As a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, it's essential to include a clear and conspicuous affiliate disclaimer on your website to comply with both Amazon's policies and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines. Here's how you can effectively implement this:
1. Required Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer:
Amazon mandates that you display the following statement on your site:
"As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases."
This exact wording or a substantially similar phrase must be present on any page where Amazon affiliate links are used.
2. Placement of the Disclaimer:
The disclaimer should be placed in a location where users can easily notice it, such as:
Near Affiliate Links or Product Reviews: Position the disclaimer close to any affiliate links or product reviews to ensure users are aware of your association with Amazon.
At the Beginning or End of Content: Including the disclaimer at the start or conclusion of your content ensures visibility.
Website Footer: For site-wide coverage, placing the disclaimer in the footer ensures it's accessible on every page.
3. FTC Compliance:
Beyond Amazon's requirements, the FTC requires that affiliate disclosures be:
Clear and Conspicuous: The disclaimer should be easily noticeable and understandable to the average user.
Proximate to the Affiliate Link: Ideally, the disclosure should appear close to the affiliate link or within the content containing the link, so users are informed before or as they engage with the link.
4. Additional Considerations:
Dedicated Disclosure Page: Creating a separate disclosure page that details all affiliate relationships can enhance transparency. Link to this page from your main navigation or footer.
Social Media and Other Platforms: If you're sharing affiliate links on platforms like social media or email newsletters, ensure that the disclaimer accompanies the link in those mediums as well.
By following these guidelines, you ensure compliance with Amazon's policies and FTC regulations, fostering transparency and trust with your audience.