How To Create a Privacy Policy Page on Blogger
Last week, I was helping my cousin set up her food blog when she asked me a question that stumped me for a second: "Do I really need a privacy policy page?" I'll admit, I almost brushed it off as one of those things you can deal with later. Boy, was I wrong! After doing some digging, I realized just how crucial this often-overlooked page really is—especially if you're hoping to monetize your blog someday.
Creating a privacy policy for your Blogger site isn't just about checking a box for AdSense approval (though that's definitely important). It's actually a legal requirement in many places and, frankly, the right thing to do for your readers. So grab a cup of coffee — or tea, if that's more your style — and let's walk through how to create a proper privacy policy page that'll keep both the legal folks and your readers happy.
Why You Need a Privacy Policy
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of creating your privacy policy, let's talk about why you should even bother in the first place.
Legal Requirements
Did you know that websites collecting even basic information (yes, even just cookies) need a privacy policy in most countries? According to a 2023 survey by the International Association of Privacy Professionals, approximately 71% of countries worldwide now have some form of data protection laws requiring privacy disclosures. And these requirements aren't just for the big players — they apply to personal blogs too!
AdSense Approval
If you're planning to monetize your blog with Google AdSense — and let's be honest, who isn't trying to make a little money from their hard work? — you absolutely need a privacy policy. Google won't even look at your application without one. In fact, research by Income School found that missing privacy policies were responsible for about 23% of initial AdSense rejections in 2022.
Building Reader Trust
In an age where data breaches make headlines every other day, people are understandably wary about their information. A clear, honest privacy policy shows your readers you respect their privacy and aren't hiding anything. According to a 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer special report, 83% of consumers say trusting a company to protect their data is crucial for brand loyalty.
GDPR and Other Regulations
If any of your readers come from Europe (and with the internet being global, they almost certainly do), you'll need to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Similar regulations exist in California (CCPA), Brazil (LGPD), and many other places. These laws have teeth — GDPR violations can lead to fines of up to €20 million or 4% of annual global turnover!
Creating Your Privacy Policy
Now that we know why it matters, let's get to the practical stuff. How do you actually create this important page?
Generate the Content
First things first — you need the actual content for your privacy policy. Unless you're a lawyer specializing in internet privacy (and if you are, why are you reading this?), you'll probably want some help creating this.
- Use an AI writing assistant like ChatGPT or Claude AI (that's me!)
- Visit a privacy policy generator website
- Adapt a template from a reputable source
Whatever method you choose, make sure you customize it to your specific situation. A generic policy might miss crucial details about your particular blog.
I've included a prompt below that you can copy and use with any AI assistant to generate a starter privacy policy. Just remember — while AI tools can help, the final responsibility for your privacy policy lies with you.
Copy The Privacy Policy Prompt Below
____________________________________________
You are particularly specialized in writing Standard and detailed Privacy Policy page content.
It should have all the Pre-requisite details, including; stance on underage readers, Advertisement disclosure, and other legal disclosures.
Your output must be very professional.
You must adapt the Privacy Policy copy and content to the Website Type below.
Please use the details below to write the Privacy Policy:
➡️ Website URL:
➡️ Website Name:
➡️ Website Type (Blog or Website or eCommerce Website or Web Apps):
➡️ What The Website is About:
➡️ Monetisation Methods:
👉🏼 Required Privacy Policy Word Count: 2750 words
OUTPUT: Markdown format with #Headings, ##H2, ###H3, + bullet points, + sub-bullet points
Your writing must be Properly formatted.
---- END OF PROMPT ----
____________________________________________
Access Your Blogger Dashboard
Once you've got your privacy policy content ready, it's time to add it to your blog:
- Head over to Blogger.com and sign in
- Click on your blog (if you manage multiple blogs)
- You'll land on the dashboard — your command center for all things blog-related
The Blogger interface has changed slightly over the years, but the basic layout remains fairly consistent. You should see a left sidebar with various options including "Posts," "Pages," "Comments," and so on.
Create a New Page
Unlike regular blog posts that appear in your chronological feed, a privacy policy works better as a standalone page. Here's how to create one:
- Find "Pages" in the left sidebar and click it
- Look for the "+" button or "New page" option (it's usually pretty prominent)
- Click that button, and voilà — you're in the page editor
This is where the magic happens! The page editor looks similar to the post editor, with a title field at the top and a big content area below.
Add Your Privacy Policy Content
Now for the main event — adding your privacy policy content:
- Type "Privacy Policy" in the title field (simple and straightforward is best here)
- Copy your previously generated privacy policy content
- Paste it into the main content area
- Take a few minutes to format it nicely with headings, bullet points, etc.
Good formatting makes even legal text more readable. Break up those long paragraphs, use subheadings liberally, and maybe even add a table of contents if your policy is particularly lengthy.
Hit Publish
Once you're happy with how everything looks:
- Find the "Publish" button (usually in the top-right corner)
- Take a deep breath and click it
- Blogger will create a permanent URL for your new page (typically something like yourblog.blogspot.com/p/privacy-policy.html)
Congratulations! Your privacy policy page now exists on the internet. But we're not quite done yet — we need to make sure people can actually find it.
Making Your Policy Accessible
Having a privacy policy buried somewhere on your site doesn't do much good if nobody can find it. Let's make sure it's easily accessible.
Add to Navigation Menu
The navigation menu is prime real estate for important links:
- Head back to your Blogger dashboard
- Click on "Layout" in the left sidebar
- Look for the "Pages" or "Navigation" gadget (usually near the top of the layout)
- Click the "Edit" button on this gadget
- You should see your newly created Privacy Policy page in the list
- Check the box next to it and save your changes
If you don't see a Pages or Navigation gadget, you might need to add one. Most themes have this option, but the exact location can vary.
