Tag: Privacy First Marketing

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Starting Today 2-15-25 Google Starts Digital Fingerprinting

Fingerprints

Today is the rollout day for Google’s new tracking method that you cannot opt out of called Digital Fingerprinting.

Cookies don’t matter anymore. Now, Google is collecting the following information for use with advertising on its Google Ads platform and across all its properties and partner properties on the web.

Unique Signals Make Your Fingerprint

Google now records the following on you in order to create a unique digital ID of your online use and behavior that can be targeted with Google Ads advertising.

  1. IP address
  2. Device’s unique signature.
  3. Operating system and version
  4. Browser type used
  5. Battery level
  6. Language
  7. Screen resolution and screen size
  8. Keyboard plugins
  9. Network information
  10. User behavior online
  11. Device model and make
  12. Supported fonts
  13. User agent string
  14. Time zone
  15. Http headers
  16. Behavior data including mouse movements
  17. Typing patterns
  18. WebGL (Web Graphic Library) a JavaScript API that renders interactive visuals in a browser
  19. Device hardware information and configuration
  20. Graphics card details
  21. Other numerous signals

What Are the Experts Saying?

Other websites have stated that Google is collecting hundreds of data points including those mentioned above that are used to create a cross network digital ID that identifies your activity for targeting. I have not seen that this digital ID is matched to you as a known person, but that cannot be ruled out at this time.

What I do see is that all this collected information is used to create a unique profile that Google can then leverage in their advertising to make granular decision on who to target for remarketing, content advertising, and smart connected TV advertising.

Many privacy professionals and countries have expressed growing concern over this new tracking tactic and are posting complaints about this change. Of important note is that a user simply cannot opt out or control what data is being collected. This new tracking method is not like a cookie tracking. The end use does not have the ability to control or opt out of the information collection.

Below are a few comments from important agencies.

“The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has called Google’s policy change to use digital fingerprinting “irresponsible”. The ICO says that fingerprinting is an unfair way to track users and reduces their control over their information.” Read more.

Regulators and privacy advocates have long warned the marketplace of the privacy dangers of fingerprinting techniques. For example, in 2015 the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) came out strongly against fingerprinting, calling it a “blatant violation of the human right to privacy.” Read more.

“By allowing fingerprinting, Google has given itself – and the advertising industry it dominates – permission to use a form of tracking that people can’t do much to stop,” said Martin Thomson, distinguished engineer at Mozilla, a rival to Google.” Read more in this BBC article.

Our Take on Digital Fingerprinting

Of specific concern to our team at McCord Web Services is a  user’s inability to review the tracked data, to opt out, or to have data removed. These new tracking signals are not like browser cookies.

For advertisers on Google Ads, a digital fingerprint is maybe great news. A digital fingerprint allows for more robust tracking and therefore better ad targeting which may drive more targeted conversions.

We do expect more states, countries, and agencies to weigh in on this important topic that impacts a consumer’s privacy in the weeks to months to come.

What Can You Do Now?

You can add the WebGL Defender extension to your browser for now to capture a degree of privacy. This extension works for me in Edge and Firefox. The extension thwarts tracking by generating a fake response for the tracking in the WebGL category which may to a degree thwart the fingerprinting.

However, as the WebGL is a JavaScript library, some websites have not worked for me (GoDaddy is one of them), as it perceives that JavaScript is off.

Be aware that Google has already stated that JavaScript must be turned on to use the Google.com search engine as of February 15th. Read this article on that topic.

As more information becomes clear, we will keep you updated on this important change.

To find out more about McCord Web Services and what we do, please visit our website at McCordWeb.com.

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Privacy First Marketing: The Future for Small Businesses

Lightbulb In Front of a First Party Advertising Team

In today’s online landscape, data privacy is no longer a fleeting concern but a pivotal aspect of digital marketing. With the rise of regulations like GDPR and more recently, the enforcement of iOS 14’s App Tracking Transparency framework, the concept of first-party data is quickly becoming the lodestar for businesses navigating the treacherous waters of digital advertising. For small business owners, this evolution represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Some may see it as a barrier to growth, while others harness the change to build a more solid relationship with their customers. Enter the concept of a privacy-first advertising agency.

What is a Privacy-First Advertising Agency?

At its core, a privacy-first advertising agency is one that pioneers in respecting user privacy by centering its digital marketing strategies around the use of first-party data. This approach not only guarantees adherence to privacy regulations but also fosters a climate of trust between brands and consumers. For small businesses, working with such an agency can mean a strategic revolution in their digital marketing tactics, resulting in enhanced customer loyalty and tangible business growth.

