Welcome to a guide designed for affiliates who understand that true success is built on transparency. Let’s explore how to communicate income opportunities in ways that inspire while maintaining high standards.
The power of your message
In our industry, income claims represent stories of possibility and transformation. Understanding how to share these stories effectively and ethically is your key to building lasting success.
What is an income claim?
Income claims appear in various forms, including:
- Direct statements about earning potential
- Visual storytelling through lifestyle imagery
- Comparative perspectives on financial opportunities
- Forward-looking scenarios about business growth
For example:
“Earn $500 per week working from home!”
Pictures of luxury cars or vacation homes with captions like “Thanks to [Company Name]!”
“Quit your 9-to-5 and achieve financial freedom!”
“Imagine earning $2,000 a month if you recruit five people who each sell $1,000 in products.”
Building trust through excellence
Why compliance matters
Your role as a leader in our community carries both privilege and responsibility. Non-compliant claims can:
- Undermine the trust we’ve collectively built by presenting information without substantiation or without disclaimers
- Misalign expectations with reality, creating an overly simplistic view of earning potential
- Create regulatory challenges that affect our entire community – regulators measure ‘net impression’ to determine whether a claim is misleading.
Embracing best practices
- Lead with transparency
- Share context that empowers informed decisions
- Reference your earnings disclosure statement (EDS)
- Include clear, professional disclaimers that maintain credibility
- Champion authentic success
- Highlight the relationship between effort and achievement
- Be upfront about investments/costs required for success
- Share real stories that inspire while remaining grounded in reality
- Master the art of visual communication
- Choose imagery that reflects authentic success
- Pair aspirational content with clear context and disclosures
- Maintain professional standards across all platforms
Creating powerful, compliant messages
Transform your communication
Instead of:
❌ “Make $5,000 monthly with zero experience!”
Lead with:
✅ “Through dedication and strategic effort, some of our top performers have achieved significant success. While the average participant earns $X annually, your journey is unique. Learn more about typical results: https://shorturl.at/ktuf2”
Instead of:
❌ (Picture of a luxury car) “This could be you in just six months!”
Lead with:
✅ (Picture of a luxury car) “One of our top earners shared this milestone. While inspiring, this result is not typical. Average participants earn $X per year. Learn more here [link to EDS].”
FAQs
Can I share my personal earnings as a testimonial?
Yes, but ensure the following:
- Your earnings are typical, or you include a disclaimer clarifying that results are not guaranteed or typical.
- Disclose any costs or investments that impacted your earnings.
Are hashtags considered income claims?
Yes, hashtags like #FinancialFreedom or #QuitYourJob can imply income claims. Use them carefully and always include appropriate disclosures.
How can I ensure compliance on social media?
- Use pre-approved templates and disclaimers provided by your company.
- Avoid exaggerated or vague statements about income.
- Regularly review your posts for compliance.
What is the ‘net impression’ of a claim?
The net impression is the overall takeaway message for a reasonable consumer, considering text, images, and formatting. Even subtle claims can be problematic if they create a misleading impression.
Your path forward
As a valued member of our community, your voice shapes our collective future. Consider these action steps:
- Review your current communications through this new lens
- Implement these professional standards in your messaging
- Connect with our compliance team for personalized guidance
- Join our community of excellence in ethical communication
Building our legacy together
Your commitment to professional, compliant communication strengthens our entire community. By applying these principles, you’re not just building your business – you’re helping shape the future of Direct Selling.
Remember: Every message you share contributes to our collective success story. Let’s make it one of integrity, achievement, and sustainable growth.