How to Make Your Marketing GDPR-Friendly?

The primary European data privacy regulation, GDPR, protects the information users share with the companies they deal with. All companies that collect and process their customers' data in the EU must comply with GDPR. With time, more and more people become curious about where their data goes and for what purposes it is used. Unsurprisingly, famous companies like Facebook and Google faced enormous lawsuits due to data leaks.

AVITAR prepared a quick checklist you can use to ensure that your marketing complies with the GDPR.

Give customers control over the data they share

The most important thing is ensuring that your customers don't feel that the information they share with you is out of their hands. Unfortunately, not everyone knows what data they share simply by visiting the website or clicking on the "Agree" button on the cookie banner. You will increase customers' trust by ensuring that the copy you write on the banners and consent forms is clear and transparent.

Avoid storing customer data for too long.

The threat of data leaks is higher if you don't keep track of the data you gathered and store it for a long time. To make sure that all data you have is protected, mind these steps:

Keep track of the data you collect. Store your documents neat and tidy to find all information easily.
Create a data controller position in your company. One person who knows how all processes work can ensure that no mistakes will be made.
Delete old data. Make data audits once in a while to delete all old data you don't need now, which only takes the space.

Ask about customer consent if needed. Choose the right legal basis for data processing

Whenever you gather information from the customers, make sure to ask if they agree to it. GDPR gives clear instructions for companies to avoid collecting data without consent. If you don't want GDPR controllers to charge you with a big fine, always ask customers if they are happy with you processing their private information.

Don't forget to give customers the option to unsubscribe.

Even when the customers mindlessly or consciously agree to share information with you, you must give them the option to unsubscribe. Always check if your email subscription banner or profile page offers clear instructions on unsubscribing and deleting your profile. Then, also mention what will happen with all the information people share with you after you do it.

Remember about third parties. Check the country and sign the data protection agreement

Even if your GDPR compliance is top-notch, you should not forget the third parties that can collect data through your website. For instance, the email marketing provider or analytics service you use can have different data processing and management approaches. However, being unaware of it won't make you less responsible in case something happens with this information.

Compliance with GDPR must be on the mind of every online business owner and marketing specialist. We are dealing with data all the time, and this legal regulation establishes some control over how it can be processed and protected. If you are worried about your compliance with GDPR or don't know where to start, you can ask specialists for help. At AVITAR, we helped many online businesses ensure that their legal matters were taken care of. Contact us and receive the most detailed consultation on your path to GDPR compliance.