Last Updated: 2025
Effective Date: 2025
Introduction and Purpose
What Affiliate Marketing Means
Our Affiliate Relationships
How Affiliate Links Work
Types of Affiliate Partnerships
Our Commitment to Honest Recommendations
Disclosure Requirements and Compliance
Where You'll Find Affiliate Content
No Guarantees or Warranties
Your Rights and Choices
Product Reviews and Comparisons
Sponsored Content and Paid Partnerships
Commission Structure and Earnings
Independence and Editorial Control
Privacy and Data Sharing
Changes to Products or Services
Jurisdiction-Specific Provisions
How to Contact Us
Changes to This Policy
Acknowledgment and Acceptance
At GutSignals ("we," "us," or "our"), we believe in complete transparency about how we generate revenue and maintain our free newsletter. This Affiliate Disclosure Policy explains our financial relationships with third-party companies whose products or services we may recommend.This policy is designed to comply with:
United States: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations, specifically 16 CFR Part 255 (Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials)
European Union/Germany: Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (2005/29/EC), German Act Against Unfair Competition (UWG - Gesetz gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb)
Australia: Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010), particularly provisions on misleading and deceptive conduct
Federal law requires us to disclose material connections between us (as endorsers/publishers) and companies whose products we recommend. A "material connection" is any relationship that might affect the credibility of our recommendations—particularly financial relationships.You have the right to know:
When we receive compensation for recommendations
How that compensation might influence our content
What our actual experiences and opinions are
Whether products are independently evaluated or commercially motivated
We only recommend products we genuinely believe are valuable for gut health and digestive wellness. However, we acknowledge that affiliate relationships create financial incentives that you should be aware of when evaluating our recommendations.This disclosure policy ensures you can make fully informed decisions about products and services we discuss.
Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing arrangement where we (the "affiliate" or "publisher") earn a commission when you:
Click on a special tracking link we provide
Make a purchase through that link
Complete a specific action (sign up, subscribe, etc.)
The company (the "merchant" or "advertiser") pays us a percentage of the sale or a fixed fee for the referral.
Technical explanation:
We join an affiliate program offered by a company (e.g., supplement manufacturer, testing service, book retailer)
We receive unique tracking links that identify referrals from GutSignals
We include these links in our newsletter, website, or social media when discussing relevant products
You click the link and are redirected to the company's website
A cookie or tracking parameter is placed on your device/browser to track your session
If you make a purchase during that session (or within a tracking window, typically 24 hours to 90 days), the company credits us with the referral
We receive a commission (a percentage of the sale or flat fee)
Important: The tracking link doesn't change what you pay. You pay the same price whether you use our link or go directly to the company's website.
When you click an affiliate link:We receive:
Notification that a click occurred
Notification that a purchase was made (if you buy)
Commission amount earned
General transaction data (date, order value)
We do NOT receive:
Your name or contact information (unless separately provided)
Your payment information
Specific items purchased (in most cases)
Your personal data beyond what's necessary for tracking
The merchant receives:
Information that you came from GutSignals
Any data you provide during checkout
Tracking data according to their privacy policy
See our Privacy Policy (www.gutsignals.com/privacy) for more information about data handling.
We may earn compensation through:Pay-per-sale (most common):
Percentage of purchase amount (typically 5-30%)
Example: 15% commission on $100 supplement = $15 earned
Pay-per-click:
Fixed amount per click on affiliate link (less common)
Example: $0.50 per click regardless of purchase
Pay-per-lead:
Fixed amount when you complete an action (sign up, request info, etc.)
Example: $5 when you sign up for free trial
Recurring commissions:
Ongoing percentage for subscription products
Example: 20% monthly for as long as you maintain subscription
Flat-fee commissions:
Fixed amount per sale regardless of price
Example: $25 per product sold
Tiered commissions:
Higher percentages for more sales volume
Example: 10% for 1-10 sales/month, 15% for 11-50 sales/month
Hybrid models:
Combination of the above
We participate (or may participate in future) in affiliate programs with companies in the following categories:
Product types:
Probiotics and prebiotics
Digestive enzymes
Herbal supplements
Vitamins and minerals
Fiber supplements
Gut health supplements
Protein powders
Specialty nutrition products
Typical affiliate programs:
Individual supplement brands (direct affiliate programs)
Amazon Associates (for supplements sold on Amazon)
Health supplement affiliate networks
Commission range: Typically 10-30% per sale
Product types:
Gut microbiome testing kits
Food sensitivity testing
SIBO breath tests
Comprehensive stool analysis
At-home lab tests
Health screening services
Typical affiliate programs:
Direct partnerships with testing companies
Laboratory service affiliates
Commission range: Typically $10-$100 per test or 10-20% of test cost
Product types:
Gut health books
Nutrition guides
Scientific literature
E-books and digital courses
Audiobooks
Typical affiliate programs:
Amazon Associates (for physical and Kindle books)
Individual author/publisher programs
Educational platform affiliates
Commission range: Typically 4-10% for physical books, up to 50% for digital products
Product types:
Fermentation equipment
Food processors and blenders
Kitchen tools for gut-healthy cooking
Food storage solutions
Specialty cooking equipment
Typical affiliate programs:
Amazon Associates
Kitchen equipment retailers
Specialty food equipment companies
Commission range: Typically 3-10% per sale
Product types:
Food tracking apps
Symptom trackers
Meditation and stress management apps
Sleep tracking apps
Health journaling apps
Typical affiliate programs:
Direct app developer partnerships
App subscription affiliates
Commission range: Typically $5-$20 per subscription or 20-40% of subscription fees
Product types:
Gut health courses
Nutrition education programs
Wellness coaching services
Health practitioner training
Typical affiliate programs:
Course platform affiliates (Teachable, Kajabi, etc.)
