The ASA recently issued some updated guidance about how influencers should label their content. I welcome this change to the blogging industry and have always personally chosen to use this common sense approach, prior to the guidelines actually being enforced. However, there are now numerous ways of working with brands across the industry, and I have therefore put together a simple, and plain English explanation for identifying specific types of partnerships on my blog.
Gifted products – Any gifted products that are discussed will be, and have always been, clearly be identified as such at the beginning of my blog post.
Paid advertising – Any paid advertising content I have created will always be, and has always been, identified as such at the beginning of my blog post.
Sponsored or collaborative work – Any work created where benefits, free products, or free visits have been provided in return; however the brand has no editorial influence (e.g. I haven’t been told what to say) in the content, will clearly be identified as such at the beginning of my blog post. Where the term “Collaboration” is used, this means that work has been undertaken that benefits both parties (as an example, producing content such as a photograph, or guest blog, that the brand can also use for their own purposes).
Affiliate links – All “Shop the Post” features at the bottom of my blog posts contain affiliate links. These however will still be labeled as such, and this will be identifiable before any links are clicked. Affiliate links simply mean that the person who created the link (in this situation, myself) is credited per click, almost like a sales advisor would receive commission per sale. It in no way affects you as a consumer, and you are not charged for this feature whatsoever.
I also use google advertising on my blog. However, I see my responsibility as someone who has a small influence on the internet as much greater and more important than any amount of money. That is why I have disabled any adverts that promote gambling, weight loss products, religion, pharmaceuticals, politics and alcohol. Where I may occasionally discuss alcohol in my own posts, I am able to have full control over this and therefore ensure the content is tailored in a responsible way.
