Directive has been serving the Oneonta area since 1993, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support, and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses.
GDPR was introduced by the European Union, but it applies to businesses all over the world, especially if you could potentially collect personal data from a person residing within the EU. We feel, as a business, it’s important to safeguard personal data of your prospects and customers, and think the GDPR is a big step in the right direction to provide transparency and understanding to your users.
The key elements of the GDPR are the following:
You must process personal data in a way that is lawful, fair, and transparent.
You must only use personal data for the specific purpose that you have declared.
You must collect only the minimum amount of personal data required to achieve your stated objective(s).
You must take all reasonable steps to ensure that any data you collect is accurate and kept up-to-date.
You may only hold personal data for as long as it is required to achieve the stated objective(s).
You must process personal data in a way that ensures appropriate security.
There is a lot to the GDPR (it’s over 255 pages long), but we’ve found a lot of the concepts make sense. Chances are, if you are handling your marketing and the data you collect as white-hat as possible, you are already mostly there.
Want to Update Your Privacy Policy?
We’ve also built a template that our clients can use as a starting point for their privacy policy. We took into consideration the services most of our clients use and how we advise using them.
If you have Newsletter or ‘More Information’ checkboxes pre-ticked on forms, that is not enough to be considered an opt-in.
Enable SSL
If your website doesn’t have SSL, reach out to us and we’ll provide you with a free one under your hosting agreement. You can also purchase one, but for non-ecommerce sites, the free SSL is a good alternative.
Check Your Lists
It never hurts to run the occasional re-opt-in campaign to ensure you aren’t sending unsolicited emails.
Updating Your Privacy Policy
You’ll want to be as transparent as possible in your privacy policy. We’ve included a template to work off of, but don’t assume it is ready to publish for your business. You’ll want to review it with your lawyer, along with the rest of the GDPR. Updating your privacy policy alone going to make you compliant.
Document Any Extra Tracking/Analytics
We’ve covered the basics that we apply to most of our clients - Google Analytics. If you use a third-party service for tracking analytics or metrics on your website, or you have other scripts that collect data, you’ll need to make sure that it is applied to your Privacy Policy and that those services are GDPR compliant.
Check With Your Host
If you host the website yourself or use a third-party besides us, you’ll need to make sure they are GDPR compliant.
It Doesn’t Stop There
Be sure to review the GDPR to determine if you are within its scope and to ensure that your business is compliant. This will involve reaching out to any vendors that you might share or transfer data to and reviewing their policies, and making sure you are protecting any personal information you collect.
You can learn more about the GDPR by checking out the official site: https://www.eugdpr.org/
Please be advised that Directive is not your attorney, and this information is not legal advice. This information does not provide, nor constitute, and should not be construed as, legal advice. It is for educational purposes only and is not to be acted or relied upon as legal advice. Use of this information does not create any attorney-client relationship between you and Directive. The information does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed attorney representing you in your jurisdiction. Applying or asking us to apply the privacy policy template to your website does not make us responsible in any way for the accuracy of the content or your compliances. You should seek advice from your legal counsel to determine your legal obligations.
Our business began its journey with the purchase of a personal computer back in 1992. This purchase ignited a passion with Chris Chase, our CEO, and there was no stopping its momentum. Less than one year later, he had his first IT support client (and...
Technology is constantly evolving, and keeping up can feel overwhelming. Whether you want to understand cybersecurity threats, explore automation, or learn how regulations like PCI DSS impact your business, we’ve made it easy to access clear, straightforward insights on key IT topics.
Our custom web design services go beyond templates to create a unique online presence that perfectly reflects your brand's specific identity and vision. We collaborate with you to build a visually engaging and intuitive website that provides an exceptional user experience for your visitors. This tailored approach ensures your new site is not only beautiful but also strategically built to meet your specific business objectives and drive growth.
