72 Kilowatts Internet Marketing

Ad Disclosure for Blogging Affiliates

Looking to keep your blog above board, but still be able to promote products with sales driven content?  Easier said than done, and a real sticking point for me when I consider the ethics of blogging products simply to pass consumers through affiliate links.  And while it’s not the answer overall, I’ve found disclosurepolicy.org to be a helpful step.

Here’s their statement on why it’s important:

By disclosing the purpose of a blog, bloggers are letting readers know more about the information they’ll be reviewing. Bloggers retain the freedom to write original content, as well as select which advertisers they will represent in exchange for gifts or money. Any ethical concerns will remain where they’ve always been - on the individual level. Because it is a blogger’s freedom to select which topics will bring them payment, he/she remains responsible for his/her own reputation.

So in generating a disclosure statement, which is quick, easy, and free to do at their site, following it, and by making it easily findable on your blog, you are adding credibility to your words.  You’re letting your readers know what’s an ad, what your opinion is, and what is to the best of your knowledge, truthful.

It might seem unimportant to some affiliates, but I think it’s very important.  It’s what puts one publisher ahead of another in my book.  At the end of the day, your reputation to your advertising partners matters, and with luck and hard work, it will get you into the best programs, and hopefully make you feel better about what you do as well.