Data protection is the latest focus of EU’s most recent legislation.  While it may seem that an online business based in Australia is free from the jurisdiction of the European Union, it still has an impact on how a company can continue with the way that they do business and the way that they treat the data of their clients.

With that in mind, it is essential for businesses to have at least an idea on what the GDPR requirements look like and how it can affect the company and the work of a business owner.

What is the GDPR?

One of the most critical changes in data privacy regulation in years. The GDPR law has an impact internationally.  This fact means that a social media strategy with GDPR compliance would be the next standard of the industry.

This law affects not only those in the European Union but the whole world as well. There are a lot of things that a business owner should know about this law.  Passed on May 25, 2018, the EU General Data Protection Regulation or also known as the GDPR requires a system of privacy by design where the business can only use personal data gathered from their clients safely and securely.  It requires compliance with a process.

There is no real limitation as to the kind of data gathered, as long as it is data, then the law requires for it to be secured.

For example, according to Article 35 of GDPR data processed from the data subjects, in this case, the clients, would have to be scrutinized and looked.  It must be categorized and defined one by one for there to be adequate protection of the personal information shared by the business.

Hence, whether it is a credit card payment, the medical history, the psychological history, or even the purchase behavior of the client, the business must make sure that the data is appropriately sealed and managed based on the preference of the client.

There are six different categories for the processing of personal data.  However, to keep in line with the topic at hand, the most critical aspect that business owners should know about this law is divided into two things:

  1. Consent of the data subject – the approval of the data subject given in a proper and in a well-informed manner. This aspect is the primary reason why businesses are sending a lot of updates with their Terms and Conditions, Disclaimers, and Privacy Policies.  The clients are required to get the consent of the clientele the most informed way. If you are an online business without social media optimization, what can you do to get the consent of your clients?
  • A pop up where the clients can opt-in and be informed of the new GDPR compliant terms and conditions; or
  • An email that provides the process of data gathering and what the business is going to do with such data.
  1. Explanation of use of the personal data obtained – the data subject must know where the data is going to go. Gone are the days when the business can share data they collect from other companies because now data protection is a primary concern of the law.

Social Media Strategy and GDPR Compliance

Social media strategy with the new law passed has changed the way of the game.  Online businesses must now do the following tips to keep their business compliant with the law.

  1. Build a strong social media presence

One of the necessary things that online businesses should know is that social media engagement gives them the best way to catch the attention of the audience.  With the recent restrictions on data use and contact us, the key is to make sure that the business is not one that the clients would ever forget.  A strong social media presence keeps your name in the news feed of your clients.  Use your social media accounts as a conduit of information where your clients can use you as a source of information.  There is no way that you will ever lose your clients if you are always present in their minds and their news feed.

  1. Get the help of a social media community

You need to get conversation happening.  When a business has an engaging social media presence, the next step that he can take is to keep the conversation going.  Get a social media community or become a member of a social media community. These groups are either a group of business owners like you or a group of potential clients whose needs are yours for the taking.

  1. Get into paid social media strategy

There are already big companies and social media managers who have complied with the GDPR.  If you are a small business owner, who does not yet have the time to study the law and get into some more strategies, then hiring someone who knows what they are doing is the best way to start.

  1. Let your audience know that you are adjusting

The best thing that you can do for your clients is, to be honest with them.  Your social media strategy will work best if you are honest with your clients and they know what you are thinking.  Post that you are still adjusting to the new law and ask them for help.  This step is just getting one engaging post where your audience would feel like they belong.

Keep Going With the Times

If there is one thing that online businesses must know, it is the fact that their social media strategy must be fluid enough to keep up with the times. As a business owner, you must be able to recognize the changes required and comply with them.  If you need help, hire a social media manager who knows exactly how you can keep up with the time.