How to Legally Protect Your Website

I’m thrilled to have Amber Gilormo, Esq., as a guest on the blog today! Amber is my absolute go-to for all things website terms and privacy policy templates. She’s got a wealth of knowledge when it comes to protecting small businesses online—a super important aspect that often gets overlooked when we’re busy creating beautiful websites. I completely trust her expertise, and I’m so excited to share her insights with you!

This post was written by Amber Gilormo, Esq., a business attorney and founder of The Boutique Lawyer who I refer to all of my clients. Check her out here!

As a creative business owner with an online presence, you’ve likely poured your heart and soul into crafting a website that showcases your unique talents and offerings. But have you considered the legal side of your digital footprint? 

Don’t worry – protecting your website doesn’t mean sacrificing its aesthetic appeal. Let’s dive into the essential legal policies that will guard your online business while keeping your site stylish and user-friendly.

Privacy Policy – Your Digital Handshake

In today’s data-driven world, a Privacy Policy isn’t just good manners – it’s a legal requirement. 

It’s actually the ONLY legal policy that is required by law if your site so much as collects email addresses in your contact form.  Without one, you could face fines up to $7,500 per visitor per instance of them coming to your site.

This policy tells your visitors how you collect, use, and protect their personal information. Imagine it as your digital handshake, reassuring visitors that their data is in safe hands. A solid Privacy Policy builds trust with your audience, complies with data protection laws, and shields you from potential fines, which can be hefty. 

Pro tip: You can maintain transparency without compromising your site’s design by placing a link to your Privacy Policy in your footer. This keeps it visible and accessible without detracting from your site’s aesthetics.

Terms of Use – Sets Rules for Your Visitors

Think of your Terms of Use as your website’s house rules. This agreement outlines how visitors can interact with your site and content, protecting your creative work and limiting your liability. It’s like setting the ground rules for how people can play in your digital playground.

Your Terms of Use should include content usage guidelines, intellectual property protection, and limitation of liability clauses. This is the legal agreement that is really there for your protection as a business owner.

Pro tip: By adding a link to this document or page in your footer, you ensure it’s there for anyone who needs it, without it being obtrusive.

Terms of Purchase – Smooth Process for Sales

If you’re selling products or services online – be it digital downloads, coaching packages, or handmade goods – Terms of Purchase are your best friend. They set clear expectations for transactions and protect both you and your customers, making the sales process smooth and hassle-free.

These terms should cover refund and cancellation policies, product or service usage rules, and payment terms. 

A practical tip is to use a checkbox at checkout requiring customers to agree to your Terms of Purchase. This “clickwrap” method makes your agreement more legally binding, giving you an extra layer of protection.

Disclaimer – Setting Clear Expectations

Disclaimers are the ultimate fine print: they help limit your liability by clearly stating what you are (and aren’t) responsible for. They’re especially crucial if you’re in an industry where results may vary, such as health, finance, or coaching. Think of them as your way of setting the record straight and managing expectations upfront.

You might need various types of disclaimers, including general, industry-specific, and affiliate or sponsorship disclosures. A brief, general disclaimer in your footer, along with more detailed ones on relevant pages (like a results disclaimer on your services page), can be highly effective.

The Beauty of Legal Protection

Implementing these policies doesn’t mean cluttering your sleek website design. With a little creativity, you can integrate these essential elements seamlessly:

• Use your brand colors and fonts for policy pages.
• Create custom design for policy links in your footer.
• Design an on-brand pop-up for your Cookies + Privacy Policy agreement.

These steps not only protect you legally but also enhance your professionalism and build trust with your audience. By taking these measures, you’re creating a solid foundation for your creative business to thrive online.

Don’t let the legal stuff intimidate you. With the right resources, you can easily add these policies to your site and get back to doing what you love – creating and serving your clients. Your future self (and your lawyer) will thank you!

I require all my clients to have a Terms and Conditions page as well as a Privacy Policy on their websites. For a legally legit template, I always send them Amber’s way. Trust me – you won’t regret it!