Where Affiliate Links Belong: A Publishing Checklist

An affiliate link belongs where the reader can tell what it leads to, why it is relevant, and how you may benefit. Start with the offer terms and the rules for the place where you want to share it.

Check the offer and the placement

Write down the allowed traffic sources, regions, and destinations for the offer. Then check the current rules for the specific community, newsletter provider, ad network, or site where the link will appear. A general platform policy and a community’s own rules can both apply.

Start with a page you control

On your own site, publish a page that answers a real question and describes the destination clearly. Add the affiliate disclosure near the link. Check that the link still reaches the offer you describe and that the provider permits any redirect or tracking parameters you use.

Use each channel for a clear purpose

• Your site: answer the question, explain the offer, and provide a clear destination.
• Opt-in newsletter: share a relevant update in line with your subscribers’ expectations and your provider’s rules.
• Community: contribute useful information and use commercial links only where the community allows them.
• Paid placement: verify the network and offer both allow the proposed campaign before spending.

Reddit’s spam policy is a good example of why repeated promotion and a useful community contribution need different treatment.

Keep a record of what worked

Use one row for each permitted placement, including the date, offer, page, and campaign label. Track clicks and approved results separately. The campaign labeling guide shows where to start.