Introduction

The Cookie Consent Banner is the cornerstone of PureDevs GDPR Compliance. It’s the visible notice that informs visitors about your site’s cookie usage and requests their consent before tracking technologies are activated. This feature ensures your website complies with GDPR requirements for informed consent.

A properly configured cookie banner protects your visitors’ privacy rights while maintaining transparency about data collection practices.

Access Banner Settings

  1. Go to Settings → PureDevs GDPR compliance
  2. Click the Banner Settings tab
  3. You’ll see options for message, buttons, and appearance

Essential Configuration Steps

1. Banner Message

  • Enter your cookie notice text in the message field
  • Keep it concise (2-3 sentences maximum)
  • Mention what cookies are used for
  • Reference privacy policy for details

2. Button Labels

  • Accept Button: “Accept All”, “I Agree”, “Got It”
  • Decline Button: “Decline”, “No Thanks”, “Reject”
  • Settings Button: “Cookie Settings”, “Customize”, “Preferences”

3. Button Actions

  • Enable/disable each button
  • Set button order and positioning
  • Configure what happens on click

4. Links Configuration

  • Add Privacy Policy URL
  • Add Cookie Policy URL (optional)
  • Choose link behavior (new tab or same page)

5. Visual Appearance

  • Background color
  • Text color
  • Border styling
  • Opacity/transparency
  • Font size and family

After users dismiss the banner, a floating button allows them to re-open cookie preferences:

Floating Button Features

  • Appears after initial consent is given
  • Positioned on screen edge (left or right)
  • Always accessible for changing preferences
  • Customizable icon and colors
  • Can be hidden if not needed

Configuring Floating Button

  1. Go to Floating Button Settings tab
  2. Enable or disable the button
  3. Choose position (left or right)
  4. Set button text or icon
  5. Customize colors and size
GDPR Requirement

GDPR requires that users can withdraw consent as easily as they gave it. The floating button fulfills this requirement by providing persistent access to cookie preferences.

Content Best Practices

  • Be Clear: Use simple, jargon-free language
  • Be Honest: Accurately describe cookie usage
  • Be Concise: Keep banner text brief and scannable
  • Be Specific: Mention main purposes (analytics, marketing, etc.)

Design Best Practices

  • Readable: Ensure text contrasts with background
  • Accessible: Use ARIA labels and keyboard navigation
  • Mobile-Friendly: Test on various screen sizes
  • On-Brand: Match your site’s visual identity

Compliance Best Practices

  • Equal Prominence: Make Decline as easy as Accept
  • Pre-Consent Blocking: Don’t load tracking before consent
  • Granular Control: Offer cookie category choices
  • Easy Withdrawal: Provide clear way to change preferences

UX Best Practices

  • Don’t Block Content: Unless legally required
  • Show Once: Don’t repeatedly show to same user
  • Fast Loading: Ensure banner doesn’t slow page load
  • Respect Choice: Don’t shame users for declining

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Pre-Ticked Boxes

  • Don’t pre-select optional cookie categories
  • Consent must be active opt-in, not passive
  • Default to “unchecked” for non-essential cookies

2. Cookie Walls

  • Don’t block all content if user declines
  • Access to content shouldn’t require accepting cookies
  • Only block specific features that need cookies

3. Unclear Language

  • Avoid technical jargon like “third-party pixels”
  • Don’t hide important info in small print
  • Be explicit about tracking and profiling

4. Hidden Decline Option

  • Don’t make decline harder to find than accept
  • Both options should be equally visible
  • Don’t use dark patterns to trick users

5. Loading Cookies Before Consent

  • Don’t set tracking cookies before user accepts
  • Wait for explicit consent
  • Only strictly necessary cookies can load pre-consent

Visual Tests

  1. Open site in private/incognito window
  2. Verify banner appears immediately
  3. Check all text is readable
  4. Confirm buttons are properly styled
  5. Test on desktop and mobile

Functionality Tests

  1. Click Accept – banner should disappear
  2. Refresh page – banner shouldn’t reappear
  3. Clear cookies – banner should show again
  4. Click Decline – verify non-essential cookies aren’t set
  5. Test Settings button opens preferences
  6. Verify floating button appears after dismissing banner

Compliance Tests

  1. Check that tracking scripts don’t load before consent
  2. Verify decline option is equally prominent
  3. Confirm privacy policy link works
  4. Test that preferences can be changed via floating button