You Might Want to Check Your Website...

Are you Compliant?

I am not a lawyer, and I am not here to give you legal advice. However, after so many years of managing the marketing, regulatory, and compliance piece of business for the credit card processing company I worked with…I am here to let you know that getting dinged for not following the rules can be painful.

This post applies to everyone on our email list, our clients, and anyone who collects email addresses and names on their websites, for any reason. If you’re collecting names for marketing purposes, selling services or products, or just to send your newsletter to, you need to be aware of this.

Do you have a Privacy Policy on your website?

Once you make the decision to accept information on your website from a freebie or opt-in offer, your website needs to have a Privacy Policy in order to be compliant with privacy laws.

What’s a Privacy Policy For?

A privacy policy tells a visitor to your website exactly how you will use their information, should they choose to give it to you. Specifically, your privacy policy should include how you collect, store, and use visitor information. You must also advise those who opt-in, how to unsubscribe from your email list.

While you’re deciding if you want to jump in and add a privacy policy to your website, you may want to also research the need to have a Terms & Conditions and Disclosure Policy as well.

Terms & Conditions

The main reason we use Terms & Conditions on our website is to protect our intellectual property, as well as to ensure that any dispute which may result from our website, will be handled in the state of Florida.

Disclaimer

You will also find a disclaimer on our website. The main reason is to ensure that visitors who read our content, blogs, etc. understand that it is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace the advice from a lawyer, accountant, or other certified professional.

If you give advice and are not credentialed or hold the title of lawyer, doctor, or accountant, you may run the risk of someone misunderstanding your advice. If this advice affects them in a negative way, you could be liable unless you qualify in a disclaimer that your advice is for informational purposes only.

I bring all of this information to your attention, because I think it is important for all business owners to be educated in regulatory and compliance areas. We don’t know what we don’t know. But, not knowing doesn’t excuse us from the responsibility.

Do me a favor, and look at your website and business to make sure you are doing everything to make sure your business is safe.

There are several online privacy policy, terms, and disclosure generators that you can use for a minimum fee. However, if you use your data for multiple purposes or sell extensive products on your website, you may want to invest in some legal advice to ensure your site is compliant.

For most consultants, coaches, and professional services, the standard generated ones will work just fine. However, if you’re not sure, it’s always best to speak to a business lawyer who can guide you in the proper direction.