Although some business owners are skeptical of Search Engine Optimization, (SEO) services, they can be a tremendous asset to a small business. That being said, the reason that for the skepticism is that they are commonly not well understood.
In reality, SEOs can boost a business’ web visibility and generate business by using strategies involving a mathematical process. When consumers do an internet search, they are typically looking for options. More often than not, a consumer won’t look too far past the first page of results to any given search terms. That being the case, it behooves a business owner to make sure they are adding content to their website that has relevance to as many possible search terms, or keywords, as possible; thereby resulting in appearing at the top of the search results.
SEOs are helpful in determining what keywords and topics will get the most consumers to any given website. The higher the probability of drawing a consumer to your website, the more likely he/she is to read through your content and have their interest peaked. If a consumer can identify with your mission and/or product or service, the more likely you are to add that consumer to your list of customers.
So, now that you have drawn consumers to your website, you not only want to gain their
business; but it is also important, but not necessarily required, to protect yourself by having a Terms of Service and Privacy Agreement, hereinafter referred to as, “agreement.” Websites that do require these agreements include businesses that collect personal and biographical information from their users.
The agreement contains regulations designed to protect the business owner. Below are five important reasons to include such an agreement on your website:
1. An agreement can prevent any misunderstanding about your policies. It is also designed to prevent any potential abuses including internet spam and having people post defamatory content on your website.
2. An agreement can allow you to stake your claim to the content of your website. You
would want to include language stating that you are the owner of the website’s content
and that it may be protected by copyright laws. This is referred to as an Intellectual
Property Clause.
3. An agreement can help you better manage your website. For example, you can provide for the right to terminate and/or ban user from your website if they fail to comply with the agreement.
4. An agreement can protect and/or limit you from liability where any erroneous errors
occur within the content of your website.
5. An agreement can determine a governing jurisdiction. For example, if you would need to seek damages from a consumer that is out of your state, you can provide for the ability to have the matter handled in your state of business, so you are not dealing with foreign jurisdictions.
As with all things relevant to operating a small business, it is always wise to seek the advice of an Attorney to best protect yourself and your business.
If you need help drafting Terms of Service or a Privacy Policy for your business, check out our flat fee package under our “Flat Fee” tab.