A Disclaimer limits your liability and discloses important information your visitors need to know. Here’s when you need one and what it should say.
What is a Website Disclaimer?
A Disclaimer is a statement that limits your legal liability for the content on your website. It informs visitors about the nature of your content and sets expectations about what your website does and doesn’t guarantee.
Types of Disclaimers
1. General Website Disclaimer
Limits your liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on your site. Useful for any website that publishes articles, guides, or informational content.
2. Affiliate Disclaimer
Required by the FTC (US Federal Trade Commission) if you earn commission through affiliate links. The FTC requires “clear and conspicuous” disclosure of material connections, including affiliate relationships, near the affiliate link itself.
If you’re an Amazon Associate, use affiliate links on your blog, or earn commissions from recommending products, you legally need an affiliate disclaimer.
3. Medical / Health Disclaimer
Required for any website that provides health, medical, or wellness information. It clarifies that your content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
4. Legal Disclaimer
Required for websites that provide legal information or guides (like this one!). It clarifies that the content is not legal advice and that readers should consult a qualified attorney for their specific situation.
5. Financial / Investment Disclaimer
Required for websites providing financial tips, investment commentary, or market analysis. Clarifies that the content is not personalised investment advice.
6. Views Expressed Disclaimer
Useful for blogs, opinion pieces, or websites with multiple contributors: clarifies that views expressed are those of the author and not the organisation.
When Do You Legally Need a Disclaimer?
| Situation | Required disclaimer |
|---|---|
| Affiliate links on your site | Affiliate Disclaimer (FTC) |
| Health or wellness content | Medical Disclaimer |
| Legal guides or articles | Legal Disclaimer |
| Financial tips or analysis | Financial Disclaimer |
| Guest posts or multiple authors | Views Expressed Disclaimer |
| Any commercial website | General Disclaimer |
Where Should You Display It?
- Footer: a link to the full disclaimer
- Individual pages: inline disclaimer near relevant content (especially affiliate links)
- Blog posts: near the top of posts that contain affiliate links
Generate Your Disclaimer
Our Disclaimer Generator creates a customised disclaimer for your website, covering affiliate disclosures, liability limitations, and any specific content type you publish.
