5 reasons why GDPR is the best thing to ever happen (in May)

As far as months go, May isn’t so bad.  For children and teachers, it’s coming to the end of the school year and the school holidays are in sight.  For everyone else, it’s amazing because there are two bank holidays.

Consider also that we’re usually heading into double figures in terms of temperatures and compare this with how you feel about months like November and January and suddenly May is looking pretty good.

This year, however, because something groundbreaking and wondrous is due to come into action, May is looking better than ever.  What splendiferous thing am I talking about?  GDPR of course!

In fact, here’s why GDPR is even better than everything else going on in May this year:

1. 19^th May – The FA Cup Final:

Football is great.  But, whilst this will be the 137^th edition of the FA Cup Final, this is the first time we will get to welcome the GDPR updates into our lives.

Did you know?  The vast majority of consumers will take their business elsewhere if they hear of data discrepancies or irresponsible usage.  One of the main benefits of GDPR is that your customers’ data will become more secure.  Whilst the process may seem difficult now, once it’s done, you will build a reputation for being safe and trustworthy.

2. 22^nd to 26^th May – The Chelsea Flower Show:

A beautiful spectacle that attracts tourists from across the world, The Chelsea Flower Show has been going since 1912.  It’s a great day out and an even better chance to dress up and appreciate the latest horticultural wonders – but – it’s terrible if you have hayfever.  GDPR benefits everyone – and it doesn’t make your nose run.

Did you know?  GDPR compliance will mean that your marketing data becomes far more accurate.  More accurate data means more up to date data, which in turn results in more effective data.  Take email open rates.  Not all dead email addresses create bounces, but if you know a person has left or changed their email, then it removes the unopen and therefore increases your campaign’s overall open rate.

3. 19^th May – The Royal Wedding:

Pubs might be staying open to mark the wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry as a national celebration, but GDPR will be relevant 24/7 every day, as soon as it launches on the 25^th.

Did you know?  If you give people more choice about how they are contacted, they’re likely to choose the channels they don’t actually mind you contacting them on.  How many people do you know who prefer to text than call or vice versa?  GDPR will make it necessary to ask your customers how you are able to contact them when they sign up for newsletters or updates, and by giving them more choice, you’re more likely to actually reach them.

4. 3^rd May – The local elections:

Do we even need to know who is elected locally now that we have GDPR (I know it’s not at all relevant to local politics, but it’s relevant to pretty much everything else)?

Did you know?  GDPR is a catalyst for positive changes to the way your company carries out targeted marketing.  Get ready now, be prepared and once the right processes are in place, GDPR and everything associated with it will feel like a breeze in no time.

5. 7^th and 27^th – Bank Holidays:

I can’t do it.  Two bank holidays spread out across the month is exceptional.  There’s no way of playing them down in jest to make GDPR look exciting.

The reality of GDPR to marketers

This article has of course been deliberately farcical but the point of it was to highlight that it is a big deal and it is happening.  Moreover, when it does, it brings benefits and plenty of them.

It’s nothing to be scared of or worried about, if you’re well prepared.  We can help you get ready.

A GDPR seminar for marketers

To find out what is really so great about GDPR and how it will benefit businesses and consumers alike see the details of our next GDPR seminar here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gdpr-compliant-marketing-and-the-eprivacy-update-tickets-42278377766 (this event has now ended)

GDPR – 25^th May 2018 – coming soon.