Did you know that as a blogger, there are certain legal guidelines that should be followed
Before I started blogging, I had no clue that there were certain guidelines to be followed. Fortunately for me
Whilst this is honours and all, there was still a lot that I was not familiar with yet. In this post, we aim to share some of the legal guidelines bloggers should adhere to.
Blogging + Legal Guidelines
*Disclaimer, I am not a lawyer and information being shared is that found during personal research.*
As bloggers, I have found it is best, to be honest
In order to ensure compliance as a blogger, we’ve compiled some legal guidelines to follow.
DECLARE YOUR EARNINGS
In the UK, the best way to declare your earnings is to register with the HRMC. I am registered as
Make sure you keep track of all money earned from the blog and declare with Her Majesties revenue. I track my earnings in Passive Income Reports and via Paypal Reports.
DECLARE COMMISSIONED {SPONSORED} WORK
Over the last couple of years (though slowly) ASA has started to knuckle down guidelines for bloggers. One thing I have picked up on reading that guidelines
You need to allow
FOLLOW GDPR + BE COMPLIANT
Back in May (25th) 2018, GDPR came into effect and everyone in Europe should be compliant. You will have noticed many companies sent out emails asking for your permission to retain your personal details.
For bloggers, by now you should have emailed all your subscribers and asked their permission. Those who didn’t respond should be deleted as they have not given consent.
DON’T USE OTHER PEOPLE’S IMAGES WITHOUT PERMISSION
Back when I just started blogging, I used to google search
The best way to use another person’s images is, NOT to use them. First get permission, only then can you use the image in your article. Also, remember to link you to the sources of the image. I know other bloggers just link up those ‘borrowed’ images but I think the best practice is to ask first.
If you wish to read more about legal guidelines, visit ASA’s page.
PASSIVE INCOME REPORT – Q3 2018
Now that we are all a little clear on the legality side of blogging,
Continuing with the trend, here is the rough estimates of my earnings in Q3 2018. As I have
During the month of July 2018, I made roughly £400 before PayPal fees. Then in August 2018 which was fairly quiet, an estimate of the earnings is £200. And finally in September when things picked up, I made roughly £900. The third quarter was not a bad month either, I am always grateful to be able to make money blogging.
swathi says
These are really useful tips, Yes Disclaimer is important when you dealing with sponsored post.
Melanie williams says
Such a great resource and providing some great advice for bloggers x
Super Busy Mum says
This is such a helpful post and such a great resource for bloggers everywhere, too. Thanks so much.
Candace says
These are some great tips to share as I’m sure a lot of newer bloggers aren’t aware. I have lately been seeing people post other bloggers images and it’s so annoying! Hopefully this can become enforceable somehow too soon.
Rachael says
Great post, I love reading your income reports. Congratulations on your £900, that’s great going.
Eva Katona says
Very good reminder! I always tend to forget about passive income and need to set myself a regular reminder – I will be returning tax papers first time next January, so I’m a little bit nervous!
TheDenaEdit says
This is such a handy post! It’s important that all bloggers are compliant with the rules/guidelines!
Bethany says
I’ve always been scared to make the big step of monetising my blog .. the whole process seems so daunting, but I can imagine it being very rewarding
Kathy says
I make sure to keep track of everything as well. That includes all items I’ve bought for my blog and such. It can be a pain keeping track of everything, but I love working from home.
Laura says
I am in the process of looking into monetising my blog, so a post like this is super helpful. Thank you for sharing this information
Jeanine says
Wonderful post! I know quite a few bloggers who this will help greatly. I think its always important to keep sharing this kind of knowledge and hopefully helps many!
Charli says
I had no idea about the legal hoops of blogging when I first started – really wish I’d had this guide back then.
C x
Nancy at Whispered Inspiration says
These are so important to know. If you want to be a business, you have to abide by the laws! That is for sure.
Dennis Littley says
These are really helpful guidelines to share with newer bloggers or bloggers that haven’t been in the loop lately. Especially about using images. Thanks for sharing this.
Faneshia says
I just started blogging recently and I had no idea there was so much legal behind it. I have started earning money yet but I will remember this. Thanks!
Indrani says
Yes it is important to follow these new rules. I try and keep updating myself on this.
Good compilation of the rules.
