Last Updated: March 1, 2026
Contents
The Honest Truth About How This Site Makes Money
FocusedRemote.com is an affiliate marketing website. That means when you click on certain links on this site and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Here’s exactly how it works:
What Are Affiliate Links?
When I recommend a product (like a Time Timer, a Focusmate subscription, or noise-canceling headphones), I include special tracking links. If you buy through those links, the company pays me a small percentage of the sale.
Example: If I recommend a $35 timer and you buy it through my Amazon affiliate link, I might earn $1.20-$1.40. Your price stays $35 – you don’t pay extra.
Which Companies I Work With
I participate in affiliate programs with:
- Amazon Associates (physical products like timers, headphones, desk accessories)
- Software affiliate programs (apps like Focusmate, Todoist, Notion, etc.)
- Other retailers (productivity tool companies that offer affiliate partnerships)
This list may expand as I test more tools and find partners who align with my values.
My Commitment to You
Here’s what I promise:
- I Only Recommend Tools I’ve Actually Tested
If I haven’t personally used a product for at least 30-90 days, I won’t recommend it. Period. No “I heard this is good” reviews. No manufacturer spec sheet regurgitation. - Affiliate Status Doesn’t Change My Recommendations
I’ll recommend the best tool for the job, even if:
- It has a lower commission than alternatives
- It has no affiliate program at all (I’ll still tell you it’s the best)
- A free alternative exists that works better
- I’m Honest About What Doesn’t Work
If a tool failed me, I’ll tell you – even if it has a lucrative affiliate program. My reputation matters more than a commission check. - I Disclose Affiliate Relationships Clearly
Every article with affiliate links includes a disclosure. You’ll always know when a link earns me a commission.
Why Affiliate Marketing?
I chose this model because:
- It keeps the site free for readers (no paywall, no subscription)
- It aligns my incentives with yours (I earn money when I recommend tools that actually help)
- It’s more ethical than sponsored posts (I’m not paid to say nice things about bad products)
The alternative would be:
- Charging for reviews (paywalls suck)
- Accepting sponsored content (companies paying for positive reviews)
- Running intrusive ads (those “one weird trick” banners)
I’d rather earn a small commission when you buy something useful than clutter the site with garbage ads.
What About Bias?
Valid question. Here’s how I handle it:
Potential Conflict: A company offers me a higher commission to recommend their product over a competitor.
My Solution: I recommend the better product and tell you about free alternatives. If Product A is worse but pays more, I’ll still recommend Product B (or tell you to use a free app if that’s actually better).
Real Example: Time Timer pays a 3-4% Amazon commission. A cheap knockoff might have similar earnings. But Time Timer actually works better in my testing, so that’s what I recommend – and I also mention the free phone timer alternative for budget-conscious readers.
FTC Compliance
This disclosure complies with the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines on endorsements and testimonials (16 CFR Part 255).
The FTC requires that I disclose material connections between myself and the brands I recommend. This page serves as that disclosure.
In plain English: If I make money from recommending something, I have to tell you. So I’m telling you.
Questions About Affiliate Relationships?
If you’re ever unsure whether a link is an affiliate link, or if you have questions about my relationship with a company, email me at [your email].
I’m happy to explain any partnership or recommendation.
Bottom Line: I test tools obsessively, recommend what actually works, and earn a commission when you buy through my links. You don’t pay extra. I stay honest. Everyone wins.
Now let’s go find you a tool that actually helps.
This policy may be updated as I add new affiliate partnerships. Last updated: March 1, 2026.