Work With CluedUp — Advertising and Partnerships
Quick answer: You can work with CluedUp through clearly labelled advertising, sponsored content or a longer-term partnership. We are an independent publisher of plain-language South African how-to and public-service guides — not a government body — and our editorial guidance is never for sale. Get in touch to start.
Key takeaways
- Who we are: an independent publisher of practical how-to and public-service guides, not a government agency or official body.
- Ways to work with us: advertising, sponsored content, partnerships and contributor pieces.
- What is off-limits: our independent guidance — it is never for sale and paid placement never changes what a guide says.
- Everything is labelled: paid work is disclosed in line with the FTC endorsement guidelines and never dressed up as official advice.
- How to begin: tell us your goal via our contact page or email [email protected].
Who CluedUp is — and who we are not
CluedUp is an independent publisher based around South African readers who want clear answers to everyday questions: how a process works, what a document requires, where to go and what to expect. We are not a government department, a regulator or an official agency, and we are not affiliated with or endorsed by any government body. When we explain an official process we describe it in plain language and point readers to the relevant authority for the final word. That independence is the whole point of the site, so it shapes how we work with every commercial partner.
It is worth being blunt about this, because public-service topics attract confusion. Some readers arrive assuming any site that explains an official process must be part of the official machinery. We are not, and we say so on every commercial page precisely so that no advertiser, sponsor or partner is ever able to borrow an authority we do not have. Working with us means working with a trusted independent explainer — not buying the appearance of an official endorsement, which is something we cannot and will not sell.
Ways to work with CluedUp
There are a few distinct routes, and choosing the right one keeps expectations clear on both sides:
- Advertising — display placements and clearly marked promotional slots that sit around our guides without altering them.
- Sponsored content — a labelled article that tells your story, produced to our standards and never presented as independent guidance.
- Partnerships — ongoing collaborations with organisations whose work genuinely helps our readers.
- Contributing — expert, non-promotional articles from practitioners who can make a process clearer.
If you are unsure which fits, describe what you are trying to achieve and we will suggest the most honest option — or tell you when none of them is a good match. It is genuinely fine to arrive without a plan; part of our job is to translate a business goal into the format that will actually serve it, rather than upselling you into something bigger than you need. Sometimes the right answer is a single placement, sometimes a longer relationship, and sometimes a polite no — and we would rather give you the accurate answer than the flattering one.
What we will not do
We do not sell our editorial guidance, and paying us never buys a favourable mention inside a guide. We do not sell undisclosed or disguised paid links, and we do not publish anything designed to look like independent advice when it is really an advertisement. We decline work that would mislead readers about an official process, promise outcomes we cannot stand behind, or pressure vulnerable people. Saying no to the wrong deal is part of keeping the site trustworthy.
How the process works
Working with us is deliberately simple. You tell us your objective and audience; we suggest the format that fits and share what is available; we agree scope, labelling and timing in writing; then we produce or place the work and disclose it clearly. For anything editorial in flavour, our team keeps final say over wording so the result stays accurate and useful to readers.
Who works well with us
The best fits are organisations whose products or services genuinely help people get things done — financial services, education providers, legal and admin services, NGOs, public-interest campaigns and reputable brands. Because we cover public-service topics, we hold this kind of work to a higher standard than a typical lifestyle site would. If your offer helps our readers act with more confidence, there is usually a way to work together.
What to have ready when you contact us
You do not need a polished brief to reach out, but a few details help us respond usefully. Tell us who you are and what you offer, the outcome you want, roughly who you are trying to reach, and any timing or budget constraints. If you already have a format in mind — a placement, an article, an ongoing arrangement — say so; if you do not, describe the goal and we will suggest one. The more honestly you frame what success looks like, the more honestly we can tell you whether we can deliver it, and which of our formats fits.
Pricing and timing
Rates depend on format, placement and scope, so we price each enquiry rather than list a single figure. A one-off placement and a season-long partnership are simply different jobs, and pretending otherwise with a flat number would help no one. Tell us what you have in mind and we will share a media kit and current rates, along with realistic timing and what we can and cannot commit to. Request the details and we will come back with clear options rather than a hard sell.
CluedUp is an independent publication run by a named team with published methods — you can read more about us and about how we verify and edit our guides. Every paid or supplied placement is labelled in line with the FTC endorsement guidelines, and nothing we publish is legal, financial or professional advice — our guides are information only. That combination of named accountability and clear labelling is what lets readers trust us and what makes working with us worthwhile.
Frequently asked questions
Is CluedUp a government website?
No. CluedUp is an independent publisher. We are not a government agency or official body and are not affiliated with or endorsed by any government. We explain official processes and point you to the responsible authority.
Can I pay to change what a guide says?
No. Our guidance is never for sale, and advertising never affects the accuracy of a guide. Paid work is always separate and clearly labelled.
What are the ways to work with you?
Advertising, sponsored content, partnerships and contributed articles. See advertise, sponsored content, partners and write for us.
Do you sell links?
We do not sell undisclosed or disguised paid links. Any commercial relationship is disclosed and follows the FTC endorsement guidelines.
How much does it cost?
It depends on format and scope. Contact us for a media kit and current rates.
How do I get started?
Tell us your goal via our contact page or email [email protected], and we will suggest the best-fit option.
Will you turn work down?
Yes. We decline anything misleading, anything that pressures vulnerable readers, or anything that would blur the line between advertising and our independent guidance.
How do I advertise or partner with CluedUp?
Tell us your goal via our contact page and we will recommend the right mix of advertising, sponsored content, a partnership or a feature, with current options and rates.
Do you offer how-to sponsored content and advertising?
Yes — both, always clearly disclosed and kept separate from our independent editorial.