Cookies are small text files that are created when a user visits a website. They are often vital to the functionality of a website.
Cookies can fall into several categories:
- Essential: these are required for the website to work properly
- Functional: these keep track of preferences, like whether you want to stay logged in to a subscription site
- Targeting/ Tracking: these include advertising, analytics, and social media features
GDPR regulations require you to notify visitors that your website uses cookies. The good news is that this can be done quite easily! In this demo, we’re going to show you how to install and configure the WordPress plugin – Cookie Notice for GDPR – as this has one of the easiest setups we’ve seen (there are many other free or paid plugins for you to choose from as well).
Here is an example of a cookie notification banner:
Adding a cookie consent banner in WordPress is a breeze. To begin, simply go to the plugins section from the dashboard, then click the “add new” button.
In the plugins search field, search for cookie notification banner. In our case, we have already chosen a free plugin called, Cookie Notice for GDPR, so we’ll just search for that:
Pro tip: when you search for plugins, it is important to note the number of active installations and reviews, as well as the compatibility with your version of WordPress. Ideally, you want to find a plugin that has a large number of installations and overwhelmingly positive reviews, as well as active support from the developer so that you have the reassurance of a current, well-coded plugin with lots of satisfied users.
Once you’ve found your plugin of choice, click “Install Now” and then “Activate.”
Now that you’ve got your plugin, all you have to do is go in and customize the settings according to your preferences. This free version has a number of customizable options such as:
- cookie notification message
- button text
- choice to link to Privacy Policy
- cookie expiry
- placement of bar in header or footer
- text and bar color
You can personalize the notification message and button text, and configure other settings like the placement of the bar, and its color. When you’re done configuring things, click “Save” and then pop over to your website to admire your new cookie notification banner! Now visitors will know that you mean business and you’ll be part of the growing number of sites that have taken steps to have this important GDPR compliant measure in place.
Need help installing a cookie notification banner? Contact Us.