Privacy Policy can feel daunting. As a Pittsburgh web design company, we’re used to the requirements of Privacy Policy and just why it’s so important to have yours on your site. Whether you’re looking to build a website and need tips on starting from scratch or updating your current Privacy Policy, we can help. Understand Privacy Policy, know what to include in yours, and figure out where you need to place your Privacy Policy on your website. Here’s our guide to get you started on formulating and implementing an appropriate Privacy Policy. 

What is Privacy Policy?

Understanding the ins and outs of Privacy Policy

A Privacy Policy is a statement on your website that includes how you will collect your user’s personal data, including storing, protecting, and utilizing. The personal information your site will use is the user’s name, address, IP address, phone number, date of birth, and any card information they may use on your website. The Privacy Policy should as well detail how you will meet legal obligations of using personal information. 

Do I need a Privacy Policy on my website?

Take It from a Pittsburgh Web Development Company—You Need a Privacy Policy

If you gather any information about your users, you need a Privacy Policy on your website, whether you’re an eCommerce site or not. If you’re collecting emails for a newsletter, financial information for sales on your site, or using cookies on your website, there are certain bits of information you need to include. Long story short, you should probably have a Privacy Policy on your website. 

What do I include in my Privacy Policy?

All the Essentials to Include in Your Privacy Policy

What you need to include in your Privacy Policy varies from website to website depending on the purpose of your website. You should be transparent about any type of data you will collect on your website. There’s no one-size-fits-all for Privacy Policy, so you’ll need to understand any way you collect data from your customers and let them know. Here are a few points of Privacy Policy to get you started:

• Business name and contact information. Your Privacy Policy should always include your official business name and contact information. 
• Personal data collected. You need to be transparent about any data you collect. Include any and all information on the type of data your website collects from its users. 
• Why you collect data. If you collect data for customer service, newsletters, or any other types of marketing, list why you collect the data, your reasoning, and how it can help better the user experience.
• How data is shared with third parties. If you use cookies on your website, let your users know. You need to give them an option on how to opt-out and how that will impact their experience on your site. You may use Google Analytics to understand your website’s analytics and users a bit better. List any third party sites you may use and be sure to also link to their private policies. 
• Opt-Out information. You must give your users the option to opt out of data collection. Include any way possible for them to opt out of data collection clearly.
• Data Protection.  Inform your user how you intend to protect user data from misuse.

How do I create a Privacy Policy?

Where to Head For Privacy Policy Creation for Your Site

With so many existing privacy policies available, you can view other websites's current privacy policies to get an idea of how yours should look. Avoid copying a Privacy Policy from someone else as your website is likely different from theirs, and you could be collecting data in a different way. 

To cover all of your bases, use a Privacy policy generator. A generator can help create you a Privacy Policy that will work for any platform you use. Generators should ensure your Privacy Policy is California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)- or General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)-compliant. Find somewhere who will update your Privacy Policy automatically with any new legislation that’s passed. 

How Do I Enforce My Privacy Policy?

Implementing Your Privacy Policy

It’s not just enough to have your Privacy Policy on your website. Your customers need to be aware of it. Typically, Privacy Policy is enforced through a checkbox or specific language saying that by submitting a form, they have read your Privacy Policy and agree. When your users agree, you commit to meeting the regulations of Privacy Policy.

Where do I put my Privacy Policy?

Privacy Policy Placement Tips from A Pittsburgh Web Design Company

Your Privacy Policy should always be very easily accessible to your users. In any location where your user is either giving you their information or you are collecting it, make sure your Privacy Policy is within reach for them to read. 

• Navigation links. The footer is one of the most common places to link to your Privacy Policy. No matter where your user is on your website, they will always be able to see the link for the Privacy Policy through their browsing.
• About Us. Whether it’s on your About Us page or in the navigation bar under About Us, you should include your Privacy Policy here as well.
• Contact or sign-up forms. Where your user is giving you their information, there needs to be a link to your Privacy Policy. Whether you have a checkbox that they agree or the language on your form says they agree to your Privacy Policy by submitting, they need to be shown your Privacy Policy link.
• Checkout forms. For eCommerce, any time you take their financial information or any other information required for a sale, link your Privacy Policy before they hit submit. 

Thinking about Privacy Policy can be intimidating, but it’s a necessary part of any website. Need help implementing your Privacy Policy to your website? As a Pittsburgh web design company we can help. Contact us today!