Ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations like the GDPR and CCPA is essential for any website. One of the easiest ways to manage cookies and obtain user consent in WordPress is by using Cookiebot. This tool automates the detection and control of cookies, making compliance straightforward. In this guide, we’ll walk you through setting up Cookiebot in WordPress step by step.
Why Use Cookiebot on Your WordPress Site?
Cookiebot provides a reliable and automated solution for handling cookies transparently and in compliance with major privacy laws. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Automatic cookie scanning – Cookiebot scans and categorizes all cookies present on your website.
- Customizable cookie banner – You can tailor the appearance and behavior of the consent banner.
- Automatic blocking of cookies – Ensures that cookies are not set before the user consents.
- Legal compliance – Helps meet GDPR, ePrivacy Directive, CCPA, and other regulations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Cookiebot
Step 1: Sign Up for Cookiebot
Before integrating Cookiebot into WordPress, you need an account:
- Go to Cookiebot’s official website and sign up.
- Register your domain and configure your preferences.
- Once registered, navigate to the Settings tab to customize your consent banner.
Step 2: Get Your Cookiebot ID
After setting up your account:
- Go to the Your Scripts section in Cookiebot.
- Copy the unique Cookiebot script tag, which includes your domain group ID.
Step 3: Install and Configure the Cookiebot Plugin
Next, install the Cookiebot plugin in your WordPress dashboard:
- Log in to your WordPress admin panel.
- Go to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for Cookiebot and install the official plugin.
- Once installed, click Activate.
Step 4: Enter Your Cookiebot ID
To link Cookiebot to your site:
- Head to Settings > Cookiebot in your WordPress dashboard.
- Paste your Cookiebot ID (also known as the domain group ID) into the appropriate field.
- Save your settings.
Step 5: Verify Installation
After saving your settings, check if the banner appears on your site:
- Open your website in an incognito or private browsing window.
- Check that the consent banner displays correctly.
- If needed, adjust your preferences under Settings > Cookiebot.
Advanced Configuration
Customizing the Consent Banner
Cookiebot allows banner customization to match your website’s design.
- Go to your Cookiebot account dashboard.
- Under Dialog, modify banner layout, positioning, colors, and text.
- Save your settings, and changes will apply automatically.
Manually Adding the Script (if needed)
If you prefer not to use the plugin, you can insert Cookiebot manually:
- Copy the Cookiebot script from your account.
- Navigate to Appearance > Theme File Editor in WordPress.
- Paste the script inside the
<head>section of the header.php file. - Save the changes and test the banner.
Conclusion
Setting up Cookiebot in WordPress is a straightforward process that ensures your site complies with privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA. By following these steps, you can automatically scan, categorize, and control cookies while providing users with clear consent options. Keeping your website legally compliant helps build trust and transparency with your visitors.
If you encounter any issues, review the official Cookiebot support documentation or contact their support team for assistance.