Website Policies for Small Business: Cover Your Tail
Privacy Policies, Cookie Policies, and Terms of Services all fall under the “Website Policies”.
TLDR: Protect Your Business with the Right Website Policies
Having legal stuff on your website isn't just boring paperwork - it's actually pretty important these days. Here's the deal:
It's like a safety net: Those policies can save your butt if someone tries to sue you. Without them, you're kinda walking a tightrope without a net.
It makes you look legit: When people see you've got your legal ducks in a row, they're more likely to trust you. It's like saying, "Hey, we're not just some fly-by-night operation."
You'll want to cover things like:
How you handle people's info (Privacy Policy)
Rules for using your site (Terms of Service)
Saying "don't blame us if..." (Disclaimers)
What's up with those pesky cookies (Cookie Policy)
Having this stuff doesn't just keep the lawyers happy - it shows you've got your act together. Plus, it might give you a leg up on competitors who are slacking in this department. Personally, I use Termageddon* because it’s affordable for my small business and it gives me peace of mind—and their team simply rocks.
Disclaimer: I'm Not a Lawyer
Before we dive in, I am not a lawyer, and nothing in this post should be taken as legal advice. The information provided here is based on my personal experience and research. Still, you must consult with a qualified legal professional to make sure your website complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
The Necessity of a Website Policies for Small Businesses
You might wonder, "As a small business owner or solo entrepreneur, do I need a privacy policy?"
The answer is a resounding yes!
If you collect user data—even just names and email addresses—a privacy policy is legally mandated. Laws like GDPR in Europe and CIPA in California require this, and non-compliance can result in major fines.
Recently, there's been an uptick in privacy lawsuits targeting small businesses, even those outside of California, for non-compliance with laws like CIPA (a 30 year old privacy law). These legal actions are serious, with potential damages starting at $50,000.
Build Trust with Your Audience
Beyond avoiding penalties, a clear and comprehensive privacy policy builds credibility with your audience. Visitors to your site want assurance that their personal information is secure, and a well-written policy demonstrates your commitment to protecting their data.
What Website Policies Do You Need?
Here's a brief overview of the types of website policies needed for small business websites:
Privacy Policy
Protects user's Personal Identifiable Information (PII).
Required if collecting PII (like name and email through contact forms).
Helps avoid fines and lawsuits imposed by privacy laws.
Terms & Conditions
Limits a company's liability.
Protects against lawsuits from users who experience issues on third-party sites.
Can include a DMCA Notice to protect against copyright infringement claims.
Disclaimer
Necessary for websites offering health or legal advice.
Required by many affiliate programs.
Informs users about sponsored content or paid partnerships.
Cookie Policy
Explains the types of cookies used on a website and their purposes.
Required by privacy laws like GDPR, UK DPA, PIPEDA, and CCPA if cookies are used.
Provides transparency to website visitors about data collection.
Protect Your Business Now
I don’t expect you to sit down and write these policies off the top of your head. In fact, that’s a TERRIBLE idea. There are great resources out there to help you take proactive steps to ensure your website is current and compliant. Remember, while I can share my experiences and knowledge, consult a legal expert for advice specific to your business.
By addressing these legal requirements now, you'll avoid potential penalties and build trust with your audience—setting your business up for success both online and offline.
Resources for Website Policies
I recommend Termageddon*. Use “ANGIE” for 10% off your first year.
Termly has free options. I have not used it, but it comes recommended.
After thorough research, I chose Termageddon to handle my website's policies. What I love is that they stay on top of ever-changing privacy laws worldwide. When there's an update, they let me know and even suggest changes. Updating my policies is easy through their user-friendly dashboard, giving me peace of mind.
The setup process is smooth thanks to their clear guidance, and their support team is exceptional. I was impressed when Hans, a co-founder, personally sent me a video to resolve a technical issue. Not only was this incredibly helpful, but it also demonstrated their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Termageddon makes policy management simple. They're reliable, affordable, and a lifesaver when it comes to legal headaches. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone with a website.
*Full disclosure: This is an affiliate link, meaning I get a small commission if you use it. But trust me, I'd recommend them regardless—because they rock!
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One Last Thing: Don’t Forget Ongoing Compliance
It’s easy, but we all get busy and forget. Set a reminder to review and update your policies. By law, this needs to happen once a year. I recommend doing it quarterly.
To maintain compliance:
Regularly review and update your policies—a minimum once a year.
Implement effective opt-in consent banners—if visitors can’t find them, they won’t use them.
Stay informed about changes in privacy laws—or use a service that will do this for you.
