The phrase “world wide web” was a fitting description ages ago when only a few thousand websites existed. Now, with 1.88 billion websites in existence, it might be time for an update. Universe-wide galaxy, perhaps? Infinitely expanding metaverse?
I’m getting sidetracked. As the web continues to expand (or explode!), data privacy laws are being created at a similar pace. Businesses now face the challenge of finding a balance between user-friendly experiences, a conversational tone, and legal compliance. Cookie consent banners are a prime example of this struggle. Continue reading to gain practical insights and creative inspiration for designing a cookie consent banner for your website that’s both engaging and legally sound.
This article will cover the following:
- What cookies are
- What to include in your cookie consent banner
- Examples of cookie consent banners to inspire your own design Before we dive in, a crucial disclaimer!
Disclaimer
The examples provided in this article are not meant to be copied directly! Collaborate with your legal team to establish your specific procedures, documentation, and publicly displayed language. This ensures consistency across all legal aspects, including cookies, privacy policies, terms and conditions, and other relevant documents. Once those are finalized, you can utilize the examples provided here for inspiration and brainstorming.
Now, let’s get started.
What are cookies?
Cookies are tiny pieces of data that websites store in a user’s browser during their visit. Websites “set” these cookies to remember user data, such as form entries, browsing history, and purchase information. This allows the site to personalize the user’s experience and provide more convenient browsing on subsequent visits.
Cookies come in various forms: several different types of cookies session vs. persistent; necessary vs. elective; and first-party vs. third-party. In terms of marketing and data privacy, we’re primarily concerned with the third category: third-party cookies. As you might guess, these cookies are employed to gather first-, second-, and third-party data.
What is a cookie consent banner?
A cookie consent banner is a notification on your website that informs visitors about how your business and website utilize cookies. Its purpose is to obtain user consent for storing cookies on their browsers, which essentially means obtaining permission to collect their data, albeit for a defined period.
This practice is rooted in various privacy regulations dating back to 1995. However, the two most impactful regulations are the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) from 2018 and the ePrivacy Directive (ePD) from 2002.
While the United States lacks a comprehensive federal law regarding cookie privacy, several states have implemented their own regulations, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
What to include in your cookie consent banner
According to Cookie Law Info, adhering to cookie and privacy laws requires your cookie consent banner to fulfill these criteria:
- Clearly identify the specific cookies used.
- Explain the purpose and function of these cookies to users.
- Obtain explicit consent from users to store cookies.
- Provide users with a clear method to withdraw their consent.
- Maintain records of user consent for cookie storage.
Additional guidelines emphasize the importance of clear and concise communication, user-friendly consent requests, and more.
The specific wording of your cookie consent banner depends on several factors:
- Industry and Business Type: Privacy regulations and consumer awareness vary across industries. Some sectors face stricter regulations and more privacy-conscious consumers than others.
- Brand Voice: Maintaining a consistent brand voice is key. A playful cookie banner might suit a casual brand but wouldn’t be appropriate for a law firm, for example.
- Legal Department: Larger companies typically have dedicated legal teams to manage cookie consent, GDPR compliance, and related matters. Smaller businesses or solopreneurs might handle these aspects themselves. While this doesn’t mean smaller entities are exempt from compliance, it does suggest that larger, more established companies tend to adhere to stricter interpretations of these regulations.
Cookie consent banner examples
As a reminder, the disclaimer at the beginning still stands: Do not use these examples as templates. Collaborate with your legal team to establish your processes, documentation, and public-facing language to ensure consistency across all legal documents. These examples are meant to provide inspiration and ideas, not to be replicated verbatim.
We’ve categorized these cookie consent banners as follows:
- Fun or playful examples
- Basic cookie consent banner examples
- User-focused cookie consent banners Let’s explore!
Fun or playful cookie consent banner examples
These examples go beyond basic legal jargon and inject a bit of personality or playfulness into the cookie consent process. They could serve as inspiration for businesses aiming for a more relaxed or informal brand identity.
