Do you have a Privacy Policy on your business website? - Virtual Assistant Forums

jeannedb · #1 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008

I'm sure you all know what a Privacy Policy is. Most sites have one tucked away somewhere. However, you might not really think that having one for your VA site is a necessity. I will argue otherwise.

You are in the business of handling the private information of another business or individual. Anything that you can do that boosts a potential client's confidence in your ability to maintain privacy is a selling point. A well-written Privacy Policy also lends credibility to your site and business.

The BBBOnline Reliability Program requires a Privacy Policy on your site before you can receive their "seal." They are even kind enough to provide a sample comprehensive Privacy Policy that can be adapted for use on your own site. I've adapted their sample policy to every site I've owned.

I added a small paragraph at the end of my policy describing my commitment to ethical demeanor. You can view it here. If you're interested in adding a Privacy Policy to your site, you can see the BBBOnline Sample Privacy Notice here.

So, do you have a Privacy Policy on your website?

Rebecka Melson · #2 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008

I do not have one on my website. I do have one in my contract.

D_Victoria_Virtual_Assistance · #3 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008

Jeanne,

I think a privacy policy on a VA website is an absolutely fabulous idea! I do not have one at this time, but I will certainly put that on my to do list for my website(I am constantly adding items and taking items away from my website...I just did an update again today as a matter of fact).

Like Rebecka, I do have a privacy policy detailed in all of my contracts.

Modern Marketing Support · #4 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008

I have a privacy statement on my site. I think it helps bridge the trust gap since many people are concerned, and rightfully so, about giving any kind of information to someone they don't know. I am a member of the eMarketing Association and they suggest that a privacy statement is a 'must have' for anyone doing business online.

Bette C · #5 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008

mine is on my contract too.

Rebecka Melson · #6 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008

I think it is something you should have on your website if you have a newsletter or something on your site that people have to sign up for and provide personal information, but I don't. The only information I collect from people is through the course of doing business, so I feel that having it in the contract is sufficient.

toobizylady · #7 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008

I have my EthicsChecked logo on my website. I also include it in my ezine. I also include a confidentiality agreement in my welcome package.

All the best,

sarova · #8 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008

This is a great topic. I have been noticing on many site the inclusion of a Privacy Policy. I was just curious why you needed this on there. This answers many questions. I also use a Confidentiality Agreement, but I am going to research further regarding posting a Privacy Policy on my site.
Thanks,
Debbie

Vicky · #9 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008

Hi All,

Great topic, Jeanna.

I am putting a confidentiality clause on my site, but it will be on the FAQ page.

What is the difference between a Confidentiality Agreement and a Privacy Policy, do they not amount to the same thing?

Tess · #10 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008

Definitely something to think about Jeanne - great point!

I didn't have a privacy policy on my site and I don't have anything 'official' in my paperwork though I do have a clause that says something to the effect of

"*ALL* communications between ourselves and our clients are strictly confidential. We confer an understood NDA (non disclosure agreement) regarding every respect of the working relationship." (but sign them of course as well when asked!

)