How to Create a Legally Compliant Affiliate Disclosure Page for Your Blog

Feature image showing a blogger’s laptop with 'How to Create a Legally Compliant Affiliate Disclosure Page for Your Blog' title and compliance icons

Introduction

Creating a legally compliant affiliate disclosure page for your blog is one of the most important steps for every blogger using affiliate marketing. Your readers deserve transparency, and a legally compliant affiliate disclosure protects both your brand and your earnings by meeting global guidelines such as FTC, GDPR, and Amazon Associates requirements.

Yet many bloggers overlook this crucial page or treat it like a small footer note — which is a big mistake. Your disclosure doesn’t just keep you safe; it builds trust, credibility, and long-term authority in your niche.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to create a clear, compliant, and reader-friendly affiliate disclosure page that satisfies legal standards and improves transparency across your blog.

How to Create a Legally Compliant Affiliate Disclosure Page for Your Blog
Step-by-step guide to creating a legally compliant affiliate disclosure page for your blog.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is an Affiliate Disclosure & Why It Matters
  2. Legal Requirements You Must Follow (FTC, GDPR, Amazon & More)
  3. Where to Place Your Affiliate Disclosures on Your Blog
  4. How to Write a Legally Compliant Affiliate Disclosure Page
  5. Sample Affiliate Disclosure Page You Can Copy
  6. Best Practices to Increase Trust & Credibility
  7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
  8. Final Checklist Before Publishing Your Disclosure Page

Next Post will be: “How to Promote Affiliate Products Without a Website


1. What Is an Affiliate Disclosure & Why It Matters

An affiliate disclosure is a short statement that tells your readers you may earn a commission when they purchase products through links on your blog. It’s simple, honest, and mandatory.

Why it matters:

  • Legal protection: The FTC (USA) legally requires it.
  • Trust building: Readers appreciate honesty and transparency.
  • Compliance with affiliate programs: Amazon and other programs strictly enforce disclosure visibility.
  • Better user experience: Transparency leads to long-term engagement and loyalty.

If you earn ANY income from affiliate links, you cannot skip this page. Even if your blog is brand-new, adding a disclosure from the start makes you look professional and trustworthy.


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Different countries and affiliate networks have rules you must follow. Here are the essentials:

FTC Guidelines (United States)

  • Disclosures must be clear and conspicuous
  • They must appear before or near any affiliate link
  • They must be written in simple, understandable language

Example acceptable phrases:

  • “I may earn a commission if you purchase through my links.”
  • “This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.”

Amazon Associates Program Rules

Amazon is strict. Your disclosure must:

  • Appear on every page where Amazon links are used
  • Include this exact sentence (word-for-word):

“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

GDPR Compliance (Europe)

If you use cookies for tracking:

  • You must inform users
  • You need cookie consent for affiliate marketing networks
  • You must include a privacy policy

Global Regulations

Countries like Canada, UK, and Australia also require transparency.
To stay compliant with all regions:

  • Keep your disclosure page simple
  • Write in clear language
  • Display disclosures at the right places (explained next)
Infographic illustration of affiliate disclosure legal requirements including FTC, Amazon, and GDPR
Visual guide to understanding the legal requirements for affiliate disclosures across different programs and regions.

3. Where to Place Your Affiliate Disclosures on Your Blog

A single disclosure page isn’t enough. You must place disclosures in multiple locations.

1. A Dedicated Affiliate Disclosure Page

This is the page you’re creating today. It explains:

  • Your affiliate relationships
  • How commissions work
  • Your promise of transparency
  • Your compliance with legal guidelines

2. At the Beginning of Blog Posts

Before any affiliate link appears.

Example:
“This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.”

3. Near Affiliate Links

Short reminders like:

  • “(affiliate link)”
  • “(paid link)”

4. Footer

A small note such as:
“Some links on this website may be affiliate links.”

By placing disclosures in these areas, you become fully compliant everywhere.


4. How to Write a Legally Compliant Affiliate Disclosure Page

Your disclosure page should be simple, clear, and transparent. Here’s what to include:

1. A Clear Statement of Affiliate Relationships

Explain that your blog uses affiliate links and that you earn commissions.

2. An Explanation of How Affiliate Links Work

Let readers know that clicking these links may lead to a purchase and potential commission.

3. Transparency About Cost

Make it clear that there is no extra cost to the reader.

4. A Commitment to Honesty

Tell your audience that commissions do not influence your recommendations.

5. Mention of Specific Affiliate Programs

Especially Amazon Associates.

6. A Note About Cookies (if used)

Briefly inform readers if affiliate tracking uses cookies.

7. A Link to Your Privacy Policy

For GDPR and general transparency.


5. Sample Affiliate Disclosure Page You Can Copy

Here is a professionally written disclosure you can paste into your site (modify as needed):

Blogger creating an affiliate disclosure page on a laptop with checklist and notes
Illustration showing a blogger drafting a legally compliant affiliate disclosure page for their blog.

Affiliate Disclosure

The purpose of LinkSpanner.com is to provide valuable tips, tutorials, and guides to help bloggers, creators, and digital entrepreneurs grow online. To support the cost of running this website, some of the links you click on may be affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you — if you make a purchase through those links.

I only promote products or services that I personally trust, use, or believe will be helpful for my readers. However, please note that my recommendations are based on my own experience and research; the final decision is always yours.

Amazon Associates Disclosure

LinkSpanner.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Transparency Commitment

Commission earnings do not influence the content, opinions, or recommendations shared on this website. My priority is always to provide honest, accurate, and helpful information.

Use of Cookies

Some affiliate programs may use cookies to track clicks or purchases. These cookies help determine commissions. Please refer to my Privacy Policy for more details.

If you have any questions regarding this disclosure, feel free to contact me through the Contact page.


This template covers all global compliance requirements and maintains a friendly, trustworthy tone.


6. Best Practices to Increase Trust & Credibility

  • Write in simple, easy-to-understand language
  • Avoid legal jargon
  • Place disclosures before affiliate links
  • Keep your disclosure page up to date
  • Only promote products you truly believe in
  • Mention if you have tested or used products yourself
  • Be transparent about sponsorships and paid partnerships

Honesty strengthens your brand and increases conversions.


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7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many bloggers unintentionally violate regulations. Avoid these mistakes:

❌ Hiding the disclosure at the bottom of the post
❌ Using tiny font or light colors
❌ Only publishing one disclosure page with no inline disclosures
❌ Copying complicated legal wording readers can’t understand
❌ Forgetting Amazon’s required sentence
❌ Not updating the disclosure when joining new programs

Being compliant is simple — you just need consistency.


8. Final Checklist Before Publishing

Use this checklist to verify compliance:

  • Dedicated Affiliate Disclosure Page
  • Inline disclosure at top of posts
  • Amazon Associates required sentence
  • Clear language
  • Visible text (normal font size and color)
  • Cookie notice (if applicable)
  • Link to Privacy Policy
  • Date of last update

Once this checklist is complete, your blog is fully compliant and trustworthy.

Checklist illustration summarizing best practices for a legally compliant affiliate disclosure page
Visual checklist highlighting key steps to create a legally compliant affiliate disclosure page for your blog.

Next Post : “How to Promote Affiliate Products Without a Website

Your affiliate journey doesn’t stop here.

In the next post, you’ll learn how to promote affiliate products even if you don’t have a website — using platforms like social media, Pinterest, Quora, Medium, and more.

If you’ve been struggling to drive clicks, build traffic, or get your first commission, don’t miss the next guide. It will show you step-by-step techniques beginners use to earn without relying on a blog.

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