Affiliate Brand Guidelines
1. Brand Name
Always write California Design Den in full on first mention. Do not abbreviate as "Cal Design," "CD Den," or similar. The only accepted short form in repeat references within the same piece is "CDD." Do not alter the brand name in hashtags. Use #CaliforniaDesignDen.
2. Logo & Imagery
- Use only official product images and brand assets provided in the affiliate asset library.
- Do not crop, recolor, distort, or overlay text on the California Design Den logo.
- Do not use AI-generated images of California Design Den products.
- Lifestyle images must show California Design Den products in clean, well-lit, family-friendly home settings.
3. Claims Affiliates May Use
The following claims are approved for use in affiliate content:
- Family-owned bedding brand with over 20 years of experience
- 100% natural cotton — no synthetic blends, no microfiber
- Available in thread counts from 400TC to 1000TC across multiple collections and finishes
- Over 100 shades, prints, and sizes to choose from
- Thousands of verified customer reviews averaging 4.5 stars
- Select products independently tested to OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (free from 100+ harmful substances)
- The Organic Cotton collection is GOTS-certified
- Select collections have received the Good Housekeeping Seal — see Section 4 for reference rules
- Recipient of multiple Good Housekeeping Bedding Awards over the years
- Recognized by Oprah Daily and Architectural Digest among other publications
- Sheet sets priced from $50 to $150 depending on thread count and finish
4. Good Housekeeping Seal — Reference Rules
The Good Housekeeping Seal is one of California Design Den's most important trust credentials. Use it carefully.
Approved language: "Select California Design Den collections have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal" / "backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal" / “tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute”
Prohibited language: Do not say the Seal was certified, won, awarded, or a seal of approval. Do not claim California Design Den is the first or only brand with the Seal.
Badge/logo: Do not display the Good Housekeeping Seal badge in your content. Text reference only.
Scope: The Seal applies to select collections — Cotton Sateen, Egyptian Cotton, Organic Cotton, and Cotton Flannel. Do not imply it covers every California Design Den product.
5. Thread Count — How to Talk About It
Thread count is a selection tool that helps customers find the right feel for how they sleep. It is a meaningful differentiator. Do not undermine it.
Correct framing: Thread count describes the weight and feel of a sheet — lighter and crisper at lower counts, smoother and denser at higher counts.
Do not say: "Higher thread count doesn't mean better quality" or imply that thread count is a marketing gimmick.
6. Claims Affiliates Must NOT Make
| Do Not Say | Why |
|---|
| "Made in [any specific country]" | Do not reference country of manufacture |
| Any manufacturing origin claim | Not your story to tell — omit entirely |
| "Organic" applied to the brand or all products | Organic applies only to the GOTS-certified Organic Cotton collection |
| "Hypoallergenic" | Only where explicitly stated on the product page |
| Any medical or health claim | Not substantiated and potentially illegal |
| Unauthorized pricing or inflated "compare at" figures | Only show current approved pricing |
| Competitor disparagement or false comparative claims | Factual comparisons are fine; false claims are not |
| "Luxury" as a standalone descriptor | Only paired with proof (e.g., "Egyptian cotton sateen with a silky finish") |
| "Certified" in relation to the Good Housekeeping Seal | Prohibited under the license |
7. Tone & Voice
California Design Den is a family brand that makes real-quality cotton bedding at honest prices. Not a discount brand and not a luxury label.
Words that fit: comfortable, well-made, honest quality, natural cotton, fairly priced, everyday quality, thoughtfully made
Words to avoid: cheap, bargain, luxury (standalone), world-class, revolutionary, hotel-grade
Emphasize value and quality together. Never lead with price alone.
8. Pricing & Promotions
- Only promote coupon codes officially issued by California Design Den.
- Do not create, fabricate, or distribute unauthorized codes.
- Always display current, accurate pricing.
- Do not show inflated "compare at" prices that California Design Den has not approved.
9. Prohibited Placements
Do not place California Design Den links or promotions alongside adult content, gambling, tobacco, firearms, politically divisive content, or any illegal activity. Do not use pop-ups, pop-unders, or toolbars. No cookie stuffing or forced clicks.
10. Social Media
- All affiliate posts must include a proper FTC disclosure: #ad, #affiliate, or #sponsored — visible without requiring the reader to click "more."
- Do not create fake California Design Den accounts or impersonate the brand in any way.
- Tag California Design Den's official accounts where possible.
11. Email Marketing
Affiliates promoting California Design Den via email must comply with CAN-SPAM regulations. All emails must include a functioning unsubscribe link and a valid physical mailing address. Do not use misleading subject lines such as "Your California Design Den order" or "Shipping confirmation" when the email is promotional.
12. Violations
Breach of these guidelines may result in commission reversal, account suspension, or removal from the California Design Den affiliate program. California Design Den reserves the right to request the removal of non-compliant content.