Psst…
Banner copy: “Psst…We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, analyze site traffic, personalize content, and deliver targeted ads. For details, see here. Continuing to use Whatagraph.com means you consent to our cookie usage. Continue to browse”
We’ll assume
Banner copy: “This website uses cookies for an enhanced user experience. We assume you’re okay with this, but feel free to opt out. Accept / Read More”
Life is better with cookies
Banner copy: “Life is better with cookies. Most would agree! For us, they help enhance our site and marketing. But hey, no pressure – if cookies aren’t your thing, just let us know! Allow all / Disable all / Cookie settings”
Moovly Uses Cookies
Image source Banner copy: “We use cookies to tailor our website and offerings to your interests, as well as for measurement and analytical purposes. Using our website and products indicates your agreement to our cookie policy. Accept all / Configure cookies / Read more”
Want a cookie?
Banner copy: “We and selected third parties use cookies and similar technologies, as detailed in our cookie policy. Clicking “Accept” signifies your consent to the use of these technologies. Accept all cookies / Manage cookies”
To keep on botting
Banner copy: “To keep on botting, 
we need your consent to use cookies. These help us analyze data and enhance your experience. For more information, refer to our Privacy Policy. Decline non-essential / Accept all”
We’ll have to use just one tiny cookie
Banner copy: “This website utilizes cookies. These cookies enhance your browsing experience and personalize services on this and other platforms. For more information about our cookies, see our Privacy Policy. Rest assured, we won’t track you during your visit. However, we need to use a single tiny cookie to respect your preferences and avoid asking repeatedly. Accept / Decline”
Basic, yet clear, cookie consent banners
These examples are concise and straightforward, suitable for almost any business.
You agree
Banner copy: “By selecting “Accept All Cookies,” you consent to storing cookies on your device to improve navigation, analyze site usage, and support our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings / Accept All Cookies”
We use tools
Banner copy: “We use tools to track, analyze, and tailor your website experience and ads, as well as to share data with affiliates. See our cookie notice. Accept / Manage”
By using our website
Banner copy: “By using our website, you consent to our Cookie Policy 
Accept”
Cookie consent banners with a focus on the user
These banners emphasize user choice and provide additional context or options related to cookie preferences.
Select your preference
Banner copy: “Select your preference. Minimal / Allow some / Allow all / Time period You consent to storing cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and support our marketing efforts. Data shared with third parties may be used to track you on this and other websites you visit. / Save my preferences”
We value your privacy
Banner copy: “We prioritize your privacy. We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalized content. Do you agree to our cookie policy? No, take me to settings / Yes, I agree”
Small text files
_Banner copy: “Our website employs cookies, which are small text files, to distinguish you from other users and enhance your browsing experience. You can manage these cookies individually or accept them all. For details, see our cookie information. Manage cookies / Allow cookies”
Best possible experience
Banner copy: “We use cookies to provide the best possible experience on ******.com. Some cookies are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze usage patterns to improve the site. We may also use cookies for targeted advertising. Click “Accept all cookies” to proceed as described, or click “Manage my preferences” to select cookie types. Cookie policy. Manage my preferences / Accept all cookies”
About cookies on this site
Banner copy: “About cookies on this site. Some cookies are essential for the functionality of our websites (required). With your consent, we may also use other cookies to analyze site usage, personalize your experience, and deliver relevant ads. For further details, please review your Cookie preferences and our privacy statement. To ensure seamless navigation, your cookie preferences will be shared across our web domains, listed here. Accept all / Required only”
Prioritize your customer data privacy
Customer data privacy is paramount and should never be treated lightly. Collaborate closely with your legal team to ensure all procedures, documentation, and language are in order. Then, use these examples as inspiration to create a cookie consent banner that resonates with your visitors while upholding their privacy rights.