What Your Website Legally Needs (And Why It Matters)

Here's the plain-English rundown of what every small business website should have:
The Non-Negotiables
1. Privacy Policy
If you collect any personal information — emails, names, analytics, contact form submissions — you're legally required to disclose how you collect, store, and use that data. Kinship Creative This covers every website with a contact form, email opt-in, or Google Analytics. Privacy laws typically apply based on where your users live, not where your business is located Law on Call, so even a small U.S.-based business can be affected by international privacy laws.
2. Terms & Conditions (a.k.a. Terms of Use)
Even if you run a simple informational site, including terms of use helps set clear rules and reduces your legal risk. Without one, you may have a harder time protecting your content, limiting your liability, or enforcing rules if someone misuses your site. Law on Call
3. Disclaimer
A disclaimer page is critical in case someone relies on the information on your site and suffers a negative outcome. A Self Guru For coaches, this is especially important — it covers general business advice not being a substitute for professional counsel.
4. Affiliate Disclosure (if applicable)
If you make money through affiliate links, you must have an affiliate disclosure, as required by the Federal Trade Commission. It's federal law — it discloses your affiliate relationships, commissions, sponsorships, and other incentives. A Self Guru
Strongly Recommended
5. Accessibility Statement
An ADA Accessibility Statement shows your commitment to making your website usable for everyone — it's a step toward inclusion and a step away from potential legal headaches. Kinship Creative
6. Cookie Notice
Although laws like the GDPR are based in Europe, they apply to all businesses that market to consumers in the EU, regardless of actual business location. Termly A simple cookie notice in your footer handles this.
Important Practical Note
All of these links — privacy policy, terms, and copyright — should live in the footer of your site so they appear on every page. LivePlan