Is your website exposing you to legal risks because of an insufficient Privacy Policy?
If you're a coach, consultant, or expert running an online business, you might think, "I don’t collect data, so I don’t need a Privacy Policy."
❌ Wrong.
From tracking cookies to collecting emails, your website gathers data—even if you’re unaware of it. And that means you must comply with privacy laws like GDPR and Swiss data protection laws, which are even stricter than GDPR.
And here’s another crucial point: You don’t just need to comply with the laws of your country—you need to comply with the laws where your visitors are.
Let’s break this down step by step.
I am your guide
Who am I anyway, and why you should read on:
I’m Vena Verga-Danemar, a licensed lawyer turned legal and business strategist for online business owners. I’ve helped dozens of women build their coaching practices by simplifying legal requirements—so you can avoid overwhelm, confusion, and legal drama.
Table of Contents
What is a Privacy Policy & Why You Need One
A Privacy Policy is a legal requirement that explains how you collect, use, store, and protect personal data from website visitors and clients.
If you have:
✔ A website
✔ An email list
✔ A checkout page
✔ Tracking cookies
✔ Surveys
or you collect any information, even payment details
…you must have a Privacy Policy Template—period. No exceptions.
But here’s what most people get wrong:
Copy-pasting someone else’s policy won’t cut it. Your Privacy Policy must reflect your business. It is called a Privacy Policy Declaration because it is YOUR Declaration.
An AI-generated template may be legally insufficient. If it doesn’t align with how you handle data, you’re at risk. AI doesn't know your business. Period.
Laws vary by location. You must comply with the laws where your website visitors are, not just where you are.
Which Law Should Your Privacy Policy Template Follow?
One of the biggest DIY mistakes is assuming you only need to comply with the laws of the country where your business is based.
💡 Here’s the truth: Your obligation isn’t confined to your location—it extends to every country where your visitors and clients are.
For example:
A Swiss coach with clients in the UK or US must comply with UK and US data protection laws.
An EU-based consultant with Swiss clients must follow Swiss data protection laws—where fines can be higher than GDPR.
A US-based coach working with European clients must comply with GDPR—even if they don’t live in the EU.
📌 Why does this matter?
This is where all generic Privacy Policy templates fail. They are often written with only one jurisdiction in mind. Yours needs to reflect all relevant laws based on your audience.
GDPR vs. Swiss Data Protection Law: Key Differences
If you serve Swiss or EU clients, you need to comply with both GDPR and Swiss data protection laws. And Swiss law is even stricter in some areas.
Aspect | GDPR (EU) | Swiss Data Protection Law (nFADP – Updated 2023) |
Scope | Covers businesses handling EU citizen data. | Covers businesses handling Swiss citizen data. |
Penalties | Up to €20 million or 4% of global revenue. | Personal fines up to CHF 250,000 for responsible individuals. |
Data Subject Rights | Access, correction, deletion of data. | Same as GDPR but with stricter transparency requirements. |
Breach Reporting | Must report breaches within 72 hours. | Must report breaches immediately. |
International Data Transfer | Requires safeguards for data transfer outside the EU. | Stricter limits on data transfers outside Switzerland especially to countries not on the "safe list" |
💡 Swiss law is tougher in enforcement and penalties.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Compliant Privacy Policy Template
Step 1: Identify What Data You Collect
Do you collect names, emails, IP addresses, payment details?
Do you use analytics tools (Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel)?
Does your site have contact forms, cookies, or tracking pixels?
Step 2: Determine Which Laws Apply
If you have clients in the EU, Switzerland, or other countries, ensure your Privacy Policy follows ALL relevant laws.
Step 3: Write a Clear & Transparent Privacy Policy
Use plain language. Example:
❌ Bad: “We may or may not collect personal data for various purposes.” ✅ Good: “We collect your name and email when you sign up for our newsletter. You can unsubscribe anytime.”
Step 4: Declare Your Data Collection Practices
Your Privacy Policy is a declaration—it must state:
What data you collect
How you collect it
Why you collect it
How you protect it
💡 If you copied your Privacy Policy, it’s probably insufficient. Your policy must be unique to your business.
Step 5: Keep Your Privacy Policy Updated
Privacy laws evolve. Review and update your policy at least once a year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Drafting Your Privacy Policy Template
🚨 Using a generic template that doesn’t fit your business.
🚨 Not covering all jurisdictions where your visitors are.
🚨 Not declaring how data is collected, transferred, stored, and used.
🚨 Thinking compliance is a one-time task—it’s ongoing.
Final Thoughts
A strong Privacy Policy Template isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about building trust. It’s time to finally remove that nagging feeling that your website and your Privacy Policy Template exposes you to many risks. You don't have to guess, you don't have to do it blindly. Check out the Legally Fluent Essential Bundles or the Free Resources below.
FREE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU SUCCEED
Step 1: Start with the Free Business Checklist
Get your step-by-step guide to building a strong foundation for your coaching or consulting business.
Step 2: Watch the Free Training
Learn the five blind spots that can sabotage your success -- How to fix them, legally protect your business and gain peace of mind.
About the Author
Hi! I’m Vena Verga-Danemar, an Onlinepreneur Legal Strategist. As both a lawyer and an online business owner, I’ve helped dozens of coaches, consultants, and course creators legally start and grow their businesses using strategies that don’t require working 24/7.
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