Website Policies Explained: The What, Why, How, and How Much!

We’re about to wade into a topic that might not exactly get your adrenaline pumping, but it sure is vital to your business. Yep, we’re talking about website policies!

I know what you’re thinking – “Legal policies? Yawn…” But hold that yawn for a second, because while these policies might not be the life of the party, they are indeed the quiet, protective security guards that keep your web pages in check.

They may not have the thrill of a new marketing campaign or the shine of a website redesign, but their role in your online presence is pivotal. So, grab that coffee, and let’s talk about how these silent soldiers protect your online turf as well as your website visitors!

Why Do You Need Website Policies?

By implementing a comprehensive suite of policies like a website privacy policy, cookie policy, and terms & conditions, your business communicates a strong message to its customers – “We value and protect your data.”

Beyond just being a trust-building tool, these policies are also a requisite for meeting local and international regulations and industry standards.

A robust set of legal policies ensures your digital journey aligns with the existing rules and regulations of the data collection and protection universe. So, yeah, they’re pretty important to say the least!

Deconstructing Website Policies: Privacy, Cookies, and Terms & Conditions

Now let’s untangle the strands of this legal throuple – Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Terms & Conditions. What do each of them actually mean?

Privacy Policy: Your business’ data care pledge

Privacy Policies are your chance to say, “Hey there, we’ve got your back.” This is where you detail what personal data you collect from users, such as their name, email address, credit card details, and such.

It’s also your responsibility to disclose why this data is being collected, whether it’s to personalize user experience, improve site performance, or process transactions. In the second part of your Privacy Policy, you will shed light on third-party access to this data, if any.

Perhaps you share details with external websites for business operations, or maybe there’s potential data disclosure under legal obligations. Regardless of the circumstances, make it transparent.

Cookie Policy: Explaining your website’s digital crumbs

Cookies are small pieces of data that store user information to improve their website experience. Your Cookie Policy, then, is your chance to explain this trail of digital breadcrumbs.

You need to let your users know that you remember their site preferences, past actions, and even shopping cart details for their convenience.

But it’s not just about what you remember – it’s about who else does, too. If third-party cookies are used by advertising or analytics partners, it’s time to name names.

Terms & Conditions: Laying down the law of your digital land

Think of your Terms & Conditions (T&Cs) as the Constitution of your business’s digital world. This is where you lay down the law and establish the ground rules for using your site. It’s all about keeping things fair and square.

Maybe it’s about user account guidelines or e-commerce regulations like shipping policies and return conditions. You’re setting the stage for user interaction.

But there’s more to T&Cs than just rules. They also serve as your legal bodyguard, detailing your copyrights and trademark rights, and even disclaiming liability/legal action for certain situations.
And in the case of rule-breakers, it’s your T&Cs that will explain the possible sanctions or consequences. It’s about protecting both your rights and your customers’ rights, and creating a safe and respectful digital environment.

What Website Policies Do You Need?

You might be asking, “Stefani, how on earth do I figure out which policies I need for my website?” Well, my answer to this is, take a step back and assess your website’s operations.

You need a Privacy Policy if:

You’re collecting any sort of personal data from your visitors. This includes everything from names and email addresses to browsing data. Basically, if you’re asking your visitors for any kind of information, a Privacy Policy is a must. No ifs or buts, it’s the online version of ‘rules of engagement’.

You need a Cookie Policy if:

Your website so much as whispers ‘cookies’. Whether you’re tracking visits, storing user preferences, or enabling that handy ‘remember me’ feature, cookies are usually at play. And where there are cookies, a Cookie Policy should be your sidekick, keeping everything transparent and above board.

You need Terms & Conditions if:

You’re offering a product, a service, or even just information. Your Terms & Conditions are like your website’s rulebook, spelling out the do’s and don’ts for your users. They’re the backbone of your user agreement, shielding you from potential liabilities and ensuring everyone plays by the rules on your online playground.

How Do You Create Website Policies?

Now that we understand the ‘why’, let’s navigate towards the ‘how’. Creating these policies isn’t as daunting as it seems, especially with platforms like Termageddon.

I personally endorse Termageddon for the generation and management of legal policies. Its dynamic features keep you updated with changes in US privacy laws or newly introduced laws, enabling you to stay a step ahead.

One crucial point to remember is that legal requirements can be quite a chameleon, changing hues across jurisdictions. Tools like Termageddon come in handy as they help identify the laws applicable to your specific context and generate the required disclosures.

How Much is Termageddon?

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the cost. Although it might feel like an expense, investing in legal policies is more like insurance for your business.

Imagine the potential financial penalties, lawsuits, and reputational damage that could befall you without them. With Termageddon offering this safety net for just $12 a month, it’s a modest investment that grants a significant return – peace of mind.

How to Add Legal Policies to Your Website in Five Simple Steps

#1 Create policies:

Visit Termageddon’s website, create your account, answer their set of questions, and get your personalized policies. If you get stuck, don’t hesitate to contact the fantastic Termageddon team. They’ll hop on a Zoom with you to walk you through your policies.

#2 Access policy scripts:

Navigate to the ‘Deployment Instructions’ tab in Termageddon, where you’ll find unique code snippets associated with each of your policies.

#3 Add scripts to your website:

It’s time to get these policies live on your site. For each policy, create a new page on your website and paste the corresponding HTML script.

#4 Link policies in your footer:

For easy access, add links to your policies in the footer of your website.

#5 Review and verify:

Lastly, ensure everything works as expected. Test your policy links to confirm they lead to the correct pages and that the content is displayed correctly. If it all checks out, you’re done!

One thing to note is that since the policies are scripts vs. actual text on your site, they may take a couple seconds to load. Be patient if you see a blank page for a hot second…it will appear shortly.

Need help creating your website policies? Let me take the reins!

Navigating privacy laws and transparency can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be with the right tools and a good support system.

Remember, the cost of non-compliance outweighs the effort and cost of creating and maintaining your policies. It’s about protecting your customers’ rights and your business’s integrity – and this should never be undervalued!

Overwhelmed? Let Exhale Design Co help. We simplify complex processes and take the headache out of web design and digital compliance. Want to ease your digital journey and concentrate on what you do best? I’m just a message away – get in touch today.