Don't put your email address on your website

I visited a local website today and they had a HUGE list of email addresses of previous students.

That's a great way to get your email hacked!

Spammers can use a software program called a 'bot' to search hundreds of websites looking for exposed email addresses.

I had mistakenly thought that having the email address "hidden" inside a link would be OK, but it isn't.

So what to do?

Use a contact form instead posting your email address

Visitors like to be able to email you.

I know I do. Sometimes I'll make a call, but lots of times I'm on my computer at odd hours and an email is the best way to contact a business.

You don't want to miss those potential customers that want to contact you!

But you also don't want a bunch of spam emails.

The best solution is to use a Contact Form.

With a Contact Form, as soon as someone submits the form, you are notified via email. You can then easily send a reply email.

Do you know how to add a contact form?

Adding a contact form with Weebly is simple!

Unlike WordPress where you have to install a plug-in to add a contact form, in Weebly all you have to do is drag the Contact Form block onto your page.

Change the title and update the fields to what you want.

Click on Form Options and make sure your email address is correct and customize the confirmation message. Then save it and you're done!

Make sure your Privacy Policy is up-to-date

EVERY website needs a Privacy Policy and you especially need one if you are collecting any sort of personal information from someone (like their name and email address).

It's nice to reassure people of how you intend to use the information they are sending to you.

I included a link to my Privacy Policy right on my Contact form.

I also updated my footer so that instead of it giving my email address, it says, "Click here to send me an email." Once you click, you're taken to my Email page.

Another option that I've used is to put a link to Facebook Messenger on my site.

Check your website and see if you have exposed email addresses. If you do, switch to a Contact Form.

Let me know if I can help you! You can send me an email. :-)

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