Kit.com and GDPR: legally compliant email marketing

GDPR. The words make many marketers nervous. But it does not have to be complicated.

Here is how to use Kit.com legally in Germany/Europe.

What Is GDPR?

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is Europe's privacy law. It governs how you collect, store, and use personal data.

For email marketing, it means:

• Consent: People must agree to receive emails
• Transparency: You must explain how you use data
• Rights: People can access, correct, delete their data
• Security: You must protect data

What You Need

To legally send emails in Germany:

1. Double Opt-In

Kit.com requires this by default. When someone signs up:

1. They enter email
2. They receive confirmation email
3. They must click to confirm

This is proof of consent. Store the timestamp.

2. Privacy Policy

You need a page explaining:

• What data you collect
• How you use it
• How long you keep it
• How people can delete it

Kit.com has a generator in Settings → Privacy.

3. unsubscribe Link

Every email must include an unsubscribe link. Kit.com adds this automatically.

4. Your Contact Info

Include in every email:

• Your company name
• Your physical address

Kit.com has fields for this in Settings → Email.

Kit.com Features for GDPR

Kit.com helps with compliance:

• Double opt-in: Built-in
• Unsubscribe links: Automatic
• Data export: One-click for subscribers
• Data deletion: Delete button in subscriber profile
• Privacy policy generator: In settings

Best Practices

To stay compliant:

1. Use double opt-in. Always.
2. Document consent. Store when and how they subscribed.
3. Keep data current. Update if they change preferences.
4. Honor unsubscribe requests. Within 24 hours.
5. Secure your account. Strong passwords, 2FA.

What Not to Do

Avoid these mistakes:

• Buying email lists: Illegal under GDPR
• Pre-checked boxes: Consent must be active
• Hidden unsubscribe: Must be easy to find
• Ignoring deletion requests: Must comply within 30 days
• Sending without consent: Never

The Consequences

GDPR violations can result in:

• Fines: Up to €20 million or 4% of revenue
• Reputation damage: Lost trust
• Legal action: From affected individuals

Not worth the risk. Be compliant.

My Setup

Here is what I do:

• Double opt-in: Mandatory
• Clear signup forms: Explain what they get
• Regular cleanup: Remove inactive subscribers (over 12 months)
• Privacy policy: Updated annually
• 2FA: On all accounts

Complicated? A little. Necessary? Absolutely.

Beyond Email

GDPR applies to all personal data:

• Website analytics
• Cookie tracking
• CRM data
• Payment information

Be comprehensive. Protect all data.

The Bottom Line

GDPR is not optional. But it does not have to be complicated.

Use tools that help (Kit.com does). Document your consent. Honor requests. Keep data secure.

Do this, and you can email with confidence.

— Jan