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How to Disclose Sponsored Content the Right Way for eCommerce Brands

By March 23, 202321 Comments
 
When it comes to promoting your eCommerce brand, you want your content to be engaging and credible.
 
That’s why being transparent about sponsored content is so important. After all, your customers don’t want to feel like they’re falling victim to an influence marketing campaign or false advertising.
 
If you don’t disclose the fact that a post or video features a sponsored product properly, not only are you risking potential lawsuits from FTC violations, but also trust from viewers.
 
The good news?
 
We have the tips necessary for understanding how to distinguish what type of disclosure statement is needed in any given situation.
 
And yes, you can still do it in a creative fashion. So, in today’s post, we’ll go over how to liven up sponsored content disclosure.
 
Ready? Let’s go!
 
First and foremost, let’s talk about:
 

The Basics of Sponsorship Disclosure

 
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Before you get started with any sponsored content, be sure that it is clearly labelled as such. It means stating right away that the post or video is “Sponsored by…” or “In Partnership with…” at the beginning of your message.
 
If disclosure requirements are not stated clearly and visibly, viewers will feel tricked, and that’s the last thing you want.
 

What’s the Difference Between Sponsored Content and Native Advertising?

 
Native advertising and sponsored content often get confused. But they actually refer to two very different types of marketing strategies.
 
Sponsored content is when a brand pays someone, either an influencer or publisher, to create content that features its product.
 
Native advertising, on the other hand, is when a brand pays for its ads to be featured on someone else’s website or social media post.
 
 
Now, let’s talk about:
 

How to Make Your Sponsored Content Disclosures Engaging

 
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Just because disclosure is required, doesn’t mean it has to be boring. In fact, there are plenty of ways to make disclosing sponsored content fun.
 
For instance, you could add some funny emojis or GIFs into your post that lightheartedly point out the sponsorship.
 
Or, you could use puns and witty language to get the point across.
 
You can also make sure that disclosure is located in the same place for all your sponsored content posts.
 
This will ensure viewers don’t have to search for it, and you won’t miss any opportunities to be transparent.
 
Now, when it comes to Influencer Marketing disclosure, you must:
 

Establishing Trust With Your Audience

 
At the end of the day, it all comes down to trust. When viewers see that you’re being honest and transparent about sponsored content, it builds loyalty and establishes them as a reliable brand.
 
And that kind of trust is invaluable for any eCommerce brand, so make sure your disclosures are clear for the purpose of transparency.
 
Plus, you can explain why the content is sponsored and how it aligns with your brand’s mission.
 

Include Disclosure Prominently 

 
The key to successful disclosure? Make it as visible and easy to find as possible.
 
Whether you’re working with influencers or publishers, it should be stated right away in the post.
 
That way, viewers don’t have to waste any time trying to figure out whether something was paid for or not.

Choose Quality Content 

 
It’s also important to remember that quality content still matters.
 
Quality posts will help set you apart from the competition and give viewers a reason to keep coming back for more.
 
Even better; it is more likely to help you build strong credibility and earn their loyalty in the long run.
 

Follow FTC Guidelines 

 
If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s the FTC.
 
The Federal Trade Commission regulates online marketing, so it’s crucial to make sure that your sponsored content follows its guidelines for disclosure.
 
These regulations state that all sponsored posts should be clearly and conspicuously labelled as such.
 
There’s no single right way to do this, so make sure your disclosure is as easy to find and understand as possible.
 

Monitor Your Sponsored Content 

 
Finally, it’s important to keep an eye on your sponsored content. You don’t want any surprises in terms of how it looks or how viewers perceive it, so use analytics to track and monitor its performance.
 
You can take advantage of the huge potential of influencer marketing with sponsored content by looking at the data so that you can adjust your strategy accordingly and ensure that viewers are responding positively to your content.
 
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To Sum It Up

 
Proper disclosure of sponsored content doesn’t have to be a boring process. So, get creative with your disclosure and make sure it’s just as engaging as the rest of your content.
 
Just make sure you are not misleading readers about the type of content they’re viewing based on a company’s influence.
 
Because when done incorrectly, it can also lead to legal issues and loss of trust from consumers.
 
That’s why it’s essential to always follow the FTC guidelines, including disclosure prominently and choosing quality content.
 
And don’t forget to monitor your sponsored content regularly so you can adjust your strategy accordingly. That’s it for now.
 
Let us know in the comment section if you have any questions about Influencer Marketing and Sponsored Content.
 
Or perhaps you’re looking for additional advice about running an effective influencer marketing campaign, then feel free to reach out and we’ll be more than happy to help you get started.

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