Privacy Policy

Overview

Who we are and what this covers

Hardt Web Development is a sole proprietorship operated by Charles Hardt, a freelance WordPress developer based in Norfolk, Virginia. This Privacy Policy explains how information is collected, used, and protected through this website (charleshardt.com) and through the process of engaging Hardt Web Development for web design services.

This policy applies to visitors of charleshardt.com, prospective clients who submit inquiry forms or book discovery calls, and active or former clients. It does not apply to websites built and delivered to clients — each of those sites operates under its own privacy policies, which are the client’s responsibility to maintain.

Data collection

What information is collected

Information you provide directly. When you submit the contact form, book a discovery call, or correspond by email, I collect the information you choose to share — typically your name, email address, organization name, and a description of your project. I don’t ask for payment information on this site; invoices are processed through a third-party invoicing service..

Information collected automatically. Like most websites, charleshardt.com uses Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to collect anonymized data about how visitors use the site — pages visited, time on site, approximate geographic location (country/region level), and device type. GA4 does not log or store IP addresses. I do not use advertising tracking pixels or third-party ad networks.

Cookies. This site uses functional cookies necessary for the site to operate, and analytics cookies from Google Analytics. No advertising or cross-site tracking cookies are used. You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by using the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.

Booking tool data. Discovery calls are booked through Calendly. When you use Calendly, you are subject to Calendly’s Privacy Policy. I receive only the information you enter into Calendly (name, email, and any notes you add).

Data use

How information is used

Information collected through this site is used for the following purposes only:

• Responding to project inquiries and booking discovery calls
• Completing contracted web design projects and communicating with active clients
• Sending project proposals, contracts, and invoices through my invoicing and contract software
• Delivering and managing monthly maintenance retainer services
• Understanding how visitors use this site in order to improve it (via GA4)

I do not use your information for marketing to third parties, sell or rent contact information to anyone, send unsolicited promotional emails, or use your data for any automated decision-making.

If you inquire about a project and we do not move forward, your contact information is retained in my project management system for reference purposes for up to two years, after which it is deleted. You can request earlier deletion at any time by emailing admin@charleshardt.com.

Third parties

Information sharing and third-party tools

I do not sell, trade, or transfer personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. The following types of third-party services are used to operate this business, and information may pass through them in the ordinary course of work:

• Google Analytics 4 — anonymized site usage data. Google Privacy Policy →
• Calendly — discovery call scheduling. Calendly Privacy Policy →
• Kinsta / Pressable — managed WordPress hosting. These providers may process server logs containing IP addresses in the ordinary operation of the hosting service.
• Business tools — I use third-party software for proposals, contracts, invoicing, and project management. These tools receive only the information you share with me when you inquire about or become a client.

Each of these providers has its own privacy policy and data handling practices. I choose tools with strong privacy reputations, but I am not responsible for the data practices of third-party providers.

I may disclose information if required to do so by law, court order, or government request, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of myself or others.

Client projects

Client project data

During the course of a web design project, I may receive access to client accounts, credentials, hosting environments, and business information. This access is used solely for the purpose of completing the contracted project.

Medical and health clients. Hardt Web Development is not a HIPAA Business Associate and does not store, access, or process protected health information (PHI). Contact and booking forms built as part of client projects are designed to collect name and phone number only. Clients operating as covered entities under HIPAA are responsible for their own compliance, including executing Business Associate Agreements with any applicable third-party service providers.

Upon project completion, client credentials are documented in a handoff document delivered to the client. I retain a copy of credentials in my secure project management system only for the duration of any active maintenance retainer. Clients may request credential deletion at any time after project handoff.

Security

How data is protected

Reasonable technical and organizational measures are in place to protect information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. This includes HTTPS encryption on this site, two-factor authentication on all business accounts, and the use of reputable third-party providers with established security practices.

No method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While I take data security seriously, I cannot guarantee absolute security. If you believe your information has been compromised in connection with Hardt Web Development, please contact me immediately at admin@charleshardt.com.

Your rights

Access, correction, and deletion

You have the right to request access to the personal information I hold about you, request correction of inaccurate information, request deletion of your information (subject to any legal obligations to retain records), and opt out of any non-essential communications.

To exercise any of these rights, email admin@charleshardt.com with the subject line “Privacy Request.” I will respond within 10 business days. I may need to verify your identity before processing a deletion or access request.

Virginia residents may have additional rights under the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA). Hardt Web Development is a small business that falls below the VCDPA’s volume thresholds for covered businesses, but I aim to honor the spirit of these rights regardless.

Changes & contact

Policy updates and contact

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Material changes will be noted by updating the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. Continued use of charleshardt.com after a policy update constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.