Legal checklist for your website | Jevy

As an entrepreneur, you are required to list certain company details on your website. This is also known as the 'colophon'. Failure to provide this information can be seen as a violation of the Unfair Trading Practices Act. Therefore, make sure the following information is clearly visible and easily accessible on your website:

• Company name and legal form (e.g., Ltd. or sole proprietorship).
• Visiting address and postal address (no P.O. box; this is not allowed).
• Phone number and email address.
• Chamber of Commerce number and VAT identification number.
• Registration number with the Chamber of Commerce.

When you start an online store, there are even more legal obligations to consider. The legislation surrounding electronic commerce is strict and aims to protect consumers. In addition to the general terms and conditions and privacy policy, your webshop must meet specific requirements.

Important requirements for your webshop

• Clear product information: State the main features of the product, the price including VAT and any delivery costs.
• Right of withdrawal: Consumers have a legal right to a 14-day cooling-off period. You must inform them clearly about this and offer a model withdrawal form.
• Order confirmation: Immediately after an order, you must send a confirmation by email or via another durable medium.
• Secure payment: Provide a secure payment environment with an SSL certificate and choose reputable payment providers.

Many entrepreneurs think that legal texts have a negative effect on their search engine optimization (SEO). This is a misconception. In fact, well-written legal pages can actually contribute to your visibility. Search engines like Google appreciate websites that are transparent and trustworthy. A comprehensive privacy policy and clear terms and conditions are signs of a high-quality website.

In addition, legal pages often offer good opportunities to link to other relevant content on your website. For example, you can link from your privacy policy to your terms and conditions, and from your terms and conditions to your shipping and returns policy. This improves the internal link structure of your website, which is also positive for your SEO. Do you want to learn more about how to approach SEO in 2026? Then read our article about SEO in 2026: why it is still indispensable for your website.

Internal links and structure

A good internal link structure is not only important for SEO, but also for user experience. By creating logical links between your legal pages and other content, you help visitors quickly find the right information. This lowers the bounce rate and increases the chance that visitors will stay on your website longer.

Now that you know which legal components are essential, it's time to get down to business. Starting a website is an exciting phase, but with the right preparation, you can avoid many problems later on. Here is a practical checklist to follow:

Step 1: Map your data flows

Identify which personal data you collect and through which channels. Think of contact forms, newsletters, cookies, and any payment systems. Make an overview of all the tools and services you use.

Step 2: Draft your legal documents

Use a reliable source for drafting your terms and conditions, privacy statement, and cookie policy. If possible, have them reviewed by a legal expert. Make sure all documents are tailored to your specific business situation.

Step 3: Implement the documents on your website

Place the documents in logical places on your website. Make sure they are always accessible within two clicks from any page. Add links in the footer and at relevant points in your checkout process.

Step 4: Test your cookie banner and consent registration

Check that your cookie banner works correctly and that user consent is recorded properly. Test it on different devices and browsers to make sure everything works as it should.

Step 5: Schedule periodic reviews

Legal regulations are constantly changing. Therefore, schedule a review of your legal texts at least twice a year. This prevents you from falling behind on new laws and regulations.

Many entrepreneurs are put off by the cost of legal advice. Still, it's important to see this as an investment rather than an expense. A solid legal foundation prevents you from facing expensive fines or legal proceedings later on. The costs of drafting legal documents vary widely, depending on the complexity of your website and the specialist you engage.

Would you like a better idea of what it costs to start a website? Then check out our article on what does it cost to start a website. In it, we give a clear overview of all the costs involved in launching a professional website, including the legal aspects.

Where can you find legal templates?

There are various providers of legal templates for websites. Think of platforms such as LegalSuite, Juridisch Loket, or specialized law firms. Make sure these templates are aligned with Dutch legislation and allow sufficient room for customization. A one-time investment in a good template is often more cost-effective than having mistakes fixed later.

In my years of experience, I have seen countless entrepreneurs struggle with the legal aspects of their website. Here are some common pitfalls you definitely want to avoid:

• Copying other people's texts: This is not only legally unwise, but also bad for your SEO. Google penalizes duplicate content.
• Forgetting the cookie banner: This is one of the most common GDPR violations.
• No clear contact details: This creates distrust among visitors and is also legally required.
• Missing a withdrawal form for webshops: This can lead to fines and complaints.
• Insufficient protection of personal data: Make sure you have an SSL certificate and a secure hosting environment.

Starting a website is a complex process with many different aspects. Besides the legal side, you also need to think about design, user experience, technology, and SEO. Hiring a professional partner can save you a lot of time and worry. At Jevy Web Development, we have more than 15 years of experience building websites for various industries. We have already developed more than 25 different services, from WordPress and Magento solutions to custom work in Laravel and extensive SEO trajectories.

A good agency looks beyond just the technology. We also advise our clients on legal aspects and refer them to the right specialists when necessary. This ensures a total solution that is not only beautiful and functional, but also legally sound. Curious about how we work? Then read our article about your professional website built on trust.

Custom work versus templates

Many entrepreneurs choose a cheap template to save costs. While this is understandable, it often brings hidden costs. Templates are rarely fully customizable to your specific requirements and can have legal limitations. Moreover, they are often less optimized for SEO and performance. A custom-built website is in most cases a better investment in the long term.

Setting up a legally watertight website is not a one-time task, but an ongoing process. Rules and legislation are constantly changing, and it is your responsibility as an entrepreneur to stay up to date. By following the checklist above, you ensure that your website meets all legal requirements and that you protect yourself against legal issues.

Remember that a professional website is not just about attractive design and good copy. It also comes down to trust, transparency, and reliability. By paying attention to the legal aspects, you build a strong foundation for your online presence. If you need help starting a website or would like to know more about the possibilities for your business, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to think along with you about a solution that fits your needs and budget. Also check out our complete website guide overview page for a full step-by-step plan.