The Easy Homestead is a content site and a local homesteading directory. We collect different types of data depending on whether you're a visitor reading a blog post, a homesteader using the directory, or a business listing on it. This policy explains all of it, plainly.
What we collect
Automatically, from all visitors:
- Pages visited, time on page, referral source (via Cloudflare analytics)
- Browser type, approximate location (country/state level), device type
- IP address (anonymized in analytics; not stored in identifiable form)
When you subscribe to The Homestead Find (newsletter):
- Email address
- Optional: first name, general location (for state-specific listing alerts)
When you post a review:
- Your name (or display name) and email address for verification
- Your review text and star rating
- Confirmation that you've had contact with the business
When you claim a business listing:
- Your name and role at the business
- Business phone number (for verification via SMS)
- Email address (for account communications)
- Payment information for paid plans (processed and stored by Stripe — we do not store card data)
How we use it
We use the data we collect to:
- Operate and improve the directory — understanding which categories and regions get the most searches helps us prioritize seeding new listings
- Send The Homestead Find newsletter (only if you subscribed)
- Send transactional emails to business owners: listing claim confirmations, billing receipts, review notifications
- Moderate reviews — your email is used to verify authenticity, not for marketing
- Detect and prevent abuse (fake listings, spam reviews, unauthorized access)
We do not sell your data. We do not use it for behavioral advertising. Your email address from a newsletter subscription will never be used for anything other than the newsletter and related listing alerts.
Directory-specific data
The directory involves two sides: homesteaders searching for services, and businesses listed on the platform. Here's what each side should know.
We record search queries and clicks to understand demand by category and geography. This is aggregate analytics, not tied to your identity. We do not track you across sessions or devices.
Enhanced listing subscribers receive aggregate analytics: how many times their listing was viewed, how many phone/website clicks it generated. Individual searcher identities are not shared.
Phone numbers used to verify business listing claims are stored securely and used only for that verification. We do not share business phone numbers with third parties beyond displaying them in the listing itself.
Third-party services
We use the following third-party services to operate the platform:
We don't use Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or TikTok Pixel. We don't run retargeting ads.
Advertising & cookies
Blog pages run display ads through Mediavine. Mediavine may set cookies to deliver interest-based ads and measure performance. You can opt out of personalized advertising through Mediavine's consent management tool (shown on first visit to a blog page) or via the IAB opt-out framework.
Directory pages do not run Mediavine ads. The only "paid" placements on directory pages are Enhanced and Featured listings, which are labeled as such in search results.
We use a session cookie to maintain your state while navigating the site (e.g., keeping your search filters active). This cookie does not track you across other websites and expires when you close your browser.
Your rights
You have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Correct inaccurate information in your account or review history
- Delete your account, review submissions, or newsletter subscription
- Opt out of the newsletter at any time via the unsubscribe link in every email
- Request removal of a business listing you own
To exercise any of these rights, email hello@theeasyhomestead.com. We'll respond within 5 business days.
If you're in California (CCPA) or the EU/UK (GDPR), you have additional rights under those frameworks. We honor those requests regardless of where you're located — just email us.
Data retention
We keep your data only as long as we have a reason to:
- Newsletter subscribers: until you unsubscribe or ask us to delete your record
- Review data: indefinitely as part of the public directory, unless you request removal
- Business listing claim data: for the life of the listing, plus 90 days after deletion for dispute resolution
- Billing records: 7 years, required by tax law
- Analytics: aggregated and anonymized — no individual records retained beyond 90 days
Children's privacy
The Easy Homestead is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 13. If you believe a child has submitted information through our platform, contact us and we'll delete it promptly.
Changes to this policy
We'll update this policy as the platform grows and as regulations require. When we make material changes, we'll update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. If we add a new data collection practice that meaningfully changes how your information is used, we'll notify newsletter subscribers by email.
Contact
Privacy questions, data requests, or anything else about this policy — email us at hello@theeasyhomestead.com. We read everything and respond within 5 business days.