Privacy Policy

1. Who We Are and Scope of This Policy

OptimizeKro ("OptimizeKro," "we," "us" or "our") is a digital marketing agency serving home-service contractors and other businesses. We provide services that may include Local SEO, Google Business Profile optimization, on-page SEO, off-page SEO, multi-location SEO, content strategy, paid advertising, web design and analytics support.

This Privacy Policy applies to information we collect through optimizekro.com, our forms, email, telephone communications, meetings, proposals, contracts and services that link to this policy. It does not replace the privacy policy of a client whose website, advertising account or business system we manage.

For more information about our business, visit About OptimizeKro. Questions about this policy can be submitted through our contact page.

2. Our Privacy Roles

If your request concerns information collected by one of our clients, please contact that client first. We will reasonably assist the client in responding where required by contract or applicable law.

3. Information We Collect

Information you provide

We may collect information you submit when you contact us, request a quote or audit, book a meeting, subscribe to updates, sign an agreement, make a payment, provide account access, communicate with our team or apply for work. This may include:

• Name, business name, role and professional contact information;
• Email address, telephone number, mailing or business address;
• Website URL, service area, project goals, services requested and marketing budget;
• Information included in messages, calls, meeting notes, forms or support requests;
• Contract, invoice, transaction and billing information;
• Credentials or permissions you choose to provide for client accounts; and
• Resume, work history or contractor information if you apply to work with us.

Information collected automatically

When you use our website, we and our technology providers may automatically collect technical and usage information, such as your IP address, approximate location, browser, device, operating system, referring page, pages viewed, date and time, session duration, clicks, scrolling, campaign parameters, cookie identifiers, advertising identifiers, conversion events and security logs.

Sensitive information

Please do not submit Social Security numbers, government identification numbers, health information, biometric information, precise geolocation, financial-account credentials or other sensitive personal information through general website forms. Payment-card information, where accepted, should be submitted only through the payment processor provided for that purpose.

4. Sources of Information

We may collect information:

• Directly from you or your authorized representative;
• Automatically from your browser or device;
• From the organization you represent;
• From clients that authorize us to provide services;
• From analytics, advertising, scheduling, communication and CRM providers;
• From referral partners and business marketplaces; and
• From lawful public sources, such as business websites, professional profiles and business directories.

5. How We Use Personal Information

We may aggregate or de-identify information so that it is no longer reasonably linked to an individual. We may use such information for research, reporting, benchmarking and service improvement, subject to applicable law.

6. Information We Process for Clients

To provide SEO, advertising, web-development and analytics services, a client may authorize us to access systems such as its website, Google Business Profile, analytics, search-console account, advertising account, CRM, call-tracking platform, review platform or project workspace.

Those systems may contain website-visitor information, form submissions, customer contact details, reviews, call data, conversion information, advertising audiences or employee information. We process client-controlled information only for authorized business purposes, applicable contract requirements and lawful instructions.

• We do not use client-controlled customer data for our independent marketing unless separately authorized and lawful.
• We limit access to personnel and contractors who need it to perform assigned work.
• Clients remain responsible for their own notices, consent mechanisms, legal instructions and lawful collection practices.
• At the end of an engagement, access is removed or information is returned, deleted or retained according to our agreement, legal requirements and routine backup schedules.

7. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We may use cookies, pixels, tags, local storage and similar technologies to operate the website, remember choices, understand performance, measure conversions, prevent fraud and support advertising. Depending on the page and configuration, providers may include Google Analytics, Google Ads, Meta, Microsoft and website-performance or session-analysis providers.

You can adjust browser settings and, where provided, use our cookie-preference tool. Blocking cookies may affect some website functions. You can also review the Google cookie information, use the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on, or visit the Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out page.

8. How We Disclose Information

We may disclose personal information to the following categories of recipients for the purposes described in this policy:

• Service providers: hosting, cloud storage, analytics, advertising, CRM, email, scheduling, payment, accounting, communications, security and IT providers;
• Authorized personnel: employees and contractors who require access to perform their responsibilities and are subject to appropriate confidentiality duties;
• Professional advisers: attorneys, accountants, insurers and consultants;
• Clients: when information relates to work performed for that client or when you intentionally contact a client through a service we manage;
• Authorities and legal parties: when reasonably necessary to comply with law, legal process, protect rights or safety, prevent fraud or investigate misuse;
• Business transaction parties: in connection with a merger, financing, acquisition, reorganization, bankruptcy or transfer of business assets; and
• Other parties: when you direct us, authorize the disclosure or where otherwise permitted by law.

Our providers maintain their own privacy practices. Examples include Google's Privacy Policy, Meta's Privacy Policy and Microsoft's Privacy Statement.

9. Sale, Sharing and Targeted Advertising

We do not rent personal information. We do not sell personal information for money in the ordinary meaning of the word. However, some privacy laws define "sale" or "sharing" broadly enough to include certain disclosures through advertising cookies, pixels or cross-context behavioral advertising.

Where required, we provide a mechanism to opt out of qualifying sale, sharing or targeted advertising and honor legally recognized browser-based opt-out signals, such as Global Privacy Control. Learn more from the California Attorney General's Global Privacy Control guidance.

