Audience data is now the essential element of any effective business growth strategy. And relatedly, personal data has now become a major part of each of our own identities. For better or worse, we’re all now locked into a very up close and personal relationship with data. At CredSpark, we think it’s the responsibility of every data-driven organization to be an exceptional and responsible steward of audience data, including how it’s collected, stored, and used. As a major conduit of audience data, CredSpark has taken a leading role in developing best practices and standards for the collection of data and the insights it generates.Â
Data through Content
Interactive content not only provides an enhanced experience for the users, it generates reams of proprietary data for your business. Content interactions deliver a higher quality user experience and higher quality, more reliable audience data.Â
This is why it’s essential to ensure your data security protocols are regularly reviewed, revised, and enhanced. Threats are constantly evolving and testing even the most advanced defenses. It’s important to stay agile, deploying a mix of technology and human intervention (and ingenuity) to guard against potential breaches.Â
Transparency as Policy
Effective audience relationships are built on trust. Your data privacy policy is a key element in establishing that trust. Focus on being transparent with your audience, and provide real value in return for their information. People are now generally more savvy about their data and well aware of its value to companies. Building trust while providing value will go a long way in creating a mutually beneficial relationship with your audience.Â
At CredSpark, we like to use the model of a conversation, a two-way interaction that builds trust, exchanges value, and creates deeper connections. Engage in clear communication with your community about how you collect, use, and protect audience data. Provide clarity on your data practices and ensure employees have regular training on the latest security best practices. Your team can play an effective role in trust building by becoming informed defenders of customer data. It’s a great way to bring your data policies to life through practice.
Prepare for the Worst & Partner with the Best
Even if you have the most secure data protection and best practices in place, breaches can happen. Should a breach occur, the response will significantly impact customer trust. A prompt, transparent, and effective action plan should not only address the breach itself, but demonstrates a company’s dedication to customer security and privacy. Step 1: Always have a plan in place. Step 2: Always have a plan in place!
Partnerships and related data integrations have become important to many organizations. With new API’s and digital solutions constantly being released, data transfer is constant and ubiquitous. Work with valued partners to understand where transferred data goes, how it’s used, and how it’s being stored.
Use what you Collect
If you’re going to ask for it, use it. There’s nothing worse than a stockpile of random information that doesn’t help inform business decisions, provide value to the user, or value to your audience. If you don’t need it – don’t ask for it.Â
Keep up with Compliance
It’s crucial to maintain awareness of changes in the data protection and privacy regulatory environment. From GDPR to CCPA, data regulations and requirements are constantly evolving. Stay on top of it.. It’s more than just avoiding fines, it’s about making sure you’re protecting your company and your audience.Â
CredSpark & Compliance
Make sure you understand the best practices for data management and security. It’s critical that your audience understands that you understand it. The best advice we can give you is align yourself with the best. At CredSpark, with clients across media, marketing, finance, law, healthcare, and more, data security is paramount. That’s why we use rigorous 3rd party protocols and compliance monitors like AICPA’s SOC-2 and Secureframe to ensure that we’re adhering to best practices and standards. Questions on how CredSpark uses data? Just ask us.
