3 Legal Pages Every Small Business Needs On Their Website
Did you know that there are a few legal pages you should have on your website?
Yup, even small businesses like us have a few essential pages we need to protect both us and our clients and, while legal stuff may sound scary, I'm here to help!
Before we get into the detail, I do just want to highlight that the legal requirements for your website will differ depending on where you live! And so, do make sure you do your own research and checks on what you need after reading this blog post.
So, which legal pages do I recommend as a minimum?
01. Privacy Policy
02. Terms & Conditions
03. Cookie Policy
01 // PRIVACY POLICY
Think of this page as your site's way of saying, "Hey, here's what we do with your personal info!" It tells visitors what kind of data you collect (like names, emails, and cookies), why you collect it (for example, to improve the site or send newsletters), and how you keep it safe. It's like the rulebook for handling someone's secret diary, but for the internet.
02 // TERMS & CONDITIONS
This is like your "house rules" page. It lays out what visitors can and can't do on your site. Imagine if your website were a coffee shop: this page tells members how to behave, what happens if they break the rules (like getting banned), and other important stuff like who owns the content (usually, you do). It helps keep things fair and friendly for everyone.
You could also have a Disclaimer page as a separate page, or include it in your terms. This would be your site's way of saying, "Just so you know..." and clarify any important info that visitors need to understand. For example, if you give advice (like health tips or financial advice), you might say, "We're not doctors or financial advisors—this is just for general information." It's like a big, friendly sign that says, "Don't take this too seriously and don't sue us!"
03 // COOKIE POLICY
A Cookie Policy is also essential for many websites, especially those operating in regions with strict privacy laws like the GDPR in Europe (plus any businesses that trade with other businesses in Europe even if you're not based here!).
Imagine your website has a kitchen and it's baking cookies (not the edible kind, sadly, but tiny files that store info on your visitors' computers). A Cookie Policy is like a menu that explains:
What cookies are: Little bits of data that help your site remember visitors and their preferences, like a digital memory chip.
What types of cookies you use: Some cookies keep the site running smoothly (essential cookies), some remember preferences (functional cookies), and others help with marketing (advertising cookies).
How you use them: Explaining if they’re used to keep users logged in, to remember their shopping cart, or to show them relevant ads.
How visitors can control them: Showing how users can disable or delete cookies if they want, usually through their browser settings.
So, a Cookie Policy is like a friendly waiter explaining what's in the cookies, why they're useful, and how customers can say "no thanks" if they prefer. This transparency helps build trust and keeps your site compliant with privacy regulations.
In short -
01. Privacy Policy // how we handle your info.
02. Terms & Conditions // the rules of your coffeeshop.
03. Cookie Policy // your cookie menu.
These pages help keep your website safe and trustworthy, both for you and your visitors!
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