7 Pages Every Blog Needs Before You Launch (Complete Checklist)

Now that you’ve set up your WordPress author profile, there’s one more critical step before you’re ready to publish: creating the essential pages every blog needs.

These aren’t optional extras—some are legally required. Others build the trust that turns first-time visitors into loyal readers who save your content and come back for more.

Skip these pages, and you risk FTC violations, lost credibility, and confused visitors who don’t know how to connect with you.

The good news? You can create all 7 pages in a single afternoon using free templates and the AI prompts I’ll share below.

The 7 essential blog pages (quick overview)

Here’s what you need before your first blog post goes live:

Now let’s break down each page so you know exactly what to include.

Page 1: About page

Your About page is where readers decide whether they trust you.

This isn’t a formal resume—it’s your chance to connect with the person reading your content. Share your story, explain why you started your blog, and help readers see themselves in your journey.

What to include on your About page

• Your name and a photo (builds immediate trust)
• Why you started this blog (your motivation)
• Who you help (your ideal reader)
• What readers can expect (content topics)
• A personal touch (hobby, location, family—whatever feels authentic)

Niche example: Wellness blog

*”Hi, I’m Sarah—a busy mom of two who discovered that 20-minute home workouts could change everything. After years of feeling too overwhelmed for the gym, I found simple routines that actually fit my life. Now I share those same strategies with moms who want to feel strong without sacrificing family time.”*

🤖 AI prompt: Personalize your About page

Paste this into Google Gemini to create your About page draft:

I'm creating an About page for my blog. Help me write a warm, conversational About page that:
- Introduces who I am (my name is [YOUR NAME])
- Explains why I started my blog about [YOUR NICHE]
- Describes who I help ([YOUR IDEAL READER])
- Includes what readers can expect from my content
- Adds a personal touch that makes me relatable

Make it sound friendly and authentic—not corporate. Aim for 200-300 words.

Page 2: Contact page

Your Contact page lets readers, brands, and potential collaborators reach you.

Even if you’re brand new, having a Contact page signals you’re serious about your blog. It’s also essential for future sponsorship opportunities and reader questions.

What to include on your Contact page

• A brief intro explaining what you’re open to (questions, collaborations, partnerships)
• Contact form (keeps your email private from spam bots)
• Expected response time (sets realistic expectations)
• Social media links (optional, for additional connection)

Creating your contact form

For WordPress, I recommend WPForms Lite (free)—it integrates seamlessly and takes about 5 minutes to set up. You’ll learn exactly how to add a contact form in our guide on How to Add a Contact Form to WordPress.

🤖 AI Assistance: Write Your Contact Page Intro

Not sure how to introduce your Contact page? Use Google Gemini to generate beginner-friendly copy that matches your blog’s niche.

Copy-paste this prompt into Google Gemini:

I'm creating a Contact page for my [NICHE] blog called [BLOG NAME]. My blog helps [TARGET AUDIENCE] with [MAIN TOPIC]. 

Write a friendly 2-3 sentence intro for my Contact page that:
- Welcomes readers, brands, and collaborators
- Mentions what I'm open to (questions, partnerships, sponsorships)
- Sets a warm, approachable tone
- Includes a 24-48 hour response time expectation

Keep it simple and beginner-friendly.

Example: If you run a budget-focused finance blog called “Money Made Simple,” replace:

• [NICHE] with “personal finance”
• [BLOG NAME] with “Money Made Simple”
• [TARGET AUDIENCE] with “busy families”
• [MAIN TOPIC] with “budgeting and saving money”

Gemini will generate 2-3 options. Pick the one that sounds most like you, edit as needed, and paste it into your Contact page.

Niche example: Finance blog

“Have a budgeting question? Interested in partnering on financial literacy content? I’d love to hear from you. Fill out the form below, and I’ll respond within 48 hours.”

Page 3: Privacy Policy (legally required)

If your blog collects any personal information—and it almost certainly does—you need a Privacy Policy.

This isn’t optional. Laws like GDPR (Europe), CCPA (California), and CalOPPA require websites to disclose how they collect, use, and protect visitor data. Even if you’re outside these regions, visitors from these areas can access your site, making compliance necessary.

