So far, 2018 has been a big year for enforcing legal compliance (GDPR) and user trust (HTTPS), which are both critical elements to running your business online these days. The important question to ask now is: When was the last time you updated your website?
If lately you’ve been noticing less traffic and conversions, it’s time to make changes. Without these important updates to your website’s functionality, you’re doing your own business a disservice. Here’s what you need to take care of immediately.
GDPR (legal compliance)
The sooner you get your business GDPR compliant the better. According to this regulation approved by the EU Parliament, any company in the world that stores or processes data of people who live in the European Union needs to be in compliance with GDPR by May 25th 2018. Otherwise, you might face hefty fines – up to $24million (20m Euros) or 4% of annual global turnover, whichever is higher.
Now, how to get your business compliant with GDPR? First, assign someone on your team responsible for reading the provisions of the GDPR to fully understand the requirements and specific circumstances your business might be involved with. Then make sure all your employees are aware of the new laws.
Bottom line is, you need to immediately update your Privacy Policy and have it visibly displayed and easily accessible on your website. See our example here.
Next, you need to inform your online visitors of the cookies available on your website and give them a choice to opt in or out.
It should look similar to this:
User Trust and Data Security
Data security has been the top concern in 2018, and it all comes down to establishing and maintaining user trust. Google Chrome announced a lot of changes to their online functionalities, especially regarding old http websites. The question is: Have you implemented the SSL Certificate on your website yet?
What is SSL Certificate?
According to Go Daddy, a certificate serves as an electronic “passport” that establishes an online entity’s credentials when doing business on the Web. When an Internet user attempts to send confidential information to a Web server, the user’s browser accesses the server’s digital certificate and establishes a secure connection.
(what you see when you enter old http websites)
In other words, if being authentic and making your customers feel well taken care of is your top priority, this update is crucial to running your business online. Trust, confidentiality, protection and better search (SEO) are some of the major benefits of upgrading your old http website to https.
Need assistance with implementing all necessary changes to your website? Contact Advertising Is Simple today!
Advertising Is Simple is a full-service marketing agency located in Wilmington, Delaware helping small to mid-sized businesses with all their digital marketing, radio and television advertising needs. Call us now.
Advertising Is Simple | 302.407.0431 | info@AdvertisingIsSimple.com