Rhian Westbury says
Some great guidelines and you’re right that they’re so important. All bloggers need to declare their earnings and it’s a good thing to be able to do as it means we’re all bossing it x
Marysa says
Blogging can definitely be complicated. These are all so good to know about, and very important. Thanks for sharing.
Kerry Norris says
This is a great source for people who want to start a blog. I don’t think many people realise there are rules to follow etc
Chubskulit Rose says
Wow, I wish I could make that much ha ha. I do declare my earnings every year no matter how small it is.
Pam says
Great tips. I didn’t realize many years ago that I couldn’t just google an image and use it, but I learned that quickly.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
Blogging is definitely a business and needs to be treated as such, especially when funds are being transferred. I have been paying taxes on earnings since I first became profitable.
Tammy says
I have had a blog for 10 years and learning everything that is claimed for taxes is basically the same as owning a mortar & brick store. Very nicely done post on what every blogger should know.
Madeeha says
Great post. Wen I started blogging, I was also unaware of all these. I still don’t earn money from my blog but I always declare when I receive products fr review. I think it is the only fair way to blog.
Rachel says
There are so many things to consider legally, especially when it comes to sponsored content. I assume that most people know that you can’t use someone else’s work but maybe not.
Jenni says
Ahh I was dreading seeing something j haven’t done but thankfully I’m doing everything you have said
Tizzy Says says
These are some really helpful tips that all bloggers should follow. I try to only use my own images on my own blog, but if I have to borrow, I cite my source. I never thought about asking for permission.
Rachel says
Really good tips for bloggers who do not know about these important guidelines.
candy says
This is all very important information to know and use when you start blogging. Follow the rules and laws and keep track of everything.
cait says
what a great resource for so many bloggers- seems like youve been having a great last month- good for you friend!
Latte Lindsay says
This is great advice. So many bloggers don’t know this when they are starting out.
Farrah Less says
This post is so helpful especially to those who likes to make a career in blogging. I have learned that google punished you for not adding disclosure on your post if it is involve ads. Update Guideline like this is so important.
sara lafountain says
This was super helpful! I am a blogger and I did not know a lot of this information. Thank you for sharing it!
Terri Steffes says
I love reading other people’s stories about how they make money blogging or some other area of expertise. Thanks for sharing your story!
Kathryn at QuestFor47 says
This is SO important! GPDR has been so intimidating, even in the U.S. Thank you so much for providing these guidelines, and it’s also so interesting to see the requirements for a different country.
Janet says
Tips that every blogger and social influencer need to know. So many don’t and I’m sharing to my blogging board tips on Pinterest!
Shannan P says
These are such important tips. So many starting out don’t realize all of the finer print details.
Scott Gombar says
Some things are a little different in the US but not too far off. Thanks for sharing.
Jessica Taylor says
The guidelines that bloggers have to follow is extremely strict! This is a great guide!
An Insatiable Foodie says
This is something new for me. I am from India and I find it pretty intriguing that blogging, as a part time profession, or should I say, passion, has to be treated as income as well. Tough times 🙁
Silvia says
Great list of guidelines, thank you for sharing, there are still a lot of bloggers who doesn’t follow them.
Flyingkids says
Very informative post. A reminder for all bloggers about their responsibility when writing contents.
Sonia Cave says
All this is a source of worry to me often…am I doing it right, especially when they go and change things. I am now trying to suss this all out in Sweden too!
Kacie Morgan says
This is a great post. I think too many bloggers fail to recognise the legal obligations that the industry holds. I think this is probably largely due to blogging being so new, but I think we do need to be doing more to ensure we are on the right side of the law.
An Insatiable Foodie says
I am from India and it is pretty intriguing to know that you have to follow such stringent legal procedures, even though blogging is a part time profession of some. We do it for the love of writing and then there are legal statutes that have to be followed every now and then. Tough times 🙁
Mellissa Williams says
A very good post for new bloggers especially and as a reminder to be sure you are up-to-date with all the legal guidelines out there
lauren porter says
Great information for new bloggers – registering with HMRC is nowhere near as scary as I thought it would be! GDPR still worries me though…
Angela Ricardo Bethea says
This is such a great resource for bloggers. Looks like you had a great month of September.