What triggers the Privacy Policy requirement

Your blog collects data if you:

• Use Google Analytics (tracks visitor behavior)
• Have a contact form (collects name/email)
• Use email signup forms (collects subscriber information)
• Run ads (ad networks track user data)
• Use comments (WordPress stores commenter info)
• Use cookies (virtually all websites do)

What your Privacy Policy must include

• What personal data you collect
• How you collect it (forms, cookies, analytics)
• Why you collect it (purpose)
• Who you share it with (third parties like Google, email providers)
• How users can access, correct, or delete their data
• Your contact information
• When the policy was last updated

Creating Your Privacy Policy: Free Generators vs. Lawyer-Drafted Templates

Before you choose a generator, understand the risk: free generators create generic policies that may not fully protect your specific blog or business. They miss nuances like proper affiliate disclosure language, niche-specific disclaimers, and comprehensive liability protection.

As one blogger put it: “Free templates aren’t as customized and tailored to your business as they should be… when it comes to legal advice, it’s just not something you can skimp on.”

Why ASelfGuru Is Worth the Investment

Here’s the truth: free legal pages are better than nothing, but they won’t fully protect you.

When I researched legal protection for bloggers, ASelfGuru stood out because:

• Written by a lawyer who blogs — Amira understands both the legal requirements AND the unique risks bloggers face (affiliate disclosures, sponsored content, reader advice)
• Hundreds of 5-star reviews — Customers describe her templates as “a lifesaver” and “invaluable protection”
• Done in 30-40 minutes — Fill-in-the-blank format with clear instructions means you’re protected today, not next month
• Lifetime updates included — Laws change (GDPR, CCPA, state privacy laws). Your templates update automatically through a private membership area
• Use on multiple websites — One purchase covers all your blogs

As blogger Lisa said: “I would never write my own legal pages. Anything related to law is like dental work—I would never do my own dental work… This is the best investment to make for your business.”

👉 Get the Legal Bundle here

🤖 AI Assistance: Review Your Legal Pages

Whether you use a free generator or ASelfGuru’s templates, it’s smart to double-check your legal pages for completeness. Use Perplexity to review your generated policies.

Copy-paste this prompt into Perplexity:

Review this Privacy Policy for a beginner blogger. Check if it:
1. Clearly states what data is collected (cookies, emails, analytics)
2. Explains how data is used and stored
3. Lists all third-party services (Google Analytics, email providers, affiliate networks)
4. Includes user rights (access, correction, deletion requests)
5. Has contact information for privacy concerns
6. Complies with GDPR, CCPA, and FTC requirements
7. Is written in plain language a beginner can understand

Here's my Privacy Policy:
[PASTE YOUR GENERATED POLICY]

Flag any missing sections and suggest specific improvements.

Page 4: Terms & Conditions

Your Terms & Conditions page protects you from liability by establishing the rules for using your website.

While not legally required in most regions, having Terms & Conditions is strongly recommended. It can protect you if someone misuses your content, claims your advice caused them harm, or disputes how you operate.

What to include in your Terms & Conditions

• Acceptance of terms (using your site means agreeing to these terms)
• Intellectual property (your content is yours; don’t copy it)
• Disclaimer (you’re sharing information, not professional advice)
• Limitation of liability (you’re not responsible for actions readers take)
• Third-party links (you don’t control external sites)
• Changes to terms (you may update these policies)

Creating Your Terms & Conditions: Free Generators vs. Lawyer-Drafted Templates

Just like your Privacy Policy, you have two main options: free generators or lawyer-drafted templates.

Free tools can give you a basic Terms & Conditions page, but they’re still generic. They often miss important blog-specific protections like how readers can (and can’t) use your content, how your advice should be treated, and how disputes are handled.

If you can afford it, I recommend using ASelfGuru’s Terms & Conditions template so your blog is covered with lawyer-written language, not just generic legal phrases.

👉 You can find the full bundle here: ASelfGuru Legal Bundle (includes Terms & Conditions plus Privacy Policy and Disclaimer in one package).

Niche-Specific Disclaimer Examples

Use your Terms & Conditions to reinforce niche-specific disclaimers like these:

• Food blog:
  “The recipes and nutrition information on this site are for informational purposes only. I’m not a registered dietitian—please consult a professional before making dietary changes.”
• Finance blog:
  “The financial information shared here is educational and does not constitute professional financial advice. Always consult a certified financial planner before making major financial decisions.”
• Wellness blog:
  “Content on this site is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult your doctor before starting any exercise or nutrition program.”

🤖 AI Assistance: Tighten Up Your Terms & Conditions

Once you’ve generated or purchased your Terms & Conditions, use Perplexity to make sure everything is clear and beginner-friendly.

Copy-paste this prompt into Perplexity:

Review these Terms & Conditions for a beginner blog.