Direct partnerships with course creators
Commission range: Typically 30-50% for digital courses
Product types:
Gut-health focused meal kits
Probiotic food subscriptions
Health food delivery services
Supplement subscription boxes
Typical affiliate programs:
Individual subscription service programs
Meal kit affiliate networks
Commission range: Typically $10-$50 per new subscriber or 10-20% of first order
Product types:
Air and water filtration
Non-toxic household products
Personal care products
Stress management tools
Sleep aids and products
Typical affiliate programs:
Individual brand partnerships
E-commerce platform affiliates
Commission range: Varies widely, typically 5-25%
We may participate in:Amazon Associates:
Earn commissions when you purchase ANYTHING on Amazon after clicking our link (not just the specific product recommended)
Commission typically 1-10% depending on product category
24-hour cookie window (commission earned if purchase within 24 hours)
Supplements typically earn 4-10%
ShareASale:
Affiliate network connecting publishers with merchants
Various health and wellness brands
Commission structure varies by merchant
Commission Junction (CJ Affiliate):
Large affiliate network
Health, wellness, and supplement brands
Variable commission structures
Individual Brand Programs:
Direct partnerships with supplement companies
Testing service companies
Course creators and educators
Often higher commissions than networks
Gumroad / Lemon Squeezy (Future):
If we create our own products (ebooks, courses)
May offer affiliate program to others
Would be disclosed separately
Not everything we recommend is an affiliate relationship.We also discuss products/services where we receive NO compensation:
Products with no affiliate programs available
Local services or practitioners
Free resources and tools
Research studies and scientific publications
Generic product categories without specific brand recommendations
When a recommendation is NOT an affiliate link, we'll typically:
Not provide a specific clickable link (just mention the general product type)
Or clearly state "This is not an affiliate link—we don't earn commission"
Or provide generic Amazon/Google search suggestions rather than direct links
Affiliate relationships may:
Begin or end at any time
Change commission rates
Modify terms and conditions
Be terminated by us or the merchant
We'll update this policy when significant affiliate relationships change, but we're not required to announce every minor program modification.
In our emails, you'll see affiliate links:Format:
Often contain special tracking codes in the URL
Examples: ?ref=gutsignals, ?affiliate=12345, /gs-affiliate/
May redirect through affiliate network (e.g., shareasale.com/r.cfm)
Sometimes shortened links (bit.ly, etc.) that mask tracking URLs
Visual indicators:
Typically underlined or colored text (like any hyperlink)
Sometimes marked with * or † symbol
May say "affiliate link" nearby
Disclosure placement:
At the top of emails containing affiliate links
Near the specific affiliate link
In the footer of the email
Examples: "This email contains affiliate links" or "Links marked with * are affiliate links"
Step-by-step process:
You click link in our email or website
Redirect may occur:
Direct to merchant site (tracking parameter in URL)
Through affiliate network first, then to merchant
May see brief "redirecting" screen
Tracking cookie placed:
Small text file stored on your device
Contains unique identifier linking you to our affiliate account
Duration varies (24 hours to 90 days typically)
You browse merchant site:
Shop as normal
Add items to cart
Decision to purchase is entirely yours
If you make purchase:
Merchant's system checks for affiliate cookie
Credits our account with the referral
We receive commission (after return period typically)
If you don't purchase:
No commission earned
Cookie remains until expiration or deletion
We're not notified of non-purchases
"Cookie window" or "cookie life" is the period after clicking our link during which we receive credit for your purchase.Typical cookie durations:
Amazon Associates: 24 hours (very short)
Most supplement brands: 30-60 days
Software/apps: 30-90 days
Courses/digital products: Sometimes lifetime (as long as you eventually purchase)
What this means:
If Amazon cookie is 24 hours and you buy 25 hours later, we don't earn commission
If supplement cookie is 30 days and you buy within 30 days, we earn commission
If you clear your cookies, tracking is lost
Multiple affiliate conflicts:
If you click our link, then another affiliate's link before purchasing, the LAST affiliate typically gets credit
"Last-click attribution" is standard
This means we only earn if our link was the final referral
Important aspect of many affiliate programs:Some programs credit us for ANYTHING you purchase, not just the recommended product.Example with Amazon Associates:
We recommend a specific probiotic supplement
You click our link to that probiotic
You decide not to buy the probiotic
But you buy a book, some kitchen equipment, and a yoga mat
We earn commission on ALL of those items (because you entered Amazon through our link)
This is standard practice but important for transparency. Your entire shopping cart may generate commission for us.Other programs:
Some credit only the specific product recommended
Some credit any products from that brand
Policies vary by merchant
Important guarantee:YOU PAY THE SAME PRICE whether or not you use our affiliate link.Merchant pricing:
Affiliate commissions are paid by the merchant from their profit margin
NOT added to your purchase price
You won't see different pricing if you navigate directly vs. through our link
Sometimes you may find better prices:
Sales or promotions we weren't aware of
Different sellers (if e-commerce marketplace)
Coupon codes we didn't mention
You're never obligated to use our link
Discount codes we provide:
Sometimes we negotiate special discount codes for our audience
These may be affiliate-tracked codes
You save money AND we earn commission
Win-win situation—clearly disclosed
Most common arrangement:Characteristics:
We join publicly available affiliate program
No special relationship with the company
Same commission rates as other affiliates
No input on product development or marketing
Company doesn't know who we are beyond an affiliate ID
Example: "We participate in the Amazon Associates program. When you purchase products through our Amazon links, we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you."
More established relationships:Characteristics:
Direct communication with brand
Potentially higher commission rates
May negotiate special discount codes for our audience
May receive product samples for review
Still editorially independent
Disclosure example: "We have a direct partnership with [Brand Name]. We earn commissions from purchases and may have received products for review, but our opinions remain independent."