The Privacy Conundrum for Digital Marketers

The implications of user privacy on digital marketing are enormous. Traditional advertising strategies heavily rely on third-party cookies and shared user data to target consumers. However, growing privacy concerns, regulatory shifts, and the rise of privacy-focused technologies are reshaping the digital marketing landscape. This presents two fundamental challenges for businesses – how to stay compliant and how to maintain the effectiveness of their advertising efforts.

Leveraging First-Party Data

First-party data, comprising information collected directly from website visitors and customers, has become a goldmine for marketers. Unlike third-party data, first-party data is willingly shared by users, making it both privacy-safe and highly reliable. By harnessing their own customer insights, businesses can craft personalized marketing experiences that resonate with their audience on a deeper level, without infringing on their privacy.

Why First Party Data is the Holy Grail for Small Business Owners

For small business owners, the transition to first-party data can be daunting. Traditionally, they may not have had the resources or infrastructure to collect and analyze data in-house. However, with the emergence of user-friendly analytics tools and the optimization of customer data platforms, the acquisition and utilization of first-party data are now within reach.

Three Pillars of Utilizing First-Party Data

The strategic use of first-party data relies on three fundamental pillars:

  • Data Collection and Enrichment: Small businesses can collect user data at various touchpoints and enrich this information with contextual, behavioral, and transactional data to create robust customer profiles.
  • Targeting and Segmentation: By employing sophisticated targeting and segmentation techniques, small businesses can reach out to their audience with tailored messaging that aligns with their interests and purchase intent.
  • Measurement and Optimization: Implementing mechanisms to measure the performance of marketing campaigns helps in understanding user behavior, refining strategies, and driving better results.

Real-World Success Stories

Small businesses that have embraced a first-party data-driven strategy have witnessed remarkable transformations in their marketing efforts. For instance, local e-commerce boutiques have seen a significant uptick in conversion rates by offering personalized ad experiences based on first-party insights. Tech startups have achieved cost savings and improved ROI on their advertising expenditure through accurate audience targeting. Likewise, service-oriented businesses have fostered loyalty by prioritizing user consent and transparency in their marketing communications.

Finding the Right Privacy First Advertising Agency

Selecting the right privacy-forward partner for your digital marketing is crucial. It requires due diligence and a compatibility check to ensure that the agency’s ethos aligns with your business objectives.

Key Considerations When Choosing an Agency

  • Proven Experience: Look for agencies that have a track record of successfully transitioning clients to first-party data strategies.
  • Compliance Expertise: Consider agencies that have a strong understanding of privacy regulations and can help you stay compliant.
  • Innovative Solutions: Partner with agencies that offer innovative approaches, such as context-based advertising, that do not rely on third-party data.
  • Transparent Practices: Agencies that prioritize transparency in their data handling processes and offer clear insights into their methodologies are preferable.

Case Studies Highlighting the Success of First-Party Data

The success of businesses employing first-party data strategies is not just anecdotal; it’s backed by tangible results. When the alignment between agency and business goals is perfect, the potential for growth is enormous. Case studies showcase the power of first-party data in delivering improved ROI, enhanced user engagement, and sustainable brand-consumer relationships.

The Road Ahead: Tips for Small Business Owners

Adapting to the privacy-first paradigm necessitates a shift in mindset and operations.

Practical Steps to Prepare for the Transition

  • Educate your Team: Creating awareness among your staff about the importance of user privacy and the role of first-party data is critical.
  • Optimize Data Collection: Refine your data collection methods to ensure they comply with privacy regulations and focus on quality and relevance.
  • Invest in Relationships: Dedicate resources to building direct, one-to-one relationships with your customers to better understand and serve them.
  • Stay Informed: The digital marketing landscape is continually evolving. Stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices related to privacy-first advertising.

The Long-Term Benefits of a Privacy-First Approach

A long-term commitment to privacy-first marketing is an investment in your business’s sustainability. It not only future-proofs your digital marketing efforts against the shifting legislative sands but also builds a solid foundation of trust with your customers.

Wrapping Up First-Party Advertising

The shift towards privacy-first advertising is more than a trend; it’s a fundamental reevaluation of the digital marketing ecosystem. Small business owners that recognize the value of this approach and proactively engage with privacy-first agencies stand to reap substantial benefits. Privacy-first marketing is not a challenge to be overcome but an opportunity to be seized. In the evolving digital marketplace, small business success may well hinge on your ability to adapt and thrive within the privacy-first framework. Contact us your privacy first advertising agency to get your business in front of the right customers.