6 Little Things Your Website Needs (That You Didn’t Know About)
When it comes to your website, the big things usually get all the attention–your colors, your homepage, your photos.
But it's the tiny, behind-the-scenes details that quietly build trust with your visitors, build SEO, and protect your business.
Whether you're just launching or your site's been live for years, these small-but-mighty details are worth checking on. They're easy to overlook but they can make your site feel more polished, trustworthy, and professional.
1. A Cookies Banner (and a Privacy Policy to back it up)
A cookies banner is that small notice that appears when someone lands on your site, giving them the option to accept (or decline) tracking. You see them on almost every professional website these days.
You might be saying: "But wait — is my website using cookies?"
It's safe to say pretty much every website uses cookies just to do basic functions like loading fonts, contact forms, or embedded videos. So even if you aren't using tracking tools (like Google Analytics), you still need to let people know that your website collects their info.
But here's the thing: that banner is just the start. You'll also need a Privacy Policy that explains what data you collect, how it's used, and how it's stored. This is especially important if you collect any personal info through contact forms or newsletter signups.
(And just so you know — a Privacy Policy is different from a HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices. Your website privacy policy is specifically about how your website handles visitor data.)
2. Website Terms & Conditions
While your Privacy Policy explains how you handle personal data, your Terms & Conditions set the ground rules for using your site. They can cover things like intellectual property (your photos and content), limitations of liability, and disclaimers for any resources or advice offered.
It's not the most exciting part of running an online business, but it's a simple way to protect yourself legally–especially if you offer free resources, blog posts, or downloadable content.
3. A Disclaimer
As a licensed professional in mental health, a disclaimer can clarify that your website is for informational purposes only and does not replace therapy, diagnosis, or medical advice.
It doesn't have to be long or complicated. A simple note in your footer or on your resources page that says something like:
"This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a client relationship or medical advice."
...can go a long way toward setting expectations and protecting your practice.
✨ Want the Easy Button for All This Legal Stuff?
I know what you're thinking: "Great, so now I need a privacy policy, a cookie banner, terms & conditions, AND a disclaimer? Where do I even start?"
I use Termageddon for my own site and all my client sites, and honestly, it takes the headache out of all of this.
Here's why I love it:
You add it to your site once — just 3 clicks and a quick copy-paste — and you're done. Whenever privacy laws change, your policies update automatically. No need to keep track of legal updates or redo anything yourself.
It covers everything: Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, Disclaimer, AND Cookie Policy — all in one place.
They offer free onboarding. You can book a session with a real human who will walk you through setup. (How refreshing is that?)
The pricing is super reasonable for the peace of mind it gives you — check out their plans here. And if you use my code GOBLOOM at checkout, you'll get 10% off your first year.
4. An Updated Copyright Year in the Footer
This one's tiny but powerful. An out-of-date copyright year in your footer can make your whole site feel neglected even if everything else is up to date. It's a small signal that shows visitors (and potential clients) that your business is active and cared for.
Check your footer right now. Does it say 2022? Time for a quick update!
5. Credits for Your Creative Partners
If you hired a photographer, bought a logo, or used a website template (hi 👋), giving credit is more than just good manners–in some cases, it's required by the license agreement or contract.
But, even if it's not required, it's a nice touch that reflects well on you as a professional. It also builds goodwill with fellow creatives and helps your audience find the people behind the scenes if they love your visuals or layout.
Add a simple line in your footer like:
Site by Go Bloom Creative | Photos by [Photographer Name]
6. A Favicon (aka, a Browser Icon)
A favicon is that tiny little icon that shows up in your browser tab next to your page title. It's also what appears when someone bookmarks your site, saves it to their phone's home screen, and it shows up in search results as part of your brand.
Without one, you'll usually see a generic globe or blank square–which can make even a beautifully designed site look unfinished.
A favicon is a small but mighty branding moment. It helps people recognize your site at a glance when they have 47 tabs open (we've all been there), and it adds that extra layer of polish that says "yes, I've thought of everything."
Quick tip: Your favicon should be simple, small icon that represents your brand. It needs to read well at a tiny size (usually 32x32 pixels).
Want to make your own? I've got a free Canva template you can use to create one in minutes.
Ready to Check These Off Your List?
These little things might not feel urgent, but they quietly build trust with your website visitors, with search engines, and with the people you collaborate with.
Taking 30 minutes to review these now can save you time (and headaches) later.
✔ Legal bases covered
✔ Details polished
✔ Professionalism boosted
Need help making sure your site has all the essentials? I've got templates, tips, and a full Website in a Week service to help.
