Is Ad disclosure worth it?

Everyone wants authenticity until it means clearly labeling the post as an ad.

My hot take: If your influencer campaign only "works" when you cut corners to hide disclosure, it was never good marketing to begin with.

The FTC guidelines aren't just legal hoops. They're designed to protect consumer trust. And if you’re serious about building a brand that lasts, that trust is your most valuable asset.

Brands, this is your gut check: Are you building something that could survive a headline? A lawsuit? A subpoena? If not, it’s time to rethink the approach. 

3 non-negotiables for FTC disclosure:

🚫 Don’t bury the disclosure - it should come first, not get lost in a sea of hashtags.

🚫 Don’t be vague - "Paid partnership with [Brand]." No winks, no gray areas.

🚫 Don’t overcomplicate it - if you’re second-guessing whether it’s clear enough, it probably isn’t.

Need a refresher? Click here for the latest from the FTC on disclosure rules for influencer marketing. 

Thanks Nycole Hampton for bringing this conversation front and center in her post on LinkedIn.

Original post on LinkedIn here.