Getting "dinged" by the FTC for improper affiliate disclosures isn't just embarrassing – it can cost you thousands in fines and seriously damage your credibility. Yet most creators and marketers are making basic disclosure mistakes without even realizing it.

Here's what you need to know: the FTC doesn't care if you're new to affiliate marketing or if "everyone else is doing it wrong." They expect clear, honest communication with your audience about any financial relationships that could influence your recommendations.

We've analyzed hundreds of affiliate disclosure violations and identified the seven most common mistakes that get people in trouble. More importantly, we'll show you exactly how to fix each one.

Mistake #1: Thinking You're "Too Small" to Need Disclosures

The problem: Many new affiliates assume disclosure rules only apply to big influencers or established businesses. This is completely wrong.

The reality: FTC guidelines apply to everyone who receives compensation for recommendations, regardless of audience size or income level. Whether you make $5 or $5,000 per month, you need proper disclosures.

The fix: Start disclosing from day one. There's no minimum threshold for disclosure requirements. If you're promoting any product or service where you receive compensation – whether that's cash commissions, free products, or even a discount – you must disclose that relationship to your audience.

Mistake #2: Using "Clever" Language That Confuses People

The problem: Too many creators try to be cute with their disclosures. They use terms like "partner," "supporter," or buried legal jargon that nobody understands.

What doesn't work:
• "This post contains partner links"
• "I may receive compensation for qualifying purchases"
• "Some links in this post are monetized"

The fix: Use simple, direct language that your grandmother would understand. Try these instead:

• "I earn a commission when you buy through my links"
• "This company pays me when you purchase their product"
• "I get paid if you click this link and buy something"

The goal is immediate clarity, not legal protection. Your audience should know exactly what happens when they click your links.

Mistake #3: Playing "Hide and Seek" with Your Disclosures ✅

The problem: Burying disclosures in footers, sidebars, or separate "legal" pages means most people will never see them. The FTC considers this deceptive.

Common hiding spots to avoid:
• Website footers
• "About" or "Legal" pages
• Below the fold on long pages
• Tiny text that's hard to read
• Mixed into hashtag clouds on social media

The fix: Make disclosures prominent and impossible to miss. Place them:

• At the top of blog posts before any affiliate content
• In the first three lines of social media captions
• Clearly visible in video descriptions and spoken aloud in videos
• In email subject lines or the first paragraph of newsletters

Use normal-sized text and contrasting colors so disclosures stand out rather than blend in.

Mistake #4: Putting Disclosures After Your Sales Pitch

The problem: Many creators mention compensation only after they've already made their recommendations and included affiliate links. This violates the "clear and conspicuous" standard.

The fix: Always disclose before making recommendations or sharing links. Your audience needs to know about your financial interest before they form opinions about your suggestions.

Good disclosure timing:
• Start blog posts with disclosure statements
• Begin product review videos by mentioning sponsorships
• Lead social media posts with "ad" or "sponsored" tags

This builds trust and ensures people can evaluate your recommendations knowing your potential bias upfront.

Mistake #5: Forgetting About "Hidden" Compensation

The problem: Most creators remember to disclose cash commissions but forget about other valuable benefits they receive.

What counts as compensation that must be disclosed:
• Free products or services
• Discounted pricing
• Sponsored trips or events
• Early access to products
• Exclusive perks or bonuses
• Brand partnership agreements (even without direct payment)

The fix: Disclose all material relationships, not just monetary ones. If receiving something for free could influence your opinion, mention it.

Example disclosures:
• "The company sent me this product for free to review"
• "I attended this event as their guest"
• "I received early access to test this software"

Mistake #6: Inconsistent Disclosures Across Platforms 🧾

The problem: Creators often remember to disclose on their websites but forget about emails, social media, podcasts, or video content.

The fix: Create a disclosure checklist for every platform you use:

Website: Clear disclosure at the top of relevant pages
Email: Mention affiliate relationships in subject lines or first paragraph
Social Media: Start posts with "ad" or "sponsored" tags
YouTube: Include disclosures in video and description
Podcasts: Verbal disclosure at the beginning of episodes
TikTok: Use platform disclosure tools AND add your own text

Consistency protects you and builds audience trust across all touchpoints.

Mistake #7: Relying Only on Platform Disclosure Tools

The problem: Instagram's "Paid Partnership" tag, YouTube's disclosure features, and other platform tools seem convenient, but they're not enough for FTC compliance.

Why platform tools aren't sufficient:
• They're often subtle and easy to miss
• Not all platforms have disclosure features
• FTC requires disclosures that work across sight, sound, and text
• Platform policies change without notice

The fix: Use platform tools as a supplement, not a replacement for clear language. Combine built-in features with your own explicit statements.

Example approach for Instagram:
• Turn on "Paid Partnership" toggle
• Start caption with "AD:" or "SPONSORED:"
• Include clear language about compensation in your post

What the FTC Actually Wants to See

The Federal Trade Commission has three core requirements for affiliate disclosures:

1. Clear: Use simple language anyone can understand
2. Conspicuous: Make disclosures prominent and hard to miss
3. Close: Keep disclosures near the claims they relate to

These aren't suggestions – they're legal requirements that protect consumers and maintain fair competition in the marketplace.

Creating Your Disclosure Strategy

Start by auditing your current content across all platforms. Look for places where you've made recommendations without proper disclosure, then systematically fix each one.

Quick action steps:
• Update website pages with affiliate content
• Review recent social media posts and add missing disclosures
• Check email campaigns for proper affiliate language
• Create disclosure templates for future content

Remember, good disclosures don't hurt conversions when done properly. Being transparent actually builds trust with your audience and can improve long-term performance.

The goal isn't to scare people away from clicking your links – it's to build honest relationships that benefit everyone involved. When your audience trusts your recommendations, they're more likely to act on them.

Disclosure: We think these guidelines will help protect your affiliate marketing business. This post contains our honest recommendations based on FTC guidelines and industry best practices. For complete legal compliance, consider consulting with a qualified attorney familiar with affiliate marketing regulations.