Within Reviews
Where Should Affiliate Disclosure Appear?
Clear disclosure works best when readers see it before affiliate links shape their buying decision.
On this page
- Why footer only disclosure feels hidden
- What clear commercial intent looks like
- Disclosure examples that protect trust
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Introduction
Affiliate disclosure is most effective when readers see it before a commission-earning link can influence their buying decision. For product review sites, the goal is not simply to satisfy legal requirements but to reinforce trust at the exact moment a reader decides whether to rely on a recommendation. A disclosure hidden in a footer or legal page may technically exist, yet many readers will never see it before clicking an affiliate link. Regulators instead emphasise that disclosures should be clear, conspicuous and placed close to the endorsement or purchasing link so that consumers understand the commercial relationship before acting. [Federal Trade Commission]ftc.govFederal Trade CommissionFTC's Endorsement Guides: What People Are AskingAs for where to place a disclosure, the guiding principle is that…
Within a trusted review site, disclosure is therefore part of the user experience rather than an afterthought. When readers can immediately see that a purchase may generate a commission, they are better able to judge the recommendation on its merits. This transparency strengthens credibility because it removes the impression that the site is trying to conceal its financial incentive.
Why footer-only disclosure feels hidden
Many affiliate sites place a disclosure in the website footer, within a privacy policy or on a separate disclosure page linked from the navigation. While these pages can provide useful legal detail, they are poor places for the primary disclosure because readers typically encounter affiliate recommendations long before they reach the bottom of the page.
The principle reflected in the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Endorsement Guides is that disclosures should be difficult to miss. If readers must search for them, click another page or scroll beyond the affiliate links, the disclosure is unlikely to be considered clear and conspicuous. The FTC specifically advises that disclosures should appear close to the recommendation rather than relying on general site-wide statements. [Federal Trade Commission]ftc.govFederal Trade CommissionFTC's Endorsement Guides: What People Are AskingAs for where to place a disclosure, the guiding principle is that…
From a trust perspective, footer-only disclosures create two avoidable problems:
- They appear designed for legal protection rather than reader understanding.
- They force readers to discover the site’s commercial relationship after they have already been influenced.
- They increase suspicion when readers later realise recommendations generate commission.
- They separate the explanation from the buying decision, reducing its practical value.
Readers generally respond better when commercial intent is acknowledged openly instead of being buried among legal notices.
What clear commercial intent looks like
A useful disclosure is written in ordinary language that readers immediately understand. It should explain that the publisher may receive a commission if the reader buys through certain links without overwhelming the review itself.
Clear wording often looks like this:
This review contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Our opinions remain independent.
This style works because it answers the questions readers naturally have:
- Will clicking this link earn the publisher money?
- Does it cost me anything extra?
- Is the recommendation supposed to be independent?
By contrast, vague statements such as “Some links may be monetised” or simply labelling buttons as “Affiliate Link” assume readers understand industry terminology. Research into affiliate disclosures has shown that short, unexplained labels are frequently misunderstood, while explanatory disclosures improve recognition of commercial relationships. [arXiv]arxiv.orgEndorsements on Social Media: An Empirical Study of Affiliate Marketing Disclosures on YouTube and PinterestSeptember 3, 2018…
Equally important is consistency. A review site should avoid displaying a disclosure only on some reviews while omitting it elsewhere. Consistent placement helps readers understand that the site’s business model is transparent rather than selectively disclosed.
Where readers actually notice disclosures
Placement matters as much as wording. Readers rarely begin with the footer, but they almost always encounter the article introduction, comparison tables and purchase buttons.
For most review articles, the highest-visibility locations include:
- Immediately below the article title or introductory paragraph.
- Directly above the first affiliate comparison table.
- Before the first affiliate button or purchase link.
- Beside buying buttons when multiple calls to action appear throughout a long review.
Long reviews introduce another challenge: readers may enter the page halfway through from search results or jump directly to comparison tables using the table of contents. If affiliate links appear in several sections, repeating a brief disclosure near those sections is often more effective than relying on a single statement at the top of the page. The FTC’s guidance similarly focuses on proximity between the disclosure and the endorsement rather than assuming readers will remember an earlier notice. [Federal Trade Commission]ftc.govFederal Trade CommissionFTC's Endorsement Guides: What People Are AskingAs for where to place a disclosure, the guiding principle is that…
Good placement also considers mobile users. A disclosure visible on desktop may disappear below several screenfuls of content on a phone if it is positioned poorly.
Disclosure examples that protect trust
Readers generally respond best to disclosures that are straightforward, brief and written in plain English. Examples include:
Before the review begins
We independently review products. This page contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.
Above a comparison table
Some retailers below pay us a commission if you buy through these links. This does not affect our ratings or recommendations.
Above purchase buttons
Buying through these links may earn us a commission. Thank you for supporting our reviews.
These examples work because they explain the financial relationship without interrupting the reading experience. They also avoid exaggerated claims such as “This has absolutely no influence whatsoever,” which readers may view sceptically if unsupported by the site’s editorial practices.
Transparency supports both compliance and credibility
Disclosure placement is often discussed as a compliance issue, but readers experience it as a trust signal. An obvious disclosure tells visitors that the publisher expects scrutiny and is comfortable revealing how the site earns money.
