Automatically add an affiliate disclosure by placing a clear, plain-language notice in the part of your blog that renders the post, immediately before or beside the first affiliate recommendation or link. Configure it to appear on posts with affiliate content, run it for new and updated posts, and let editors override it for unusual layouts. A sitewide footer or disclosure page alone does not put the notice where readers need it.
Where should an automatic disclosure appear?
Put the notice where readers encounter the endorsement: ideally immediately before the first paragraph containing an affiliate recommendation, or inside the review or product component that displays the link. It should be clear, conspicuous, and understandable in context. A notice hidden in terms of service or behind a poorly labeled hyperlink is not enough. The FTC’s guidance explains these expectations: FTC Endorsement Guides: What People Are Asking.
Use wording that makes the financial relationship plain, such as: “I may earn a commission if you buy through links in this post.” Do not rely on “affiliate link” alone; the FTC FAQ questions whether that phrase communicates the relationship adequately.
Choose an insertion method that fits your blog
The right implementation depends on how posts are built and how reliably the system can identify affiliate content. Compare the options against placement, targeting, rendering, update behavior, exceptions, and auditability.
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| Method | Best fit | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Post template | Blogs with a consistent post layout | Can it place the disclosure near the first recommendation, target only relevant posts, render clearly on mobile, and support a per-post override? |
| Content block or review component | Posts assembled from reusable blocks or product-review components | Does the block travel with the endorsement and appear in every relevant layout and output format? |
| Link-detection middleware | Blogs whose affiliate links can be identified by domain or link attribute | Does detection cover all affiliate links, including newly added ones, and can editors inspect matches and exceptions? |
These are implementation patterns, not guarantees of compliance. Whichever you choose, confirm that readers can notice the rendered disclosure beside the endorsement. FTC guidance says platform disclosure tools might not be adequate by themselves: FTC update on the revised Endorsement Guides.
Set up the automation
- Approve one disclosure string. Use direct wording that tells readers you may earn a commission from a purchase. Keep it understandable without requiring readers to interpret industry shorthand.
- Choose a reliable insertion boundary. Place the notice immediately before the first affiliate recommendation, or within the component that renders the recommendation and link. Avoid placing it only at the bottom of the post.
- Define how affiliate content is detected. Use a controlled list of affiliate domains, link attributes, or designated CMS blocks. Add a disclosure only when a post contains affiliate content, so posts without it do not receive irrelevant commercial notices.
- Apply the rule to edits as well as new posts. An existing post can gain affiliate links during an update. Make sure the same rendering rule runs when content is edited or published again.
- Provide an editorial override. Allow an editor to suppress or replace the automatic notice when a special layout requires it, and record exceptions for review.
- Check the rendered result. Preview desktop and mobile versions and confirm the disclosure is visible in context. If a recommendation is delivered in another medium, such as voice, provide the disclosure in that medium too.
What Amazon Associates requires
Amazon Associates calls for both a disclosure near affiliate links or reviews and a site identification statement. Amazon gives examples of near-link disclosures including “(paid link),” “#ad,” and “#CommissionsEarned.” Its required site statement is: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.” See Amazon Associates disclosure requirements and the Amazon Associates Operating Agreement.
Include the site statement in the appropriate site-level location, but do not treat it as a substitute for the disclosure near the endorsement or link. If an Amazon recommendation appears in another medium, Amazon says the disclosure should appear in that medium as well: Amazon Associates disclosure requirements.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Verify the rule across posts and formats
- Open a post with an affiliate link and check that the disclosure appears before or beside the recommendation.
- Check a post without affiliate content to confirm the notice is not added unnecessarily.
- Update an older post by adding an affiliate link and confirm the disclosure appears after the update.
- Review mobile rendering and any alternative presentation of the recommendation, including audio or voice, where applicable.
- Inspect posts with an editorial override so an exception does not silently remove a needed notice.
- Retest after changing templates, blocks, link rules, or publishing workflows.
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