Cookie Policy for Heartland Digital Studio

‍Last Updated: February 24, 2026

This Cookie Policy explains how Heartland Digital Studio ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website (https://heartlanddigitalstudio.com) and within our Smart Website System (SwaS) platform. This policy clarifies what these technologies are, why we use them, and your rights to control our use of them.

‍

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small data files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. Cookies are widely used by website owners to make their websites work, or to work more efficiently, as well as to provide reporting information.

Cookies set by the website owner (in this case, Heartland Digital Studio) are called "first-party cookies." Cookies set by parties other than the website owner are called "third-party cookies." Third-party cookies enable third-party features or functionality to be provided on or through the website (e.g., advertising, interactive content, analytics, lead attribution, and CRM history).

‍

2. Why We Use Cookies

We use first-party and third-party cookies for several reasons. Some cookies are required for technical reasons in order for our Website and Automation Stack to operate, and we refer to these as "essential" or "strictly necessary" cookies. Other cookies help us measure and improve performance (e.g., analytics), and some are used for marketing and advertising (e.g., retargeting). Third parties may serve cookies through our Website and/or SwaS platform for analytics, advertising, lead attribution, and CRM history purposes as described below.

‍

3. Types of Cookies We Use

We generally use the following categories of cookies on our website and within the SwaS platform:

‍

A. Essential (Strictly Necessary) Cookies

These cookies are required to operate our Website and SwaS platform and to provide core functionality you request. Without these cookies, services you ask for cannot be provided.

Examples include:

  • GoHighLevel (GHL) session management and security cookies: Used to maintain login/session state, help prevent fraudulent use, and support secure access to platform features (e.g., forms, chat/SMS widgets, appointment booking flows, and the CRM/unified inbox experience where enabled).
  • Load-balancing and basic site functionality cookies: Used to deliver pages, keep the site stable, and remember basic technical preferences.

Because these cookies are essential, they typically cannot be disabled through our cookie banner. You can still control them through browser/device settings, but doing so may break site or platform functionality.

‍

B. Performance Cookies (Analytics)

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our Website and SwaS platform so we can improve speed, usability, and performance.

Examples include:

  • Google Analytics: To monitor traffic patterns and performance for our contractor-focused pages and measure what content is helpful.
C. Marketing Cookies (Advertising/Retargeting)

These cookies are used to deliver, measure, and improve marketing campaigns, including showing ads to people who have visited our site (retargeting) and measuring ad performance.

Examples include:

  • Facebook/Meta Pixel: Used to measure conversions, build audiences for ads, and support retargeting based on interactions with our pages.
4. Specialized Automation Tracking

As a "Smart Website System" provider, we utilize specific tracking technologies related to our automation features:

  • Chat Widget Cookies: To maintain a conversation session as you navigate through different pages of a "Smart Contractor Website."
  • Appointment Booking Cookies: To remember your time zone and preferences when using our automated scheduling calendars.
  • Lead Capture Tracking: To support lead attribution, recognize returning visitors, and help our AI Receptionist provide a more relevant response.
  • Third-Party Tracking (GoHighLevel / GHL): Our SwaS platform uses GoHighLevel (GHL) features that may place cookies or similar technologies to (i) attribute leads to a source/campaign, (ii) maintain CRM interaction history (for example, form submissions, chat/SMS widget interactions, booking events, and other engagement events), and (iii) support reporting and troubleshooting of automation workflows.
5. How Can I Control Cookies?

You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject cookies.

‍

A. Cookie Banner / Consent Mechanism (SwaS Platform)

Where required by law, we use an “Accept” cookie banner (and may provide additional options such as rejecting non-essential cookies or managing preferences) on our Website and/or within the SwaS platform. Your selection controls the use of non-essential cookies (generally Performance and Marketing cookies). Essential cookies may still be used because they are needed for core functionality.

‍

B. Opt-Out at the Browser Level

Most web browsers let you control cookies through their settings preferences. You can usually:

  • delete cookies already stored on your device;
  • block all cookies or block only third-party cookies; and/or
  • configure your browser to alert you when cookies are being set.

If you choose to reject cookies, you may still use our website, but your access to some functionality and areas of our website may be restricted.

‍

C. Opt-Out at the Device Level (Mobile)

Your device may allow you to limit ad tracking, including:

  • iOS: Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking (and/or Apple Advertising settings)
  • Android: Settings > Privacy > Ads (settings vary by device manufacturer)

Device-level settings are controlled by the device/OS provider and may change over time.

‍

D. Advertising Industry Opt-Out Tools

Most advertising networks offer you a way to opt out of targeted advertising. If you would like to find out more information, please visit AboutAds.info or Your Online Choices.

‍

6. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time in order to reflect, for example, changes to the cookies we use or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. Please therefore re-visit this Cookie Policy regularly to stay informed about our use of cookies and related technologies.

‍

7. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or other technologies, please contact us at:

Heartland Digital Studio
Alma, Michigan 48801
Email: legal@heartlanddigitalstudio.com
Website: https://heartlanddigitalstudio.com

‍