Data Protection for Marketers: A Practical Guide

By Pia Stavrianos. Pia is a business marketing student with an interest in all things creative such as writing and graphic design. She has found a new interest in sustainability and artificial intelligence while working with the Irish Tech News team.

This book, written by Steven Roberts, looks at all things data protection and security within the business and marketing sector. It is published by Orpen Press, and more can be seen about it here.

Data Protection for Marketers: A Practical Guide – Book Review

This book is exactly what it says on the cover. It is a very informative read that delivers excellent examples of how widespread data privacy affects our lives and within a business environment. The analysis of each section is quite clear, and it is evident that the world of data privacy is in a fast-paced, ever-changing state.

Something I found quite clever and useful is that it is presented in a clear and concise form. Technical jargon is completely bypassed- anyone can read this book if you’re interested.

I wouldn’t consider this to be a light read at all, but it is refreshing to see that it is not overwhelming, coming in at under 160 pages- a relatively short book.

It is clear that this book is aimed at learning. It is not something you will just pick up for a light read. It strives to inform the reader. It explores the laws of each element of data protection and why exactly it is important for marketers.

As you dive into this book, you are hit with the basics. Identifying what personal data is, as well as diving into its history. This is great for those who are just beginning to learn about the world of GDPR. There is also a handy overview at the start of each chapter for those who may only need a refresher on the basics before diving into the fleshier parts of this book.

Data Protection for Marketers will give readers a new lens through with to learn and gain insight into the world of data security. It will encourage you to equip yourself with the knowledge you need going forward in the business and marketing world. Answering questions covering areas such as-

—  The core principles of data protection

—  The legal bases for processing personal data

—  Consumer rights

—  Data auditing

—  Data controllers and processors responsibilities

It will even evoke your train of thought in how GDPR will develop in the future.

Another useful part of this book is the toolkit that Steven lays out. Simply put “Mental Models and Frameworks,” may take you back to a college lecture or a business class back in school, as it evokes a sense of note-taking. For anyone really interested in applying all that is spoken about and explained, this is quite advantageous.

Roberts lays out a step by step including questions that can be put into practice, along with the 3cs and 4Cs – frameworks that are almost burned into the brain of a marketer. As he explores different matrix structures and principles it all comes down to the why. Why all of this? Why, as a marketer do you need to know so much about GDPR. Throughout this book, everything you need to know so far is touched upon.

Even though it is evident that GDPR is still in its infancy, In the words of the author ‘having a grounding in the key pillars of GDPR, its ambition, and spirit, will help us navigate changes as the digital economy continues to develop at a fast-pace.’

To conclude, this book is excellently laid out. It gives you everything you need. A crash course on the knowledge needed in the data security world and also how that relates to you personally and for a business.

About the author

Steven Roberts is not only an author, he is the lead of marketing and data protection at Griffith College where he sits on marketing, strategy implementation, and GDPR committees. He is a marketer and columnist while also maintaining the title of a certified data protection officer and Fellow of the Charted Institute of Marketing. You may have seen his articles published in the Irish Examiner, Marketing Week, Business Plus, and many more.