🛡️ GDPR for Solopreneurs: What You Need to Know Before You Hit Publish
- Emma Flannery
- Sep 9
- 3 min read
If you’re a solopreneur running a website, sending emails or collecting leads, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) isn’t just for big corporations—it applies to you too. And while it might sound intimidating, GDPR is really about one thing: respecting your audience’s privacy.
📌 What Is GDPR, Really?
The GDPR is a data protection law that came into effect in the UK & EU in 2018. It gives individuals more control over how their personal data is collected, stored and used. If you process data from anyone in the EU or UK—even if you’re based elsewhere—you need to comply.
Personal data includes:
Names, emails, phone numbers
IP addresses and location data
Any information that can identify a person
🧠 Why It Matters for Solopreneurs
You might think, “I’m just collecting emails for my newsletter—does this really apply to me?” Yes, it does. Even small-scale data collection (like contact forms or analytics) falls under GDPR.
Non-compliance risks:
Large fines (yes, even for small businesses)
Damaged reputation
Loss of trust from your audience
But here’s the good news: with a few smart steps, you can stay compliant and build credibility at the same time.
At Cordis VA, we are able to analyse whether you are GDPR compliant, using relevant software and cookie notices, to ensure compliance and save your reputation and eliminate potential fines.
✅ What You Need to Do Before Publishing
1. Get Clear Consent
If you’re collecting emails, make sure users actively opt in. No pre-ticked boxes. No sneaky sign-ups.
Best practice: Use clear language like “Sign up to receive weekly tips and updates.” Include a link to your privacy policy.
2. Create a Privacy Policy
This should explain:
What data you collect
Why you collect it
How it’s stored and protected
How users can request access or deletion
Tip: Keep it simple and human-readable. Legal doesn’t have to mean confusing.
3. Use GDPR-Compliant Tools
Check that your email platform, CRM and analytics tools offer GDPR features (like data access requests and secure storage).
Examples: MailerLite, ConvertKit, and HubSpot all offer GDPR-friendly settings.
4. Add Cookie Notices
If your website uses cookies (and most do), you need a cookie banner that lets users opt in or out.
Bonus: Customize your banner to match your brand tone.
5. Make Data Easy to Access or Delete
Users have the right to request their data or ask you to delete it. Make sure you have a process in place to respond quickly.
At Cordis VA, we are able to analyse whether you are GDPR compliant, using relevant software and cookie notices.
💬 Tone and Transparency Build Trust
GDPR isn’t just a legal checkbox—it’s a chance to show your audience that you respect their privacy. When you’re open about how you handle data, you build trust and trust leads to loyalty.
Try this: Instead of hiding your privacy policy in the footer, mention it in your welcome email. Let people know you’ve got their back.
As a solopreneur, you wear a lot of hats—but “compliance officer” doesn’t have to be the scariest one. With a few intentional tweaks, you can publish confidently, knowing your content is not only engaging but also ethically sound.
So before you hit “publish,” ask yourself: Is this GDPR-safe, brand-aligned and trust-building?
Please get in touch by clicking the link below to discuss any queries or your requirements to ensure that what you want to publish is safe or to allow us to publish for you.
Comments