Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

The Bearded Developer uses cookies and similar technologies on our website (www.thebeardeddeveloper.co.uk) to enhance your experience, analyze usage, and improve our services. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and your choices regarding their use, in compliance with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (e.g., computer, phone) when you visit a website. They help websites function, remember your preferences, and provide insights into usage.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

We use the following cookies:

Necessary Cookies:
- Purpose: Enable core website functionality (e.g., navigation, contact form submission).
- Example: Session cookies to maintain your browsing session.
- Consent: Not required, as they are necessary for the website to operate.
Analytics Cookies:
- Purpose: Collect anonymized data on how visitors use our site (e.g., pages visited, time spent) to improve performance.
- Example: Google Analytics cookies (_ga, _gid) to track usage.
- Consent: Optional, enabled only with your consent via our cookie banner.
Advertising Cookies (if applicable):
- Purpose: Track visitor behavior for targeted ads (e.g., LinkedIn ads, if used).
- Example: Pixel trackers for ad campaigns.
- Consent: Optional, enabled only with your consent.

4. Cookies We Use

Below is a list of cookies currently in use (update as needed):

Cookie	Purpose	Expiration
cookie_consent	Stores your cookie preferences	1 year
_ga (Google Analytics)	Tracks unique visitors	2 years
_gid (Google Analytics)	Tracks session data	24 hours
_gat (Google Tag Manager)	Limits data collection rate	1 minute
_clck (Microsoft Clarity)	Tracks user interactions for heatmaps and analytics	1 year
_clsk (Microsoft Clarity)	Records session data for playback	1 day

5. How We Use Cookies

Cookies help us:

Ensure the website functions correctly (e.g., form submissions).
Analyze anonymized usage data to improve content and performance.
(If applicable) Deliver personalized marketing, with your consent.

6. Your Cookie Choices

You can manage cookies via:

Cookie Banner: On your first visit, choose to accept or reject non-essential cookies (analytics, marketing). You can update preferences at any time by clicking the button on this page labelled "Configure Cookies".
Browser Settings: Block or delete cookies through your browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox). Note that blocking essential cookies may impair website functionality.
Opt-Out Tools: For Google Analytics, use the opt-out browser add-on: tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.

7. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are set by third parties (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Microsoft Clarity). These providers process data under their own privacy policies, which we encourage you to review:

Google Analytics and Tag Manager: policies.google.com/privacy
Microsoft Clarity: privacy.microsoft.com/en-us/privacystatement

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page with the effective date.

9. Contact Us

For questions about cookies, contact:
Email: info@thebeardeddeveloper.co.uk
Address: 47 York Gardens, Braintree, Essex, CM7 9NF, UK.