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Hometown
Reputation

YOUR INFORMATION

Privacy Policy

Effective September 17, 2026. This policy explains what information we collect, why we use it, and the choices available to you.

Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Hometown Reputation (“Hometown Reputation,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, shares, and protects information when you visit hometownreputation.com (the “Site”), request a free growth plan, or otherwise use our reputation management and local marketing services (the “Services”). By using the Site or Services, you agree to the practices described here. This policy does not cover third-party sites we may link to.

Information We Collect

Information you give us. When you request a free growth plan or otherwise contact us, we collect what you submit, which may include:

  • Your name
  • Business email address
  • Phone number
  • Business name
  • Service area / location
  • Your website URL and/or Google Business Profile URL
  • Marketing communication preferences
  • Anything else you choose to include in a message to us

Information collected automatically. When you visit the Site, we (and our service providers) may automatically collect:

  • IP address, browser type and version, device information
  • Pages viewed, links clicked, time on page, and referring URL
  • General location inferred from IP address
  • Cookies and similar technologies (see “Cookies and Tracking Technologies” below)

Information from Google, if you connect your Google Business Profile. If you authorize us to access your Google Business Profile as part of the Services, we receive the business information, reviews, and metrics made available through that connection. See “Google API Services — Limited Use Disclosure” below.

Information from our live chat widget. If you use the live chat feature on our Site, we (and our chat technology provider) receive the messages you send, along with any contact information you choose to share in the chat.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Prepare and deliver your free growth plan and the Services you purchase
  • Communicate with you about your account, your growth plan, and the Services
  • Send marketing communications, only where you’ve opted in or as permitted by law, always with an option to opt out
  • Operate, maintain, and improve the Site and Services
  • Monitor and analyze usage trends
  • Detect, investigate, and prevent fraud or misuse
  • Comply with legal obligations and enforce our agreements, including our Terms of Service

Google API Services — Limited Use Disclosure

If you authorize us to connect to your Google Business Profile, our use and transfer of information received from Google APIs adheres to the Google API Services User Data Policy, including the Limited Use requirements:

  • We use Google Business Profile data only to provide and improve the reputation management and local marketing Services you’ve requested — for example, monitoring and responding to reviews and reporting on your listing’s performance.
  • We do not use this data to serve advertisements.
  • We do not sell this data, and we do not transfer it to third parties except to provide or improve the Services, to comply with applicable law, as part of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with notice to you), or with your consent.
  • We do not allow humans to read this data unless we have your affirmative agreement for specific messages, it’s necessary for security purposes or to comply with applicable law, or the data has been aggregated and anonymized.

You may revoke our access to your Google Business Profile at any time through your Google Account permissions or by contacting us.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The Site uses cookies and similar technologies (such as web beacons and pixels), including analytics tools like Google Analytics and, where applicable, advertising or retargeting pixels (for example, a Meta/Facebook pixel), to recognize your browser, remember your preferences, and understand how the Site is used and performs.

The Site does not currently display a cookie consent banner. You can still control cookies through your browser settings, including blocking or deleting them, though this may affect how the Site functions. If that changes, or if required by law, we’ll update this section and add appropriate consent tools.

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share it only as follows:

  • Service providers. With third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf — for example, fulfillment, hosting, communications, live chat, and payment processing (Stripe and PayPal). These providers may only use your information to perform services for us.
  • Legal reasons. If required by law, subpoena, or other legal process, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Hometown Reputation, our clients, or others.
  • Business transfers. In connection with a merger, acquisition, financing, or sale of assets, in which case information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
  • With your consent. For any other purpose disclosed to you at the time we collect the information, or with your consent.

Data Retention

We keep personal information for as long as needed to provide the Services and for legitimate business purposes, such as maintaining business records, complying with legal obligations, resolving disputes, and enforcing agreements.

  • Client information is generally retained for the duration of the business relationship and for 3 years afterward.
  • Lead information (from visitors who request a growth plan but don’t become clients) is generally retained for 24 months from the last contact, after which it’s deleted or anonymized, unless you ask us to delete it sooner.

Your Privacy Rights and Choices

Marketing opt-out. You can opt out of marketing emails or texts at any time using the unsubscribe link in our messages or by contacting us at hometownreputation@gmail.com.

Access, correction, and deletion. You may ask us to access, correct, or delete the personal information we hold about you by contacting us at hometownreputation@gmail.com. We’ll respond within a reasonable time and may need to verify your identity before completing your request.

A note on state privacy laws. We’re not currently focused on serving clients in California or other states with their own comprehensive consumer privacy laws (Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, Texas, and others). If that changes, or if you’re a resident of one of those states and want to make a privacy request, contact us at hometownreputation@gmail.com and we’ll do our best to honor it.

Payment Information

If you purchase Services through the Site or client portal, payment is processed directly by our third-party payment processors, Stripe and PayPal. We do not store your full payment card number on our servers. Your use of Stripe’s or PayPal’s services is subject to their own privacy policies and terms.

Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect the information we collect. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Children’s Privacy

The Site and Services are intended for business owners and are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can delete it.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we’ll update the effective date at the top of this policy and, where appropriate, notify you by email or through a notice on the Site. Continuing to use the Site or Services after an update means you accept the revised policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or want to exercise your privacy rights, contact us at:

Hometown Reputation
hometownreputation@gmail.com