Get Familiar with Cookies

Cookies refer to tiny data files that websites store on users’ devices such as computers and mobile phones. The files are used to gather information that improves users’ experiences with the website. For WordPress websites, users may integrate cookies to personalize experiences, observe analytics, or as required by law. In this guide, you will be taken through the step-by-step process of adding cookies to WordPress.

Understanding Cookie Types

Before setting up cookies on a WordPress website, you need to understand the various types of cookies and their purpose. Generally, there are two types of cookies: First-party and third-party cookies. First-party cookies are exclusively set by the website visitors are browsing. On the other hand, third-party cookies are established by a domain other than the one that the user is currently connecting to. It is crucial to know the difference between the two in order to decide on the type of cookie that suits your specific needs.

Selecting the Type of Cookies

After understanding the various kinds of cookies available, you need to choose the specific ones that will integrate effectively with your WordPress site. The following are the primary coat categories:

• Session cookies – temporary cookies that maintain user sessions but get deleted when the user shuts down the browser


• Persistent cookies – cookies that stay on the user’s device for a certain period, reminiscing preferences and settings


• Analytics cookies – will track user behavior on the site, including several visitors, pages viewed, and visitor interaction patterns with the site


• Advertising cookies – track behavior, managing relevant ads according to users’ preferences

Installing Cookie Plugin

After selecting the relevant cookies, it is now time to install a plugin that will facilitate their functions on your WordPress site. Although several options are available, Cookie Notice by dFactory, GDPR Cookie Consent, and Cookiebot are the most preferred. This tutorial will illustrate the step-by-step guide of installing and using the Cookie Notice Plugin by dFactory.

Configuring Your Plugin

After installing and activating the Cookie Notice plugin, you can opt to customize it to suit your website’s design and preferences. The customization option includes the following:

1. General Settings – Activate or deactivate the Cookie Notice, choose the display’s position, and set animation style.


2. Cookie Settings – configure the type of cookies, including session, persistent, analytics, and advertising cookies.


3. Styling Settings – customize how the Cookie Notice will appear depending on your preferences and branding.


4. Advanced Settings – include additional codes to the Cookie Notice, exclude specific pages, and enable the notice for mobile users.

Testing the Cookie Notice

After configuring the plugin, it is crucial to test it to confirm whether it functions effectively by visiting your WordPress site using an incognito browser. The Cookie Notice should appear either at the top or bottom of the screen, giving the user the option to accept or decline the cookies.

Monitor Your Cookies

It is mandatory to monitor your cookies at all times to ensure that you are complying with data protection regulations. Tools such as Google Analytics and MonsterInsights may help track the user interaction with your cookie policy and data collected. For third-party cookies, explicit user consent is mandatory according to the GDPR. So, ensure to adhere to the legal requirement to boost user privacy and maintain their trust.

Conclusion

Adding cookies to your WordPress site goes a long way in enhancing users’ experiences, tracking analytics, and complying with various legal requirements. It is a straightforward process that you can effectively achieve by following the step-by-step guide described in this article. Always ensure that you monitor your cookies regularly and comply with legal requirements to protect user privacy and maintain the trust of your visitors.