Privacy Policy

• Contact Forms: If you submit a contact form (e.g., to inquire about a blacksmith or service), we may collect your name, email address, phone number, and any message content you provide.
• Comments or Reviews: If you leave comments or reviews on our blog or listings, we collect the information you enter (e.g., name, email, and comment text).
• Newsletter Signups (if applicable): If you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect your email address and any preferences you specify.

• Usage Data: We collect information about how you interact with our website, such as your IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, pages visited, and referring URLs. This data is gathered using cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies.
• Analytics: We use third-party analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to track website performance and user behavior, including page views, session duration, and click patterns.
• Advertising Data: Our advertising partners, including Google AdSense, may collect data such as your IP address, browser details, and interactions with ads to serve personalized advertisements.

• When you click on affiliate links (e.g., Amazon Associates links), our partners may collect information about your browsing activity, purchases, or device to track referrals and commissions. This data is governed by the privacy policies of the respective affiliate programs (see Section 5).

• We may collect aggregated or anonymized data that does not identify you personally, such as general website traffic statistics or demographic trends.

• To Provide and Improve Our Services:
  • Process contact form submissions and respond to your inquiries.
  • Display blacksmith listings and relevant content based on your state or preferences.
  • Enhance website functionality, performance, and user experience.
• To Deliver Advertisements:
  • Serve personalized ads which may use your browsing data to tailor content to your interests.
  • Track ad performance and optimize ad placement.
• To Support Affiliate Marketing:
  • Track clicks and purchases made through links to earn commissions.
  • Provide relevant product recommendations related to blacksmithing or architectural ironwork.
• To Analyze and Understand Usage:
  • Use Google Analytics to monitor website traffic, user behavior, and trends.
  • Identify areas for content improvement or new features.
• To Communicate with You:
  • Send responses to your inquiries or comments.
  • Deliver newsletters or updates if you’ve subscribed (with an option to unsubscribe at any time).
• To Ensure Security and Compliance:
  • Detect and prevent fraud, spam, or unauthorized access.
  • Comply with legal obligations and protect our rights.

• What Are Cookies? Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences, track usage, and serve ads.
• Types of Cookies:
  • Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality (e.g., navigation, form submissions).
  • Analytics Cookies: Used by Google Analytics to track usage patterns.
  • Advertising Cookies: Used by Google AdSense to deliver personalized ads based on your interests.
  • Affiliate Cookies: Used by Amazon Associates to track referrals and commissions.
• Managing Cookies: You can control cookies through your browser settings (e.g., block or delete cookies). Note that disabling cookies may limit website functionality or ad personalization. For more information, visit www.allaboutcookies.org.
• Do Not Track Signals: Our website does not currently respond to “Do Not Track” signals, but you can opt out of personalized ads via the settings described in Section 6.

• Service Providers: We work with trusted third-party providers to operate our website, such as hosting providers (e.g., WordPress), analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics), and email services. These providers access only the data necessary to perform their functions and are bound by confidentiality agreements.
• Advertising Partners: Google AdSense and other ad networks may collect and process data (e.g., IP address, browsing behavior) to serve personalized ads. This data is subject to their privacy policies (see Section 5).
• Affiliate Partners: Amazon Associates may collect data when you click affiliate links or make purchases, as outlined in their privacy policy.
• Legal Compliance: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or to protect our rights, safety, or property.
• Business Transfers: If BlacksmithsOfAmerica.com is acquired or merged, your information may be transferred to the new entity, with continued protection under this policy.

• Google AdSense:
  • We use Google AdSense to display ads. Google and its partners may use cookies and web beacons to collect data (e.g., IP address, browsing history) for personalized advertising.
  • To learn more or opt out of personalized ads, visit Google’s Privacy & Terms or Ad Settings.
• Amazon Associates:
  • As an Amazon Associate, we earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links. Amazon may collect data about your clicks, purchases, or device to track referrals.
  • For details, see Amazon’s Privacy Notice.
  • Disclosure: BlacksmithsOfAmerica.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
• Google Analytics:
  • We use Google Analytics to track website usage and performance. Google collects anonymized data about your interactions, such as pages visited and session duration.
  • To opt out, use the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-On.
• External Links:
  • Our website may link to external sites (e.g., blacksmith websites or social media). We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.

• Opt Out of Personalized Ads:
  • Adjust your ad preferences via Google’s Ad Settings.
  • Opt out of interest-based ads through the Network Advertising Initiative or Digital Advertising Alliance.
• Manage Cookies: Configure your browser to block or delete cookies (see Section 3).
• Unsubscribe from Communications: If you receive newsletters, use the “unsubscribe” link in our emails to opt out.
• Access or Delete Data: Depending on your location (e.g., under GDPR for EU residents or CCPA for California residents), you may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal data. Contact us at [insert contact email, e.g., [email protected]] to submit a request.
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information: We do not sell personal information as defined by the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). However, you can opt out of ad-related data sharing as described above.

• Secure hosting and encryption for data transmission (e.g., SSL/TLS).
• Regular updates to WordPress, plugins (e.g., Elementor Pro, JetEngine), and security patches.
• Access controls to limit who can view your data.

• Contact form data is retained until your inquiry is resolved or for a reasonable period (e.g., 1 year).
• Analytics and ad data are retained as per the policies of our third-party providers (e.g., Google Analytics, Google AdSense).
• You can request deletion of your data by contacting us (see Section 10).

• Email: [insert contact email, e.g., [email protected]]
• Contact Form: Use the form on our Contact Page
• Mailing Address: [Optional: insert physical address if desired]

• Google AdSense Compliance:
  • We use Google AdSense to monetize our website through advertisements. As required, we disclose that third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our site or other websites.
  • Users can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google’s Ad Settings.
  • We comply with Google AdSense policies, including transparency about data collection and user consent.
• Amazon Associates Disclosure:
  • BlacksmithsOfAmerica.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
  • As required by Amazon, we disclose that clicking affiliate links may result in us earning a commission at no additional cost to you.
• Jurisdiction: This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of [insert your state/country, e.g., the United States]. Any disputes will be resolved in accordance with applicable laws.