If you run a business in a regulated industry, your website is not just a marketing tool. It is a reflection of your professional obligations. And in many cases, there are specific things your website needs to include (or avoid) based on your industry's rules.
We built our regulated industry audit modules specifically because we kept seeing businesses get this wrong. Not because they did not care, but because nobody told them. Here is a plain-English overview of what we look for across some of the most common regulated industries in New Hampshire.
Law Firms and Legal Practices
Attorney websites are reviewed against some of the strictest professional conduct rules. In New Hampshire, the Rules of Professional Conduct govern what lawyers can and cannot say on their websites.
- Disclaimers: Your site needs to clearly state that content is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship
- Testimonials: If you use client testimonials, they may need disclaimers about results not being typical
- Specialization claims: You generally cannot call yourself a "specialist" unless you have a specific certification
- Advertising rules: Every state has rules about what counts as attorney advertising and what disclosures are required
We review law firm websites against the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct. But remember: always consult with your attorney or bar association for guidance specific to your practice.
Healthcare and Medical Practices
Healthcare websites deal with patient privacy, advertising regulations, and professional licensing requirements.
- HIPAA considerations: If your website collects any patient information through forms, appointment requests, or patient portals, there are strict rules about how that data is handled
- Medical disclaimers: Content should include appropriate disclaimers that website information does not constitute medical advice
- Provider credentials: Accurate representation of licenses, certifications, and qualifications
- Before/after photos: Some states and specialties have rules about using patient photos
Financial Services and Advisors
Financial professionals in NH operate under SEC, FINRA, and state-level regulations that extend to their websites.
- Required disclosures: ADV disclosures, fee structures, and regulatory affiliations often need to be accessible from your site
- Performance claims: There are strict rules about how you can present investment performance and past results
- Testimonials and endorsements: Recent SEC rule changes allow testimonials under specific conditions, but the requirements are detailed
- Social media policies: If your website links to social media, those platforms fall under the same regulatory umbrella
Real Estate
Real estate agents and brokers in New Hampshire have website requirements from both state licensing boards and fair housing laws.
- Brokerage disclosure: Your firm name and license info typically need to be clearly displayed
- Fair Housing compliance: Your site cannot contain language or imagery that could be seen as discriminatory. This includes photo selection, neighborhood descriptions, and even the words you use in property listings
- IDX/MLS compliance: If you display property listings, there are specific rules about data attribution and accuracy
Cannabis Businesses
The cannabis industry in New Hampshire has its own set of advertising and website rules that are still evolving.
- Age verification: Many jurisdictions require age gates or warnings
- Health claims: You cannot make medical claims about products without proper backing
- Advertising restrictions: Rules about what imagery, language, and appeals you can use vary by state
Why This Matters
Getting your website wrong in a regulated industry does not just look unprofessional. It can result in fines, disciplinary action, lawsuits, or loss of your license. And "I did not know" is not a defense that regulators tend to accept.
That said, this post is educational. Every business is different and regulations change. Always consult with your attorney or professional advisor for guidance specific to your situation.
How We Help
At MayhemTBD, we have built conformance review modules for 48 different industries. Our affordable audit reviews your website against the applicable professional standards and regulatory guidelines for your field. We flag what needs attention, explain why, and give you a clear path to fixing it.
If you are in a regulated industry and want to know where your website stands, request a free checkup. Or if you know you need a new site built right from the start, let us talk. We are based in Bedford, New Hampshire and we work with regulated businesses across the state.