What Startups Should Know About Crafting a Privacy Policy

Have you asked yourself lately if you really need a privacy policy on your website?

As a startup, you should note that in our digital age, you do need a privacy policy on your website.

It can be confusing, and sometimes the privacy policy is easily forgotten, but if you want to protect your business, it is something you need. And, if you plan to use Google or Facebook advertising, you must have one on your startup’s website.

In this article, we look at what startups should know about crafting a privacy policy.

What is a Privacy Policy?

A privacy policy is pretty straightforward. It lets your website users know what kind of data you are collecting, and what you’re going to do with that data.

This many include information regarding how you’re collecting that data such as through a web form, website analytics, chat widgets, cookies on your website, or Google and Facebook online ad campaigns (this is especially important if you’re using Facebook lead ads).

You also explain how you store data, how long you’ll store it, and what you’ll do with it after the storage time runs out. In addition, your policy might include who has access to the data as well as contact info for people who have questions about your policy.

Privacy policies safeguard not only your users, but your startup as well.

Bottom line: your privacy policy lets customers know what information you collect, store, use, share, sell, and disseminate with regards to all the platforms where this activity takes place.

Can You Borrow a Privacy Policy from Another Website?

While this is a common practice, it isn’t the best idea.

You will find privacy policies on websites across the internet that look and sound similar, but your policy should reflect your startup’s particular business usage and needs.

A cookie cutter privacy policy needs to be fine-tuned for your business. It is a good starting point, but you need to make sure it reflects what you’re going to do with your visitor’s information.

How to Create a Privacy Policy

It is quite easy to create a privacy policy as there are many free, online tools that generate a privacy policy for you.

It’s important to have one on your startup’s website because it helps your visitors trust you, and it’s required in some states and many countries.

Some online privacy policy generators include:

• Termsfeed
• Free Privacy Policy
• Shopify
• Privacy Policy Online
• Trust Guard

Numerous websites can help you create your own privacy policy. But, before you head over to them, you do want to think about all the things you need in the documents as well as what you want in the document. Speak with your startup attorney so you ensure you policy meets all applicable requirements.

Templates are fine, but you may need to edit it to satisfy the needs of your startup. Your privacy policy is a type of “insurance” for your startup as it can help protect you in case someone sues you for mishandling their information.

To Conclude

If you collect any type of data from your website users, you need a privacy policy. This means information collected through forms or information collected by your marketing.

Nearly all websites today collect information from users in one way or another.

You also want to check out your state’s (or country’s) particular laws as some states like California have more stringent requirements.

Your policy should be a stand-alone page on your website, titled simply, “Privacy Policy.”

Finally, if you have an attorney, consult him or her as you craft your privacy policy to make sure it meets the standards it should.

Are you a new startup ready to succeed? Are you looking to get your new business off the ground and watch it rise to success? We are here for you. We can help answer your questions and guide you through the process. Outsource your HR duties, finances, payroll and more to us. Contact Escalon today to get started.

Image:  Dayne Topkin on Unsplash