If your site earns passive income from affiliate marketing recommendations, your affiliate about page can’t be vague. It’s the page that answers the quiet question every reader has: “Can I trust you with my time, clicks, and money?”
A good About page feels like a firm handshake. More than just a bio, it’s your mission statement that helps build trust. It tells people who you are, how you choose products, and how you get paid, without acting defensive or salesy. Better yet, it does it fast, because most visitors decide in seconds.
Below is a practical, build-it-now guide, with disclosure wording, templates you can paste, and a final checklist.
Build trust above the fold (before the scroll)
Your first screen should immediately remove uncertainty for new visitors, including those from organic search traffic. Think of it like a label on food packaging. People shouldn’t have to hunt for ingredients.
Start with five items above the fold:
- A clear one-line promise (who you help and what result you focus on)
- A real photo (or a consistent brand avatar if you truly can’t use your face)
- One quick proof point (years, niche focus, results, or process)
- A simple “how this site makes money” line (with a link to your full disclosure page)
- A contact path (at minimum, a contact form or email)
Here’s what that looks like in practice.
| Above-the-fold element | What it signals | Quick example |
|---|---|---|
| One-line promise | Clarity | “I help beginners build their first affiliate site.” |
| Real identity | Brand authority | Name, photo, domain name, and a short bio line |
| Proof or process | Competence | “I test tools hands-on and update reviews.” |
| Money transparency | Honesty | “This page has affiliate links.” |
| Contact path | Legitimacy | “Questions? Contact me here.” |
| Policy links | Safety | Disclosure, Privacy Policy, Terms (in header or near footer) |
Two small details raise trust quickly and enhance user experience:
First, add a “Last updated” line near the top. It tells readers you maintain the site. Second, place your trust links where humans expect them: header, top section, or a simple “Site policies” line near the intro.
Also, include internal-link placeholders in the copy so you don’t forget later: link to your Disclosure page, Privacy Policy, Terms, and Contact page (ideally all reachable within one click from the About page).
If visitors must scroll to learn you earn commissions, they’ll assume you tried to hide it. Put transparency early.
Write an About story that sounds human (and still sells)
A strong affiliate About page is not your life story. It’s a short bridge from “stranger” to “trusted guide.”
Use this simple story frame:
1) What you help with (today).
Lead with the problem you solve for your target audience, not your background. People came for them, not you.
2) Why you’re qualified (without bragging).
Share one to three concrete credibility points, bolstered by social proof. “I’ve built X sites” beats “I’m passionate about marketing.” If you don’t have big wins, talk about your process, time spent learning with a solid content strategy, and how you verify information for your niche market.
3) How you choose recommendations.
Explain your product reviews method in plain language. For example: you test, compare, read real user feedback, and update posts. If you have a “Reviewed & Recommended” section, define what earns that label.
4) Your reader-first promise.
Draw a line in the sand. Mention what you won’t do (for example, promoting tools you haven’t researched). That one sentence can be more convincing than a long pitch.
For context on what users expect from About pages, it helps to compare your page against common UX patterns, like those outlined in NN/g’s About Us page guidance.
Finally, make it easy to skim. Use readable headings, short paragraphs, and plain language. Accessibility basics matter here: keep strong contrast, avoid tiny fonts, use descriptive headings (not clever ones), and add alt text for key images. For standards, see the WCAG accessibility guidelines.
Add affiliate disclosure the right way (FTC expectations for 2026)
Disclosures aren’t just a footer link. In 2026, the safest approach stays the same: clear and conspicuous. Put the disclosure where readers make a decision, near the recommendation and near affiliate links that help monetize traffic, not buried on a separate page.
The FTC’s current guidance is worth reading directly, especially the examples and placement rules in FTC endorsement guide FAQs and the broader page on endorsements, influencers, and reviews.
Copy-and-paste affiliate disclosure wording (clear, plain, and “near the claim”)
Use one of these, then adjust to match your reality:
- Short (top of page or section): “Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through my links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.”
- More direct (best for review posts): “I may earn a commission if you purchase through links on this page from my affiliate program. I only recommend products I believe are a good fit.”
- If you got free access or perks: “Some products were provided for review through an affiliate network. My opinions are my own, and I may earn a commission if you buy through my links. Commission rates do not influence my recommendations.”
A few placement rules that keep you out of trouble:
Put a disclosure before the first affiliate link, repeat it on long pages (especially before “Best picks”), and don’t hide it behind vague words like “may contain partner links” without explaining what that means.
Also, connect the dots to your policies. On your About page, add a “Site policies” line and link to your full disclosure page, privacy policy, and contact page. Those links are quiet trust builders.
Affiliate Marketing About Page Templates (short, medium, and long)
These templates are written to be pasted into an About page and edited fast. Replace brackets with your details. Include a strong call to action at the end to guide visitors to their next step.
Short About page template (quick and clean)
Hi, I’m [Name]. I run [Site Name], where I help [audience] achieve [specific outcome].
I focus on [your niche topics], and I share what I’m learning as I build and test real strategies.
How this site makes money: Some pages include affiliate links. If you buy through my links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. (Link to your Disclosure page.)
Want to reach me? Use my Contact page (link to Contact) or email me at [email].
Medium About page template (best for most affiliate sites)
Welcome to [Site Name]. If you’re trying to [reader goal], you’re in the right place. I publish beginner-friendly guides on [topics like website hosting], plus tool reviews to help you choose what fits.
Why listen to me: I’ve [relevant experience], and I’ve spent [time frame] testing tools and documenting results. When I recommend something, it’s because [your standard, like hands-on testing, clear pricing, solid support].
My recommendation rules: I look for [2 to 4 criteria]. If a tool changes, I update the post. If I stop liking it, I’ll say so.
Affiliate disclosure: I may earn a commission from some links. It doesn’t change your price. (Link to your Disclosure page.)
For more details, see my Privacy Policy (link) and Terms (link).
Long About page template (for higher-ticket niches)
I’m [Name], and I built [Site Name] for people who want [outcome].
I started because [short origin story, 2 to 3 sentences]. After trying [common failed approach], I found that [your core belief] worked better, as long as you keep it simple.
What you’ll find here: I publish step-by-step guides, honest reviews, and short tutorials. My goal is to help you take the next clear action, not collect tabs you never revisit.
How I review and recommend: I use a repeatable process: I compare features that matter for [niche], check the affiliate dashboard for performance data, review the application process, check total cost (including upgrades), test the user experience, and scan real customer feedback for patterns. Then I keep notes so I can update content when products change.
How I make money: Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I recommend tools based on fit, not payout. (Link to Disclosure.)
Questions or concerns? Contact me here (link to Contact).
One last thing: If you’re new, start with [link to your best beginner guide] and save it for later.
Final checklist before you publish
Before you hit publish, scan this list:
- The first screen states who you help and how, in one sentence
- A real photo (or consistent avatar) appears near the top
- Your affiliate disclosure appears above the fold and before affiliate links
- Your “how I recommend” rules are clear and specific
- You included placeholders or links for Disclosure, Privacy Policy, Terms, and Contact
- Headings are descriptive, contrast is readable, and paragraphs stay short
- A “Last updated” line is visible (and you’ll actually maintain it)
An affiliate about page isn’t a biography. It’s a trust page, distinct from your standard about us page. When you lead with clarity and prove you’re not hiding the revenue stream, readers relax, click more, and come back, boosting your search engine optimization and conversion rates.