Running a blog in 2026 is amazing… until you remember that the internet has rules. Real rules. With real fines attached.
But don’t panic — I’ve been blogging for almost a decade, and once you understand the basics, staying compliant is way easier than it looks.
This guide gives you the essential legal pages your blog must have, why they matter, and how they protect both you and your readers.
No fluff. No fearmongering.
Just practical advice you can follow today.
Disclaimer: I’m not a lawyer. Nothing here is legal advice. These tips come from my own blogging experience and from guidance I’ve received from my own attorney. Always consult a professional for your specific situation.
Why Legal Compliance Matters for Bloggers
“I’m just a blogger… I write from my couch. Do I really need legal pages?”
Yes, my friend. Yes, you do.
Whether you blog as a hobby or a business, your website interacts with real people, collects real data, and makes real money — and all of that falls under laws that protect consumers.
Here’s what legal pages do for you:
- They explain what data your site collects (email, cookies, analytics).
- They protect you from liability when sharing advice, opinions, or product recommendations.
- They help you get approved for affiliate programs and brand partnerships.
- They build credibility and transparency with your audience.
- And… they keep you out of trouble with agencies like the FTC, GDPR regulators, CASL, and more.
Legal pages are not optional anymore — they are the foundation of a trustworthy online business.
The 5 Legal Pages Your Blog Needs
1. Privacy Policy
If your site collects any type of data — even just through Google Analytics or a newsletter signup form — you are legally required to disclose it.
A Privacy Policy explains:
- What data you collect (names, emails, IPs, cookies, purchases, etc.)
- How you collect it (email forms, analytics, payment processors, etc.)
- Why you collect it (email marketing, analyzing user behavior, store purchases, etc.)
- Who you share it with (Stripe, PayPal, newsletter tools, ad networks, etc.)
This page is mandatory in almost every country. It’s also a requirement for things like:
- Ad networks
- Affiliate programs
- Online stores
- Analytics tools
If your blog makes money or collects data, you need this page from day one.
2. Terms & Conditions (a.k.a. Terms of Use)
Think of this page as the “house rules” for your website.
Your Terms & Conditions protect your rights as a business owner and set expectations for how visitors may interact with your content.
It typically covers:
- Your intellectual property rights (your blog content, images, branding, etc.)
- What users are allowed — and not allowed — to do on your site
- Your right to terminate access to the site
- Your right to update or change content at any time
- Limitations around how your content can be used
If you:
- sell products
- offer services
- create digital content.
you need this page.
3. Disclaimer
A Disclaimer protects you from legal liability — especially if you teach, advise, or make recommendations.
A disclaimer page should clearly state that:
- You can’t guarantee results (because everyone is different).
- You are not responsible for how readers use your information.
- You may share professional opinions, but you’re not providing professional, medical, legal, or financial advice.
- You are not liable for third-party links or products you mention.
If your blog teaches people anything — blogging, finance, fitness, wellness, productivity, beauty, career, etc. — you absolutely need a disclaimer.
4. Affiliate Disclosure
If you make money through affiliate links, the FTC requires that you tell your readers — clearly, and before any affiliate links appear.
That means:
- A dedicated Affiliate Disclosure page
- And a short version at the top of every post that contains affiliate links
Your disclosure should explain:
- That you use affiliate links
- That you may earn a commission at no extra cost to the reader
- That you only recommend things you genuinely believe in (if true)
- Where they can find your full disclosure page
Most brands and networks will not approve you as an affiliate unless you have this page. Some will even manually check your site for it during the approval process.
5. Refund & Returns Policy
If you sell anything — digital products, courses, ebooks, templates, services, memberships — you need a clear Refund & Returns Policy.
Explain:
- Whether you offer refunds
- Under which conditions refunds (or exchanges) are accepted
- How customers must request a refund
- How long the refund window lasts
- What happens to digital downloads
If you run an online store, your payment processor may also require this page.
A transparent refund policy protects your business AND prevents chargebacks or disputes.
Quick Tip: Don’t Copy Someone Else’s Legal Pages
Tempting? Yes.
Legal? No.
Copying another blogger’s legal pages is copyright infringement and unsafe — because those pages were written for their business, not yours.
Get documents written by a lawyer or use reputable, customizable legal templates.
Conclusion
If you want to run a blog that grows, makes money, and avoids legal headaches, these five pages are non-negotiable. They establish trust, meet legal requirements, protect your business, and help you stay compliant no matter where your readers live.
Once these pages are in place, you can focus on the fun part: creating content, serving your audience, and building your blog into a real business.
FAQ
No — most bloggers begin as sole proprietors because it’s simple and free in most countries. However, forming an LLC can be a smart move once your blog starts earning consistent income.
A personal blog is centered around an individual’s voice, experiences, opinions, and expertise. A company blog, on the other hand, represents a brand. Its content is more structured, strategic, and aligned with business goals such as SEO and customer trust.
Great info!
Thanks, A.!