“Website Terms of Use” set the rules for how people can access and behave on your site. They protect your business, your content, and your users—whether you sell online or just publish information. This guide explains what to include, when you need them, and the fastest way to add them to your website.
Terms of Use govern access and behavior on your site (permitted use, prohibited conduct, IP, account rules, termination). Terms & Conditions often include these same rules plus commercial terms (payments, refunds). Many SMBs combine them on one page. The key is to cover the bases and make your policy easy to find.
Think of Terms of Use as your enforceable ground rules: you set expectations up front, so you can step in with confidence if lines are crossed.
Website Terms of Use are a public-facing agreement that sets the ground rules for visiting and using your site. They explain what visitors can and can’t do, how your content is protected, and when you can suspend or terminate access.
In practice, many websites use these labels interchangeably. Technically, “Terms & Conditions” can include broader commercial terms, while “Terms of Use” focuses on access and behavior. You can combine both into a single page if that fits your business.
| Topic | Terms of Use | Terms & Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Core purpose | Access and behavior rules | Access rules + commercial terms |
| Typical content | Permitted/prohibited uses, IP, account rules, termination | All of the left column plus pricing, refunds, warranties, liability |
| When to combine | Most SMBs combine into one page for simplicity and clarity | |
For the broader treatment and internal linking, see our pillar: Terms & Conditions.
Bottom line: combine if it keeps things clearer for users; just make sure all bases are covered.
If you interact with users or publish original content, you need Terms. It’s that simple.
Cover these core sections to reduce risk and set expectations:
Clarity beats length. If users can’t understand the rules, they can’t follow them—and you can’t enforce them.
Without Terms, your leverage is limited—even when someone is clearly abusing access.
For educational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Use a lawyer-drafted template for production.
Website Terms of Use (Excerpt)
1) Permitted Use
You may access and use the Site only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You agree not to: (a) copy, distribute, or modify content without authorization; (b) access the Site using automated means except as expressly permitted; (c) interfere with or disrupt the Site’s operation; or (d) use the Site in violation of applicable law.
2) Intellectual Property
All content on the Site, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is owned by us or our licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws. Except as expressly permitted, no license to reproduce or create derivative works is granted.
3) Accounts and Security
If you create an account, you must provide accurate information and maintain the confidentiality of your credentials. We may suspend or terminate your account for violation of these Terms or suspected misuse.
4) Disclaimers and Liability
The Site is provided “as is” and “as available.” To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all warranties and limit our liability for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.
5) Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the state specified in our Terms & Conditions, without regard to conflict of law rules.
SMVRT Legal can generate Website Terms of Use and provide embed code or a hosted link so you can add them in minutes—no formatting or PDF uploads. Pair with our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy for full coverage.
Clickwrap wins when you need clear proof of assent. Use it anywhere accounts, purchases, or submissions happen.
They’re not always legally mandated, but they’re strongly recommended. They reduce risk, clarify rights, and improve your position in disputes. If you collect personal data, you’ll also need a Privacy Policy.
Yes. Many SMBs publish one combined page covering access rules (Terms of Use) and commercial terms (Terms & Conditions). The label matters less than the coverage and clarity.
A lawyer-drafted template is a smart starting point. For regulated industries or higher risk profiles, have counsel review the disclaimers, limitation of liability, and jurisdiction clauses.
Copy-pasting can create gaps or misrepresentations. Use a reputable template and customize to your features, data practices, and jurisdiction.
Generate lawyer-drafted Terms of Use with SMVRT Legal. Customize online, track versions, and embed or link in minutes—no formatting hassles.