Being clear about affiliate relationships on my website is key for being open with you as a reader. Since 2015, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires web publishers to give affiliate disclosures. These rules help you know whenever I might receive compensation if you click a link or buy something I mention. Staying open about these connections means you can make informed choices and know exactly how the site works behind the scenes.
Any time you come across product recommendations or links on MYWEBSITE.com, you should keep in mind that those could be affiliate links. That means if you click and make a purchase, I might get a commission. I want to be upfront about this because your trust is important to me. Affiliate links help keep the site running and let me keep making helpful content, all without raising your costs.
How Affiliate Links Work
An affiliate link is a unique trackable link pointing you to an offer or product on a retailer’s site. When you click an affiliate link from my site, you’re sent right to the shop selling that product. If you decide to buy after clicking, the retailer pays me a small part of the sale, or sometimes another bit of compensation, as a thank you for sending traffic their way.
Your price stays the same when you use an affiliate link. The cost to you is identical as if you’d found the site on your own. Any affiliate rewards come out of the retailer’s advertising budget, not your own wallet. You never pay extra because you used my site’s recommendation. This is a popular way for sites to support themselves while still giving honest advice.
Main Affiliate Programs I Use
Amazon Associates
MYWEBSITE.com is part of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This setup lets me earn small commissions by linking to amazon.com and its products. If you click an Amazon affiliate link and put something in your cart within 24 hours, I might receive a small reward if you complete your purchase. Again, clicking the link never increases your price, and I only get compensated if you actually buy.
Any link on my site that heads to “amazon.com/…” may be an Amazon affiliate link. If you browse and grab other items after clicking my link, Amazon may also offer me a small commission from those additional purchases. This helps support content creation and website maintenance, making it easy for you to find recommendations I honestly stand behind.
Other Product Affiliates
I also use affiliate programs for digital products, software, ebooks, and other resources. When you click on these links and grab the recommended item, I may get a small commission or other benefit. As always, using my links won’t add anything to your cost, and I work hard to only feature things I genuinely like or have personally tested. My goal is to keep things helpful and worthwhile, putting in the effort to double-check the products and services I suggest.
Sponsored Content and Ads
I don’t publish paid sponsored posts unless it’s clearly pointed out at the top. My goal is to share honest advice built on my own experiences, not to promote things just because I’m paid. If I ever feature a sponsored post or receive payment to write something, you’ll see a clear notice at the start, so you know exactly what’s what from the outset.
Why Affiliate Disclosures Matter
Being straightforward about how affiliate links work lets you make smart decisions about what you click and buy. This open practice helps build trust between us, and keeps the content out in the open. You should always know where your clicks might lead and how they support the site. If you have questions about any product suggestion or want to check in on my affiliate policy, you’re always welcome to ask me for details. I appreciate your support and want you to feel good about every visit.