Building A Privacy Policy Is Building Trust

Building A Privacy Policy Is Building Trust

"Of course I accept the privacy policy, just let me download the program so I can access the information I need." Is this something that still crosses your mind as you navigate the web? If you were an online consumer a few years ago before popular movies about security hackers and news reports about very real identity fraud scandals, your mouse was probably on the NEXT button before really thinking twice about how, when, or where your personal information was going to be used.

Things have changed. Not only are consumers more wary about online security, but there are also laws enforcing it. Privacy policies are now vital for successful online businesses. The reason for this is one simple word: trust.

Privacy policy creation must be done according to the golden rule. This means that online business owners need to reflect on their own Internet use habits and understand the signs that cause consumers to consciously or sub-consciously mistrust certain websites. In other words, those who make money using the web also spend money on the web. As they spend, the following questions of mistrust will, at some point, interrupt their desire to buy or continue with the site:

Why is this privacy policy so long, in such small print, and so full of legal terminology that I can’t understand it without a lawyer? Why did this annoying Internet browsing toolbar come with my subscription? Why am I now getting SPAM from a completely unrelated company? How does this website know my name? What would have happened had I accidentally forgot to uncheck this box asking whether or not I would like to receive special offers? Why didn’t I have to use my password to get back into the site? Why does the company’s contact information only include an e-mail address; isn’t there a physical building where it is located with real people?

If you have the opportunity to make a privacy policy, build it so that these questions don’t come up. Don’t make your site questionable!

It may be tempting to hide your privacy policy, or make it hard for consumers to choose not to have their information given to outside companies. However, any rational consumer will appreciate being asked whether they want something, rather than being told, "you never said you didn’t want it."

In the short-run, this transparency of purpose may lead to more customers not electing certain services. On the other hand, the long-run will undoubtedly prove that a privacy policy with absolutely nothing to hide will build a solid foundation of lasting trust that will bring consumers back time after time. I highly recommend the free privacy policy generator at Trust Guard, it is clean and simple to use.

This article was written by J. Palmer. Mr Palmer writes informational articles about people, search, privacy, building trust, and other related topics. Get more information regarding privacy policy template http://bettermusicinformation.com/business-to-business-services/privacy-policy-templates-forms-and-outlines-can-be-used-to-increase-clarity-and-trust.html