What website cookies are and how to inform your visitors of them

Ever wonder about that pesky little box that pops up when you land on a website? You know the one that says, This website uses cookies – accept all, reject all, or accept necessary.

Confused about what that even means?

Unsure if you need this on your website?

If you answered yes, then you’re in the right place!

This post covers what website cookies are, why your site needs a cookie policy, and whether or not you need one of those cookie pop-ups on your website.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more details.

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. The information in this post is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice in any way. I am not liable for any damages resulting from using the information in this article. Please consult a lawyer for advice on your unique situation.

What is a website cookie?

In simple terms, a website cookie is a small piece of data that a site stores on your device when you visit. These little files help websites remember things like your login details, shopping cart items, or preferences for future visits.

They can also be used for various reasons including the use of website analytics, serving ads based on visitors’ liking and interests, affiliate marketing, posting comments on your website, and several other tracking reasons.

Do I need a cookie policy?

If your website uses cookies, then yes.

A cookie policy explains to your visitors what types of cookies are being used. It includes what data they’re collecting, and how that data is used.

Depending on where you live, you may have stricter laws on how this policy needs to be displayed on your site. Please consult your local laws regarding specific cookie laws and requirements.

In my business, I currently have a detailed cookie policy within my website’s privacy policy.

If you are interested in the detailed privacy policy and other legal templates I use and recommend to all my clients, you can learn more here.

I have a privacy policy/cookie policy on my site, do I need a cookie pop-up too?

Yes, you still need a cookie consent pop-up even if you include a section about cookies in your privacy policy and here’s why:

In certain places, particularly under laws like the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in the European Union (EU), websites are required to get explicit consent from users before placing non-essential cookies (e.g., for analytics, advertising, or tracking) on their devices. If you do business with anyone in the EU you will want this to ensure that you are complying with their laws as well.

A privacy policy with a cookie policy alone isn’t enough to capture this consent. While a privacy policy is a must for your website it is more for informing users about how data is collected and used.                                      

Consent needs to be given before cookies are stored, and the cookie pop-up is the most simple and direct way to ensure this.

These pop-ups also give users a choice. They can either accept all cookies, accept necessary, or manage their preferences. This ensures that they have control over their data.

How do I create a cookie pop-up?

If your site is designed on WordPress, there are numerous plugins that you can choose from for this like CookieYes.

On the advanced plan of Showit? You can also use a plugin like this for the blog portion of your website.

If your site is designed on Showit or another site that doesn’t use plugins, you can use a free open-source code like the one by WebsitePolicies called Cookie Consent. Learn more about how to add this here.

If your local law states you must have a Cookie Consent banner with the ability to both accept and reject cookies, here are 2 resources for those living internationally who may need more coverage. 7 Best Consent Management Platforms and Best Consent Management Platforms.

Website cookies and your site

So to wrap up, cookies are tiny data files that help improve user experience, and yes, your website needs a cookie policy if you collect personal data. Having a clear, transparent cookie policy is crucial to complying with regulations and building trust with your visitors.

And don’t forget about that cookie consent pop-up! It’s a required way to ensure that you’re giving your users the choice to manage their data, keeping you both compliant and trustworthy.

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Other blog posts and resources on my site that may be helpful to you:

A Showit Website: Is it right for you and your business?

Showit vs. WordPress: An Honest Comparison

Showit vs Squarespace: An Honest Comparison

Showit vs Wix: An Honest Comparison