Privacy Policy

Last updated: June 16, 2026

The Backyard Showdown ("we," "us") runs thebackyardshowdown.com. This policy explains what we collect, why, and the choices you have. We keep data collection to the minimum needed to run the site, and we never sell your personal information.

What we collect

• Analytics data — we use Google Analytics 4 to understand which content is useful. It collects standard data such as pages viewed, approximate (city-level) location, device and browser type, and referring site, using cookies. We do not use it to identify you personally.
• Email address — only if you choose to subscribe to our newsletter. Sign-ups are handled by our email provider, Beehiiv, and used to send the verdicts and occasional deals.
• Standard server logs — like most websites, our host (Vercel) records basic request data (IP address, timestamp, user agent) for security and reliability.

Cookies & affiliate tracking

We use cookies for analytics (Google Analytics). In addition, the site contains affiliate links: when you click one, the retailer or affiliate network (for example, the Amazon Associates Program and other programs we may join) may set a cookie so any resulting purchase is credited to us, at no extra cost to you. These cookies are set by those third parties under their own privacy policies. You can clear or block cookies in your browser settings, and you can opt out of Google Analytics with Google's opt-out browser add-on.

How we use information

• To improve our content and understand what readers find helpful (analytics).
• To send our newsletter, if you subscribed (you can unsubscribe anytime via the link in any email).
• To credit affiliate partners for purchases made through our links.
• To keep the site secure and working.

Who we share it with

We do not sell your personal information. We rely on a small set of service providers that process data on our behalf: Google Analytics (analytics), Beehiiv (email),Vercel (hosting), and the affiliate networks and retailers whose links appear on the site. Each handles data under its own privacy policy.

Third-party links

When you click out to a retailer or other site, that site's privacy practices govern — not ours. We're not responsible for the content or privacy practices of sites we link to.

Your choices

• Email: unsubscribe anytime using the link in any newsletter.
• Cookies: control or clear cookies in your browser; use the Google Analytics opt-out above.
• Requests: email us to ask what we hold or to request deletion (see below).

Children

The site is intended for adults and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children.

Changes

We may update this policy as the site grows; we'll revise the "last updated" date above when we do.

Contact

Questions about privacy? Email thebackyardshowdown@gmail.com.