Last updated: 6 January 2026
1. Who we are
This website is operated by The Grumpy Old SEO – Rüdiger Dalchow (“we”, “us”, “our”).
Data controller: Grumpy Old SEO
Contact email: info@grumpy-old-seo.com
2. What personal data we collect
We collect personal data in these ways:
When you contact us
- Contact form data: name, email address, and anything you include in your message (and phone number if you provide it).
- Correspondence: if you email us directly, we’ll keep a record of that correspondence.
When you use the website
- Basic technical data: like IP address, device/browser information, and pages visited. This is collected via analytics and normal server logs.
3. Why we use your data and our lawful basis
We use your personal data for the purposes below:
Responding to enquiries (contact form / email)
- Purpose: to reply to your message, provide information you request, and keep a record of the conversation.
- Lawful basis: legitimate interests (running our business and responding to requests).
Website measurement and improvement (Google Analytics 4)
- Purpose: to understand how people use the site (eg which pages are visited) so we can improve it.
- Lawful basis: consent (we only run non-essential analytics when you choose to allow it). UK cookie rules generally require consent for non-essential cookies/tech.
4. Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
We use Google Analytics 4 to help us understand website usage. GA4 uses cookies such as _ga and ga[container-id] (default expiry 2 years).
You can control analytics cookies via our cookie settings (see “Cookies” below). Google notes GA4 tags use first-party cookies and can operate in ways that reduce reliance on cookies, but typical setups do use cookies.
5. Google Search Console (GSC)
We use Google Search Console to monitor how our site appears in Google Search and to help us fix technical issues. This is primarily a webmaster tool and does not rely on setting analytics cookies on visitors’ browsers.
6. Who we share your data with
We may share your data with trusted service providers who help us run the website, for example:
- website hosting / IT providers
- email provider (to receive and reply to messages)
- Google (for GA4 and Search Console, where applicable)
We only share what’s necessary and expect suppliers to protect it.
7. International transfers
Some suppliers (eg Google) may process data outside the UK. Where personal data is transferred internationally, we rely on appropriate safeguards, such as adequacy mechanisms (including the UK Extension to the EU-US Data Privacy Framework where applicable) and/or contractual protections.
8. How long we keep your data
- Enquiries: we keep contact form messages and related correspondence for 12 months after the conversation ends, unless we need to keep it longer (eg to deal with a dispute).
- Analytics data: retained according to our GA4 settings 14 months.
9. Your rights
Depending on your situation, you may have rights to:
- access your personal data
- correct inaccurate data
- delete data
- restrict or object to processing
- withdraw consent (where processing is based on consent)
If you want to exercise your rights, contact us at info@grumpy-old-seo.com.
UK GDPR transparency expectations are set out by the ICO (the UK regulator).
10. Complaints
If you’re unhappy with how we handle your data, you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) (UK). ICO
11. Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies. See our Cookie Policy for details and to manage your preferences. Cookie consent rules in the UK are covered by PECR and ICO guidance.
12. Changes to this notice
We may update this Privacy Notice from time to time. The “Last updated” date will show the latest version.