Just wondering if majority of us here are following the latest FTC rules. For example, bloggers, and prominent tweeters and Facebook types to disclose any paid endorsements to their followers, online friends and readers. If we were to follow this, where should we disclose that we are receiving commission from the product if the visitors purchase it through the link from our Landing page. Directly at the last paragraph of the review ? or other place?
I just have page on my site that says "disclaimer." It reads something like this: "Product Promotions Let me tell you right now that I do make some commission off all products that I promote through this website.. That’s kinda my job. I’ve taken a huge gamble with my life and decided not to work 9-5 in the city. Why? Because I believe in freedom. Freedom is what training at home gives you: workout anytime, and workout with your own rules. And it’s only natural that I promote the best products in the world in order to achieve both my physical and financial goals. So, enjoy the rest of this site, and I hope you love all the products I promote as much as I do!" You see, it's very conversational, and tells people that I make money off the products I promote. Most people don't care, as long as the product you're selling is of high quality.
Thanks for sharing..... yes, i know customers don't really care whether we are getting paid with commission. I just worry that the FTC rules that i may against it if i didn't disclose that i am earning commission.
Actually, its human instinct NOT to benefit someone else when they're spending their money. Why do you think people started cloaking their affiliate links? If you have the disclaimer somewhere prominent then it'll definitely hurt conversions. Have a disclaimer in the bottom with smaller font than the regular text and phrase the disclaimer somewhat like parths because that sounds genuine like an actual person is talking to you.
From what I have read there is no big fines and its not like they are going to throw you in jail if you break this rule. They said they are only really trying to target the most extreme cases. If you have a review on a product they want you to put somewhere on your site or page that you receive a commission or free products from these vendors. I'm not saying don't consider it but I wouldn't worry to much about it..
My disclaimer is on the menu bar. Doesn't seem to hurt conversions. I've actually been making a lot more money since posting it up. I don't know if theres a connection
Here's a theory. People like honesty. If you are up front about what you're doing, it can make it more credible. If you kept the commission a secret, customers might think you're trying to pull the wool over their eyes, but if you announce it you appear as if you have nothing to hide. Same effect as putting your name and photo (and maybe even email and telephone number) on your websites. As for complying with FTC rules, I'm planning on going over my sites and adding in clear disclaimers, as well as including typical results on my product pages in the near future. In nice small text