Cookie Policy
Last Updated: October 23, 2025
Effective Date: October 23, 2025
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, enhance functionality, and provide analytics about how the site is used.
Cookies can be "persistent" (remain on your device until deleted or expired) or "session" (deleted when you close your browser).
2. How We Use Cookies
Samuel Holley AI Consulting uses cookies on samuelholley.com to improve your experience and understand how visitors use our Site.
3. Types of Cookies We Use
A. Essential Cookies
Purpose: Required for basic Site functionality
- Session management (keeping you logged in)
- Security and fraud prevention
- Load balancing
- Cookie consent preferences
Legal Basis: Legitimate interest (necessary for Site operation)
Can be disabled: No (Site will not function properly without them)
B. Analytics Cookies
Purpose: Understand how visitors use the Site
Google Analytics
- Cookie Names: _ga, _gid, _gat
- Duration: _ga (2 years), _gid (24 hours), _gat (1 minute)
- Data Collected: Pages visited, time on site, bounce rate, browser type, device info, anonymized IP
- Third Party: Google LLC
Legal Basis: Consent (EU/EEA) | Legitimate interest (other regions)
Can be disabled: Yes (via cookie settings or browser)
Opt-Out Tool: Google Analytics Opt-Out
C. Performance Cookies
Purpose: Monitor Site performance and speed
Vercel Speed Insights
- Data Collected: Page load times, Core Web Vitals, performance metrics
- Duration: Session-based
- Third Party: Vercel Inc.
Legal Basis: Legitimate interest (Site optimization)
Can be disabled: Yes (via cookie settings)
D. Third-Party Cookies
Purpose: Enable third-party services embedded on our Site
Calendly (Scheduling)
- Purpose: Appointment scheduling functionality
- Cookies Set By: Calendly Inc.
- Privacy Policy: Calendly Privacy
Stripe (Payments)
- Purpose: Payment processing, fraud prevention
- Cookies Set By: Stripe Inc.
- Privacy Policy: Stripe Privacy
Legal Basis: Consent (for payment) | Service delivery
Can be disabled: No (required for service functionality)
4. Cookies We Do NOT Use
For transparency, here's what we don't do:
- ❌ Advertising/Marketing Cookies: We don't use cookies for targeted advertising
- ❌ Social Media Tracking Pixels: No Facebook Pixel, LinkedIn Insight Tag, etc.
- ❌ Cross-Site Tracking: We don't track you across other websites
- ❌ Sell Cookie Data: We never sell your data to third parties
5. Managing Cookies
A. Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit our Site, you'll see a cookie consent banner. You can choose to:
- Accept All: Allow all cookies (essential, analytics, performance)
- Essential Only: Only allow essential cookies (analytics disabled)
- Customize: Choose which categories to enable
B. Browser Settings
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Here's how:
Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
Note: Blocking essential cookies may prevent certain Site features from working properly.
C. Do Not Track (DNT)
Some browsers support "Do Not Track" signals. Currently, there is no universal standard for DNT interpretation. We honor explicit opt-outs through our cookie banner and browser settings but may not respond to DNT signals automatically.
D. Mobile Devices
Mobile devices use similar tracking technologies. Adjust settings in your device's browser or use private/incognito mode to limit cookie storage.
6. Cookie Duration
| Cookie Name | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Analytics | 2 years |
| _gid | Analytics | 24 hours |
| _gat | Analytics | 1 minute |
| cookie_consent | Essential | 1 year |
7. Your Rights (GDPR & CCPA)
Under data protection laws, you have rights regarding cookies:
- Right to Consent: Choose whether to accept non-essential cookies
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Change your cookie preferences at any time
- Right to Information: Know what cookies are used and why
- Right to Delete: Clear cookies from your browser
For more information on your privacy rights, see our Privacy Policy.
8. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our practices. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
9. Questions About Cookies?
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us:
Samuel Holley AI Consulting
Mendocino County, California
Email: sam@samuelholley.com
Phone: (707) 371-6237
🍪 Cookie Transparency
We believe in being transparent about how we use cookies. This policy is designed to give you full control over your data and browsing experience.