That transparency becomes even more persuasive when combined with other trustworthy review practices, such as explaining testing methods, highlighting product weaknesses and showing why one recommendation suits a particular type of buyer rather than simply promoting the highest-paying affiliate programme.
For affiliate review sites, the strongest disclosure is neither hidden nor distracting. It appears exactly where readers need it—before a commercial recommendation influences their decision—and explains the relationship in language that anyone can understand. That approach aligns regulatory expectations with what genuinely builds long-term reader confidence. [Federal Trade Commission+2Manatt]ftc.govFederal Trade CommissionFTC's Endorsement Guides: What People Are AskingAs for where to place a disclosure, the guiding principle is that…
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Further Reading
Books and field guides related to Where Should Affiliate Disclosure Appear?. Use these as the next step if you want deeper reading beyond the article.
The Complete Guide to Affiliate Marketing on the Web
Covers affiliate marketing practices where disclosure and trust are fundamental.
Everybody Writes
Helps publishers create trustworthy content and communicate clearly with readers.
Trust Me I'm Lying
Explores transparency, credibility, and ethical issues surrounding online influence.
Influence
Provides context for ethical persuasion and why disclosure matters before influencing decisions.
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Endnotes
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Source: ftc.gov
Link: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/ftcs-endorsement-guides-what-people-are-askingSource snippet
Federal Trade CommissionFTC's Endorsement Guides: What People Are AskingAs for where to place a disclosure, the guiding principle is that...
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Source: manatt.com
Title: an in depth look at the ftcs updates 2
Link: https://www.manatt.com/insights/newsletters/advertising-law/an-in-depth-look-at-the-ftcs-updates-2Source snippet
An In-Depth Look at the FTC's Updates to the Endorsement...30 Jul 2023 — The FTC added additional guidance on disclosure of affiliate ma...
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Source: arxiv.org
Link: https://arxiv.org/abs/1809.00620Source snippet
Endorsements on Social Media: An Empirical Study of Affiliate Marketing Disclosures on YouTube and PinterestSeptember 3, 2018...
Published: September 3, 2018
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Source: arxiv.org
Link: https://arxiv.org/abs/1803.08488 -
Source: iubenda.com
Title: affiliate disclosure
Link: https://www.iubenda.com/en/blog/affiliate-disclosure/Source snippet
How to Write an Effective Affiliate Disclosure4 Jun 2026 — According to the FTC, endorsements must reflect the honest opinions and experi...
Additional References
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Source: ecfr.gov
Link: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-255Source snippet
16 CFR Part 255 -- Guides Concerning Use of...The Guides address the application of section 5 of the FTC Act, 15 USC 45, to the use of e...
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Source: federal-lawyer.com
Link: https://federal-lawyer.com/ftc-defense/affiliate-disclosure/Source snippet
Understanding the FTC's Affiliate Disclosure RulesLearn what affiliate marketers and companies need to know about the FTC's affiliate dis...
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Source: adamigo.ai
Link: https://www.adamigo.ai/blog/ultimate-guide-to-ftc-ad-disclosures -
Source: youtube.com
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpYEmQ9njykSource snippet
New FTC Guidelines For Affiliate & Influencer MarketerS Must...New FTC Guidelines For Affiliate & Influencer MarketerS Must Watch Before...
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Source: affiliyo.com
Title: FT C affiliate disclosure rules + copy-paste [templates]({{ ‘templates/’ | relative_url }})
Link: https://affiliyo.com/blog/ftc-affiliate-disclosure-rulesSource snippet
9 Feb 2026 — So is being sent a free product for review, or a paid sponsorship. The disclosure must be, in the FTC's phrasing, "c...
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Source: support.avantlink.com
Title: 211635666 FTC Guidelines for Affiliate Marketing
Link: https://support.avantlink.com/hc/en-us/articles/211635666-FTC-Guidelines-for-Affiliate-MarketingSource snippet
Guidelines for Affiliate Marketing - AvantLink Support28 Jul 2025 — These revised guidelines emphasize: Clear and conspicuous disclosures...
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Source: stalirov.lawyer
Link: https://stalirov.lawyer/en/posts/ftc-affiliate-marketing-complianceSource snippet
FTC Affiliate Marketing & Compliance: Disclosure Rules...7 May 2025 — The FTC views most affiliate marketing activities as endorsements...
Published: May 2025
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Source: postaffiliatepro.com
Title: betting affiliate disclosure requirements
Link: https://www.postaffiliatepro.com/blog/betting-affiliate-disclosure-requirements/Source snippet
Betting Affiliate Disclosure: FTC & International Rules28 Nov 2025 — Disclosures must be clear and conspicuous, meaning they should be ea...
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Source: reddit.com
Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/Affiliatemarketing/comments/e5wr1q/an_elegant_solution_for_affiliate_disclosure/Source snippet
[Amazon]({{ 'amazon/' | relative_url }}), and other affiliate programs are pushing for affiliates...
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Source: youtube.com
Title: How to Disclose Affiliate Links on You Tube, Blogs, or Website — FTC Guidelines
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVjU36qO77ASource snippet
Amazon Associates FTC Disclaimer Update and Guidelines for Blogs, Social Media and YouTube...
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