When companies pay for mention or placement:Characteristics:
Flat fee paid for including product in content
May be in addition to or instead of affiliate commission
Company may request specific messaging or positioning
Always clearly labeled as "sponsored" or "paid partnership"
Disclosure example: "This section is sponsored by [Company Name], who compensated us for this placement. However, we only partner with companies whose products we believe are valuable for gut health."FTC requirements: Must disclose "clearly and conspicuously" at the beginning of the content.
When we receive complimentary products:Characteristics:
Company sends free products for us to try
No obligation to review positively (or review at all)
May or may not also be affiliate relationship
Considered "material connection" requiring disclosure
Disclosure example: "[Company Name] provided this product to us free of charge for evaluation. This does not influence our honest assessment."Why this matters:
FTC considers free products as creating incentive to review favorably
Even if we maintain objectivity, you deserve to know
Distinguishes between products we purchased vs. received
Ongoing relationships with companies:Characteristics:
Formal agreement to represent brand over time
May receive ongoing compensation beyond affiliate commissions
May have input on product development
May attend company events or training
Typically exclusive (can't promote competitors)
Disclosure example: "I am a brand ambassador for [Company Name], which means I have an ongoing professional relationship with them and receive compensation beyond affiliate commissions. This influences which products I recommend in this category."Current status: We do not currently have any brand ambassador relationships. If this changes, we'll clearly disclose it.
If we create and sell our own products:Characteristics:
Ebooks, courses, meal plans, coaching services
We receive 100% of revenue (minus platform fees)
Obviously biased toward our own products
May offer affiliate program for others to promote
Disclosure example: "This is our own product. We obviously have a vested interest in your purchase and receive the full revenue from sales."Why it's still disclosed: Even though obvious, transparency remains our priority.
We only recommend products that:✓ Align with evidence-based health principles
Supported by scientific research (when available)
Consistent with current understanding of gut health
Not contradicted by reputable health authorities
✓ We genuinely believe are valuable
Would recommend to friends and family
Fill a legitimate need in gut health space
Provide meaningful benefit relative to cost
✓ Meet minimum quality standards
From reputable manufacturers
Appropriate quality control and testing
Reasonable safety profile
Honest marketing and labeling
✓ Represent fair value
Price reasonable for benefit provided
Comparable or better than alternatives
Not exploitative or overpriced
✓ Are legal and safe
Comply with applicable regulations
No dangerous or banned substances
Appropriate for general adult use (with disclaimers for special populations)
We refuse to:❌ Recommend products solely because they offer high commissions
Commission rate does NOT determine recommendation
We'll recommend lower-commission products if they're better
We'll recommend non-affiliate products if they're best option
❌ Misrepresent product benefits or effectiveness
No exaggeration of results
No false or misleading claims
No hiding of limitations or drawbacks
❌ Endorse products we haven't researched
Must review available evidence
Must understand product composition and mechanism
Must consider safety profile and potential interactions
❌ Promote dangerous or fraudulent products
No products making illegal health claims
No products with serious safety concerns
No MLM or pyramid scheme products
No products that prey on desperate or vulnerable people
❌ Suppress negative information
Won't hide drawbacks or limitations
Won't ignore negative reviews or research
Won't present one-sided view to drive sales
❌ Create false urgency or scarcity
No fake countdown timers
No fabricated limited quantities
No manipulative sales tactics
❌ Recommend products we know are harmful
No products with known serious adverse effects
No products contraindicated for our general audience
No products with more risk than benefit
Before recommending products, we:
Review scientific literature
Research studies on ingredients or protocols
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Regulatory agency positions
Expert consensus statements
Evaluate product quality
Third-party testing (if available)
Manufacturer reputation and history
Quality control measures
Transparency of labeling
Assess safety profile
Known adverse effects
Drug interactions
Contraindications for special populations
Regulatory warnings or recalls
Consider alternatives
Compare to similar products
Evaluate cost-effectiveness
Assess unique benefits or drawbacks
Test when feasible
Personal experience with products (when safe and appropriate)
Not possible for all products
Personal experience disclosed when relevant
We'll tell you:
✓ When we personally use a recommended product
✓ When we haven't tried it but recommend based on research
✓ When we used it in the past but no longer do (and why)
Examples:
"I've been using this probiotic for 6 months and noticed [specific effects]"
"I haven't personally tried this product, but it contains [research-backed ingredients] and has strong third-party testing"
"I used this previously but switched to [alternative] because [reason]"
We continuously monitor:
New research on recommended products
Product recalls or safety warnings
Changes to product formulations
Customer feedback and reviews
Regulatory actions or warnings
We'll update recommendations if:
New evidence emerges showing harm
Better alternatives become available
Products are recalled or reformulated
Safety concerns arise
We're not perfect and may miss information. If you're aware of concerns about products we recommend, please contact us: [email protected]
Under 16 CFR Part 255, endorsers (including us) must disclose material connections to advertisers.
Material connections include:
Payment or compensation (affiliate commissions)
Free products for review
Discounts not available to general public
Ongoing business relationships
Employment or family relationships
Any relationship that might affect credibility of endorsement
Even small commissions must be disclosed - there's no minimum threshold.
