Many of you know I’m a fan of the fine print.
Not that I actually like the fine print, but I make sure I totally understand the fine print to every deal and offer. If the rules specify “X”, then I’m doing “X”.
That brings us to today’s post about affiliate links and disclosures.
FTC guidelines say that disclosures should be clear and conspicuous and before any hyperlinks.
I’ve interpreted this to mean, if an affiliate link is in a post or if I was compensated in any way, I disclose this at the top of my post. An example is my Fairmont Chateau Laurier Review.
If there are no affiliate links in a post, but someone might think I get compensated, the disclosure will be at the bottom of the post. As I’ve done in this post.
Update: To make it easier on me, I’m including a disclosure on all posts. Regardless of whether or not there’s an affiliate link in the post.
This will save me time and ensure that when there is an affiliate relationship, it’s properly disclosed.
Where I’m Going With This
As a freelance writer, I earn a living writing. What pays the mortgage isn’t my published writing, but my work as a ghostwriter and editor. This blog was started as a platform for my published travel writing but has evolved.
I’ve missed writing for myself, in my own voice. So I’ve started writing for myself again and in the process, was approached to add credit card affiliate links on the blog.
As of yesterday, affiliate links were added to some of the credit card tabs.
Will Every Post Be A Linking Ad Fest
Being a credit card affiliate isn’t going to change how I write or how often I post.
You may start seeing more posts (like when I started the blog), but the content will remain the same.
I’m not going to post just to pimp a credit card. But if an offer comes out or a new feature is added, I’ll tell you about, just like before. The only difference, if you use one of my links I might get compensated. Aside from that, it will be business as usual.
And if there’s a better credit card offer, I’ll tell you straight up.
Does An Affiliate Link Cost You Anything
In a word, no.
Usually (keyword), the credit card signup offers are the same whether or not you use an affiliate link. Using an affiliate link doesn’t cost you anything and gives me and the other bloggers a little bit in the way of compensation.
If there’s a better offer than my affiliate link, I’m going to tell you. And I want you to tell me if you find a better offer.
Product Reviews and Press Trips
As a travel writer, I’m fortunate to get invited on press trips. While a portion of or all of a trip may have been compensated, blog posts about the trip are not.
If I had a great time or if it wasn’t the trip of a lifetime, the blog post will reflect that.
The same can be said about product reviews.
I’m not going to sugar coat anything or gloss over the details. If something was amazing or could have been better, I’m going to say so. Because I’d want someone to tell me.
That about sums it up. If you have any questions, let me know.
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Pitcairn island, Davos, Teton, Hyatt, US Air to leave * Alliance March 1st, Starwood Gold, Big Habitat, Liu Bolin, humpheads | TravelBloggerBuzz
Friday 22nd of November 2013
[…] Well for Less is adding affiliate links. Another one who is claiming the content is not going to change. I sure hope so but…What I […]