At Nerdisa, I believe in complete transparency about how this site operates and how I maintain my independence while keeping the lights on.
The Honest Truth About Affiliate Links
Yes, I use affiliate links. When you click certain links on this site and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
But here’s what that really means—and what it doesn’t.
What Affiliate Relationships Do NOT Affect
My Reviews Are Independent
Every review on Nerdisa reflects my honest assessment based on actual testing and research. I don’t write positive reviews to earn commissions, and I don’t avoid criticizing software because of affiliate relationships.
If software is bad, I’ll tell you it’s bad—even if they pay higher commissions.
My Recommendations Stay Honest
When I recommend software, it’s because I genuinely believe it’s the best fit for the described use case. I’ve turned down affiliate partnerships with companies whose software I couldn’t honestly recommend.
My Research Process Remains Rigorous
I test software the same way regardless of affiliate status. I analyze user feedback, dig into pricing details, and look for real-world limitations whether or not there’s money involved.
How I Actually Choose What to Promote
Quality First
I only promote software I would actually recommend to a friend running a business. If I wouldn’t use it myself or suggest it to someone I care about, it doesn’t get an affiliate link.
User Value
The software has to solve real problems for real businesses. I’m not interested in promoting tools that exist just to generate affiliate revenue.
Fair Pricing
I avoid promoting software with deceptive pricing practices, hidden fees, or predatory contracts—even when they offer attractive commission rates.
What I Do With Affiliate Revenue
Site Operations
Affiliate revenue helps cover the costs of running Nerdisa—hosting, software subscriptions for testing, research tools, and the time it takes to create comprehensive reviews.
Maintaining Independence
This revenue model allows me to keep reviews free for readers while maintaining editorial independence. I’m not dependent on any single vendor or trying to sell you the most expensive option.
Reinvestment in Content
Money earned through affiliates goes back into creating better, more comprehensive reviews. More software to test means better comparisons and more options for you.
Specific Disclosure Information
Where You’ll Find Affiliate Links
- In reviews: When I recommend software, links to try or purchase that software may be affiliate links
- In comparison articles: Links to the software being compared
- In recommendation lists: Links to suggested solutions
Where You Won’t Find Them
- External research sources: Links to user review sites, vendor documentation, or news articles are not affiliate links
- Competitor mentions: I don’t affiliate link every software mentioned—only those I actually recommend
How They’re Marked
I use clear language like “affiliate link” or indicate commission relationships where relevant. However, you should assume any link to software I recommend could be an affiliate link.
My Commitment to You
No Fake Scarcity
I don’t use fake countdown timers, artificial urgency, or limited-time offers to pressure you into clicking affiliate links. Good software doesn’t need these tactics.
No Bait and Switch
I don’t attract you with one topic and then try to sell you something completely different. If you’re reading about CRM software, I’m not going to try to sell you accounting tools.
No Inflated Promises
I don’t promise that software will “change your life” or “guarantee success.” I tell you what it actually does and let you decide if that’s valuable for your business.
Regular Review Updates
When software changes significantly or better alternatives emerge, I update my reviews—even if it means recommending software with lower or no commissions.
Industry Context
How Most Software Review Sites Work
Many sites in this space are primarily affiliate-driven, meaning they promote whatever pays the highest commission. Some are essentially marketing funnels disguised as reviews.
How Nerdisa Is Different
While I do use affiliate links, my primary goal is creating helpful content. The affiliate revenue is what makes that sustainable, not the point of the exercise.
Why This Model Works for Readers
When done ethically, affiliate marketing aligns my interests with yours—I succeed when I help you find software that actually works for your business.
Questions About Affiliate Relationships
“Do you only review software with affiliate programs?”
No. I review software based on reader interest and market importance. Some of my most detailed reviews are of software with no affiliate program at all.
“Do higher commissions influence your rankings?”
No. I base recommendations on software quality, user feedback, and fit for specific use cases. I’ve often recommended software with lower commissions over higher-paying alternatives.
“Can I trust your reviews if you earn money from them?”
I believe you can, but ultimately that’s your judgment to make. I encourage you to read multiple sources, try software yourself, and make decisions based on your specific needs.
“What if I don’t want to use affiliate links?”
That’s completely fine. You can go directly to any vendor’s website to sign up. My goal is to help you find the right software, not to generate maximum affiliate revenue.
Other Revenue Sources
Direct Advertising
I may accept direct advertising from software vendors, always clearly marked as sponsored content. These arrangements never influence my editorial reviews.
Sponsored Content
Occasionally, I create sponsored content clearly labeled as such. This is separate from my independent reviews and doesn’t affect my editorial opinion of software.
My Promise
I built Nerdisa because I was frustrated by the lack of honest software reviews. I maintain that standard even as the site has grown.
My reputation and the trust of readers like you are worth more than any affiliate commission.
If you ever feel I’ve compromised that standard or if you have questions about any affiliate relationship, please reach out. Maintaining transparency and trust is more important than any revenue stream.
Updates to This Disclosure
I may update this disclosure as affiliate relationships or site policies change. Any significant changes will be clearly noted with the update date.
Questions about affiliate relationships or want to know about a specific link? Contact me here nerdisa.com/contact. I’m always happy to clarify any affiliate relationships or explain how I evaluate software.
Remember: The best software for your business is the one that actually solves your problems—not the one that pays me the highest commission.