Disclosures must be:Clear and conspicuous:
In plain language anyone can understand
Not in fine print or hidden
Not requiring clicking or scrolling to see
Visible without special knowledge
Impossible to miss:
Placed where consumers will see it before making decision
Not separated from claim or endorsement
Not requiring consumers to look for it
In close proximity:
Immediately adjacent to affiliate link or endorsement
Not buried in footer or separate page (footer disclosures alone are insufficient)
Unambiguous:
Clear what relationship exists
Can't use vague terms like "partner" without explanation
Can't assume consumers understand affiliate marketing
FTC has ruled these are INSUFFICIENT:❌ "#ad" or "#affiliate" alone - Too vague without context
❌ Link to disclosure page only - Requiring click is insufficient
❌ Disclosure only in footer - Too far from endorsement
❌ Disclosure at end of long article - Consumers may have decided before seeing it
❌ "Thanks to [Brand] for sponsoring" - Doesn't clarify financial incentive
❌ "Some links may be affiliates" - Too vague and uncertain
❌ Disclosure in image alt-text only - Not visible to all users
FTC has indicated these ARE sufficient:✓ "We earn a commission if you make a purchase through this link"
✓ "I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post"
✓ "If you buy this product using my link, I'll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you"
✓ "This is an affiliate link. If you buy through it, we earn money"Key elements:
Explain commission or payment relationship
State it clearly at the beginning
Make it unavoidable
Prohibits misleading commercial practices including:
Misleading omissions (failing to disclose material information)
Disguising advertising as editorial content
Hidden or unclear commercial intent
Material information includes:
Commercial intent of communication
Financial relationship with advertiser
Any condition affecting purchasing decision
§ 5a UWG requires clear identification of commercial content:
Advertising must be clearly recognizable as such
Commercial intent must not be disguised
Source of advertising must be identifiable
§ 5 UWG prohibits misleading commercial practices:
False or deceptive information
Omission of material information
Creating false impression of independence
Disclosure must be:"Werbung" or "Anzeige" (Advertising):
Commonly used terms to identify commercial content
Must appear prominently
Clear language:
"Dieser Artikel enthält Affiliate-Links" (This article contains affiliate links)
"Bei Kauf erhalten wir eine Provision" (We receive a commission for purchases)
"Werbung / Affiliate-Links" (Advertising / Affiliate links)
Placement:
At the beginning of content
Before any affiliate links
Cannot be hidden or require scrolling
Our German compliance: "WERBUNG: Dieser Newsletter enthält Affiliate-Links. Wenn Sie Produkte über diese Links kaufen, erhalten wir eine Provision, ohne dass Ihnen zusätzliche Kosten entstehen."(Translation: "ADVERTISING: This newsletter contains affiliate links. If you purchase products through these links, we receive a commission at no additional cost to you.")
Section 18 of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) prohibits conduct that is misleading or deceptive or likely to mislead or deceive.This includes:
Failing to disclose material information
Creating false impression of independence
Hidden commercial relationships
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) requires:Clear disclosure of:
Paid partnerships or sponsorships
Commission-based relationships
Free products received for review
Any material connection to advertiser
Disclosure must be:
Upfront and prominent
In plain language
Unavoidable
Specific about nature of relationship
Australian compliant disclosure: "We may earn a commission when you purchase products through links in this email. This helps support our free newsletter but doesn't affect the price you pay."
To comply with all jurisdictions, we:
At the top of ANY email containing affiliate links:"IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: This email contains affiliate links. If you purchase products through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe are valuable for gut health. Full disclosure policy: www.gutsignals.com/affiliate-disclosure"Additionally:
Individual links may be marked with asterisks (*)
Footer reminder of affiliate disclosure
Link to full policy
On pages with affiliate links:Prominent statement at beginning: "This page contains affiliate links. We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. See our full Affiliate Disclosure Policy for details."Near specific links: "*This is an affiliate link. We earn a commission if you purchase through this link."Footer disclosure: Link to full Affiliate Disclosure Policy
If we share affiliate links on social media:Format:
"#ad" or "#affiliate" at the BEGINNING of post (not buried at end)
Plus explanation: "I earn commission from purchases through this link"
Cannot rely on platform disclosure tools alone
Instagram/TikTok:
Use platform's branded content tools PLUS written disclosure
Disclosure visible without clicking "see more"
Twitter/X:
Disclosure in the tweet itself, not just linked article
Types of emails that may contain affiliate links:Weekly newsletter (Saturday):
Educational content with product mentions
Affiliate links clearly disclosed at top of email
Mix of affiliate and non-affiliate recommendations
Mid-week emails (Wednesday):
May include sponsor integrations
Clearly labeled if sponsored
Affiliate disclosures when applicable
Promotional emails:
Product-focused emails
Heavy disclosure (both at top and throughout)
Clear identification as promotional content
Format:
Subject: gut health insights + product recommendations [Email header] ⚠️ DISCLOSURE: This email contains affiliate links. We earn commissions from purchases at no extra cost to you. Full policy: www.gutsignals.com/affiliate-disclosure [Content with affiliate links marked with *] --- Footer: Some links in this email are affiliate links. We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
Pages that may contain affiliate links:Blog posts / articles:
Product reviews
Best-of lists ("Top 5 Probiotics for...")
How-to guides with product recommendations
Disclosure at top of each page
Resource pages:
Recommended products page
Tools and testing page
Books and courses page
Heavy disclosure throughout
Landing pages:
Product-specific review pages
Comparison pages
Disclosure prominent and unavoidable
Platforms where we might share affiliate links:
Instagram posts and stories
Twitter/X posts
Facebook posts
TikTok videos
YouTube videos (if created)
Disclosure on each platform:
FTC requires disclosure in the post itself
Cannot rely only on bio or profile disclosure
Must be visible without clicking or scrolling
Platform tools (like Instagram's "paid partnership" tag) used in addition to written disclosure
Direct product recommendations:
"I recommend [Product Name] for [specific gut health purpose]"
Affiliate link provided
Disclosure clear
Category recommendations:
"Look for probiotics with these strains: [list]"
May link to Amazon search or specific products
Still disclosed as affiliate
In-depth reviews of specific products:
Features, benefits, drawbacks
Scientific evaluation of ingredients
Personal experience (if applicable)
Comparison to alternatives
Affiliate link with disclosure
Format: "Full disclosure: This is an affiliate link. If you purchase through this link, we earn a commission. However, this doesn't influence our honest assessment."
"Best of" or comparison articles:
"Top 5 Digestive Enzymes"
"Probiotic A vs. Probiotic B"
"Budget vs. Premium Gut Testing"
All products may be affiliate links, or some may be and others not.Clear disclosure: "Some or all of the products in this comparison have affiliate relationships. We've marked affiliate links with (*). We evaluate all products objectively regardless of affiliate status."