Amy - All about a Mummy says
Great tips here. I was so daunted by registering with HMRC but in reality it is quite a simple process.
Sarah Stockley says
I started earning from my blog about a year ago now and have learnt so much along the way. There is so much more to it than people think!
Annette, 3 Little Buttons says
Well done on your blogging income! It’s lovely to see bloggers doing so well. It’s super important to be up front and stick to the guidelines as you say x
Amber Myers says
This is so important to do! I have seen some bloggers to state if a post is sponsored or not, and you can tell it was. I always make sure I let people know because I don’t want to get in trouble.
Bec Jones says
very useful advice especially for newer bloggers – Photography copyright is very important as you say. I would be unhappy if anyone used my photos without asking me first. Well done on the passive income revenues too.
Joan Cajic says
I started earning this year so I am waiting to start doing the whole tax year thing and start claiming and putting things in order. These are really great tips and information for people who have no idea about guidelines.
Rebecca Smith says
This is such a handy resource for bloggers! September seemed like a really great month for you, well done!
michelle twin mum says
It’s so important to adhere to all, the relevant laws and guidelines and of course to be honest and transparent with your readers. Mich x
Super Busy Mum says
This is such a helpful post and such a great resource for bloggers everywhere, too. Thanks so much.
TheDenaEdit says
This is such a handy post! It’s important that all bloggers are compliant with the rules/guidelines!
Eva Katona says
Very good reminder! I always tend to forget about passive income and need to set myself a regular reminder – I will be returning tax papers first time next January, so I’m a little bit nervous!
Melanie williams says
Such a great resource and providing some great advice for bloggers x
Bethany says
I’ve always been scared to make the big step of monetising my blog .. the whole process seems so daunting, but I can imagine it being very rewarding
Rachael says
Great post, I love reading your income reports. Congratulations on your £900, that’s great going.
Laura says
I am in the process of looking into monetising my blog, so a post like this is super helpful. Thank you for sharing this information
Candace says
These are some great tips to share as I’m sure a lot of newer bloggers aren’t aware. I have lately been seeing people post other bloggers images and it’s so annoying! Hopefully this can become enforceable somehow too soon.
swathi says
These are really useful tips, Yes Disclaimer is important when you dealing with sponsored post.
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says
These are so important to know. If you want to be a business, you have to abide by the laws! That is for sure.
Kathy says
I make sure to keep track of everything as well. That includes all items I’ve bought for my blog and such. It can be a pain keeping track of everything, but I love working from home.
Jeanine says
Wonderful post! I know quite a few bloggers who this will help greatly. I think its always important to keep sharing this kind of knowledge and hopefully helps many!
Charli says
I had no idea about the legal hoops of blogging when I first started – really wish I’d had this guide back then.
C x
Madeeha says
Great post. Wen I started blogging, I was also unaware of all these. I still don’t earn money from my blog but I always declare when I receive products fr review. I think it is the only fair way to blog.
Kerry Norris says
This is a great source for people who want to start a blog. I don’t think many people realise there are rules to follow etc
Indrani says
Yes it is important to follow these new rules. I try and keep updating myself on this.
Good compilation of the rules.
Rhian Westbury says
Some great guidelines and you’re right that they’re so important. All bloggers need to declare their earnings and it’s a good thing to be able to do as it means we’re all bossing it x
Dennis Littley says
These are really helpful guidelines to share with newer bloggers or bloggers that haven’t been in the loop lately. Especially about using images. Thanks for sharing this.
Rachel says
There are so many things to consider legally, especially when it comes to sponsored content. I assume that most people know that you can’t use someone else’s work but maybe not.
Faneshia says
I just started blogging recently and I had no idea there was so much legal behind it. I have started earning money yet but I will remember this. Thanks!
Marysa says
Blogging can definitely be complicated. These are all so good to know about, and very important. Thanks for sharing.
Jenni says
Ahh I was dreading seeing something j haven’t done but thankfully I’m doing everything you have said
Tizzy Says says
These are some really helpful tips that all bloggers should follow. I try to only use my own images on my own blog, but if I have to borrow, I cite my source. I never thought about asking for permission.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
Blogging is definitely a business and needs to be treated as such, especially when funds are being transferred. I have been paying taxes on earnings since I first became profitable.
