Privacy Policy

1. Scope of this policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Rankforge Search collects, uses, stores, and discloses personal information when a person visits this website, submits a project inquiry, communicates with us, purchases or receives an on-page search engine optimization service, or otherwise interacts with our business. It applies to information handled through this website and through ordinary business communications connected with our services.

Our work is delivered remotely. Services may include page audits, title and meta description preparation, keyword research and page mapping, heading and content structure recommendations, internal linking analysis, image metadata optimization, and monthly on-page maintenance. This policy does not govern the independent privacy practices of a client’s website, ecommerce platform, analytics provider, search platform, hosting provider, or other third party.

2. Information you provide

We may collect information that you voluntarily provide, including your name, business email address, telephone number, company or business name, website URL, selected service, project description, requested timeline, page list, and messages exchanged with us. If a project begins, we may also receive billing contact information, invoice details, authorized website access information, implementation instructions, files, page copy, image metadata, and other materials reasonably required to perform the agreed work.

Please do not submit payment card numbers, account passwords, private authentication keys, government identification numbers, health information, or other highly sensitive data through the website inquiry form. Where temporary platform access is required, access should be provided through the platform’s authorized collaborator, staff, or role-based access method whenever available.

3. Information collected automatically

When you use the website, the hosting platform and configured service providers may automatically process technical information such as an IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, referring page, pages viewed, approximate region derived from an IP address, timestamps, and diagnostic or security events. This information may be processed in server logs, security tools, consent tools, or analytics tools that are active on the website.

We use technical information to operate the website, identify errors, protect forms and pages from abuse, understand general website usage, and maintain performance. We do not use this information to promise or infer a person’s search rankings, financial condition, health status, or other sensitive characteristics.

4. Cookies and similar technologies

The website may use cookies, local storage, pixels, or similar technologies that are necessary for website operation, security, preferences, and—if enabled—measurement. The specific technologies present can vary based on the Shopify theme, installed applications, consent configuration, analytics settings, and embedded services selected by the website operator.

Essential technologies may operate without an optional analytics choice where permitted by law. Optional technologies should be used in accordance with the consent controls presented to the visitor where such controls are required. Additional information appears in the Cookie Policy.

5. How we use personal information

We may use personal information to receive and review inquiries; communicate about requested services; determine project scope and availability; prepare proposals, service descriptions, and invoices; deliver agreed on-page SEO work; request clarification or approval; document changes; provide monthly maintenance; maintain business and tax records; protect the website and business from fraud, abuse, or security incidents; comply with law; and establish, exercise, or defend legal claims.

We may also use a business contact’s information to follow up on an active inquiry or an existing service relationship. We do not use an inquiry form submission to enroll a person in unrelated bulk marketing without an appropriate basis or consent.

6. Bases for processing

Depending on the location of the person and the law that applies, information may be processed because it is necessary to respond to a request, take steps before entering an agreement, perform a service agreement, comply with legal obligations, protect legitimate business and security interests, or act on consent. Where processing relies on consent, consent may be withdrawn for future processing, subject to information that must be retained for legal, accounting, dispute, or security reasons.

7. Service providers and disclosures

We may disclose information to vendors that support website hosting, form operation, cloud storage, email, business communications, invoicing, accounting, security, file transfer, scheduling, and professional advice. These providers receive information only as reasonably necessary for their function and handle it under their own terms, privacy commitments, and legal obligations.

Information may also be disclosed when required by a valid legal process; when reasonably necessary to protect rights, safety, systems, or property; in connection with a business reorganization, financing, sale, or transfer; or with the client’s direction or consent. We do not process customer payments on behalf of third parties, and we do not operate an advertising network.

8. Sale and targeted advertising

We do not sell personal information for money. We do not knowingly share inquiry information for cross-context behavioral advertising. Certain website technologies can be classified differently under different privacy laws, so visitors should use any available cookie or privacy controls and review the Cookie Policy for the website’s configured technologies.

9. Client website data

A client may provide limited website information or authorized access so that we can evaluate or implement agreed on-page changes. We use that information only for the project, business administration, security, and legal recordkeeping. The client remains responsible for confirming that it has authority to provide all content, analytics, access, and personal information supplied to us.

We do not need or request a client’s customer payment card data. Clients should remove unnecessary personal information from files and reports before sharing them and should provide the minimum access permissions needed for the work.

10. Retention

We retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary for the inquiry, service relationship, records, security, legal compliance, and dispute management. Retention periods depend on the type of information and the reason it was collected. Unsuccessful inquiry records may be retained for a limited period so we can respond to follow-up questions and maintain accurate business records. Project files, approvals, invoices, and delivery records may be kept longer when needed for contractual, accounting, tax, or legal purposes.

When information is no longer required, we may delete, anonymize, or securely archive it, subject to technical backup cycles and lawful retention obligations.

11. Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures appropriate to the nature of the information we handle. These may include access controls, role-limited permissions, reputable service providers, device security, secure connection methods, and deletion or revocation of project access when it is no longer required.

No website, email system, cloud platform, or transmission method can be guaranteed completely secure. Clients should not send passwords or sensitive credentials through ordinary form fields or unencrypted email. If a security concern relates to information provided to us, contact us promptly using the details at the end of this policy.

12. Your choices and privacy rights

Depending on applicable law, a person may have rights to request access to personal information, correct inaccurate information, request deletion, receive a portable copy, restrict or object to certain processing, withdraw consent, or appeal a privacy decision. Rights are not absolute and may be limited by identity verification, contractual records, security needs, legal obligations, or exemptions.

A request should identify the person, the relationship to Rankforge Search, and the right being requested. We may ask for reasonable information to verify identity and prevent unauthorized disclosure. Authorized agents may be required to provide proof of authority.

13. Children

The website and services are intended for business users and are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from a child under 13 through the project inquiry process. If a parent or guardian believes that a child submitted personal information, they should contact us so the information can be reviewed and, where appropriate, deleted.

14. International access

The business operates from the United States, and website providers or business vendors may process information in the United States or other countries. Privacy protections may differ between jurisdictions. Where legally required, appropriate contractual or other transfer safeguards may be used by the relevant provider.

15. Third-party websites and platforms

The website may refer to or depend on third-party platforms such as Shopify, hosting services, analytics tools, search platforms, or content management systems. Rankforge Search does not control the privacy practices, availability, or security of those third parties. Their terms and privacy policies apply to their own services.

16. Policy changes

We may revise this policy when website practices, services, vendors, or legal requirements change. The date at the top identifies the current posted version. Material changes apply prospectively unless a different treatment is required by law.