--- title: "What to Include in a Small Business Privacy Policy | MCC" description: "A privacy policy should explain what your site collects and why. See the sections to cover, how to keep it accurate and when to ask an attorney." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/websites/guides/privacy-policy-page-for-a-small-business-website" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # What to Include in a Small Business Privacy Policy If your site has a contact form, analytics, a newsletter signup or any embedded tool, you collect information about visitors. A privacy policy explains that in plain words. This is general information, not legal advice. For wording that must meet specific laws, ask an attorney. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** If your site has a contact form, analytics, a newsletter signup or any embedded tool, you collect visitor information, and a privacy policy explains that in plain words. Many platforms require a policy link and some laws require notice about data collection. This is general information, not legal advice. **Free tools:** [Search result preview](/websites/search-result-preview) · [Free website SEO check](/websites/seo-checker) ## Why have one Visitors want to know what happens to their details. Many platforms, such as ad networks, analytics tools and some app stores, require a privacy policy link. Some laws require notice about data collection. A clear page also builds trust, which matters when you ask someone for a phone number or an address. ## Start with an inventory Before writing anything, list what the site actually collects and where it goes. Think about form entries, email addresses, phone calls recorded, cookies, analytics, ad pixels, live chat transcripts, payment processors, scheduling tools and any embedded video or maps. Note who receives each piece of data, how long it is kept and who can delete it. A policy that describes imaginary practices, or leaves out major ones, is worse than none. ## Common sections Most policies cover: who you are and how to contact you; what information you collect; how you use it; who you share it with, such as service providers; use of cookies and tracking; how long you keep data; how people can request access, correction or deletion where applicable; security measures in general terms; children's information; and the date of the last update. Write in everyday language. Avoid copying a template full of clauses that do not apply to you. ## Placement and updates Link the policy from the footer of every page and from forms where people enter their details. A short note beside a form, such as how you will use the message and a link to the policy, helps. Show the effective date and revise it whenever you add a tool or change practices. Keep older versions on file so you can see what you promised at a given time. ## Templates, generators and lawyers Generators can give a reasonable starting draft, but they only know what you tell them. Review the result line by line and delete what is not true. If you handle sensitive information, serve visitors in regulated regions, run advertising or work in a regulated profession, have an attorney review the policy. Terms of use and refund policies are separate documents. If you accept payments or bookings online, consider what additional pages you need. MCC Solutions can add the pages to your site once the text is ready. ## Practical habits behind the policy Make sure the promises are true. If the policy says you delete form submissions after a period, set a reminder to do it. If it says you do not sell personal data, confirm no ad tool shares it. Limit the information your forms ask for, since data you never collect cannot leak. Secure the places where data lands: your email inbox, your form plugin's stored entries and any spreadsheet. Use strong passwords and two-step verification, and remove access for people who no longer need it. Finally, make the page easy to read. Short headings, a table of contents for longer policies and plain words help visitors find what they care about, such as how to ask you to delete their information. ## Common questions **Is a privacy policy required by law?** In many situations yes or effectively yes. Rules differ by place and data use, so confirm with an attorney. **Can I use a free template?** As a starting point, if you edit it to match your real practices. **How often should I update it?** Whenever your tools or practices change, and review it at least once a year. This guide is general information. Search engines change how they work and their guidelines; check Google's current documentation for your situation. Nobody can guarantee a ranking. 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Website design →](/websites/services/website-design) More guides - [Google Analytics 4 Setup for Small Business Websites](/websites/guides/google-analytics-4-setup-for-small-business-sites) - [Google Tag Manager for Beginners: Is It Worth It?](/websites/guides/google-tag-manager-for-beginners-small-business) - [How to Track Calls and Form Leads as Website Conversions](/websites/guides/track-calls-and-form-leads-as-website-conversions) - [Contact Form Spam: How to Block It Without Annoying Customers](/websites/guides/contact-form-spam-protection-without-annoying-customers) Free tools - [Website basics check](/websites/seo-checker) - [Is your website working for you? quiz](/websites/quiz) [All guides](/websites/guides) Reach small business owners working on their website and Google listing who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#websites). 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