How do I ensure my affiliate link insertion with a link cloaker is compliant with FTC disclosure rules?

To stay compliant with FTC disclosure rules when using affiliate links and a link cloaker, the main goal is simple: make it obvious to users that you may earn a commission from the link. A cloaked link is fine if it doesn’t hide or mislead the user about the commercial nature of the link.

Here’s a practical checklist:

1) Disclose the affiliate relationship clearly

Your disclosure should say, in plain language, that:

• you may earn a commission
• at no extra cost to the user, if true
• if the user purchases through the link

Example:

• “This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.”

Avoid vague terms like:

• “sponsored”
• “partner links”
• “support my site” unless you also explain what they mean.

2) Put the disclosure near the link

The FTC wants disclosures to be clear and conspicuous. That usually means:

• close to the affiliate link
• before the user clicks
• not buried in a footer, sidebar, or separate page

Good placements:

• at the top of the post
• directly before a product recommendation section
• next to a call-to-action that contains affiliate links

3) Don’t let the cloaked URL obscure the destination

A link cloaker can be used for tracking or cleaner URLs, but:

• don’t make it look like a non-affiliate or internal-only link if it leads to a merchant
• don’t use a cloaked URL in a way that misrepresents the destination
• if the context matters, make it clear the link is affiliate/tracking-based

4) Use clear link labeling when possible

If the link itself is affiliate-related, consider labeling it:

• “Buy on Amazon (affiliate link)”
• “Check price — affiliate link”

This is especially useful in lists, tables, and buttons.

5) Make disclosures visible on mobile too

The disclosure must be clear on all devices:

• visible without excessive scrolling
• not hidden behind collapsible elements unless immediately obvious
• readable on mobile screens

6) Don’t rely on a site-wide disclosure alone

A general “affiliate disclosure” in your footer or terms is usually not enough by itself. You still need disclosure in the context where the affiliate link appears.

7) Use the disclosure before the user is encouraged to click

A disclosure placed after the link, or only on a checkout page, is generally too late. Users should understand the relationship before engaging.

8) Keep it honest and accurate

Only say what’s true:

• if you earn a commission, say so
• if you don’t know whether a commission applies, don’t claim “no extra cost” unless you’re sure
• don’t say “I only recommend products I use” unless that’s actually true

9) If you do email/social, follow those platform and FTC rules too

For social posts, disclosures should be:

• upfront
• obvious
• not hidden behind “more” links
• in a format suitable for the platform

Good disclosure examples

• “Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links.”
• “Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
• “This link is an affiliate link, which means I may receive a commission if you buy.”

Poor disclosure examples

• “Some links may be sponsored.”
• “FYI, this site has links.”
• Disclosure only in the footer
• Disclosure hidden in terms and conditions

Practical rule of thumb

If an average user can’t tell, before clicking, that the link may financially benefit you, the disclosure is probably not strong enough.

If you want, I can also give you:

1. a website disclosure template,
2. a blog post disclosure example, or
3. a button/link label template for cloaked affiliate links.