What Legal do I need on my website?
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Something I get asked a lot from clients when we’re working on web design projects is… Do I need a Privacy Policy or Terms and Conditions for my website? And the answer is, YES! If you have a website for your business then you should definitely have these on your website. Evennnn if you’re just starting out. In fact, it’s actually required by law. So what exactly are these things and why are they important? Let me break it down:
What is a Privacy Policy?
A Privacy Policy informs your website visitors about well, privacy! That includes how you are collecting and using their data. If you’re thinking to yourself… “but I’m not really collecting anyone’s data on my website” then here’s something to note. If you’re using Squarespace (like all of my clients) then just using the built-in analytics puts you into this category. Same with if you have a contact form. So even if you don’t think you’re collecting data, you probably are so you definitely need one of these policies. You can even face fines by not having one… say what?! Yes, really.
Your Privacy Policy should:
Comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Comply with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
Comply with other regulations and laws
Specify how you are collecting and using data, among other things
And if all of that sounds like gibberish then make sure you keep reading through to the “Where can I get these policies” section of this post.
What are Terms and Conditions?
Your Terms and Conditions can be thought of as the “rules” of your website and basically lay everything out in black and white. One of the key reasons to have one of these on your website is because it limits your legal liability in the event of a legal dispute or lawsuit and also protects you from copycats. No one likes to think about that part of being a business owner… but it happens so it’s so important to make sure you and your business are protected.
Your terms and conditions should:
Explain how your website can be used
Outline what your intellectual property rights are
Provide guidelines to help prevent copyright infringement (this one is BIG because this definitely happens – it’s happened to me before!)
Outline how legal disputes will be dealt with from content, services or products on your website
Limits your legal liability
What are Disclaimers?
A lot of people have heard about the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions but another important legal policy you should have on your website is disclaimers. This is especially important if you highlight testimonials, do sponsored content, use third-party links, or affiliate links. Among other things.
Essentially what a disclaimer does is further limits your legal liability when it comes to the content you publish on your website. It also makes sure that you are in compliance with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations which is important!
Here are some disclaimers you may want on your website:
Earnings disclaimer – if you mention anything about your earnings. This is especially common in the coaching industry, consulting and MLM companies.
Testimonials disclaimer
Sponsored post disclaimer
Third-party links disclaimer – so you can’t be held responsible for the actions of any websites you link to or affiliates
Where can I get these policies?
Okay, so I think you get that these policies are important now… but where can you get these suckers?
You can take the DIY approach… Maybe you find one in full online, or you piece it together with different things you’ve found online or even write it yourself. Yep, I’ve done this too — especially as I was just starting out. The problem with these is you don’t know who initially created them, if they’re actually legally sound, or if they’d even protect your business. The other option is to have a lawyer draft them for you. I don’t have to tell you that can be expensive though.
There is a third option though that I’m excited to share with you! And that is buying lawyer-approved templates from Plug and Law. It’s actually where I got my policies so I know firsthand how easy they are to use! When you buy their templates, you’ll be able to download word doc and PDF versions that you can download and then all you have to do is customize the policies for your business. It’s easy peasy, plus they’re super affordable too – at only $99!
Included in their Legal Bundle you’ll get customizable templates for:
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimers
The policies also include important provisions and disclaimers including the following:
Copyright infringement provision
GDPR visitor rights policy
GDPR email marketing policy
CCPA visitor rights policy
Cookie policy
Earnings disclaimer
Testimonials disclaimer
Sponsored post disclaimer
Third party links disclaimer
Store refund policies (full, partial and none)
Even better, they can be applied to all online businesses and also be used internationally. See, now you can see why I recommend these to my clients! If you have a new website you need to protect or need to step up your current policies, you can learn more and check them out for yourself at the button below!
Anna Osgoodby
Founder of Going Bold Studio, Anna Osgoodby is an award-winning designer and social media marketing expert. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in helping small businesses with their social media, branding and Squarespace website design.
