Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Digital Growth Experts (ABN: 74 649 452 077) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

As an Australian-based digital marketing agency, we understand the importance of data protection and privacy compliance. This policy applies to all personal information collected through our website, email communications, contact forms, and business interactions.

By using our services or providing us with personal information, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

Digital Growth Experts collects various types of personal information necessary to provide our digital marketing services and maintain business operations.

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Contact Details: Name, email address, phone number, business address
• Business Information: Company name, ABN/ACN, industry, job title
• Communication Records: Correspondence via email, contact forms, phone calls
• Financial Information: Payment details, billing address, invoice history
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, operating system
• Website Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, referral sources, click behavior
• Marketing Preferences: Communication preferences, subscription status, engagement history

2.2 Sensitive Information

Digital Growth Experts does not intentionally collect sensitive information (such as health information, racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, or criminal records) unless required for specific business purposes and with your explicit consent.

3. How We Collect Personal Information

We collect personal information through various methods:

3.1 Direct Collection

• Contact Forms: When you submit inquiries through our website contact forms
• Email Communications: When you email us directly or respond to our emails
• Phone Conversations: During business calls and consultations
• Service Agreements: When you engage our digital marketing services
• Events and Networking: At industry events, conferences, or business meetings

3.2 Automated Collection

• Website Analytics: Through Google Analytics and similar tracking technologies
• Cookies: Browser cookies that track website usage (see our Cookie Policy)
• Server Logs: Automatically recorded when you visit our website

3.3 Third-Party Sources

We may collect information from publicly available sources, business directories, social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook), or trusted third-party service providers.

4. How We Use Your Personal Information

Digital Growth Experts uses your personal information for the following purposes:

4.1 Service Delivery

• Providing digital marketing services including SEO, content marketing, PPC, social media management
• Managing client accounts and project delivery
• Communicating about service updates, campaigns, and performance reports
• Processing payments and maintaining financial records

4.2 Business Operations

• Responding to inquiries and providing customer support
• Improving our website, services, and user experience
• Conducting market research and business analysis
• Managing relationships with clients and partners

4.3 Marketing and Communications

• Sending promotional emails about our services (with your consent)
• Sharing industry insights, blog updates, and marketing resources
• Conducting email marketing campaigns and newsletters
• Advertising through digital channels (Google Ads, social media)

4.4 Legal and Compliance

• Complying with legal obligations under Australian law
• Enforcing our Terms of Service
• Protecting our rights, property, and safety
• Resolving disputes and preventing fraud

5. Disclosure of Personal Information

Digital Growth Experts may disclose your personal information to third parties in the following circumstances:

5.1 Service Providers

We engage trusted third-party service providers to support our business operations:

• Cloud Hosting Providers: For website hosting and data storage
• Email Marketing Platforms: For managing email campaigns and communications
• Payment Processors: For processing invoices and payments securely
• Analytics Tools: Google Analytics, heatmap tools, and tracking services
• CRM Systems: Customer relationship management platforms
• Marketing Platforms: Google Ads, Facebook Ads, LinkedIn Advertising

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose personal information when required by law, court order, subpoena, or to comply with legal processes. This includes disclosures to law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, or government authorities.

5.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, sale, or transfer of business assets, your personal information may be transferred to the new entity. We will notify you of any such change in ownership.

5.4 With Your Consent

We may disclose your information to other third parties with your explicit consent or at your direction.

6. Data Security and Storage

Digital Growth Experts takes data security seriously and implements appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

6.1 Security Measures

• Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Access Controls: Restricted access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Secure Storage: Password-protected systems and encrypted databases
• Regular Updates: Security patches and software updates
• Employee Training: Staff training on privacy and data protection

6.2 Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Retention periods vary depending on:

• Active client relationships and ongoing service delivery
• Legal and regulatory requirements (typically 7 years for financial records)
• Legitimate business interests and record-keeping

When personal information is no longer required, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

6.3 Data Breach Response

In the unlikely event of a data breach that poses a risk of serious harm, we will notify affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) in accordance with the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme under the Privacy Act 1988.

7. Cookies and Website Analytics

Digital Growth Experts uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your website experience and analyze site performance. For detailed information about our use of cookies, please refer to our Cookie Policy.

7.1 Types of Cookies

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics to understand user behavior
• Marketing Cookies: For targeted advertising and remarketing
• Preference Cookies: To remember your settings and preferences

7.2 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to collect information about website traffic, user behavior, and demographics. This data helps us improve our website and services. Google Analytics may collect your IP address, device information, and browsing patterns. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

7.3 Managing Cookies

You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect website functionality and your user experience.

8. Your Privacy Rights

Under the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and the Privacy Act 1988, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

8.1 Right to Access

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you. We will provide access unless there is a legal reason to deny your request.

8.2 Right to Correction

You can request correction of inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated personal information. We will take reasonable steps to correct your information.

8.3 Right to Opt-Out

You can opt out of receiving marketing communications at any time by:

• Clicking the "unsubscribe" link in our emails
• Contacting us directly at [email protected]
• Updating your communication preferences in your account settings

8.4 Right to Erasure

In certain circumstances, you may request deletion of your personal information. We will comply with your request unless we have a legitimate reason to retain the data (e.g., legal obligations, ongoing contracts).

9. Access and Correction

To access or correct your personal information, please contact us at:

• Email: [email protected]
• Subject Line: "Privacy Request - Access/Correction"

We will respond to your request within 30 days. There is no charge for requesting access to your personal information, but we may charge a reasonable fee for processing complex requests.

To verify your identity, we may request additional information before processing your access or correction request.

10. Privacy Complaints

If you believe we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles or your privacy rights, you can lodge a complaint with Digital Growth Experts.

10.1 Internal Complaint Process

1. Submit Your Complaint: Email [email protected] with details of your concern
2. Investigation: We will investigate your complaint within 30 days
3. Response: We will provide a written response outlining our findings and any corrective actions

10.2 External Complaint to OAIC

If you are not satisfied with our response, you can lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):

• Website: www.oaic.gov.au
• Phone: 1300 363 992
• Email: [email protected]
• Online Form: OAIC Complaint Form

For more information about the Privacy Act 1988, visit: Privacy Act 1988 - Australian Legislation

11. International Data Transfers

Some of our service providers and cloud hosting platforms may be located outside Australia, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. When we transfer your personal information overseas, we take reasonable steps to ensure:

• The overseas recipient complies with the Australian Privacy Principles
• Your information is protected through contractual agreements
• Adequate data protection measures are in place

By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your personal information to overseas recipients for the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy.

12. Children's Privacy

Digital Growth Experts does not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 18. Our services are designed for businesses and professionals. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected information from a child, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or business operations. The updated policy will be posted on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date.

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your personal information. Continued use of our services after changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our handling of your personal information, please contact us:

We are committed to protecting your privacy and will respond to all inquiries within a reasonable timeframe.