Curated lists of tools and resources:
Recommended books
Testing services
Apps and trackers
Kitchen equipment
Mixed affiliate and non-affiliate: Some items may have affiliate programs, others may not. We disclose which are which.
Science-based educational content may mention products:
"Studies show that [specific probiotic strain] helps with..."
May link to products containing that strain
Still disclosed as affiliate even though primary purpose is education
If we share personal experiences:
"I tried [Product] and experienced [results]"
Affiliate relationship disclosed
Clear distinction between personal experience and general recommendation
No guarantees you'll experience same results
WE MAKE NO GUARANTEES, REPRESENTATIONS, OR WARRANTIES REGARDING:❌ Safety, quality, or efficacy of any recommended product
Products are evaluated to best of our ability
We cannot test every aspect or know every individual's response
Manufacturer quality control is outside our control
Formulations may change without our knowledge
❌ Results you will experience
Individual results vary dramatically
What works for one person may not work for another
Factors beyond product affect outcomes (diet, lifestyle, genetics, etc.)
Testimonials or personal experiences are not typical results
❌ Suitability for your specific circumstances
We don't know your medical history
We don't know your current medications or conditions
We don't know your specific sensitivities or allergies
Products may be inappropriate or dangerous for certain individuals
❌ Accuracy or completeness of our research
We research to best of our ability
We may miss important information
New information may emerge after we recommend a product
Scientific understanding evolves
❌ Ongoing availability or pricing
Products may be discontinued
Prices may change
Formulations may be modified
Companies may go out of business
❌ Customer service or fulfillment by merchants
We don't control shipping, customer service, or policies
We don't handle returns or refunds
We can't resolve disputes with merchants
Merchant policies are between you and them
IMPORTANT: All product recommendations are subject to our Medical Disclaimer (www.gutsignals.com/medical-disclaimer).Key points:
Products discussed are NOT medical advice
NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease
NOT a substitute for professional medical care
Supplements have not been evaluated by FDA/EMA/TGA
ALWAYS consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement
You must read our Medical Disclaimer before purchasing any health-related products we recommend.
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:We are NOT liable for:
Adverse reactions or side effects from products
Allergic reactions or sensitivities
Drug interactions or contraindications
Product quality issues, contamination, or mislabeling
False or misleading marketing by manufacturers
Changes to products after our recommendation
Injuries or health complications from product use
Financial loss from purchasing products
Merchant errors, fraud, or misconduct
Shipping issues, delays, or lost packages
Dissatisfaction with product performance
Any damages whatsoever arising from product purchases
Your sole recourse:
Contact the merchant for refunds or complaints
Report safety issues to regulatory authorities (FDA, FTC, etc.)
File disputes with payment processor or credit card company
We are a publisher of information, not:
A retailer or seller of products
A guarantor of product quality or safety
A party to transactions between you and merchants
Liable for merchant actions or products
Before purchasing any recommended product, YOU must:✓ Read product labels and descriptions carefully
Verify ingredients and dosages
Check for allergens or sensitivities
Understand proper use and warnings
✓ Consult your healthcare provider
Especially if you have medical conditions
Especially if taking medications
For personalized medical advice
✓ Research the product independently
Read customer reviews
Check for recalls or warnings
Verify company reputation
Compare alternatives
✓ Verify current pricing and availability
Prices we mention may be outdated
Products may be out of stock
Better deals may exist elsewhere
✓ Understand merchant policies
Return and refund policies
Shipping costs and timeframes
Customer service contacts
Warranty or guarantee terms
✓ Use products as directed
Follow manufacturer instructions
Don't exceed recommended dosages
Discontinue if adverse effects occur
Seek medical attention if necessary
Important reminders:✓ You are NEVER required to use our affiliate links
You can navigate directly to merchant websites
You can search for products independently
You can shop at local retailers instead
You can choose different products or brands
✓ You will pay the SAME price regardless
Using our link doesn't increase your cost
Not using our link doesn't save you money
Affiliate commissions are paid by merchant, not by you
✓ You can support us in other ways
Share our newsletter with friends
Engage with our content
Provide feedback
Simply continue reading (valuable to us!)
We encourage you to shop smart:✓ Compare prices across retailers
Our link may not be the cheapest option
Check multiple sellers
Look for sales or promotions
✓ Search for coupon codes
We may not always have the latest codes
Coupon websites may have better deals
Merchant websites may have sales we don't know about
✓ Wait for sales if appropriate
Products often go on sale
Timing your purchase can save money
Health decisions shouldn't be rushed just to use affiliate link
We'd rather you:
Get the best deal possible
Make informed purchasing decisions
Be satisfied with your purchases
...than maximize our affiliate revenue.
To avoid using affiliate links:Option 1: Navigate directly
Type merchant website URL directly into browser
Use search engine to find merchant
Go through merchant's own advertising
Option 2: Remove tracking parameters
Most affiliate links have tracking codes in URL
Example: website.com/product?ref=gutsignals
Remove everything after the ? to eliminate tracking
Becomes: website.com/product
Option 3: Clear cookies before purchasing
Delete browser cookies after clicking our link
Merchant can't track back to us
We won't receive commission
We won't know and we don't mind. Your choice is respected.
If you value our content and want to support us:✓ Using affiliate links helps us
Commissions support our free newsletter
Enables us to invest in better content
Allows us to dedicate more time to research
✓ But there are other valuable ways to support:
Subscribe and stay engaged
Forward newsletters to interested friends
Reply with feedback and questions
Share on social media
Suggest topics you'd like to see
Your engagement is valuable even without purchases.
