Do I Need a Privacy Policy on My Website? (UK Guide)
*Affiliate links are marked with an asterisk. These are tools I use myself, but if you make a purchase from that link, I may get some benefit at no extra cost to you.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I need a privacy policy on my website?” — the short answer is yes.
Even if your business is small, your website still needs to follow certain legal requirements. From privacy policies to cookie notices, these pages protect both you and your visitors — and they show that you run a professional, trustworthy business.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what your website legally needs, what’s smart to include, and the simplest ways to get these documents in place — whether that’s using free templates, AI tools, or a paid DIY option like Termageddon* (my recommended choice).
1. Do I Need a Privacy Policy on My Website (and Other Essential Legal Pages)
These are the non-negotiables. If your website collects any personal data — such as through a contact form, email signup, or analytics — you’re legally required to have these in place.
Privacy Policy
Yes, you absolutely need one.
If your website collects names, email addresses, or uses tools like Google Analytics, you’re handling personal data.
A privacy policy explains:
What data you collect
How you use it
How visitors can contact you or request deletion
In the UK and EU, this is required under the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, but most countries have similar laws. Even if you’re a small business, having a clear privacy policy keeps you compliant and transparent.
Cookie Policy and Consent Banner
If your website uses cookies (and most do), you’ll also need:
A cookie banner asking for consent before tracking starts
A cookie policy explaining what cookies you use and why
This applies if you use analytics, social media embeds, or video players that track user behaviour.
Terms & Conditions (or Terms of Use)
While not legally required, having Terms & Conditions is strongly recommended — especially if you sell products, services, or digital content.
It can include:
Ownership of your website content
Limitations of liability
Rules for user behaviour
Payment or refund terms (if relevant)
2. The Nice-to-Have (But Highly Recommended) Pages
These aren’t strictly required by law, but they make your website more professional and protect your business from misunderstandings.
Refund or Cancellation Policy
If you sell anything online, make sure your customers know your terms upfront. It prevents confusion and helps resolve disputes fairly.
Disclaimer
If you share advice — for example, as a coach, consultant, or content creator — a disclaimer clarifies that your information is for general purposes only and doesn’t replace professional advice.
Accessibility Statement
Not yet a legal requirement for most small UK businesses, but adding one shows you care about inclusivity and accessibility — and it’s a smart step toward future compliance.
3. Ways to Create Your Legal Documents
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Here are the main options, depending on your budget and comfort level:
AI-Generated Policies
Tools like ChatGPT can create a rough draft of a privacy policy or terms page, but be cautious. AI tools don’t always account for regional laws or the specific data you collect.
✅ Best for: Drafting a starting point
⚠️ Avoid for: Live use without review by a legal expert
Free Templates
You’ll find many free privacy policy templates online (for example, Rocket Lawyer or TermsFeed). They can be a quick fix, but they may not fully meet UK legal standards or keep up with new laws.
✅ Best for: Early-stage websites or tight budgets
⚠️ Be aware: Some templates are outdated or overly generic
Paid Templates or DIY Generators
This is a great middle ground — affordable and professional.
👉 My top recommendation: Termageddon*
I’ve partnered with Termageddon because it takes the stress out of legal compliance. You simply answer a few questions, and it generates all your required policies — including privacy, cookies, and terms — then automatically updates them when laws change.
✅ Best for: Small business owners who want peace of mind
⚙️ Covers: Privacy, cookies, terms, disclaimers, and more
💡 Works for: UK, EU, US, and other regions
Custom Legal Documents from a Solicitor
If your website collects sensitive client data, runs an e-commerce store, or operates in multiple countries, hiring a solicitor to draft your policies may be worth the investment.
✅ Best for: Complex or high-risk businesses
⚠️ Expect higher upfront cost, but full protection
4. Where to Display Your Legal Pages
Once your policies are ready, make sure they’re easy to find.
Privacy Policy – link in your website footer (visible on every page)
Cookie Policy – link in your footer and your cookie banner
Terms & Conditions – link in your footer and checkout pages
Refund or Disclaimer – link near purchase buttons or advice content
Your footer is the best place for all of these. It keeps things neat, consistent, and professional.
5. Keeping Your Policies Up to Date
Privacy and cookie laws change frequently. At a minimum, review your legal pages once a year, or whenever you update your tools, add new forms, or start selling online.
If you’re using Termageddon*, this is handled automatically — your policies are kept up-to-date whenever regulations change.
In Summary
If you’re still asking, “Do I need a privacy policy on my website?” — the answer is definitely yes.
It’s a simple but essential step toward protecting both your business and your visitors.
Whether you use a free template, an AI draft, or a paid service like Termageddon*, having clear, compliant website policies builds trust and helps you stay on the right side of the law.
It’s one of those small, fuss-free steps that makes your online presence truly professional.
