💡 Important note: This is not legal advice. To make sure you are completely safe legally,** talk to a lawyer.**
Most startups skip the legal stuff when launching their site.
But every website needs to consider 3 essential documents. Otherwise, they’re exposed , legally and reputationally.
You may think it’s not important, but customers notice and so do regulators.
What You Actually Need
Here are the 3 legal pages your website may need, and how to know if you do:
1. Privacy Policy 🔒
Required if:
You collect any personal data, like emails, contact forms, analytics, or user behavior.
Explains:
- What data you collect
- Why you collect it
- Who you share it with (like Google or Facebook) How to know if you need it:
If you use Google Analytics, have a** newsletter form**, or run** any kind of tracking**, you need it.
2. Terms of Service (ToS) ⚖️
Required?
No, but you should have it if you sell anything or offer a service.
Explains:
- What users can/can’t do on your site
- Payment and refund terms
- How you limit your liability How to know if you need it:
If you run a SaaS or offer** paid services**, this protects* you*.
3. Cookie Policy + Consent Banner 🍪
Required if:
You use cookies that track users, like analytics or ad pixels.
Explains:
- What types of cookies you use
- What they do
- How users can opt out How to know if you need it:
If your site gets visitors from the EU or California, and you use** tracking tools**, you’re required by law to show a cookie banner and get consent.
How to Set This Up (Free + Fast)
You don’t need a lawyer to start. Just use these freetools:
- CookieYes → Privacy Policy, Cookie Banner, Cookie Policy
- GetTerms.io → Terms of Service
- or google “Free __ Generator” Answer a few questions, generate your docs, and paste them into your site.
These generators will cover most cases for most businesses.
Where to Put Them
- Create 3 new pages on your website: /privacy-policy, /terms-of-service, /cookie-policy
- Add links to your website footer (must be visible across all pages).
- Make sure your cookie banner appears on first visit, and blocks non-essential cookies until accepted.
Tips to stay safe and look good
- Don’t copy someone else’s legal pages.
- Don’t bury these pages , users and investors will look for them.
- Want to stand out? Write your ToS in plain English (see Basecamp’s or Notion for inspiration)
💡 Important note: This is not legal advice. To make sure you are completely safe legally,** talk to a lawyer.**