Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide a better user experience by remembering your preferences and understanding how you interact with our site.

2. How We Use Cookies

StartMadeSimple uses cookies to:

• Remember your cookie consent preferences
• Analyze website traffic and user behavior
• Improve website functionality and performance
• Provide a personalized browsing experience
• Ensure security and prevent fraud

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as:

• Security features
• Network management
• Cookie consent preferences
• Session management

Legal Basis: Legitimate interest (essential for website operation)
Duration: Session or up to 1 year
Can be disabled: No (website won't function properly)

3.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting anonymous information:

• Pages visited and time spent
• Click patterns and navigation paths
• Error messages encountered
• Device and browser information

Services Used: We may use analytics services to help us improve our website
Legal Basis: Your consent
Duration: Up to 2 years
Can be disabled: Yes, through cookie settings

3.3 Functionality Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization:

• Remember your preferences (e.g., language, region)
• Provide enhanced features
• Recognize returning visitors

Legal Basis: Your consent
Duration: Up to 1 year
Can be disabled: Yes, but may affect website functionality

3.4 Marketing and Targeting Cookies

If you consent, we may use cookies to:

• Show relevant advertisements
• Measure advertising campaign effectiveness
• Understand your interests based on browsing behavior

Legal Basis: Your explicit consent
Duration: Up to 2 years
Can be disabled: Yes, anytime through cookie settings

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages:

• LinkedIn: Social media integration and analytics
• Analytics Providers: Website traffic and user behavior analysis
• Cloud Services: AWS for secure file storage and delivery

These third parties have their own privacy policies. We do not control their cookies.

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

5.1 Cookie Banner

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie banner allowing you to:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject non-essential cookies
• Customize your preferences

You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the cookie settings link in the footer.

5.2 Browser Settings

You can also control cookies through your browser settings:

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Cookies and site permissions

Note: Blocking all cookies may prevent some features of our website from working properly.

5.3 Opt-Out Tools

You can opt out of specific services:

• Google Analytics: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Advertising: Your Online Choices (UK)

6. Cookie Lifespan

Cookies have different lifespans:

• Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Remain until expiry date or until you delete them (typically up to 2 years)

7. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature. While we respect your privacy choices made through our cookie banner, we do not currently respond to DNT signals as there is no universal standard.

8. Consent Withdrawal

You can withdraw your consent for non-essential cookies at any time. This will:

• Stop new cookies from being set (except strictly necessary ones)
• Not affect cookies already on your device (you'll need to delete those manually)
• May limit some website functionality

9. Impact of Refusing Cookies

If you refuse non-essential cookies:

• The website will still function for core activities
• Some features may not work optimally
• We won't be able to remember your preferences
• We'll have limited ability to improve your experience

10. Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from children through cookies.

11. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology, law, or our practices. Check the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. Significant changes will be communicated via website banner or email.

12. Questions and Contact

If you have questions about our use of cookies:

• Use our contact form
• Review our Privacy Policy
• Connect via LinkedIn