Check if they:
1. Clearly explain that using the site means accepting the terms
2. Protect my intellectual property (no copying my content without permission)
3. Include a strong disclaimer that my content is informational, not professional advice
4. Limit my liability if readers act on my content
5. Address third-party links and external websites
6. Explain that I can update the terms and how users will know
7. Use plain, easy-to-understand language

Here are my Terms & Conditions:
[PASTE YOUR TERMS PAGE]

Suggest specific edits to improve clarity, protect me as the site owner, and keep it beginner-friendly.

If you’re using ASelfGuru’s templates, this step helps you understand what each clause does, so you feel confident standing behind your legal pages.

Page 5: Affiliate Disclosure (Legally Required for Monetized Blogs)

If you plan to earn money through affiliate links—and most bloggers eventually do—you must have an Affiliate Disclosure.

The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) requires you to clearly disclose when you may earn a commission from links. This isn’t just good practice; failing to disclose can lead to fines, loss of trust, and even removal from affiliate programs.

FTC Affiliate Disclosure Requirements (Simple Version)

Your affiliate disclosure must be:

• Clear and conspicuous – Easy to see, not buried in a footer
• Close to affiliate links – At the top of the post or right before the link
• Honest – Plain language that explains you may earn a commission
• Consistent – On every page that includes affiliate links

Where to Place Your Affiliate Disclosure

• At the top of every post with affiliate links (primary placement)
• On a dedicated Affiliate Disclosure page (for the full explanation)
• In your footer menu as a secondary link

Creating Your Affiliate Disclosure: Templates vs. DIY

You can absolutely start with a simple, DIY disclosure. But just like Privacy Policies and Terms, a lawyer-drafted affiliate disclosure gives you clearer protection and wording that matches current FTC expectations.

If you’ve already invested in ASelfGuru’s Legal Bundle, you’re covered here too—her templates include affiliate disclosure and disclaimer language written by a lawyer who understands blogging.

If you’re not ready to purchase yet, you can:

• Use a simple DIY disclosure (see sample below)
• Or follow guidance from reputable legal blogs and FTC resources

Sample Affiliate Disclosures (Customize, Don’t Copy Blindly)

Short version (for top of posts):

“This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe will help you. Read my full disclosure here.”

Full Affiliate Disclosure page version:

“Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue creating free content for you.”

“I only recommend products, tools, and services that I have personally used, tested, or genuinely believe will be helpful for my readers. My opinions are always my own, and I will never recommend something just for a commission.”

“Using my affiliate links does not change the price you pay—the cost is the same whether you use my link or go directly to the website. Thank you for supporting [Your Blog Name] and the work I do here.”

Replace [Your Blog Name] and your link text with your own details, and adjust to match your voice.

🤖 AI Assistance: Generate and Check Your Affiliate Disclosure

Use Google Gemini to draft your first version, then Perplexity to sanity-check it.

Step 1 – Draft with Google Gemini

Copy-paste this into Gemini:

I'm a beginner blogger running a [NICHE] blog called [BLOG NAME]. 
I use affiliate links to recommend tools, products, or services I trust.

Write:
1) A 2–3 sentence short affiliate disclosure for the TOP of my blog posts
2) A longer Affiliate Disclosure page (3–5 short paragraphs)

Requirements:
- Plain, friendly language
- Make it clear I may earn a commission at no extra cost to readers
- Emphasize that I only recommend products I genuinely believe in
- Add a thank-you sentence for supporting the blog

Edit the result so it sounds like you, then paste into your site.

Step 2 – Review with Perplexity

Once you have your draft, copy-paste this into Perplexity:

Review this Affiliate Disclosure for a beginner blogger.

Check if it:
1. Clearly states that I may earn a commission from affiliate links
2. Explains that there is no extra cost to the reader
3. Emphasizes honesty and integrity in my recommendations
4. Is easy to understand (no legal jargon)
5. Is suitable for both a short in-post disclosure and a full disclosure page
6. Aligns with current FTC guidance for online affiliate disclosures

Here is my Affiliate Disclosure:
[PASTE YOUR DISCLOSURE]

Suggest specific edits to improve clarity, transparency, and compliance, while keeping a warm, beginner-friendly tone.

This keeps your approach consistent with the previous sections:

• ASelfGuru as your lawyer-backed, upgrade path
• DIY + AI as the accessible starting point for beginners.

Page 6: Home Page

Your Home Page is where most visitors land first.

You have two main options:

1. Static Home Page — A designed landing page with your best content, about snippet, and clear navigation
2. Blog Feed Home Page — Your latest posts displayed automatically (WordPress default)

Which should you choose?

For Pinterest-focused blogs: A static Home Page often works better because you can control what visitors see first—guiding them to your best content rather than whatever you published most recently.

