My Cookies Policy

Who am I?

My website address is: www.lightninginabottle.co.uk. I am a freelancer, Heather Hughes, trading under the name Lightning in a Bottle, who is a photographer, videographer, content creator, and a mentor and teacher. I can be contacted via email on heather@lightninginabottle.co.uk

What are cookies?

This Cookies Policy explains how Lightning in a Bottle uses cookies to enhance your experience on my website.

Cookies are small pieces of data that websites store on your computer or device when you visit them. They help the website remember information about your visit, like your preferences or login details, so you don’t have to enter them every time you return. Cookies can also be used to track your activity on the site, helping businesses understand how visitors use their services.

What type of cookies do I use?

I use the following types of cookies:

  • Essential Cookies:These are necessary for the website to function properly. They include cookies that enable you to log in securely and help protect your information.Example: Session cookies that remember your login status.
  • Performance Cookies:These cookies collect data on how you interact with our site, such as which pages you visit most often. This information helps us improve our website and make it easier for you to use.Example: Google Analytics cookies that track site usage.
  • Functional Cookies:These cookies allow us to remember your preferences and provide a more personalized experience. They might store your language choice or other settings.Example: Cookies that remember your preferred language or layout.
  • Targeting/Advertising Cookies:
    These cookies are used to deliver relevant ads to you and measure the effectiveness of our advertising. They track your browsing habits to show you ads that are more likely to interest you.
    Example: Facebook or Google Ads cookies that track user behavior across websites.

What cookies do I use?

These are the services I may collect cookies through:

  • Site Kit: Site Kit itself may not set cookies directly, but it integrates with Google services (like Google Analytics), which will set cookies.
  • Google Analytics: Google Analytics typically sets several cookies (like _ga, _gid, and _gat) to track user behavior, unique visitors, and session durations.
  • Facebook and Google Ads: Facebook and Google Ads set cookies to track user interactions with ads and measure ad effectiveness. These cookies include the Facebook Pixel and various Google advertising cookies (like _gads).
  • YouTube and Vimeo: Both platforms set cookies to track user engagement and video playback. YouTube may set cookies like YSC and VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE, while Vimeo sets cookies like _vuid.
  • Social Media Buttons (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok): When users interact with social media buttons, cookies may be set by these platforms for tracking shares, likes, and logins.
  • ConvertKit: ConvertKit sets cookies to track form submissions, manage subscriber sessions, and measure email campaign performance.
  • Studio Ninja: I use Studio Ninja for client management, it may set cookies for user authentication and session management.
  • YouCanBook.me: This booking tool may set cookies to manage appointments and track user interactions.
  • Yoast SEO: Yoast may set cookies to remember user settings for SEO preferences.
  • Security Optimiser (SiteGround): This plugin may set cookies to enhance site security and manage user sessions.
  • Kadence, Kadence Pro and Stylecloud: These theme-related plugins may set cookies for user preferences and customization settings.
  • Speed Optimiser (SiteGround): This may set performance-related cookies, though specifics can vary based on implementation.
  • Temporary Login Without Password: This plugin may set temporary session cookies for users who log in without a password.

Data sharing with third parties

I may share your data with trusted third-party services to help improve your experience and provide my services. These third parties are GDPR-compliant and only process your data for the necessary purposes. Here’s how your data may be shared:

  • Gravatar: If you leave a comment, an anonymized string (hash) created from your email address may be sent to Gravatar to check if you have a profile image. The Gravatar privacy policy can be found here.
  • Spam Detection Services: Visitor comments may be checked through automated spam detection services to keep the site secure.
  • Google Analytics: I use Google Analytics to track website traffic and usage patterns. This helps me improve my website by understanding how visitors interact with it. Google Analytics’ privacy policy can be found here.
  • Social Media Plugins: My website may include embedded social media content or plugins (e.g., Facebook, Instagram). These platforms may collect data about your interactions when you engage with the content or share posts.
  • Email Marketing Tools: I use Kit (formerly ConvertKit) and a CRM to manage email lists and send marketing communications if you’ve opted in to receive them. These tools store and process your email data securely.
  • Payment Providers (if applicable): If you book a service or purchase through my site, payment data may be processed through a third-party provider such as PayPal or Stripe. They process your payment data securely and in line with GDPR requirements.

I do not sell or share your personal data with any third parties for their own marketing purposes. All data shared with these services is done to provide and improve my services while maintaining full compliance with GDPR.

Consent

I obtain your consent to use cookies through a clear opt-in mechanism, such as a banner that appears when you first visit our site. By clicking “Accept,” you agree to our use of cookies. You can withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer of our site.

How Users Can Manage Cookies

You can manage your cookie preferences directly through your browser settings. To learn how to block or delete cookies, follow these links to guides for popular browsers:

Third-Party Cookies

Our website may use third-party cookies from services like Google Analytics and Facebook for tracking and advertising purposes. For more information on how these third parties handle your data, please refer to their privacy policies:

If you have any questions about data retention or wish to request deletion of your data, please feel free to contact me.

User rights under GDPR

You have certain rights regarding your personal data under GDPR:

  • Right to Access: You can ask to see what personal data I hold about you.
  • Right to Rectification: If you find any incorrect information, you can request to correct it.
  • Right to Erasure: You can ask me to delete your personal data.
  • Right to Restrict Processing: You can request that I limit how I use your data.
  • Right to Object: You can object to certain uses of your data, like for marketing purposes.
  • Right to Data Portability: You can ask for a copy of your data in a format that is easy to use.
  • Right to Withdraw Consent: If I rely on your consent for processing, you can withdraw it at any time.

If you want to exercise any of these rights, please contact me.

Contact information for concerns or complaints

If you have any questions or concerns about your privacy, you can reach me at heather@lightninginabottle.co.uk

If you believe your data rights have been violated, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Updates to the Cookies Policy

I may update this Cookies Policy occasionally. Any significant changes will be communicated through a notification on our website or via email, if you are subscribed to our updates.