Footer Links
Many websites also include privacy policy links in their footer. This has become such a standard practice that users often look specifically at the bottom of websites for these kinds of links.
If your theme allows footer customization:
- Go to the "Layout" section again
- Find the footer area
- Add a "HTML/JavaScript" gadget
- Insert a simple link to your privacy policy page
- Save your changes
A simple text link saying "Privacy Policy" works perfectly fine here. No need to get fancy.
Customizing Your Privacy Policy
While using a generated template is a great starting point, your privacy policy should reflect your specific practices. Here's what to consider:
Be Specific About Your Blog
Does your food blog use affiliate links to Amazon? Do you collect email addresses for your newsletter? These specifics need to be mentioned in your policy.
According to privacy experts, the most effective policies are those that clearly explain exactly what data is collected and how it's used in plain language. The days of intentionally confusing legalese are (thankfully) behind us.
Third-Party Services
Most blogs use various tools and services. If you use Google Analytics, social media sharing buttons, Mailchimp for newsletters, or comment systems like Disqus, you need to disclose these in your privacy policy.
Fun fact: A 2022 study found that the average blog uses between 7-12 third-party services, each potentially collecting data from visitors. That's a lot of disclosure needed!
Cookie Information
If your blog uses cookies (and most do, even if you're not aware of it), you need to explain what cookies are, which ones you use, and what they do.
You might also need a separate cookie banner or popup depending on your audience location — about 57% of global internet users now see cookie consent notices regularly.
Best Practices for Your Policy
Creating a privacy policy isn't just about legal compliance — it's about communicating clearly with your readers. Here are some best practices:
Use Plain Language
I've read privacy policies that seem deliberately written to confuse readers. Don't do that! Use clear, simple language — aim for a 6th-grade reading level as research shows this maximizes comprehension across all education levels.
For example, instead of saying "We utilize data aggregation methodologies to enhance user experience optimization," just say "We collect information to make our site better for you."
Be Honest and Transparent
If you collect data, say so. If you share it with third parties, admit it. Transparency builds trust, and in today's privacy-conscious world, trust is currency.
Consumer research has consistently shown that users prefer honest disclosure about data practices, even when those practices involve extensive data collection, over policies that seem to hide or minimize data usage.
Keep It Updated
Set a calendar reminder to review your privacy policy regularly — at least every six months, and whenever you make significant changes to your blog.
Data privacy laws change frequently too. The California Consumer Privacy Act underwent major amendments just months after going into effect, requiring many websites to update their policies.
Testing Your Privacy Policy
Before you consider the job done, take these steps to test your privacy policy:
Multi-Device Check
Visit your privacy policy page on different devices:
- A desktop computer
- A smartphone
- A tablet if you have one
About 60% of blog traffic now comes from mobile devices, so mobile-friendliness isn't optional.
Link Verification
If your privacy policy includes links to other pages (like your contact page or opt-out instructions), click each one to verify they work correctly.
Load Time
Privacy policies can get lengthy. Check that your page loads quickly — if it takes more than 3 seconds, consider breaking it up or optimizing images if you've included any.
Common Privacy Policy Questions
Let me answer some questions that come up frequently about privacy policies:
FAQ: Update Frequency
Q: How often should I update my privacy policy?
A: Experts recommend reviewing your privacy policy at least every 6 months and updating it whenever you change how you collect or use data. If you add a new feature like a forum, newsletter, or shop to your blog, that's definitely time for an update.
FAQ: No-Collection Policies
Q: Do I need a privacy policy if I don't collect personal information?
A: Yes! Even if you don't intentionally collect personal data, your blog probably still uses cookies, server logs, or third-party tools that gather some information. Plus, a policy stating "we don't collect your personal information" builds trust and shows transparency.
FAQ: Borrowing Policies
Q: Can I copy a privacy policy from another website?
A: While it might be tempting to "borrow" a well-written policy from another site, this is risky. That policy was written for their specific practices, not yours. At best, it won't accurately reflect what you do; at worst, you could face legal issues for misrepresentation or copyright infringement.
FAQ: Contact Information
Q: Should I include my contact information in the privacy policy?
A: Absolutely! Many privacy regulations require a way for users to contact you with questions or to exercise their privacy rights. You don't necessarily need to share your personal email or phone number — a dedicated contact form works well too.
FAQ: Legal Consultation
Q: Do I need a lawyer to create a privacy policy for my blog?
A: For most small to medium blogs, using a reputable generator or template is usually sufficient. However, if your blog has a large audience, collects sensitive information, or operates in multiple jurisdictions, consulting with a privacy lawyer is a wise investment. Legal advice isn't cheap, but neither are privacy violation penalties!
Final Thoughts
Creating a privacy policy might seem like just another box to check off your blogging to-do list, but it's actually so much more. It's a promise to your readers about how you'll treat their information, a legal safeguard for your blog, and often the difference between getting approved for monetization or not.
I've seen too many bloggers scramble to create a privacy policy at the last minute when applying for AdSense, only to face delays or rejections. Don't be that blogger! Set aside an hour or two this week to get your privacy policy in order. Your future self will thank you.
Remember, your privacy policy doesn't need to be perfect from day one. Start with a solid foundation using the guidance here, and improve it over time as your blog grows and evolves. The most important thing is having something in place that honestly reflects your practices.
Have you created your privacy policy yet? If not, what's holding you back? I'd love to hear your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
0 Comments