Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

Data from Business Applicants: When a business applies for a listing, we collect the business name, owner or contact name, email address, phone number, business category, subcategory, years in business, star rating, website URL, review links, and any information provided in the application message. This information is used to evaluate the applicant for inclusion in our directory and to contact the applicant regarding their application.

Data from Site Visitors: We may collect anonymized analytics data such as pages visited, time spent on the site, and general geographic region. If you contact us through our forms, we collect the information you voluntarily provide including your name, email, and message content.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected to: (1) review and process listing applications; (2) communicate with applicants and listed businesses regarding their accounts, renewals, and platform updates; (3) display approved business information in our public directory; (4) send newsletters and marketing communications to businesses that have opted in; (5) improve our website, services, and user experience; and (6) comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms.

Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience and analyze site traffic. Marketing and analytics cookies are only activated after you provide explicit consent via our cookie consent banner. Essential cookies required for basic site functionality are active by default. You may withdraw consent at any time, and you can disable cookies through your browser settings, though some features may not function properly without them.

Information Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information for monetary consideration. We may share information with: (1) third-party service providers who assist with our operations, such as payment processors (Stripe), email marketing platforms (Mailchimp), cloud storage (Google Drive and Sheets), and analytics providers — all of whom are contractually obligated to protect your data; (2) legal authorities when required by law, court order, or to protect our rights and safety; and (3) successor entities in the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale. Approved business listing information is publicly displayed in our directory as intended by the listed business.

Business Marketing License: Listed businesses consent, through the Master Partner Agreement, to Best in the Business displaying and marketing their business name, logo, photos, and descriptions across our website, email campaigns, social media accounts, and text messaging. This marketing use is a condition of directory participation and may be revoked upon listing termination.

Your California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) gives you the right to know what personal information we collect, request deletion of your personal information, and opt out of the "sale" or "sharing" of your personal information. Under the CCPA, "sharing" includes making personal information available to third parties for cross-context behavioral advertising. We use analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) and advertising platforms (such as the Meta Pixel) that may constitute "sharing" under the CCPA. To opt out of such sharing, contact us at connect@genesisbuilt.org with the subject line "CCPA Opt-Out." We will process your request within 45 days.

Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including encrypted data transmission (TLS), secure storage, access controls limited to authorized personnel, and regular security reviews. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. Payment information is processed exclusively through Stripe, a PCI-compliant payment processor, and we never store credit card numbers on our servers.

Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to: (1) access the personal information we hold about you; (2) request correction of inaccurate information; (3) request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements; (4) opt out of marketing communications at any time; (5) withdraw cookie consent; (6) request data portability; and (7) opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information (see the California Privacy Rights section below). To exercise any of these rights, contact us at connect@genesisbuilt.org.

Data Retention

We retain business application data for the duration of the listing relationship and for a reasonable period thereafter for legal and administrative purposes. Site visitor analytics data is retained in accordance with our analytics provider's policies. You may request deletion of your data at any time, subject to legal retention obligations.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will take steps to delete that information.

Text Messaging (SMS) Disclosures

For listed businesses that have granted SMS marketing rights through the Master Partner Agreement, we may send promotional text messages including referral alerts, lead notifications, and platform announcements. Message frequency varies based on listing activity (typically no more than 4 messages per month). Standard message and data rates may apply. To opt out of text messages at any time, reply "STOP" to any message or contact us at connect@genesisbuilt.org. For help with text messages, reply "HELP." We do not send SMS marketing to site visitors who have not applied for or been accepted into the directory.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including listed business websites, social media platforms, and review sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We will post the updated policy on this page and update the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this page periodically. Material changes will be communicated through a prominent notice on the site.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data rights, contact us at connect@genesisbuilt.org. Best in the Business is operated by the Genesis Media Group.