Website Compliance Checklist
You know your website probably needs a privacy policy. Maybe some terms. Definitely something about cookies. But beyond that? It gets murky fast.
Most businesses don't get their website wrong on purpose. They get it wrong because the rules are scattered across half a dozen different regulations, and no one's ever laid it all out clearly in one place.
So people end up with:
a privacy policy copied from someone else's site
no cookie banner, or one that doesn't actually do anything
missing company details they didn't know were required by law
terms that don't meet the legal standard for online selling
or a vague plan to "sort it all out properly at some point"
This checklist exists to make that "some point" today.
What's inside?
A single compliance matrix that shows you, line by line, what your website is legally required to display and what's just strongly recommended. It covers 16 key areas, including:
trading and identity disclosures
pricing transparency
privacy and cookie compliance
terms of sale and cancellation rights
returns, refunds, and delivery info
website terms of use
Each one is broken down by business type - so whether you're a limited company, LLP, or sole trader, selling to consumers or businesses, you can see exactly what applies to you.
No guessing. No cross-referencing legislation. Just a clear answer: required, recommended, or not applicable.
It also includes a placement guide because knowing what you need is only half the job. You also need to know where it goes: footer, product pages, checkout, cookie banner. It's all mapped out.
Who is this for?
Anyone running a website that sells products or services in England & Wales, including:
e-commerce businesses
service providers with online booking
freelancers and sole traders with a shop or sales page
agencies or consultancies selling through their site
If people can buy from you, book you, or hand over their data through your website - this is for you.
What this is
✔ Legal education ✔ A compliance-spotting tool ✔ A practical starting point for getting your site in order
✖ Not legal advice ✖ Not bespoke drafting ✖ Not a replacement for a solicitor
This checklist helps you see what's missing so you can fix it with confidence or hand it to someone who can.
FAQs
Is this legal advice? No. This checklist provides legal education and information only. It does not constitute legal advice.
Is this specific to England and Wales? Yes. The requirements covered are based on the law of England and Wales.
I'm not sure which columns apply to me how do I know? The checklist includes a short guide at the top that walks you through it. If you're still unsure, that's a good sign you'd benefit from a quick chat with a solicitor.
What should I do after completing it? You'll know exactly which items your site is missing or needs to update. From there, you can fix the straightforward bits yourself and prioritise the rest.
DISCLAIMER This checklist is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create a solicitor–client relationship. Laws and obligations vary depending on individual circumstances. If you require legal advice, you should seek advice from a qualified professional.