Blog Product Disclosures – Make Sure to Include Them!

By Nikki on June 1, 2010

If you’ve got a new or existing blog that posts product reviews and contests, make sure you’re in compliance with the Federal Trade Commission blogger disclosures!

In December, the F.T.C. revised the rules about endorsements and testimonials in advertising that had been in place since 1980 to include new media. Starting back on December 1, 2009 – bloggers who review products must disclose any connection with advertisers, including, in most cases, the receipt of free products and whether or not they were paid in any way by advertisers. This also includes affiliate links within your text.

So how exactly do you include these disclosures? I’ve seen several methods, with some sites that employ all three:

Include disclosure text within your content. Just state up front that XYZ sent you a product to review and here are your thoughts. Or when you embed an affiliate link, put a quick disclosure in parenthesis that you get paid if they click off to purchase.
Include the text at the bottom of your post. I typically see this in italics, and a smaller font than the rest of the post. Example: I was given samples of XYZ products at no cost to facilitate my review. Receiving the sample product has in no way, shape or form, affected my personal review nor mandated that I host a giveaway..
Include your disclosures in a separate page on your blog. I’ve seen several that use an entire page generated by Disclosure Policy using several questions and prompts.

Ultimately, this new ruling shouldn’t impact your product reviews too much. As long as you continue to be honest, continue to explain your relationship with advertisers and how you receive products/services to review, and continue to provide realistic opinions – your audience will appreciate your content and you will be in compliance.

(Please note – you should consult with an attorney before applying disclosures to your site, in order to make sure you are complying with all Federal requirements)