When we review products:Our methodology:
Research scientific evidence for ingredients or approach
Evaluate manufacturer reputation and quality control
Read customer reviews from multiple sources (including negative reviews)
Assess value relative to cost and alternatives
Consider safety profile and potential concerns
Test personally when feasible and safe (but not always possible)
Limitations:
We can't test every product extensively
Personal experience may not reflect typical results
We can't verify all manufacturer claims
Quality may vary between batches
Formulations may change after our review
We strive to provide balanced assessments:✓ Mention both strengths and weaknesses
Not all reviews are universally positive
We discuss limitations and drawbacks
We mention who products may NOT be suitable for
✓ Compare to alternatives
Position products within competitive landscape
Mention when other options may be better for certain purposes
Provide context for recommendation
✓ Acknowledge uncertainty
Clear when evidence is limited
Honest about gaps in our knowledge
Note when personal opinion vs. scientific consensus
❌ We avoid:
Only highlighting positives to drive sales
Hiding negative aspects
Making exaggerated claims
Creating false sense of urgency
When comparing products, we consider:Ingredient quality:
Active ingredient forms and dosages
Bioavailability and absorption
Fillers and inactive ingredients
Allergens and sensitivities
Scientific support:
Research on specific ingredients
Clinical studies on product (if available)
Mechanism of action
Strength of evidence
Quality assurance:
Third-party testing (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab)
Manufacturing standards (GMP certification)
Contamination testing (heavy metals, microbes)
Label accuracy verification
Value and pricing:
Cost per serving
Dosage relative to research
Frequency of use required
Comparison to alternatives
Company reputation:
Track record and history
Customer service quality
Transparency and communication
Ethical business practices
User experience:
Ease of use
Taste/palatability (for supplements)
Form factor (capsules, powders, etc.)
Convenience
How we prevent affiliate relationships from biasing reviews:✓ Review products without affiliate programs
Don't limit reviews only to products we can earn from
Mention non-affiliate alternatives when appropriate
✓ Recommend lower-commission products when better
Commission rate does NOT determine ranking
We'll recommend a 5% commission product over 30% commission product if it's superior
✓ Update reviews when circumstances change
If better product becomes available
If safety concerns emerge
If our opinion changes based on new evidence
✓ Disclose commission differences when comparing
If applicable: "We earn a higher commission from Product A than Product B, but we rank Product B higher because..."
❌ We will NOT:
Rank products by commission rate
Omit better non-affiliate products
Exaggerate differences to favor high-commission products
Change rankings based on affiliate status
We may publish negative assessments of products:When products:
Make unsubstantiated claims
Have safety concerns
Represent poor value
Contain problematic ingredients
Have misleading marketing
Even if:
They have affiliate programs available
We could earn commissions
Competitors might be upset
Integrity over income.
It's important to understand the distinction:
We independently create content
We choose which products to recommend
We mention products organically based on our judgment
Company pays commission ONLY if you purchase
No guaranteed payment to us
Company pays us to create content about their product
Flat fee regardless of whether you purchase
May have creative input or approval rights
Specific messaging or positioning required
Guaranteed payment to us
Both require disclosure, but sponsorships have additional requirements.
If we publish sponsored content, we will:✓ Label clearly at the top: "SPONSORED CONTENT: This article/email is sponsored by [Company Name], who compensated us for this feature."✓ Use unmistakable language:
"Sponsored by [Company]"
"Paid partnership with [Company]"
"In partnership with [Company] (paid)"
✓ Distinguish from editorial content:
Visual separation or different formatting
Clear beginning and end of sponsored section
Cannot be confused with our independent content
✓ Maintain editorial standards:
Only partner with companies we respect
Only promote products we believe are valuable
Disclose our editorial independence (or lack thereof)
We will only accept sponsorships from:✓ Companies we genuinely respect
Reputable manufacturers
Ethical business practices
Quality products
✓ Products we believe are valuable
Would recommend even without payment
Meet our quality and safety standards
Fill legitimate need in gut health space
❌ We will decline sponsorships from:
Companies making fraudulent claims
Products with serious safety concerns
MLM or pyramid scheme operations
Products that contradict evidence-based health principles
However, we acknowledge that even with these standards, sponsored content is inherently less objective than independent editorial content.
For non-sponsored content:
Complete editorial independence
No company influence on what we write
No pre-approval by companies
Our opinions only
For sponsored content:
May have some editorial restrictions
Company may review content before publication
May require specific messaging points
We'll disclose level of control (if significant)
Example disclosure: "This sponsored article was written in partnership with [Company]. While they compensated us for this feature and reviewed the content, the opinions expressed remain our own and we would not have accepted this partnership if we didn't genuinely believe in the product."
As of [Insert Date]:We currently have NO paid sponsorship arrangements.All product mentions are:
Independently chosen by us
Based solely on our editorial judgment
Affiliate-based only (commission if you purchase)
If this changes:
We'll update this policy
Each sponsored piece will be clearly labeled
We'll maintain list of current sponsors here
Transparency about what we earn:Supplements and health products:
Typical range: 10-30% of purchase price
Amazon: 4-10% depending on category
Direct brand programs: Usually 15-25%
Books and educational materials:
Physical books: 4-8%
Ebooks and digital products: 30-50%
Courses: 30-50%
Testing and diagnostic services:
Flat fees: $10-100 per test sold
Percentage: 10-20% of test cost
Subscriptions and recurring products:
Initial sale: 10-30%
Recurring: Sometimes ongoing percentage
Apps and software:
Flat fees: $5-20 per signup
Percentage: 20-40% of subscription
We may mention specific commission rates when relevant:Example: "Full transparency: We earn a 20% commission on this product, which is higher than some alternatives we've recommended. However, we still believe it represents the best value because [reasons]."Why this matters:
Helps you understand our financial incentive
Allows you to evaluate potential bias
Demonstrates our commitment to transparency
Important to understand:Some programs have tiered commissions:
Higher rates as we generate more sales
Example: 15% for 1-10 sales, 20% for 11-50 sales, 25% for 50+ sales
This creates incentive to promote certain products more heavily.Our mitigation:
We're aware of this bias risk
We actively counteract it in our editorial process
We'll disclose when product has unusually high commission
Sometimes companies offer bonuses:Extra commission during promotions:
"Double commission during Black Friday"
"Bonus $50 for every 10 sales"
Contests and competitions:
"Top affiliates win prizes"
"Leaderboard bonuses"
These create additional financial incentives.We disclose when applicable: "Full disclosure: [Company] is currently running a special promotion offering affiliates increased commissions. This provides extra incentive for us to recommend their products, which you should be aware of when evaluating our recommendation."
