In 2015, the Federal Trade Commission released their new rules for Disclosure Compliance. These rules are set in place to ensure that readers or viewers of web media (blogs, Youtube videos, etc.) know if the blogger/presenter is sponsored, endorsed, or partnered with a different company. In blog terms, the readers need to know if the blogger is making money by sharing a link or product.
In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links and posts on this site: Any/all of the links thegeeksez.com are affiliate links of which I receive a small compensation from sales of certain items.
What are affiliate links?
Purchases are made on external affiliate company websites: When a reader clicks on an affiliate link located on thegeeksez.com to purchase an item, the reader buys the item from the seller directly (not from thegeeksez.com). Amazon and/or other companies pay thegeeksez.com a small commission or other compensation for promoting their website or products through their affiliate program.
Prices are exactly the same for you if your purchase is through an affiliate link or a non-affiliate link. You will not pay more by clicking through to the link.
I use two main types of affiliate programs:
1. Amazon affiliate links.
thegeeksez.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get commission on that sale.
Anytime you see a link that looks like astore.com/… or amazon.com… it can be assumed that it is an Amazon affiliate link.
2. Product affiliate links.
These affiliate links work the same way: if you click the link and buy the product, then the blogger gets a percentage of the sale or some other type of compensation. Things like e-book bundles, e-courses, and online packages are usually affiliate links, as well. Again, prices are not different if you use these affiliate links. You will not pay more by clicking through to the link. These links are not “pay per click”, unless otherwise denoted.
What about sponsored content?
I do not write sponsored posts. I want to bring you real, unbiased information. However, if a post is sponsored by a company and it is a paid sponsorship, I will disclose this clearly in the beginning of the post.
This disclosure is really important for maintaining transparency and trust with your readers! It’s great to see that you’re upfront about your use of affiliate links and how they work. By clearly explaining that you receive compensation through these links, you’re helping your audience understand that you’re sharing products and services you genuinely believe in, while also supporting your site.
Your commitment to providing real, unbiased information without sponsored posts also stands out. Readers are more likely to value your content when they know you’re prioritizing authenticity. Overall, this approach not only adheres to FTC guidelines but also enhances your credibility as a content creator. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for the constructive feedback. I hope you’ll stick around and grow with us!
The Geek Sez
I enjoyed your introduction to your affiliate policy! Indeed, it strengthens your credibility as a businessperson, because you enforce the FTC guidelines. Also, you encourage transparency towards your future readers and potential clients, because you don’t hide that you have subscribed to affiliate programs. The most popular among them is Amazon Affiliates of course. But I hope that the more you grow, the more specific your affiliate programs will be!
Hello Geek Sez,
I appreciate your time and energy in putting together this important piece.
The contents of the article are the crucial factors that can make or mar an online entrepreneur/business.
The section on Affiliate Disclosure shows your high regard for legal guidance and the law, which further shows your commitment to observing all legal protocols in your business dealings.
Your emphasis and explanation on sponsored content shows your audience the level of honesty and integrity as values you have inculcated in your online business.
However, in your next article, would you dedicate a section to the implications of not adhering to the FTC guidance and regulations?
Thanks for sharing this crucial and useful article.
– Makinde
Hi Michelle,
The website does a fantastic job explaining how affiliate links work, ensuring that readers know exactly what happens when they click on a link. What stands out is the site’s commitment to maintaining the same purchase price, whether through an affiliate link or not, which really respects the reader’s choice and budget.
Moreover, the clear distinction between sponsored content and regular posts maintains a high level of trust and integrity, ensuring that all information is unbiased and genuinely aimed at helping the reader. This kind of openness not only complies with FTC guidelines but also builds a strong, trustworthy relationship with the audience.
Best regards,
Eric