Last Updated: June 23, 2026
The Open Handbook believes in radical transparency. This page explains our relationship with affiliate programmes and how that relationship may affect the content you read on this site.
1. What Is an Affiliate Link?
Some links on The Open Handbook are affiliate links. If you click one and subsequently make a purchase or complete a qualifying action, we may receive a commission or referral fee from the company in question.
The price you pay is always the same — or better — as if you visited the merchant directly. Affiliate links never add cost to you.
2. Why We Use Affiliate Links
Running an independent editorial website involves real costs: hosting, software, research, writing, editing, translation, and maintenance. Affiliate commissions are one of the ways we fund free access to our content.
We only participate in affiliate programmes for products and services we would genuinely recommend to a knowledgeable friend.
3. Editorial Independence
Affiliate relationships do not influence which topics we cover, how we review products, or the conclusions we reach. Our editorial opinions are our own. Products we recommend are selected based on usefulness to our readers, not commission rates.
If a product we have recommended subsequently changes in quality or relevance, we update or remove the recommendation.
4. Current Programme Categories
The Open Handbook may participate in affiliate programmes in the following areas:
- SEO tools and digital marketing software (e.g. Semrush, Ahrefs, Surfer SEO)
- Hosting and website platforms (e.g. Hostinger, Bluehost, Elementor)
- Productivity and business tools (e.g. Canva, ConvertKit)
- Travel and insurance products (e.g. Booking.com, Agoda, travel insurance providers)
- Sports merchandise from official and authorised retailers
- Amazon Associates programme for relevant product recommendations
This list is not exhaustive and may expand as the site grows.
5. Sponsored Content
Occasionally we may publish content for which compensation has been received. All sponsored content is clearly labelled with a disclosure such as “Sponsored”, “Paid Partnership”, or “Advertisement”. Compensation does not guarantee favourable coverage.
6. No Professional Advice
Affiliate recommendations are editorial suggestions only. Nothing on this site constitutes financial, legal, medical, or professional advice. Always conduct your own due diligence before making a purchasing decision.
7. Third-Party Responsibility
Purchases made through affiliate links are governed by the merchant’s own terms, refund policies, and customer service procedures. The Open Handbook is not responsible for any issues arising from third-party transactions.
8. Regulatory Compliance
This disclosure is intended to comply with FTC endorsement guidelines, UK ASA requirements, and similar consumer protection regulations globally. We believe readers deserve to know when we may earn a commission.
9. Changes to This Disclosure
This disclosure may be updated at any time. Changes are effective immediately upon posting.
10. Contact
If you have questions about our affiliate relationships, email: corrections@theopenhandbook.com
