A general disclosure page in the footer does not help someone assessing a specific recommendation or review. A conflict of interest should be disclosed near the relevant claim, explaining the relationship without vague legal language.
Map relevant relationships
Affiliate payments, sponsorship, free products, equity interests and personal relationships can affect judgement differently. Do not consider only direct payments.
Use specific wording
Explain who has which relationship and what it concerns. “May contain affiliate links” is insufficient when it conceals essential context.
Place the disclosure early
Readers should see it before the recommendation or action. Colour, font size and mobile layout should not make it disappear.
Maintain editorial independence
Record who controls the conclusion and whether the partner had prior approval rights. Disclosure does not remedy a rigged review.
Update when relationships change
Assign an owner and review date to evergreen content. An old statement can become false after a new investment or the end of an agreement.
This framework is DigitalNow's original editorial methodology.