What’s an affiliate link?

DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

That's the fancy legal lingo. Here's the detailed rundown, in layman's terms:

“Affiliate link” is the umbrella term for any link to any products or services found on this blog from which I can earn a commission OR any kind of compensation if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase as a result of my recommendation. 

Synonyms for “affiliate link” might include “referral link” or “consultant link.”

This means I can earn a commission or other compensation (possibly in the form of complimentary products or services) for my recommendation of that product or service for customers (people that make a purchase) that I refer.

Since approximately 2015, in addition to the disclosure above every post (see the grey box) I've endeavored to underline all “affiliate links” in each post or page on this blog so they're easily identified. (See example in the screenshot below.)

I've probably missed a few links here or there, so to be safe, even though I'm not an affiliate of ALL products and services linked through this blog, you can feel free to assume that any outbound link to a product or service might be an affiliate link.

A “sponsored post” is slightly different in appearance from an affiliate, referral, or consultant link, in that I have charged that company ahead of time to write about their product rather than earning money depending on how many customers I refer. So, if an entire post is sponsored, I'll let you know directly in that post as well.

There are 2 ways I form these affiliate/sponsorship relationships:

1. Companies send free products to me in hopes I'll become an affiliate or review that product on my website(s) through a sponsored (read: paid) post or email. I don't do this often, and when I do, I always tell you it's a sponsored post.
2. Just as often, I find companies I adore, buy and try their products myself, and then inquire as to whether they have affiliate programs or sponsorship opportunities. I do this much more frequently.

Bottom line in both cases: I never recommend a product unless I truly love it.

This is how I'm able to earn an income while continuing to generate free helpful and humorous (I hope) materials through my sites and social media.

My promise: I NEVER link to products unless I believe in them, love them, or REALLY REALLY use them.

PLEASE read this page for an expanded look at other products and services I choose to promote or “affiliate” with, such as informational summits, services, bundles, and programs AND WHY I DO IT. (Summary: free stuff doesn't pay the bills.)

Thank you so much for stopping by, and for supporting my work!

Liz