliate Disclosure – automatically adds FTC-compliant text.

• WP AutoTerms – covers disclosures along with GDPR/CCPA compliance.

How to Enforce Compliance 

As a brand, you are responsible for monitoring affiliates.

• Review your partners’ websites regularly.

• Flag missing or unclear disclosures.

• Remove affiliates who repeatedly fail to comply.

• Define what affiliates can and cannot say about your brand.

This protects your reputation and avoids legal issues.

Goldmine Secret Tip: Turn Disclosures Into a Trust-Building Asset 

Most affiliates treat disclosures as a dull legal obligation. Smart affiliates use them as an opportunity to connect with their audience.

Example: “I only recommend products I’ve tested and love. If you buy through my links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. That helps me keep creating free guides like this.”

This turns compliance into credibility — strengthening trust instead of weakening it.

Final Takeaway 

Affiliate disclosures aren’t optional. They’re a legal requirement and a trust-building tool. As a brand, make compliance easy for your affiliates with templates, training, and reminders. Then monitor and enforce. Done right, disclosures protect your business and boost conversions.