Termly vs. iubenda vs. Free: Best Privacy Policy Tool for Freelancers & Independent Creators
As a freelancer or independent creator (writer, designer, photographer, social media manager), your portfolio website, client inquiry forms, and email list sign-ups collect data. This data — from client names to Google Analytics info — means you legally need a privacy policy in most places. This guide shows you how to get one without paying a lawyer, using affordable tools that handle compliance perfectly.
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The quick answer
For most US-based freelancers with a portfolio website and client forms, Termly is the best starting point. It covers major laws like GDPR and CCPA, updates automatically when rules change, and includes a cookie consent banner for your site. If you have many clients in the EU or target EU audiences, iubenda is a stronger choice. Free privacy policy generators are only good for static sites with no client forms, analytics, or email lists. They miss ongoing legal updates, which makes paid tools a better deal for any active independent creator.
Side-by-side breakdown
Termly: Costs $10-20 per month. Covers key laws like GDPR and CCPA, important if your clients are in California or the EU. It automatically updates when laws change, which saves you time. It also gives you a cookie consent banner and generates privacy policy, terms of service (great for client agreements), and cookie policy pages for your portfolio site. Best for freelancers focused on the US market.
iubenda: Costs $9-27 per month depending on the features you need. Built in Italy, so it focuses heavily on EU rules. It offers multiple languages, useful if you have clients worldwide. It's IAB TCF certified, which is key if you run ads targeting EU users. Best for independent creators with many international clients, especially in Europe.
Free generators (like PrivacyPolicies.com or Termly's free option): These might work for a super simple personal blog with no client forms or tracking. But they don't update automatically, meaning your policy can quickly become outdated. They also won't handle advanced needs like terms of service for client work or specific state laws. Only use a free one if your site is just a static online resume and you don't collect any client data or run ads.
When to choose Termly
Choose Termly if you're a US-based freelancer, like a photographer, writer, or graphic designer. It's ideal if you want to quickly set up your privacy policy, terms of service for client projects, and a cookie banner for your Squarespace or WordPress portfolio site. It handles CCPA and GDPR needs for your standard website visitors. Its setup process is simple, letting you focus on client work.
When to choose iubenda
Choose iubenda if a lot of your freelance clients or website visitors are in the EU. This is common for video editors working for international brands or social media managers handling global audiences. It's also necessary if you run ad campaigns (like Meta Ads or Google Ads) that target EU users and require specific ad consent rules (IAB TCF). iubenda tracks global legal changes, which is a big help if your client base spans many countries.
When a free generator is acceptable
A free generator is almost never enough for an active freelancer. It's only acceptable if your "website" is just a static online business card with no contact form, no email list (like Mailchimp or ConvertKit), no Google Analytics tracking, and no ads. As soon as you add a "Hire Me" form, an email sign-up, or even basic visitor tracking, a free policy isn't enough. Most independent creators will collect client names, emails, project details, and payment information, making free options useless.
The verdict
For US-focused freelancers: Termly. For EU or international clients: iubenda. Both tools are quick to set up, usually under 30 minutes. Make sure your privacy policy is live on your portfolio site *before* you take on your first paid client or start running ads for your services. Ad platforms like Facebook or Google often require these pages before they approve your campaigns.
How to get started
1. List all data you collect: This includes client names, emails, project details, payment info (even if through Stripe or PayPal), website analytics (Google Analytics on your portfolio), and any email list sign-ups. 2. Pick Termly or iubenda: Base this on where most of your clients or target audience are located. 3. Generate your policies: Use the tool's guided setup to create your privacy policy, terms of service (for client contracts), and cookie policy. 4. Publish on your website: Link these three pages clearly in your website footer (on WordPress, Squarespace, etc.). 5. Activate cookie consent: Turn on your cookie banner before you start any paid advertising or client outreach.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS
Termly
Privacy policy + cookie consent banner — best for US businesses
iubenda
Best for EU compliance and international audiences
PrivacyPolicies.com
Free generator for simple sites
Some links above are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up — at no extra cost to you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a privacy policy if I do not sell products online?
Yes, if your website collects any data — including email addresses, contact form submissions, or analytics. GDPR applies to any business that collects data from EU residents regardless of where the business is located. CCPA applies to businesses collecting data from California residents above certain thresholds.
What is a cookie consent banner and do I need one?
A cookie consent banner informs visitors that your site uses cookies and, in many jurisdictions, requires their consent before non-essential cookies are set. GDPR requires explicit consent for analytics and advertising cookies. CCPA requires a Do Not Sell My Personal Information option. If you run Google Analytics or any advertising, you need a compliant banner.
How often should I update my privacy policy?
Update it whenever you add a new data collection method, change a third-party service that handles user data, or when a new privacy law takes effect in a jurisdiction where you have users. Paid tools like Termly and iubenda alert you when updates are needed.
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