If you run a small business, you’re going to need these legal pages on your website.
OK, let’s talk legal. I know it’s not the most thrilling topic when thinking about your website and you’d rather be thinking about colour schemes, photography and all the fun things, but stick with me, your website’s legal pages are super important too!
Whether you’re running an online shop, helping people with their social media or life coaching kick-ass women, getting your website legally legit is a non-negotiable. So grab a cup of tea and a notebook and let’s break down the must-have legal pages for your website, in a way that (hopefully) won’t make you switch off half way through 🤞🏻
1. Privacy Policy
Your visitors want to know you’re not creepy.
Picture this. Someone’s browsing your website, filling in your forms or signing up for your newsletter. They want to know that you’re not selling their info to some shady third-party marketer who’ll spam them forever and then some. A Privacy Policy is where you lay it all out: what info you’re collecting, how you’re using it and who you’re sharing it with (if anyone).
You’re legally required to have this page, especially if you’re collecting any sort of personal data — email addresses, names, payment info, you get the gist. And let’s be real, almost every website does. It’s not just about doing the right thing, it’s about covering your backside. GDPR (Europe’s strict privacy law) are serious about it. So better to be safe than sorry, right?
2. Terms and Conditions
Because you run the show.
This one is like the “house rules” of your website. Your Terms and Conditions page lays out the rules for people who visit, shop or subscribe. Think of it as your website’s “don’t-mess-with-me” disclaimer.
This is where you cover things like:
- Who owns the content (Spoiler alert: it’s you)
- How payments work and refund policies (Nobody likes confusion here)
- The rules for interacting on your site (No trolls allowed)
- What happens if something goes wrong (You’re not promising the moon and the stars, just great service)
Even if your visitors don’t read every word (and let’s be honest, they probably won’t), having this page can save your ass if anything ever goes sideways. It’s like setting boundaries for the relationship.
3. Disclaimer
Because there are no guarantees.
If you’re giving advice on your website — whether it’s fitness, financial, legal, or even DIY home projects — you need a Disclaimer. This is where you politely tell people, “Hey, I’m sharing what *I* know, but I’m not responsible if you take my advice and things go sideways.”
For example, if you’re a wellness coach and someone injures themselves following one of your routines, a disclaimer helps protect you from legal trouble. Basically, it says, “I’m giving you my best advice, but no guarantees, okay?”
It's also a great place to mention affiliate links if you use them. Because, let’s be real, we all want to make a little cash on the side.
4. Cookie Policy
Not the ‘goes nice with a cuppa’ kind, but the digital kind.
A Cookie Policy explains the small files (cookies) that track people’s activity on your website. If your website has any kind of analytics tracking set up, then you will be using cookies and you need to let your visitors know what they’re used for.
In most cases, this can be bundled with your Privacy Policy, but you will also have seen those annoying pop-ups that say, “We use cookies.” Yep, that’s what this is about. People just need to know you’re not secretly stalking them.
5. Return & Refund Policy
Because people change their minds.
If you’re selling products or services online, people are going to want to know what happens if they buy something and then decide it’s not for them. A clear Return and Refund Policy saves you from those awkward emails like, “Uh, I didn’t actually want this - can I return it?”
This page should outline how long they have to return something, what items are eligible for a refund or exchange and any conditions (Do they need the receipt? Is it final sale?).
It’s not a legal requirement in every industry, but it’s good customer service. Plus, it gives your business an air of professionalism, which can help build trust with your customers.
Conclusion
Yes, setting up these legal pages is a bit of a snooze-fest compared to designing your website or brainstorming new products. But here’s the tea: having them protects you and makes you look like a pro. Plus, it’s way better to spend a few hours putting these in place now than dealing with a legal headache later.
So, let’s review:
Privacy Policy: Don’t be shady with people’s info.
Terms and Conditions: Your house, your rules.
Disclaimer: Advice comes with no guarantees.
Cookie Policy: Not the yummy kind, but important.
Return & Refund Policy: Set expectations upfront.
Now, go get these pages set up, and then you can get back to the fun stuff! Your business will thank you for it, and so will your future self.