Privacy Policy

Last Updated: December 07, 2025

The Short Version

I don't sell your information. I don't share it with anyone except when necessary to process payments or provide the services you requested. I collect the minimum information needed to do my job. That's it.

Who We Are

Dirt River Design is a web design and hosting service operated by Ben Huffman, based in Grand Forks, ND. When I say "I," "me," or "we," I'm referring to Dirt River Design.

Contact: contact@dirtriverdesign.com | (701) 732-0799

What Information I Collect

Information You Give Me

  • Contact forms: When you fill out a contact form or onboarding form, I collect your name, email, phone number, business information, and any other details you provide.
  • Payment information: If you hire me, I collect billing information to process payments. Payment card details are handled securely by Stripe. I never see or store your full card numbers.
  • Email communication: When you email me, I keep that correspondence to provide service and answer questions.

Information Collected Automatically

  • Website analytics: I use Google Analytics to see how people use this site (pages visited, time on site, general location). This helps me understand what's useful and what's not.
  • Server logs: My web server logs IP addresses, browser types, and pages accessed. This is standard web hosting practice and helps with security and troubleshooting.
  • Cookies: This site uses cookies for basic functionality (like remembering your dark mode preference) and for Google Analytics. You can disable cookies in your browser if you want.

How I Use Your Information

I use the information you provide to:

  • Respond to your inquiries and provide quotes
  • Build and host your website
  • Process payments for services
  • Provide ongoing maintenance and support
  • Send you project updates, invoices, and service-related emails
  • Improve this website and my services

I do not:

  • Sell your information to third parties
  • Send you marketing emails unless you've specifically requested them
  • Share your information except as described below

Who I Share Your Information With

I only share your information when necessary:

  • Payment processing: Stripe processes payments. They receive billing information to complete transactions. Stripe has its own privacy policy.
  • Hosting and infrastructure: Client websites are hosted on secure servers. Hosting providers may have access to technical data as part of providing hosting services.
  • Legal requirements: I'll disclose information if required by law or to protect my legal rights.

Google Analytics

This site uses Google Analytics to understand how visitors use the site. Google Analytics collects information like:

  • Pages you visit
  • How long you stay
  • General location (city/region)
  • Device and browser type

Google Analytics uses cookies and may combine this data with other information Google has about you. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

Google Ads

I may use Google Ads to advertise my services. Google may use cookies to show you relevant ads based on your browsing. You can control ad personalization through your Google Ads Settings.

Data Security

I take reasonable steps to protect your information:

  • HTTPS encryption for this website
  • Secure servers with regular backups
  • Payment processing handled by PCI-compliant providers (Stripe)
  • Access to client data limited to what's necessary to provide services

No system is 100% secure, but I do my best to protect your data.

Data Retention

I keep your information as long as necessary to provide services and comply with legal obligations:

  • Active clients: I keep your information while I'm providing services and for a reasonable period after (typically 7 years for tax/business records).
  • Inquiries: Contact form submissions and email inquiries are kept unless you request deletion.
  • Analytics: Google Analytics data is retained according to Google's retention policies.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of the information I have about you
  • Correction: Request corrections to inaccurate information
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your information (subject to legal/contractual obligations)
  • Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails (though I don't send many)

To exercise these rights, email me at contact@dirtriverdesign.com or call (701) 732-0799.

Children's Privacy

My services are for businesses, not children. I don't knowingly collect information from anyone under 13. If you believe I've collected information from a child, contact me immediately.

Changes to This Policy

I may update this privacy policy occasionally. If I make significant changes, I'll update the "Last Updated" date at the top. Continued use of my services after changes means you accept the updated policy.

Questions?

If you have questions about this privacy policy or how I handle your information, contact me: