2 Online Documents Every Will County, Illinois Business Owner Needs
You’ve worked hard to build your business, create your brand, and launch your website. But here’s what most business owners in Will County don’t realize: the moment your website goes live, you’re taking on legal responsibilities.
Two of the simplest — and most overlooked — protections are a Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. They may not sound exciting, but they protect your business, set boundaries with customers, and keep you compliant with Illinois and federal law.
“I Had No Idea I Even Needed That…”
Not long ago, I spoke with a store owner here in Will County who had just launched a new website for her shop. She had poured her energy into design, photos, and making sure the site reflected her brand. But when we talked through her setup, she admitted she hadn’t thought about the “fine print.”
Like many small business owners, she didn’t realize that missing something as basic as a Privacy Policy or Terms of Use could leave her exposed. If a customer questioned how their information was used, or if there was a dispute about her online sales, she wouldn’t have anything in place to back her up. Her response was the same one I hear often: “I had no idea I even needed that.”
That conversation was a reminder — most local business owners work hard on their websites, but overlook the very documents that protect all their effort.
Privacy Policy: Protecting You and Your Customers
A Privacy Policy is legally required if your website collects any personal information — and almost all websites do. That includes:
Contact forms (name, email, phone number)
Newsletter sign-ups
Online purchases
Cookies or analytics tools
Illinois also has one of the strictest consumer protection laws in the country — the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). If you don’t disclose how information is collected and used, you could be exposed to costly claims.
A clear, compliant Privacy Policy shows your customers that you value their data and shields you from accusations that you failed to be transparent.
Terms of Use: Setting Boundaries and Expectations
Think of your Terms of Use as the house rules for your website. They:
Limit your liability for what’s on your site
Protect your intellectual property (content, logos, photos, etc.)
Set clear rules for how customers can use your site
Control what happens if there’s a dispute
Without them, you’re leaving yourself open to unnecessary risks and confusion — especially if you sell online or provide services through your site.
Why These Documents Matter for Will County Businesses
From Frankfort to Mokena, New Lenox to Lockport, local businesses are embracing websites and social media as their storefronts. But many owners don’t realize that even a simple site with a contact form creates legal exposure if you don’t clearly tell visitors how their information is handled.
Beyond compliance, these policies build trust. Customers see that your business is professional, legitimate, and proactive about protecting them. That can be the difference between someone clicking away — or choosing to work with you.
An Easy First Step
The good news: creating these documents doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. At Marketti Law Firm, we draft custom Privacy Policies and Terms of Use tailored to your business and compliant with Illinois and federal law.
Whether you’re running a small shop on Lincoln Highway, a professional service in Frankfort, or an online brand, these are the two documents every Will County business owner should have in place from day one.
Schedule a consultation today to get your website legally protected — quickly, affordably, and with the peace of mind that comes from working with a local law firm that truly cares about small business owners.