Website Redesigns, Facelifts, and Modernizations
Whether your site needs a complete strategic overhaul or just a visual refresh, our services can transform your existing platform. A redesign rebuilds your site from the ground up to improve functionality and user experience, while a facelift applies a fresh visual style to modernize its appearance. Ultimately, these modernizations ensure your website not only captures attention but also performs optimally on all devices and meets current digital standards.
SEO and Search Engine Advertising
We help you dominate search engine results through a two-pronged approach that builds both long-term authority and immediate traffic. Our Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services focus on improving your website's organic rankings, earning you sustainable visibility without paying for every click. Simultaneously, strategic Search Engine Advertising (SEA) campaigns, like Google Ads, place you at the very top of the results for targeted keywords, delivering instant, high-intent visitors to your site.
Mobile-Responsive Design
Mobile-responsive design ensures your website automatically adjusts to fit any screen, providing an optimal viewing experience on everything from smartphones to desktop monitors. This approach guarantees that all users can easily navigate and interact with your content, eliminating the need for frustrating pinching and zooming. In today's mobile-first world, a responsive website is essential for maximizing user engagement and is a critical factor for achieving higher rankings in search engines like Google.
WordPress and Joomla Support
We provide expert support for websites built on WordPress and Joomla, two of the world's most popular content management systems. Our team handles everything from routine updates, security monitoring, and plugin management to troubleshooting complex issues to keep your site running flawlessly. This ongoing maintenance ensures your website remains secure and performant, giving you peace of mind and freeing you to focus on your business goals.
Email and Direct Mail Marketing
We help you connect directly with your audience through targeted email and direct mail marketing campaigns. Our email strategies deliver timely, personalized messages straight to your customers' inboxes for immediate engagement, while our direct mail services create tangible, high-impact pieces that cut through the digital noise. By integrating both channels, we create a cohesive marketing strategy that reinforces your message, improves brand recall, and drives a stronger response from your most valued customers.
Brochures, Fliers, and Other Sales Materials
We design compelling brochures, fliers, and a wide range of other sales materials to support your tangible marketing efforts. Our creative process ensures every piece maintains a consistent and professional brand identity, helping you build recognition and trust with your audience. These high-quality, physical materials make a lasting impression and equip your team with the effective tools needed to convert leads into loyal customers.
Logo Design and Development
Our logo design and development service is a strategic process focused on creating the visual cornerstone of your brand's identity. We collaborate closely with you to understand your company's mission and values, exploring various concepts to craft a unique and memorable mark. The final result is a versatile and professional logo that effectively represents your business across all marketing materials and digital platforms.
Content Writing
We provide professional content writing services to create original, high-quality copy for your website pages, blog posts, social media, and other digital marketing needs. Our process focuses on developing a consistent brand voice and strategically incorporating relevant keywords to improve your search engine optimization (SEO). The result is compelling and informative content that engages your target audience, establishes you as an authority in your field, and drives valuable customer action.
Marketing Plans and Marketing Campaign Fulfillment
We begin by developing a comprehensive marketing plan, a strategic roadmap built on in-depth research and tailored specifically to your business objectives and target audience. Beyond just creating the strategy, our team handles the complete marketing campaign fulfillment, executing every tactic from digital ad placements to content distribution. This integrated approach ensures your marketing efforts are seamlessly managed from concept to completion, allowing for cohesive implementation and dynamic optimization to achieve the best possible results.
ECommerce and Online Stores
We specialize in creating robust eCommerce solutions and online stores designed to turn your website traffic into revenue. Our development process focuses on building a secure and user-friendly shopping experience, complete with intuitive product catalogs, seamless checkout, and integrated payment gateways. A professionally crafted online store allows you to sell your products 24/7, expand your market reach, and provides a powerful platform for business growth.
Social Media Marketing
Our social media marketing service helps your business build a dynamic presence on the platforms where your target audience spends their time. We handle everything from developing a content strategy and creating engaging posts to managing community interactions and running targeted ad campaigns. This comprehensive approach allows you to foster genuine customer relationships, drive qualified traffic to your website, and achieve measurable business growth.
