Ask, Tell, Lock! Data Protection for Small Online Businesses
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m telling you about data protection for small online businesses.
“Data” means information about people. And protecting it isn’t just for big companies! As soon as you collect even ONE email address, it’s for you too.
Here’s my easy way to remember it: Ask, Tell, Lock!
Lynnie’s little note: This is just for learning. It’s not real legal advice for your business. Please ask a grown-up lawyer to check your own documents!
Why it builds trust
Customers expect their information to be handled carefully. Doing it right makes people trust you!
Two kinds of information
PII means information that points straight to one person. Like a name, email, phone number, home address, payment details or internet address. This needs extra care!
Non-PII can’t point to one person by itself. Like how many people visited a page, what kind of device they used, or general groups of people. It’s great for spotting patterns.
But mix enough non-PII together, and it CAN point to a person. So be careful with all of it!
Step 1: ASK
Before you collect anyone’s information, you have to ask, and they have to say yes. Grown-ups call it consent. This happens mostly in two places.
Email addresses. When people can sign up for emails, give them a clear little box that THEY tick themselves.
Cookies. On your website, ask about cookies where people can’t miss it. Like a pop-up, or a clear message right at the top. The boxes must NOT be ticked already! Visitors choose themselves. Most website builders already have this built in.
Step 2: TELL
You can’t explain everything in one line next to a little box. But you still have to be as honest as possible. The good news? Your privacy policy does most of the telling for you!
So when you ask people to choose, point them to your privacy policy. Even better, put a link right there, so it opens before they decide.
Step 3: LOCK
Keep people’s information locked up safely! For a small business, that can just mean picking trusted, safe tools.
Lots of beginners use email tools that already have strong safety. Make sure your tools follow data protection rules. Tools that follow the GDPR have strict safety rules.
And use:
- strong passwords, with a password manager
- two-step login, where customer information is stored
Here’s a smart rule: only collect what you really need. Just need an email for a newsletter? Then don’t ask for a phone number or a home address!
Less information means less risk!
People can change their minds
Even after saying yes, people can change their minds. If they want their information deleted, they need to be able to ask.
It doesn’t have to cost much
Free plans of trusted email tools, built-in cookie banners and a free password manager cover most beginner needs. You need very little money to start. You’d be surprised!
What’s next?
The next article explains cookies in more detail. The whole lesson is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help you set this up? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
What are the three foundations?
Ask permission, tell the truth, and lock information away safely!
What’s the difference between PII and non-PII?
PII points to one person. Non-PII doesn’t, unless you mix lots of it together.
Will there be step-by-step lessons for each of the ten ways?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
How do I collect emails the right way?
With a clear box people tick themselves. And freebies stay truly free!
What does being honest look like?
Pointing people to your privacy policy whenever you ask them to choose.
How do I keep information safe?
Trusted tools, strong passwords, two-step login, and only collecting what you need.
Where can I get help if I don’t have much money?
Lynnaider shows you how to start each of the ten ways for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
