How to Disclose You're Being Paid to Blog

Even well-known models need to disclose when they blog for a company.

Before 2009, companies were able to ask bloggers to endorse products without the blogger or company disclosing that the company paid the blogger. This changed when the Federal Trade Commission changed the law that all gifts given to a blogger, or paid blog posts, required a disclosure stating the relationship between the company and the blogger. This holds true even when a blogger writes a product review or endorsement not sponsored by a company. A disclosure stating whether a blogger was paid or given the product must be placed in the post somewhere to comply with federal regulations.

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Instructions

- 1
  
  Write your paid blog post for the sponsoring company. Be honest in your endorsement and maintain the integrity of your blog when writing.
- 2
  
  Include, at the top or bottom of your paid post, that a company paid you to write that specific post. The FTC requires this disclosure on all paid blog posts so your readers know of the relationship you have with the company.
- 3
  
  Indicate the company name and the product in your disclosure, but not the amount paid you. If you wrote about the product or company without compensation, disclose this as well so readers know it's your personal opinion.

Tips & Warnings

Do not over exaggerate the product's capabilities or make untrue claims about a product.
Blogger compliance with FTC laws are the responsibility of the company, but unsubstantiated claims of a product by a paid blogger may also result in penalties to the writer.