If a "Your Privacy Choices" or cookie-preferences link is displayed on our website, use it to submit your choice. You may also contact us using the details below.

10. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, including to provide services, maintain business and tax records, honor preferences, resolve disputes, protect security and comply with legal obligations.

Retention depends on the nature and sensitivity of the information, the relationship involved, the potential risk of harm, platform settings, contractual commitments and applicable law. For example:

• Inquiry and proposal records may be retained while the opportunity remains active and for a reasonable follow-up period;
• Client records are generally retained during the relationship and afterward for accounting, legal and dispute-management needs;
• Marketing subscription information is retained until you unsubscribe or the list is cleaned, while a limited suppression record may be kept to honor your choice;
• Analytics and cookie data follow our configured settings and the applicable technology's duration; and
• Backup copies are deleted through normal backup-rotation schedules unless preservation is legally required.

When information is no longer required, we take reasonable steps to delete, de-identify or securely dispose of it.

11. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical and organizational safeguards designed to protect personal information. Depending on the system, these safeguards may include access restrictions, strong authentication, multi-factor authentication, encryption in transit, confidentiality requirements, vendor review, software updates, backups and incident-response procedures.

No website, electronic transmission or storage system is completely secure. We therefore cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for protecting passwords, devices and credentials under your control and for notifying us promptly if you suspect unauthorized access.

For authoritative small-business security guidance, review the Federal Trade Commission's Privacy and Security resources.

12. Your Privacy Rights and Choices

Depending on where you live and subject to applicable exceptions, you may have the right to:

• Confirm whether we process your personal information;
• Request access to or a copy of personal information;
• Correct inaccurate information;
• Request deletion;
• Obtain certain information in a portable format;
• Opt out of sale, sharing, targeted advertising or certain profiling;
• Limit certain uses of sensitive personal information;
• Object to or restrict certain processing;
• Withdraw consent where processing relies on consent;
• Appeal a decision where applicable; and
• Receive equal service without unlawful discrimination for exercising a privacy right.

How to submit a request

Email [email protected] with the subject line "Privacy Request," or use our contact form. Describe your request and the email address or other information associated with your interaction.

We may ask for information reasonably necessary to verify your identity and authority. We will use verification information only for verification and related compliance. An authorized agent may submit a request where applicable, but we may require proof of authorization and direct identity confirmation.

If we deny a request, we will explain the basis where required and provide appeal instructions when applicable. Certain records may be exempt from deletion, including records needed to complete services, detect security incidents, comply with law, maintain financial records or establish legal claims.

13. Regional Privacy Disclosures

California

California residents may have rights to know, access, correct and delete personal information; opt out of sale or sharing; limit certain uses of sensitive personal information; and receive equal treatment. These rights apply only where the California Consumer Privacy Act and related rules cover the relevant business and processing.

For independent information, see the California Privacy Protection Agency's consumer-rights guide and the California Attorney General's CCPA page.

Other U.S. states

Residents of states with comprehensive privacy laws may have similar rights concerning access, correction, deletion, portability, targeted advertising, sale and certain profiling. We respond to requests according to the law applicable to the requester and the processing involved.

European Economic Area and United Kingdom

Where European or UK data-protection law applies, we process personal data using an appropriate lawful basis, which may include consent, contractual necessity, legal obligation or legitimate interests. You may have rights of access, correction, deletion, restriction, portability, objection and consent withdrawal, and may complain to your local supervisory authority.

Additional authoritative information is available from the European Commission's data-protection guide and the UK Information Commissioner's Office.

14. Email and Text-Message Choices

You can unsubscribe from promotional email by using the unsubscribe link in the message or contacting us. We may still send service, security, billing or other non-promotional communications when appropriate.

If you expressly enroll in a text-message program, message frequency may vary and message and data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to opt out or HELP for assistance. Mobile opt-in data and consent will not be sold or shared with third parties for their own marketing. Your wireless provider is not responsible for delayed or undelivered messages.

The FTC provides additional information in its CAN-SPAM compliance guide.

15. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are intended for businesses and adults and are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information online from children under 13. If you believe a child has submitted personal information to us, contact us so we can investigate and take appropriate action.

Learn more about children's online privacy from the Federal Trade Commission's Children's Privacy resources.

16. International Data Transfers

OptimizeKro and some of our service providers or contractors may process information in the United States and other countries. Privacy laws in those locations may differ from those where you live. Where required, we use appropriate contractual or other lawful safeguards for international transfers.

17. Third-Party Websites and Services

Our website may link to third-party websites, platforms or resources. Their privacy practices are governed by their own policies, not this policy. We encourage you to review their notices before providing information.

Helpful internal pages

• Local SEO services
• Google Business Profile SEO
• Off-page SEO
• Multi-location SEO guide
• Voice SEO guide
• About OptimizeKro
• Contact OptimizeKro
• Terms and Conditions

18. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in our services, technologies, business practices or legal obligations. We will post the updated version on this page and revise the "Last updated" date. If a change materially affects how we use personal information, we will provide additional notice where required.

This page provides a general description of OptimizeKro's privacy practices. It is not intended to create rights beyond those provided by applicable law or an enforceable written agreement.