Privacy
Policy
Your privacy is important to us. Learn how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.
Last updated: January 2025
Quick Summary: We collect minimal personal information necessary to provide our SEO services, never sell your data to third parties, and you have full control over your information. We comply with Canadian privacy laws including PIPEDA.
1. Information We Collect
Personal Information
We collect information you provide directly to us, including:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, business address
- Business Information: Company name, website URL, industry, business description
- Service Information: SEO goals, target keywords, competitor information
- Communication Records: Email correspondence, consultation notes, project communications
- Payment Information: Billing address, payment method details (processed securely through third-party processors)
Website Analytics Data
We automatically collect certain information when you visit our website:
- IP address and general location information
- Browser type and version
- Pages visited and time spent on our site
- Referring website information
- Device information (mobile, desktop, etc.)
Client Website Data
To provide SEO services, we may access and analyze:
- Website analytics data (Google Analytics, Search Console)
- Website content and structure
- Technical SEO information
- Keyword ranking data
- Backlink profiles and competitor analysis
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
Service Delivery
- Providing SEO analysis, strategy development, and implementation
- Creating and delivering monthly reports and analytics
- Conducting keyword research and competitor analysis
- Technical SEO audits and recommendations
- Content optimization and link building services
Communication and Support
- Responding to inquiries and providing customer support
- Sending service updates and important notifications
- Scheduling consultations and meetings
- Providing SEO education and industry insights
Business Operations
- Processing payments and managing billing
- Improving our services and developing new offerings
- Complying with legal obligations
- Protecting against fraud and ensuring security
3. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
Service Providers
We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:
- Payment processing (Stripe, PayPal)
- Email marketing and communication (Mailchimp, INBOX)
- Analytics and reporting tools (Google Analytics)
- SEO tools and platforms (SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz)
- Cloud storage and data backup services
Legal Requirements
We may disclose information when required by law, such as:
- Responding to subpoenas or court orders
- Complying with government investigations
- Protecting our rights and property
- Ensuring the safety of our users and the public
4. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:
- Encryption: Data transmission is protected using SSL/TLS encryption
- Access Controls: Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
- Secure Storage: Data stored in secure, encrypted databases
- Regular Updates: Security systems and software regularly updated
- Staff Training: Team members trained on privacy and security best practices
- Incident Response: Procedures in place for data breach notification and response
5. Your Privacy Rights
Under Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA) and other applicable laws, you have the following rights:
Access and Portability
- Request access to your personal information we hold
- Receive a copy of your data in a portable format
- Request information about how we use your data
Correction and Updates
- Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
- Update your contact and business information
- Modify your communication preferences
Deletion and Restriction
- Request deletion of your personal information
- Restrict certain uses of your information
- Withdraw consent for data processing (where applicable)
6. Data Retention
We retain your information for different periods depending on the type of data:
- Active Client Data: Retained for the duration of our business relationship
- SEO Reports and Analytics: Retained for 3 years after service completion
- Financial Records: Retained for 7 years for tax and accounting purposes
- Communication Records: Retained for 2 years after last contact
- Website Analytics: Anonymized after 14 months
7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Analyze website traffic and user behavior
- Provide personalized content and recommendations
- Improve website performance and user experience
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
8. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including our partner INBOX. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
9. International Data Transfers
As we serve clients across Canada and have team members internationally, your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than Canada. We ensure that any international transfers comply with applicable privacy laws and include appropriate safeguards to protect your information.
10. Children's Privacy
Our services are designed for businesses and individuals 18 years or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on our website
- Sending email notification to our active clients
- Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
12. Contact Information
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:
Privacy Officer
Email: hello@thelocalseo.ca
General Contact: hello@thelocalseo.ca
Address: London, Ontario, Canada
Website: https://thelocalseo.ca
Your Privacy Matters
We are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your information. If you have any concerns or questions, we encourage you to reach out to us directly.
Questions About Your Privacy?
Our team is here to help answer any questions about how we protect and use your information.