Partner With CluedUp
Quick answer: A partnership with CluedUp is an ongoing, clearly defined collaboration with an organisation whose work genuinely helps our South African readers. We are an independent publisher, not a government body, and partnerships never buy influence over our guidance, which is never for sale. Every commercial element is labelled. Start a conversation about partnering with us.
Key takeaways
- What it is: a longer-term, clearly labelled collaboration built around real reader value.
- Who it suits: organisations whose products, services or missions help people get things done.
- Independence: partnerships never change what our guides say — our guidance is never for sale.
- Transparency: any commercial element is disclosed under the FTC endorsement guidelines.
- How to begin: outline your idea via our contact page or [email protected].
What partnering with CluedUp means
A partnership goes beyond a single advert or article. It is an ongoing relationship where we work together over time — perhaps combining advertising, sponsored content, co-produced resources or data that helps readers. Because it is deeper, it comes with clearer expectations on both sides about labelling, editorial independence and what success looks like. The one constant is that it must serve our readers, not just our partner.
In return for that deeper commitment, a partnership lets us plan properly rather than react to one-off requests. We can build resources that take time to do well, coordinate timing around your calendar, and give a partner the confidence that comes from a settled, written arrangement. It also lets us get to know your work well enough to represent it accurately — which matters on public-service topics, where a careless description can genuinely mislead someone. The trade-off is that we are selective: a lasting relationship only makes sense when the fit is real.
What a good partnership looks like
The partnerships we are proudest of share a simple trait: a reader is measurably better off for them. Perhaps a financial-services partner helps us produce a clearer explainer on a confusing product, or an education provider supports a resource that helps school-leavers weigh their options. The partner gets sustained, honest visibility; the reader gets something genuinely useful; and the commercial relationship is disclosed throughout. When those three things line up, everyone benefits and nothing has to be hidden. When they do not, no amount of budget makes it a good idea, and we will say so.
Types of partnership
- Content collaborations — labelled resources that make a process or topic clearer for readers.
- Ongoing advertising arrangements — sustained, clearly marked placements over a campaign or season.
- Public-interest collaborations — working with NGOs, educators or campaigns on genuinely useful guidance.
- Data or tools — accurate information or utilities that help readers act with confidence.
Who we partner with
We look for organisations whose work aligns with our public-service purpose: financial services, education and training, legal and admin services, NGOs, community initiatives and reputable brands. Because we explain official and everyday processes, we are especially careful with partners whose services could be confused with official bodies. The test is simple — does this partnership help our readers do something better or more safely? If the honest answer is that it mainly helps the partner, it is not for us. We would rather have fewer partners we can stand behind than a long list that dilutes what our recommendation is worth.
What stays independent
Our editorial guidance is never for sale, and no partnership buys favourable coverage or edits inside a guide. Partners do not get to change what a guide says, and any paid or supplied element is clearly labelled. We do not sell undisclosed or disguised paid links. A partner also cannot borrow authority we lack: CluedUp is an independent publisher, not a government body, and no collaboration implies official endorsement. Keeping this line bright is what makes a partnership with a trusted public-service site worth having in the first place.
How partnerships are disclosed
Every commercial element of a partnership is disclosed to readers in line with the FTC endorsement guidelines, and anything sponsored is labelled as such. We would rather over-disclose than leave a reader unsure whether something is independent guidance or a partner message. Transparency is not a cost of partnering with us; it is the reason our recommendations carry weight.
How to propose a partnership
Tell us who you are, what you want to achieve and how it would help our readers. We will suggest a shape — the mix of formats, labelling and timing — and agree scope in writing before anything goes live. If the fit is not right, we will say so honestly rather than force it. There is no need to arrive with everything worked out; a clear sense of your goal and your audience is enough for us to sketch a realistic proposal. From there it is a conversation, and either side is free to conclude that the timing or the fit is not right. We would much rather begin a partnership that both sides are genuinely confident in than talk anyone into one that will not last.
Pricing and terms
Because partnerships vary so widely, we do not publish a fixed price. We scope each collaboration around your goals and share a media kit and current rates once we understand what you need. We prefer terms written down clearly — what is included, how it is labelled, how long it runs and what each side is responsible for — so there are no surprises later. A partnership built on a vague handshake tends to strain the moment expectations diverge, and on public-service topics the reputational stakes are too high for that. Request the details and we will propose terms in plain language.
CluedUp is an independent publication run by a named team with published methods — read about us and how we verify and edit our guides. Every commercial element of a partnership is disclosed in line with the FTC endorsement guidelines, and our independent guidance stays independent. Nothing we publish is legal, financial or professional advice — our guides are information only — and honest partnerships are ones that respect that.
Frequently asked questions
What is a partnership with CluedUp?
An ongoing, clearly labelled collaboration built around genuine reader value, which can combine advertising, sponsored content and co-produced resources.
Can a partner influence your guides?
No. Our guidance is never for sale, and partnerships never change what a guide says. Any commercial element is labelled.
Is CluedUp affiliated with any government?
No. We are an independent publisher, not a government body, and are not affiliated with or endorsed by any government.
Do you sell links through partnerships?
No. We do not sell undisclosed or disguised paid links. Everything commercial is disclosed and compliant.
Who do you partner with?
Organisations whose products, services or missions genuinely help our readers — from financial and education providers to NGOs and reputable brands.
How are partnerships disclosed?
Every commercial element is disclosed under the FTC endorsement guidelines, and sponsored elements are labelled.
How much does a partnership cost?
It is scoped to your goals. Contact us for a media kit and current rates.
How do I propose one?
Outline your idea via our contact page or [email protected] and we will suggest a shape.
Do you offer how-to brand or media partnerships?
Yes — ongoing programmes combining advertising, disclosed content and features around your goals. Discuss one via our contact page.