Writing a clear and comprehensive disclaimer for your blog is an important part of protecting yourself legally as a blogger. A disclaimer allows you to set expectations with your readers about the content you provide and reduces your liability in case of disputes.
Crafting the perfect disclaimer may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to write an effective disclaimer that covers all your bases.
Let’s get started!
What is a Disclaimer and Why Do You Need One?
A disclaimer is a statement that aims to limit your liability relating to the content on your blog. It clarifies for readers that you are not offering professional advice, guarantees, or warranties.
Here are some key reasons why a disclaimer is crucial for every blogger:
- Limits your liability: With a disclaimer, you cannot be held legally responsible if readers misinterpret information or rely on it to their detriment. This protects you from potential lawsuits down the road.
- Manages reader expectations: A disclaimer sets clear expectations about what your content does and does not entail. This prevents misunderstandings and confusion for your audience.
- Shows you are ethical and transparent: Including a disclaimer demonstrates that you are upfront about what you can and cannot provide through your content. This fosters trust with readers.
- Covers your behind legally: Even if you don’t think you need one, having a disclaimer is better safe than sorry. It shows you have made a reasonable effort to avoid disputes.
In short, a disclaimer benefits both you and your readers by defining the boundaries around your content and reducing room for conflicts. For most blogs, especially those providing advice or opinions, having one is highly recommended.
What to Include in Your Blog Disclaimer
The exact contents of your blog’s disclaimer will vary based on your particular situation and the type of content you publish. However, there are some standard elements that every effective disclaimer should contain.
Statement that Content is For Informational Purposes Only
Start your disclaimer by stating clearly that the content on your blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Explicitly mention that you are not offering professional advice or consultation through your blog content.
This establishes proper expectations with readers right away that your content should not be taken as authoritative professional recommendations.
No Warranties or Guarantees Statement
Include a statement that you make no warranties, expressed or implied, about the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information provided on your blog.
Mention also that you do not guarantee any specific results from using the information on your site. This protects you in case someone attempts to hold you liable for harm caused by following your content.
Affiliate/Advertising Disclosure
If you use affiliate links or accept advertising on your blog, include a section clearly disclosing this fact. List any and all programs, networks, or advertisers you may be affiliated with or receive compensation from.
Being transparent about how you monetize your blog builds trust with readers and protects you legally.
Statement of Ownership
Include a statement saying you own the intellectual property rights to all content published on your site. Mention also that republishing any portion of your content requires express permission.
This establishes your copyright over the content to prevent misuse or theft.
No Endorsements Section
State clearly that any references or links to products, services, companies, or other websites do not constitute an endorsement. Just because you mention a brand or link to an external site does not mean you are vouching for or recommending it.
This prevents misconceptions that could otherwise open you up to legal issues down the road.
Reader Assumption of Risk Statement
Clarify that readers understand they are assuming full responsibility for the use of any content or recommendations contained on your blog. Mention they agree not to hold you liable for any damages resulting from the use of the information provided.
This prevents people from claiming you gave them advice that caused harm, even if they chose to apply it incorrectly.
Medical/Legal Disclaimers
If your blog covers medical, health, or legal topics, include additional disclaimers that your content should not be taken as professional advice in these areas. For medical blogs, be sure to explicitly state your content is not a substitute for actually seeing a doctor.
This provides an extra layer of protection relating to more high-risk industries with greater regulations.
Best Practices for Formatting Your Disclaimer
How you format your blog disclaimer can impact whether readers actually see and understand it. Here are some formatting best practices:
- Use a clear header: Label the section plainly as “Disclaimers” or “Legal Disclaimers” so it grabs attention.
- Keep it visible: The disclaimer should be easily accessible from every page, typically placed in the sidebar, footer, or on an explicit disclaimers page.
- Make it scannable: Break the disclaimer into bullet points, short paragraphs, and sections so readers can quickly grasp the key points.
- Use emphasis strategically: Bold key statements readers need to see, but don’t overdo it. Italicize affiliate program names to make them stand out.
- Include headings: Break up different aspects of the disclaimer with descriptive subheadings. This improves scannability.
- Keep it simple: Write in plain English without legal jargon or overly formal wording that may confuse readers.
- Link for more info: If you have a long disclaimer, link to a full disclaimers page for those wanting more details.
- Make sure it’s visible: Use sufficiently large, high contrast text so the disclaimer is legible for all readers.
Following disclaimer best practices ensures your readers will actually absorb this critical information.
Tips for Writing Effective Disclaimer Content
The wording you choose for your blog disclaimer matters. Follow these tips to craft disclaimer content that protects you without alienating readers:
- Avoid overly broad statements: Don’t make sweeping claims you’re not liable for anything. This comes across negatively.
- Watch your tone: Disclaimers can sound cold, but you want to maintain an approachable tone readers will respond to.
- Explain why: Provide context around why certain disclaimers are needed rather than just stating them.
- Keep it casual: While accurate, conversational wording is more human than stiff legalese.
- Highlight value provided: Counterbalance disclaimers by also highlighting the useful value readers can get from your content.
- Don’t overdo length: Find a balance between covering necessary details and keeping it succinct enough for readers to get through.
- Include contact info: Offer readers a way to reach you with questions or concerns. This creates a more welcoming feel.
- Review regularly: Revisit your disclaimer periodically to make sure it still aligns with your content and covers all it needs to.
The right disclaimer wording establishes legal protection while maintaining your blog’s relatable tone and appeal to readers.
Disclaimer Examples and Templates
Seeing disclaimer examples from active blogs can provide helpful inspiration for structuring your own. Here are a few strong samples as well as free disclaimer templates you can customize:
- Problogger Disclaimer – Straightforward footer disclaimer from a popular blogging site.
- Foodie Crush Disclaimer – Prominent sidebar disclaimer focused on food blogs.
- Disclosure Template – Easy tool to generate a customized disclaimer.
- Themezy Disclaimer – Downloadable blog disclaimer template Word Doc.
- eForms Disclaimer Template – Simple sample disclaimer with optional add-ons.
- TermsFeed Generator – Automatically creates a disclaimer tailored to your blog.
Review examples that align closely to your blog niche and structure to create the most fitting disclaimer.
Common Disclaimer FAQs
If you’re new to writing disclaimers, chances are you still have some questions about best practices. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long should my blog disclaimer be?
Aim for a disclaimer between 150-300 words long. This keeps it concise while covering all the essentials. Link to a full disclaimers page if you need more space for details.
Where should I place my disclaimers on my blog?
The sidebar, footer, and dedicated disclaimers page are the most common disclaimer placements. Just ensure it’s visible site-wide.
Do I need a disclaimer if my blog doesn’t offer advice?
Even if your blog is more personal or entertainment-focused, having a general disclaimer is still a good idea. It covers you in case any content is misconstrued.
Can I just copy someone else’s blog disclaimer?
Technically you can, but it’s better to customize your disclaimer language to fit your particular situation and tone.
How often should I update my disclaimers?
Review your disclaimers every 6-12 months for any needed tweaks based on new content types, monetization changes, etc.
Create Your Blog’s Disclaimer Today!
We’ve just covered everything you need to know to craft an effective, reader-friendly disclaimer that also offers ample legal protection.
Be sure to:
- Include all essential disclaimer elements
- Use scannable formatting readers will absorb
- Write thoughtful, explanatory disclaimer text
- Periodically review and refresh your disclaimer
The effort to properly disclaimer your blog is time very well spent. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of legal cure down the road!
Now you’re armed with insider tips to create the perfect disclaimer for your situation. So what are you waiting for? Just follow this comprehensive guide and check one more blogging best practice off your list!