Practical guidance · illustrative examples · not legal or financial advice
The relationship should not be a surprise
If someone can earn commission from a recommendation, that can affect how a customer evaluates it. Tell the customer clearly near the recommendation. Do not hide the relationship in a profile page, distant terms link or a long list of unrelated hashtags. The right disclosure depends on the channel, audience and applicable law.
Use plain words
A useful example is: “I may earn a commission if you buy through this link.” For a local offer: “I may earn a referral reward if you use this offer and make a qualifying purchase.” These are examples, not approved legal language for every context. Do not imply the customer pays more or receives a benefit unless that is true.
Put the explanation where people will notice
For a post, place the disclosure with the recommendation rather than only after a truncated caption. For video or audio, consider how the audience receives the message, not just a text description they may never open. For a QR flyer, explain the reward relationship next to the offer. A platform link alone is not a clear disclosure.
Be truthful about the product
Only describe real experiences and authorized offer terms. Do not invent results, claim guaranteed earnings, hide exclusions or encourage fake reviews. Receiving a benefit or commission does not excuse misleading claims. If your business provides approved content, keep it accurate and require partners to preserve disclosure rather than remove it.
Give partners a reviewable standard
Include disclosure expectations in the program agreement and approved materials. Review how partners describe offers, and ask for corrections when conditions change. Partners still control their own posts; the business is responsible for managing the agreement and any applicable oversight duties. The platform does not certify legal compliance.
Read the primary guidance
The FTC’s Endorsement Guides FAQ explains material connections, clear disclosures and advertiser/endorser responsibilities in the US. Its consumer privacy guidance is relevant when campaigns collect customer information. Other jurisdictions and regulated industries may have additional rules. Get qualified advice for your circumstances rather than relying on this guide as legal advice.