For beginners: Start with the Blog Feed (simpler to set up). You can always add a designed Home Page later.

Configuring your Home Page in WordPress

Go to Settings → Reading and choose:

• “Your latest posts” (blog feed)
• OR “A static page” (select your custom home page)

Page 7: Start Here page (optional but powerful)

Your Start Here page guides new readers to your most valuable content.

Think of it as a “greatest hits” page that prevents overwhelm and increases time on site. New visitors don’t know where to begin—this page tells them exactly what to read first.

What to include on your Start Here page

• Welcome message — Brief introduction
• Who this blog is for — Help readers identify themselves
• Best content by category — 3-5 top posts per topic
• Quick wins — Your most actionable, beginner-friendly posts
• Next steps — Email signup, popular resources

Niche example: Parenting blog

*”New here? Welcome! This blog is for tired parents who want practical tips that actually work. Start with these favorites:*

🍼 New Parents: ’10 Time-Saving Hacks for the First Year’
🧒 Toddler Life: ‘How to Survive the Terrible Twos (With Your Sanity)’
📚 School Age: ‘Homework Help Without the Drama’

Quick launch checklist

Before you publish your first blog post, verify you have these pages ready:

Legally required (if applicable):

• Privacy Policy page (created with ASelfGuru, Termly, or a similar tool)
• Affiliate Disclosure (if you’ll use affiliate links)

Strongly recommended:

• About Page (personal connection with readers)
• Contact Page (with a working contact form)
• Terms & Conditions (liability protection and house rules)

For reader experience:

• Home Page (configured as blog feed or static page)
• Start Here Page (guide for new visitors)

Common mistakes to avoid

Mistake 1: Copying another site’s legal pages
Never copy Privacy Policies or Terms from other websites. Each policy must be customized to your blog’s specific practices. Use a reputable generator or lawyer-drafted template instead—it’s faster, safer, and still beginner-friendly.

Mistake 2: Hiding your affiliate disclosure
Putting your disclosure in the footer only (without top-of-post mentions) doesn’t meet FTC expectations. Always place disclosures clearly and close to your affiliate links—ideally at the top of every post that includes them.

Mistake 3: Writing your About page in third person
“Jane is a food blogger who loves…” feels distant and corporate. Write in first person: “I’m Jane, and I love…” It’s warmer, more human, and builds trust faster with new readers.

Mistake 4: Skipping these pages “until later”
If you’re using any analytics, cookies, email opt-ins, or affiliate links from day one, you need these pages from day one. Don’t wait until you’re “big enough”—protect your blog and your readers now.

What’s next?

You’ve just completed one of the most important (and often overlooked) steps in building a professional blog. These pages protect you legally, build reader trust, and create a polished experience.

Next up: We’ll walk through How to Create Blog Categories & Navigation Menu in WordPress—so visitors can actually find all this great content you’re creating.

Ready to get consistent Pinterest traffic to these pages? Anastasia Blogger’s Pinterest SEO Traffic Secrets shows you exactly how to turn this solid foundation into a traffic-generating system.

FAQ: Essential blog pages

Q: Do I need a Privacy Policy if I’m just starting out?
Yes. If you use Google Analytics, have a contact form, email opt-ins, or allow comments, you’re collecting data—which means you need a Privacy Policy. It’s required under major privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA, even for small blogs.

Q: Can I use a free Privacy Policy template?
Yes, as a starting point. Free generators like Termly, CookieYes, and FreePrivacyPolicy.com can create basic policies tailored to your site. Just remember they’re generic—for stronger protection (especially if you plan to monetize), consider lawyer-drafted templates like ASelfGuru’s Legal Bundle later on.

Q: Where exactly should I put my affiliate disclosure?
At the top of every page that contains affiliate links—before the first affiliate link appears. Many bloggers place a short disclosure immediately after their featured image, then link to a full Affiliate Disclosure page for more details.

Q: Do I need separate pages for Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions?
Yes, keep them separate. Your Privacy Policy explains how you collect and use data (legally required). Your Terms & Conditions set the rules for using your site (strongly recommended for liability protection). They serve different purposes.

Q: How often should I update these pages?
Review your Privacy Policy at least once a year or whenever you add new tools (email providers, analytics, ad networks, ecommerce, etc.). Update your Terms & Conditions any time you change how your site operates, monetizes, or handles user content.

Q: What if I don’t have affiliate links yet?
Create your Affiliate Disclosure page now anyway. You can add a simple line like: “I may use affiliate links on this site in the future.” When you start adding actual affiliate links, you’ll only need to update the wording instead of building the page from scratch.