We believe in income transparency:If we achieve significant affiliate income from newsletter:
We may publish periodic reports on affiliate earnings
Show which categories generate most income
Discuss how this might influence content
This level of transparency is rare but valuable:
Helps you understand our business model
Allows evaluation of potential bias
Demonstrates our commitment to honesty
Current status: As a new newsletter, we have generated [amount] in affiliate income to date. We'll update this as we grow.
Core principle:NO company, advertiser, or affiliate partner has control over our editorial content (except clearly labeled sponsored content with full disclosure).What this means:✓ We decide what to write about
Content topics chosen based on reader value
Not influenced by which products have affiliate programs
Not influenced by commission rates
✓ We decide which products to recommend
Based on quality, value, and scientific merit
Not based on commission potential
Not based on relationships with companies
✓ We decide how to present information
Balanced, objective assessments
Include drawbacks and limitations
Compare to alternatives honestly
✓ We can criticize products
Even from companies we have relationships with
Even if it costs us affiliate income
Even if company complains
We maintain separation:Editorial decisions:
What topics to cover
Which products to mention
How to evaluate products
Whether to recommend or not recommend
Are made independently from:
Affiliate program availability
Commission rates
Company relationships
Revenue considerations
This is a principle we're committed to, even when costly.
Companies sometimes try to influence content:Attempts we've experienced (or may experience):
Requests to remove negative statements
Pressure to rank their product higher
Offers of higher commissions for better reviews
Threats to terminate affiliate relationship over criticism
Our response:
We refuse to modify content to please advertisers
We'll terminate affiliate relationships before compromising integrity
We may publicize attempted influence (depending on severity)
Your assurance: If you see a negative statement about a product in our content, you can trust we're not being influenced by that company—even if they're an affiliate partner.
We will modify content when:✓ New scientific evidence emerges
Studies showing previously unknown risks
Research supporting or refuting efficacy
Consensus changes in scientific community
✓ Products change formulations
Ingredient modifications
Quality concerns
Regulatory issues
✓ Safety issues arise
Recalls or warnings
Reports of adverse effects
New contraindications discovered
✓ We made factual errors
Mistakes in our research
Misunderstanding of evidence
Incorrect information
❌ We will NOT modify content because:
Company is unhappy with our assessment
We want to increase affiliate earnings
Company threatens to terminate affiliate relationship
Other affiliates are ranking product higher
We will end affiliate relationships if:
Company pressures us to modify editorial content
Product quality declines significantly
Safety concerns emerge
Company engages in unethical practices
Conflict with our values arises
Revenue is not worth compromising integrity.
When you click our affiliate link:We receive:
That a click occurred (no personal information)
That a purchase occurred (if you buy)
Sale amount and commission earned
Date and time of transaction
We do NOT receive:
Your name or email address (unless you separately provide it to us)
Your payment information
Your shipping address
Specific items purchased (in most programs)
Any other personal information
The merchant receives:
That you came from GutSignals
Any information you provide during checkout
Whatever their own tracking collects
We do NOT:
Share our email list with affiliate partners
Provide subscriber information to companies
Allow affiliates to email our subscribers directly
Sell or rent our list to anyone
Your subscription to GutSignals is separate from:
Any purchases you make through affiliate links
Any accounts you create with merchants
Any relationships with companies we recommend
See our Privacy Policy (www.gutsignals.com/privacy) for complete information about how we handle your data.
Affiliate tracking uses cookies:What cookies do:
Store unique identifier linking you to our affiliate account
Allow merchant to track back to us when you purchase
Remain for defined period (24 hours to 90 days typically)
You can control cookies:
Block cookies in browser settings
Clear cookies before purchasing (breaks affiliate tracking)
Use privacy-focused browsers that limit tracking
Use browser extensions that block affiliate cookies
We respect your choice to block affiliate tracking.
Each merchant and affiliate network has own privacy policy:Your data may be subject to:
Merchant's privacy practices
Affiliate network's privacy practices
Third-party analytics and tracking
We are not responsible for:
How merchants handle your data
Third-party privacy practices
Data breaches at merchant or affiliate network
Changes to third-party privacy policies
Always review merchant privacy policies before making purchases.
Manufacturers may change products after our recommendation:Possible changes:
Ingredient modifications
Dosage adjustments
New additives or fillers
Quality control changes
Manufacturing location changes
We cannot:
Monitor all products continuously for changes
Update recommendations immediately when changes occur
Guarantee products remain as originally evaluated
Your responsibility:
Check current product labels
Verify ingredients haven't changed
Read updated product descriptions
Don't rely solely on our dated recommendations
Products may be discontinued:When this happens:
Affiliate links may break or redirect elsewhere
Product may be out of stock permanently
Alternative products may be substituted
We may:
Update content to remove discontinued products
Suggest alternatives
Leave content as historical reference with notation
We're not always immediately aware of discontinuations.
