If you’ve ever browsed a blog or checked out a product review, you’ve probably spotted a notice about affiliate links. These short explanations let you know that the website owner might earn a commission if you buy something through a link on the page. The idea is simple: readers should always know if a recommendation could lead to some earnings for the site owner, so everything is straightforward and upfront.
Following the guidelines set by organizations like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this page includes affiliate disclosures to keep things transparent and honest. Here’s what that means for you as a reader, any time you spot links on this site.
What does “affiliate disclosure” mean?
An affiliate disclosure is basically a heads-up that some links or products mentioned might be part of an affiliate program. If you click a link and buy something, the site owner could earn a commission, usually a small percentage, while the price remains the same for you. It’s a way to spell out the connection between bloggers and the brands or online stores they recommend. Readers get to see any potential financial ties right from the start, building trust and honesty in online content.
For example, you might stumble upon a round-up of gadgets, a book recommendation list, or a how-to guide, all featuring affiliate links. These disclosures pop up so you can make informed choices with no hidden surprises. This way, transparency becomes an important part of the online experience.
How do affiliate links work?
Most affiliate links point to products or services sold on another company’s site. Once you use one of these links, tracking software makes a note of the click and any purchases you make. The blogger or content creator is rewarded for sending traffic or sales to their partners. It might be a small fee per sale, or another perk like free store credit. Affiliate programs are popular; you’ll find them everywhere from major online stores like Amazon to niche brands running their own partnership programs.
There’s no extra fee if you shop through an affiliate link. The price stays exactly the same whether you buy through a regular or affiliate link.
This system makes it easy for creators to keep producing helpful content—since they can earn a small commission every time a reader finds value and makes a purchase.
Common types of affiliate programs
There are plenty of affiliate setups out there, but here are the main categories I often find on blogs and review sites:
1. Amazon affiliate links. Many websites join the Amazon Associates program, which pays out a commission for any products sold through their affiliate links. If you follow a link to Amazon, it might be an affiliate link. Plus, even if you buy something that wasn’t directly linked, the referrer still earns that commission as long as you started from their link.
2. Other affiliate links. Some links send you to brand websites, online courses, digital downloads, or bundles. As long as you purchase after clicking, the site owner earns a percentage or flat fee. The price at checkout stays the same. These links work on a sale basis, unless you see otherwise explained in the content.
3. Specialty and niche programs. Beyond the big platforms, many blogs also use affiliate links for physical products from independent creators, apps, or subscription boxes. These programs are growing fast, thanks to the huge range of brands looking to partner with authentic voices online.
Sponsored content vs. affiliate links
There’s a difference between a sponsored post and a post with affiliate links. I don’t post sponsored content on this site because I value sharing honest, unbiased info. If I ever decide to accept paid sponsorship, you’ll see a clear heads-up at the very beginning of that post so you know it’s sponsored and not just another review or recommendation.
Shopping through affiliate links helps support creators without changing your cost, while sponsored content directly pays for promotional space. By sharing these distinctions, the site aims to keep your trust and help you make savvy choices while you browse.