If you read blogs or follow content creators online, you might notice some posts mention affiliate links or have a disclosure statement. This type of notice comes from rules set by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States. The FTC wants to make sure you know when a website, blog, or influencer could make money from something you might buy or click online.
As a writer and creator, I choose to share affiliate disclosures to stay transparent and keep trust with my readers. I also want you to feel confident that the information I share is honest, even if I might earn a small reward from links on my site. Transparency helps build trust between readers and writers, and my aim is to always let you know when there is a potential for compensation.
What is an Affiliate Link?
An affiliate link is a special web link that tracks when someone clicks on it and makes a purchase. If you use an affiliate link from my site, you are taken to a product page on another website, not mine. If you buy something on that site, I might receive a small commission or a referral fee. This does not change the price of the item for you, and there is no extra cost to use my affiliate links.
Affiliate links are used across social media, blogs, and more. These links help support the time and work it takes to run a website or provide helpful content. By clicking and making a purchase through an affiliate link, you are supporting creators like me without paying anything extra out of your own pocket.
How Affiliate Programs Work
I participate in a few different affiliate programs. The most common program is through large online stores, like Amazon. Here is how it works:
Amazon affiliate links: My website is a part of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This program pays a small amount when someone purchases a product through a special Amazon link from my site. If you see a link on my website that takes you to an Amazon product, there is a good chance it is an affiliate link. If you end up buying anything from Amazon after using my link, I might earn a small percentage of that sale. Even if you buy something else after clicking my link, I could still receive a commission.
Amazon affiliate links are not “pay per click.” I only earn something if you actually buy a product after clicking through my link. Links that look like amazon.com/… or astore.com/… on my site can usually be considered Amazon affiliate links.
Other product affiliate links: I also share links for ebooks, online courses, or special product bundles from other companies. These work the same way: If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I may receive some compensation. The price you pay is still the same as if you bought it without using my link. I do not get paid just for you clicking the link; the company only pays me if you decide to buy something.
Affiliate programs can cover a variety of products and services, from household items to digital tools. Joining these programs is common among bloggers and influencers because it is an easy way to support their work. Whenever you stumble upon an affiliate link, you are helping continue the creator’s work and growth.
Sponsored Content
I do not write sponsored posts because I want to keep the information on my site straightforward and unbiased. If a time ever comes when I do share sponsored content, you will always see a clear note at the very beginning of that post so you will know.
Sponsored content is different from affiliate links. With sponsored content, the creator is paid up front to create a specific post or review. For now, I prefer to focus on sharing products and services I genuinely use and like, rather than being paid by companies to say positive things. If this changes, my goal is to always put it out there so you have all the information and can make your own decision.
Wrapping up, affiliate links and disclosures are a part of responsible and honest content creation. They help keep things open between creators and their readers. If you ever have questions about how links or recommendations work on myownhomebusiness.com, please feel free to ask. Thank you for supporting my site and for being a part of this community.