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GDPR Compliance Checklist: 11 Steps to Follow
GDPR Compliance Checklist
Keeping customer data secure is paramount to avoiding negative consequences such as customer loss and potential legal issues. GDPR is vast and can be overwhelming even for experienced companies.
Luckily, the GDPR compliance checklist below will help you navigate the complexities and avoid costly mistakes.
1. Engage your team
Start by talking to your employees about GDPR compliance. You can even pass along this article so they can read through the topic and note any additional questions they may have.
This is especially important in companies where employees work autonomously. You may know all about GDPR compliance, but if your marketing department doesn’t, they may make mistakes.
2. Make sure you use GDPR compliant software
If you're like most businesses, you use software to maintain and clean up your email list . If you use a company that isn't GDPR compliant, you may want to consider switching companies.
Hello Bars , for example, has already implemented helpful tools so you don't have to work as hard to comply. In fact, you can show that you're compliant on your Hello Bars.
Simply log into your Hello Bar account, go to the Settings tab and click Privacy.
GDPR 1 compliant software
Then simply add the URLs to your terms and conditions and privacy policy pages.
GDPR 2 compliant software
This way, when potential customers fill out your forms, they will see a GDPR consent request.
3. Evaluate your subscriptions
Opt-in lead capture forms are at the heart of the GDPR. The EU wants consumers to give explicit consent before they receive communications, such as emails or SMS, from companies.
Hello Bar makes it easy. As mentioned above, you can enable GDPR compliance directly from your account. Since you can’t force consumers to sign up for two things (like a lead magnet and your newsletter) at the same time, you can use Hello Bar’s thank you page to allow potential customers to sign up for your newsletter.
This is a great time to audit all of your landing pages and opt-in pages. Make sure you’re using the perfect wording and images to attract new leads and stay GDPR compliant.
4. Clarify your terms and conditions
We've all encountered terms and conditions that seem to be written in a foreign language. If your customers don't understand your policies, they can't consent to sharing their data with you.
If you use Hello Bar, you must upload your own terms and conditions and privacy policy to demonstrate compliance. Now is a good time to review these documents and ensure they are ready for the GDPR launch on May 25.
Make sure your terms and conditions are written in plain, understandable language. There may be some legal jargon, but use parenthetical asides to explain these phrases or terms further.
5. Contact your list
GDPR compliant - contact your list
You probably already have a well-built email list . Now is the time to contact everyone who is currently subscribed. Ask them to click on the link and re-subscribe if they want to continue receiving messages.
You don't want to delete email addresses or subscriber contacts after May 25th. GDPR will already be in effect at that time.
Don't look at this as a bad thing. Now is the time to clean up your list and make sure all your subscribers still want to hear from you.
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6. Audit your business for compliance
The GDPR provides consumers with certain rights in three main categories:
Right of access : Consumers have the right to access the information you have collected about them in a readable format.
Right to be forgotten : They can also request that their information be removed from your system at any time. The right to be forgotten requires you to comply with this request.
Right to data portability : Additionally, consumers have the right to receive the information you collect and then transfer it to a third party of their choice.
Ensure the company has developed policies and protocols whatsapp canada number to address these rights when they become an issue.
7. Create a complete data breach reporting process
Reporting data breaches can be awkward, but it’s necessary. As soon as you learn of a data breach, you should report it to the EU immediately. You need a system in place, such as endpoint management and incident response scripts , to provide all the information you know about the breach, including details of the people affected and other information.
8. Does your company need to hire or appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) to comply with the GDPR?
Large companies will have a greater need for a DPO than their smaller counterparts. However, only you can decide whether you need to create such a position for your business.
Many experts recommend hiring a dedicated DPO. This person is responsible for protecting the data your company collects, ensuring GDPR compliance, and reporting any vulnerabilities to senior staff.
9. Raise the stakes
If you have a mediocre offer, now is the time to sweeten it. Consumers will be more likely to sign up for email newsletters , webinars, and other goals, so you need a strong incentive.
Plus, you need your headlines and CTOs to communicate effectively with your audience. Speak their language and make sure they understand the benefits of what you offer.
