Today, a well-designed and creatively written website is the expected standard in the business world. However, there’s more to consider than an attractive design and engaging copy when launching your website.
There are essential legal elements that must be included to protect you and your customers, many of which appear in your website’s “Privacy Policy & Terms and Conditions Pages.”
The Significance of Privacy Policy Pages
Privacy policy pages are legal agreements required by law to inform the web users about the information you collect and the way you’re going to use it. The requirement for privacy policy comes from regulations that have been created by governing authorities to protect their citizen’s privacy.
Third parties such as advertising and analytics platforms require you to have a suitable privacy policy in place before you are allowed to integrate their services into your website. Another reason to have privacy policy pages is that it inspires trust in your clients, encourages them to sign up with you, and become a member of your brand’s community.
Now you must be wondering, what should be the content of this critical web page? Here’s a list of pointers to draft an effective privacy policy online:
- What information you collect, how you collect it, and why?
- How do you use that information, and with whom do you share it?
- How can your users access and update that information?
- How can your users opt-in and opt-out of their data being stored or processed?
- How do you protect the information that you store about your user?
The privacy policy pages have legal obligations so ensure to proofread the copy thoroughly before making it public. Any hiccup here can lead to dire consequences for your brand’s credibility and reputation in the marketplace.
The Significance of Terms and Condition Pages
The terms and conditions for a website outline all of its legal policies concerning the products or services it provides to customers. The terms and conditions should clearly explain the rights and obligations of both the user and the business for their use of the website.
Depending on the nature of your business and of your website, the purpose and content of your terms and conditions will vary. But their overarching purpose is to establish a legal relationship between your business and anyone visiting your website.
Unlike privacy policy, it isn’t a legal requirement. However, it’s recommended that every website should include its unique terms and conditions for all its offerings. This helps in solving disputes that may arise due to a user making a claim against the site or vice-versa.
Whenever such an incident occurs, the terms and conditions are the foundational basis for assessing the complaint and settling the dispute.
The following is a list of content a terms and conditions page design should include:
- A clear statement of your offered product and services
- The conditions of use, covering what type of content may be posted or shared by users
- A limited liability clause stating that your company is not liable for any damages resulting from the use of your website
- Your copyright, trademark, and patent information confirming that the content designs and branding featured on your website cannot be used without your authorization
- A modification clause stating that you reserve the rights to revise the terms and conditions at any time
- A clause stating the government law under which your website operates
Just like the privacy policy webpage, the content of the terms and conditions pages should also be duly evaluated. People can take advantage of an incorrectly mentioned clause about any product on your website which would lead to monetary losses for your company.
To Conclude
Privacy policy & terms and conditions pages don’t get the importance they deserve. Only a few users may ever read them, and many might not even come across these pages. However, they’re an essential part of any website that takes its regulations and data protection seriously.
On top of allowing you to keep your operations above board, the privacy policy puts the visitor’s mind at ease while covering you legally and ethically.
What’s the most important aspect of these web pages? Do mention your thoughts in the comments section. Please click here if you would like to contribute to the Guest Post section of RedAlkemi.