Tammy says
I have had a blog for 10 years and learning everything that is claimed for taxes is basically the same as owning a mortar & brick store. Very nicely done post on what every blogger should know.
Chubskulit Rose says
Wow, I wish I could make that much ha ha. I do declare my earnings every year no matter how small it is.
Farrah Less says
This post is so helpful especially to those who likes to make a career in blogging. I have learned that google punished you for not adding disclosure on your post if it is involve ads. Update Guideline like this is so important.
sara lafountain says
This was super helpful! I am a blogger and I did not know a lot of this information. Thank you for sharing it!
Pam says
Great tips. I didn’t realize many years ago that I couldn’t just google an image and use it, but I learned that quickly.
cait says
what a great resource for so many bloggers- seems like youve been having a great last month- good for you friend!
candy says
This is all very important information to know and use when you start blogging. Follow the rules and laws and keep track of everything.
Terri Steffes says
I love reading other people’s stories about how they make money blogging or some other area of expertise. Thanks for sharing your story!
Janet says
Tips that every blogger and social influencer need to know. So many don’t and I’m sharing to my blogging board tips on Pinterest!
Rachel says
Really good tips for bloggers who do not know about these important guidelines.
Shannan P says
These are such important tips. So many starting out don’t realize all of the finer print details.
Kathryn at QuestFor47 says
This is SO important! GPDR has been so intimidating, even in the U.S. Thank you so much for providing these guidelines, and it’s also so interesting to see the requirements for a different country.
Flyingkids says
Very informative post. A reminder for all bloggers about their responsibility when writing contents.
Silvia says
Great list of guidelines, thank you for sharing, there are still a lot of bloggers who doesn’t follow them.
Jessica Taylor says
The guidelines that bloggers have to follow is extremely strict! This is a great guide!
Latte Lindsay says
This is great advice. So many bloggers don’t know this when they are starting out.
Annette, 3 Little Buttons says
Well done on your blogging income! It’s lovely to see bloggers doing so well. It’s super important to be up front and stick to the guidelines as you say x
Sonia Cave says
All this is a source of worry to me often…am I doing it right, especially when they go and change things. I am now trying to suss this all out in Sweden too!
Scott Gombar says
Some things are a little different in the US but not too far off. Thanks for sharing.
Amber Myers says
This is so important to do! I have seen some bloggers to state if a post is sponsored or not, and you can tell it was. I always make sure I let people know because I don’t want to get in trouble.
Joan Cajic says
I started earning this year so I am waiting to start doing the whole tax year thing and start claiming and putting things in order. These are really great tips and information for people who have no idea about guidelines.
Sarah Stockley says
I started earning from my blog about a year ago now and have learnt so much along the way. There is so much more to it than people think!
Bec Jones says
very useful advice especially for newer bloggers – Photography copyright is very important as you say. I would be unhappy if anyone used my photos without asking me first. Well done on the passive income revenues too.
lauren porter says
Great information for new bloggers – registering with HMRC is nowhere near as scary as I thought it would be! GDPR still worries me though…
An Insatiable Foodie says
I am from India and it is pretty intriguing to know that you have to follow such stringent legal procedures, even though blogging is a part time profession of some. We do it for the love of writing and then there are legal statutes that have to be followed every now and then. Tough times 🙁
An Insatiable Foodie says
This is something new for me. I am from India and I find it pretty intriguing that blogging, as a part time profession, or should I say, passion, has to be treated as income as well. Tough times 🙁
Amy - All about a Mummy says
Great tips here. I was so daunted by registering with HMRC but in reality it is quite a simple process.
Angela Ricardo Bethea says
This is such a great resource for bloggers. Looks like you had a great month of September.
michelle twin mum says
It’s so important to adhere to all, the relevant laws and guidelines and of course to be honest and transparent with your readers. Mich x
Kacie Morgan says
This is a great post. I think too many bloggers fail to recognise the legal obligations that the industry holds. I think this is probably largely due to blogging being so new, but I think we do need to be doing more to ensure we are on the right side of the law.
Mellissa Williams says
A very good post for new bloggers especially and as a reminder to be sure you are up-to-date with all the legal guidelines out there
Rebecca Smith says
This is such a handy resource for bloggers! September seemed like a really great month for you, well done!