Why Legal Disclaimers Are Essential for Affiliate Websites
Affiliate marketing is a powerful way to earn online, but it comes with responsibilities — legal ones. If you’re promoting products and earning commissions through affiliate links, you’re required by law (especially in the United States and European Union) to disclose that relationship to your audience.
Failing to include proper affiliate disclaimers can lead to fines, penalties, and loss of audience trust.
What Is an Affiliate Disclaimer?
An affiliate disclaimer (also known as an FTC disclosure) is a statement that informs users you earn a commission when they click on affiliate links and make a purchase. This ensures transparency and honesty, which builds credibility with your readers.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), any “material connection” between an endorser and a seller must be clearly disclosed.
Where Should You Place Affiliate Disclaimers?
To stay compliant and build trust, your affiliate disclosure should be:
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Clear and conspicuous
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Placed above or near affiliate links
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Included on every page or post that contains affiliate links
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Written in plain, understandable language
Recommended Places:
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Top of blog posts
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Sidebar or footer (as a global disclaimer)
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Before or after product recommendations
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On your Privacy Policy or Legal page
How to Write an Affiliate Disclaimer (Templates Included)
Here are a few simple and compliant affiliate disclaimer examples you can copy and adapt.
Short Disclaimer for Blog Posts:
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Longer Version for Legal Page:
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This comes at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and services I trust and believe will provide value to my readers.
Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer (Required by Amazon):
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
How to Add the Disclaimer to Your Website (Step-by-Step)
1. Add a Disclaimer Banner or Notice
Use a text block or notification banner at the top of your posts or pages with affiliate links.
WordPress Tip: Use a plugin like WP Legal Pages or Insert Headers and Footers to add global notices.
2. Create a Dedicated “Disclaimer” or “Legal” Page
This page should include:
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Your affiliate disclosure
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Terms of use
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Privacy policy
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Contact information
Link to this page in your footer so it appears on all pages.
3. Add Inline Disclaimers in Posts
Whenever you mention a product or link, insert a short note like:
Note: I may earn a commission from links on this page.
4. Use Affiliate Disclosure Plugins (Optional)
For ease and automation, consider plugins like:
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Pretty Links (includes disclosure options)
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AffiliateWP
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ThirstyAffiliates
Tips for Staying Compliant
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Don’t hide disclosures in small font or behind pop-ups
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Use simple, honest language
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Update disclaimers when your affiliate relationships change
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Always disclose before the first affiliate link appears
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Apply disclosures consistently on social media, emails, and YouTube as well
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Business and Build Trust
Adding a legal disclaimer to your affiliate website is not optional — it’s a must for staying legally compliant and maintaining transparency with your audience. The good news? It’s quick and easy to implement.
A well-written affiliate disclaimer doesn’t just protect you — it actually builds trust with your readers and increases your long-term conversions.