Prices mentioned in our content:
Reflect prices at time of writing
May be significantly out of date
Are not guaranteed to be current
May vary by location and retailer
Always verify current pricing before purchasing.Sales and promotions:
May end without notice
May not be available in your location
May have terms and conditions
Shipping, returns, and policies may change:Verify current policies for:
Return and refund terms
Shipping costs and options
International availability
Warranty or guarantee terms
Customer service contacts
We're not responsible for:
Changes to merchant policies
Disputes over returns or refunds
Shipping issues or costs
Merchant customer service quality
This Affiliate Disclosure complies with:
16 CFR Part 255 (Endorsements and Testimonials)
FTC's ".com Disclosures" guidance
CAN-SPAM Act (for email disclosures)
Material connections disclosed:
All affiliate relationships
Free products for review
Paid sponsorships
Any financial incentive
Disclosure standards:
Clear and conspicuous
Close to endorsements
Unavoidable
In plain language
California residents:
Disclosures comply with California consumer protection laws
No "Do Not Sell" issues (we don't sell data)
This Affiliate Disclosure complies with:
Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (2005/29/EC)
German UWG (Act Against Unfair Competition)
E-Commerce Directive (2000/31/EC)
GDPR privacy requirements (see Privacy Policy)
German-specific compliance:
"Werbung" or "Anzeige" labels for advertising
Clear identification of commercial content
Prominent placement of disclosures
Consumer protection standards
For German subscribers: "Diese Mitteilung dient der Erfüllung der gesetzlichen Kennzeichnungspflicht nach § 5a UWG für Werbung."(Translation: "This notice fulfills the legal labeling requirement under § 5a UWG for advertising.")Consumer rights:
Right to information about commercial relationships
Protection against misleading practices
Clear identification of advertising
This Affiliate Disclosure complies with:
Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of Competition and Consumer Act 2010)
ACCC guidelines on endorsements
Spam Act 2003 (for email compliance)
ACCC requirements:
Clear disclosure of material connections
No misleading or deceptive conduct
Prominent placement of disclosures
Plain language explanations
Australian consumer guarantees:
Nothing in this disclosure excludes statutory consumer guarantees
Consumers have rights under ACL that cannot be waived
See Section 18(1) ACL for misleading conduct prohibition
For Australian subscribers: "We comply with the Australian Consumer Law. This disclosure provides transparency about our commercial relationships to help you make informed decisions."
If you're located outside EU, US, or Australia:This disclosure is designed for compliance with the most stringent standards (FTC, German UWG, ACL). However:
We make no representation that disclosures comply with your local laws
Your jurisdiction may have additional requirements
You're responsible for understanding your local consumer protection laws
If our disclosures don't meet your jurisdiction's standards:
We still strive for maximum transparency
Contact us with concerns: [email protected]
Questions about this Affiliate Disclosure Policy:Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: "Affiliate Disclosure Question"
Website: www.gutsignals.comResponse time: We'll respond to general inquiries within 7 business days.
If you have concerns about a product we've recommended:Contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Subject: "Product Concern - [Product Name]"
Include: Details of concern, source of information, how it affects you
We take concerns seriously:
We'll investigate thoroughly
We'll update recommendations if warranted
We'll notify subscribers if safety issue identified
If you believe our disclosures are inadequate:Contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Subject: "Disclosure Issue"
Explain: Where disclosure was missing or unclear
We appreciate feedback:
Helps us improve transparency
Ensures regulatory compliance
Builds trust with our audience
You also have the right to report concerns to:United States:
Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/complaint
For false advertising or inadequate disclosures
Germany:
Wettbewerbszentrale (Competition Center): www.wettbewerbszentrale.de
For violations of UWG
Australia:
For misleading conduct or ACL violations
We prefer you contact us first so we can address concerns directly.
We reserve the right to update this Affiliate Disclosure Policy at any time to reflect:
Changes in our affiliate relationships
New regulatory requirements
Feedback from readers or authorities
Changes to our business practices
New types of partnerships
We'll provide notice of material changes:Material changes include:
New types of affiliate relationships
Significant changes to disclosure practices
Changes affecting how we earn commissions
Notice methods:
Update "Last Updated" date at top
Email notification to subscribers
Prominent notice on website
Announcement in newsletter
For minor changes:
Update date modified
No separate notification
Changes reflected in policy text
Changes take effect immediately upon posting unless otherwise stated.Your continued engagement after changes (clicking affiliate links, reading content with affiliate links) constitutes acceptance of updated policy.
We commit to:
Reviewing this policy at least annually
Updating for accuracy
Ensuring continued compliance with regulations
Incorporating reader feedback
Next scheduled review: [Insert Date 1 Year from Now]
BY CLICKING ON AFFILIATE LINKS, PURCHASING THROUGH AFFILIATE LINKS, OR CONTINUING TO READ CONTENT CONTAINING AFFILIATE LINKS AFTER THIS DISCLOSURE, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT:
✓ You have read and understand this Affiliate Disclosure Policy
✓ You understand we earn commissions from qualifying purchases
✓ You understand affiliate relationships may influence our recommendations
✓ You are aware of our financial incentives
✓ You've been given opportunity to navigate directly to merchants
✓ You understand you pay the same price regardless of using affiliate links
✓ You accept that we are not responsible for products, merchants, or transactions
✓ You've read our Medical Disclaimer and understand products are not medical advice
✓ You make all purchasing decisions at your own risk
✓ You've been provided with full transparency about our commercial relationships
IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE POLICY:
Do not click on affiliate links
Navigate directly to merchant websites
Do not purchase through our recommendations
Contact us with concerns
FINAL STATEMENT
We built GutSignals to provide valuable gut health education to people who need it. Affiliate marketing allows us to offer this content for free while supporting our work.We take this responsibility seriously:
Maximum transparency about our financial relationships
Honest evaluations regardless of commission potential
Your interests prioritized over our revenue
Continuous improvement of our disclosure practices
Your trust is our most valuable asset, worth far more than any affiliate commission.We promise:
To never recommend products we don't believe in
To disclose all material connections clearly
To update you if circumstances change
To value integrity over income
Thank you for reading this disclosure and for supporting our work. Your informed decision-making is important to us.Questions? Concerns? Feedback?
[email protected]
Last Updated: 2025
Version: 1.0
Next Review: 2026© 2025 GutSignals. All rights reserved.