Last updated: October 30, 2026
Thanks for visiting michelleapples.com. This page explains, in plain English, what information this website collects, why, and what you can do about it.
Who we are
This website is run by Michelle Apples, based in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. Our website address is https://michelleapples.com. If you have any questions about your privacy, email hello@michelleapples.com.
What we collect
Forms. When you use the contact form or the Work With Michelle inquiry form, we collect what you type in. That’s usually your name, email address and message. On the inquiry form it can also include your organization, the type of inquiry, an event date and a location. These details are emailed to our inbox, which is hosted by Google Workspace. The website itself does not keep a copy of them.
Newsletter. If you sign up for the newsletter, we collect your email address (and your name if you give it) so we can send you updates. Your details are stored with Kit (formerly ConvertKit), our email marketing provider.
Comments. If you leave a comment on a blog post, we collect the name, email address and website you enter, the comment itself, and your IP address and browser details to help catch spam. Your name and comment appear publicly; your email address does not.
Cookies. See “Cookies” below.
Server logs. Our website is hosted by WPX Hosting. Like nearly every host, WPX automatically records basic technical information when you visit, such as your IP address, browser type, the pages you visited and when. This is used for security and to keep the site running.
How we use it
We use your information to:
- reply to your messages and inquiries (brand partnerships, speaking, consulting, media and general questions)
- send the newsletter you signed up for
- publish and moderate blog comments
- keep the website secure, working and backed up
We do not sell your personal information, and we don’t use it for anything you wouldn’t reasonably expect.
Third-party services
This website uses a few outside services to work:
- WPX Hosting hosts the website and keeps its server logs.
- Google Workspace (Google) delivers and stores the emails sent through our forms.
- Kit (formerly ConvertKit) stores newsletter subscribers and sends our newsletter.
- Google Fonts (Google) loads the website’s typefaces. Your browser connects to Google’s servers, which see your IP address.
- Spotify for Creators (anchor.fm) hosts our podcast feed. Our podcast page pulls episodes from it, and playing an episode may connect your browser to their servers.
- UpdraftPlus makes backups of the website (which can include comments and other site data). These backups are kept on our server.
We also link to other websites, such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Facebook, X, Instagram, The Christian Social Hub (thechristiansocialhub.com) and The Christian Singles Hub (thechristiansingleshub.com). Once you leave our site, their own privacy policies apply.
Analytics
We don’t use any analytics tools today. In the future, we may add analytics tools, such as Google Analytics, to understand how visitors use the site (for example, which pages are popular). These tools may set cookies and collect information like your IP address, device and browsing activity on our site. We’ll update this policy before any analytics tool is turned on.
Embedded content
Some pages may include content from other sites, such as a podcast player or media. Embedded content behaves just as if you visited that other site. Those sites may collect data about you, use cookies, and track your interaction with the content.
Cookies
Right now, our website does not set cookies for ordinary visitors. A few cookies may be set in specific cases:
- If you leave a comment, you can choose to save your name, email and website in cookies so you don’t have to retype them next time. These last one year.
- Site administrators who log in receive login cookies needed to manage the site.
- Embedded content or outside services (see above) may set their own cookies.
- If we add analytics in the future, those tools may set cookies too (see “Analytics”).
You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings at any time.
How long we keep data
- Form messages stay in our inbox as long as needed to respond and keep a record of our conversation, and are deleted when no longer needed.
- Newsletter details are kept until you unsubscribe.
- Comments and their details are kept as long as the comment is published.
- Server logs and backups are kept for a limited period and then deleted or overwritten.
Your rights
You can ask us to:
- tell you what personal information we have about you
- correct it
- delete it
- stop sending you emails (every newsletter also has an unsubscribe link)
Just email hello@michelleapples.com. We may need to confirm your identity first. We can’t delete information we’re legally required to keep.
Visitors in the EU/UK: We process your information based on your consent (newsletter, comments), to respond to requests you make (forms), and on our legitimate interest in running a secure website. You also have the right to object, to restrict processing, to data portability, and to complain to your local data protection authority. Your data is processed in the United States.
California residents: You have the right to know, delete and correct the personal information we collect, and not to be discriminated against for using these rights. We do not sell or share personal information for targeted advertising.
Children
This website is not intended for children under 13, and we don’t knowingly collect their personal information. If you believe a child has sent us information, email us and we’ll delete it.
Changes
We may update this policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top shows when it last changed.
Contact
Questions or requests about your privacy? Email hello@michelleapples.com.