Privacy Policy

Last updated: 6/15/2025

1. Introduction

SmutSEO ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information:

  • Name and contact information (email address, phone number)
  • Website URLs and business information
  • Payment information (processed securely through third-party providers)
  • Communication preferences
  • Any information you provide in forms or communications

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

We automatically collect certain information when you visit our website:

  • IP address and location data
  • Browser type and version
  • Device information
  • Pages visited and time spent on our site
  • Referring website information
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

  • Providing and improving our guest posting services
  • Processing transactions and payments
  • Communicating with you about our services
  • Sending marketing communications (with your consent)
  • Analyzing website usage and improving user experience
  • Complying with legal obligations
  • Preventing fraud and ensuring security

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

Under GDPR, we process your personal data based on:

  • Consent: When you provide explicit consent for marketing communications
  • Contract: To fulfill our contractual obligations for services
  • Legitimate Interest: For business operations, fraud prevention, and website analytics
  • Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

  • Service Providers: Third-party companies that help us operate our business
  • Payment Processors: To process transactions securely
  • Website Publishers: When placing guest posts on their sites
  • Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our rights

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Typically:

  • Account information: Until account deletion or 3 years of inactivity
  • Transaction records: 7 years for tax and legal compliance
  • Marketing data: Until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent
  • Website analytics: 26 months (Google Analytics default)

7. Your Rights Under GDPR

If you are in the EU/EEA, you have the following rights:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data
  • Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
  • Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
  • Restriction: Limit how we process your data
  • Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
  • Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
  • Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing communications

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@smutseo.com

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Remember your preferences and settings
  • Analyze website traffic and user behavior
  • Provide personalized content and advertisements
  • Ensure website security and functionality

You can manage your cookie preferences through our cookie banner or your browser settings. For more information, see our Cookie Policy.

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

  • SSL encryption for data transmission
  • Secure data storage and access controls
  • Regular security assessments and updates
  • Employee training on data protection

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

  • Adequacy decisions by the European Commission
  • Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
  • Certification schemes and codes of conduct

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on our website and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

  • Email: privacy@smutseo.com
  • Website: Contact form on our website

14. Data Protection Officer

For GDPR-related inquiries, you can contact our Data Protection Officer at dpo@smutseo.com

15. Supervisory Authority

You have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority if you believe we have not complied with data protection laws. You can find your local supervisory authority at the European Data Protection Board website.