As we enter further into a post-COVID society, the digital landscape has grown exponentially. While online users and consumers are more engaged in digital practices than ever, there is also growing mistrust regarding the methods and volumes of personal data collected.
As a business, especially a local business, you’ll want to make sure that your data collecting practices are done sustainably and ethically. Perhaps even more than money, customer trust is immensely valuable from here on out.
In today’s blog, let’s explore how your business can establish trust with your consumers, while ethically collecting the necessary data to optimize your products, services, workflows, and marketing strategies.
What’s Going On With Data Collection?
Data collection seems to be the hot topic on everyone’s mind. With almost every app, website, and platform collecting data about user activity, it’s reasonable to expect users to tread carefully.
In fact, according to Deloitte Insights, “60% of American adults do not think that they can go through daily life without having data collected about them.” Yet, only a quarter of people read a company’s privacy policy. It’s also worth noting that a whopping “81% say that the potential risks they face because of data collection outweigh the benefits,” truly illustrating the trust disconnect between users and companies at the moment.
While this data allows companies to further improve their digital offerings, marketing strategies, and products or services, It’s important to reassure your users that this data is being collected and used in an ethical, responsible manner. This is where transparency comes into play.
Be Open And Transparent With Your Customers
Via the various digital channels available to businesses, it’s now easier than ever to encourage openness and transparency with your website users, customers, and clients. According to Forbes, 94% of customers choose to remain loyal to honest, transparent brands.
“Why? Because transparency in business leads to trust. And, many consumers only want to support companies they trust. That’s why deceitful companies fall off the map so quickly,” explains Forbes contributor, Matt Kappel.
It stands to reason that if your business collects data in a visible, transparent manner, many customers won’t mind. In fact, many customers may even enjoy the fact that they are marketed and recommended products and services tailored to their needs.
However, when this happens without the proper user consent, it can be creepy and intrusive. Mike Kappel of Forbes recommends that companies practice:
- Solidifying and sharing your company’s core values
- Sharing updated information with your employees
- Getting to the point quickly and staying conscious of users’ time
- Being candid about your small business experience and backstory
Secure Your Website & Protect Private Information
One of the fastest ways to destroy your reputation (and your business) is to neglect proper cybersecurity and privacy policies. Without the appropriate protections in place, you’re not only putting your company and employees at risk but your customers and clients as well.
When customers give you their confidential information, such as credit card numbers, bank accounts, account passwords, contact information, and more, they are investing an enormous amount of trust in you and your company. If this trust is betrayed, you will most likely lose the client forever, and they will be sure to spread the word of your lacking security protocols.
If you are unsure where to start when it comes to best cybersecurity practices, audits, and training, be sure to reach out to qualified cybersecurity professionals and IT consultants to help guide you through the process.
Continue To Prioritize Ethics And Digital Responsibility
When all else fails, continue to prioritize ethics and digital responsibility within your organization. Speak with your employees, consultants, and of course, users and customers to find out what matters most to them when it comes to cybersecurity and their digital privacy.
Categorised in: cybersecurity, digital, Digital Age, Organization, Tech Tips