Back to all

Do You Really Need a Cookie Popup on Your Website?

Jacob Stansky
Cookie Policy

Just another simple solution to make sure your website doesn't get you in trouble.

5.56

people use the internet

20

Of the population has a disability

250

Legal Demand letters are sent to businesses each year

Key Takeaways

  1. Cookie popups tell users that your site is collecting data through cookies and may ask for permission.

  2. Some countries and U.S. states legally require cookie consent, especially if you’re tracking users or using third-party tools like Google Analytics.

  3. Not all cookies need permission — only those that track personal data or behavior.

  4. Using the right type of cookie banner builds trust and keeps your business legally protected.

  5. A one-size-fits-all popup may not meet legal requirements — make sure your banner is tailored to where your users live.

Most of us have clicked “Accept” on a cookie banner without thinking twice. But if you run a website, you might be wondering: Do I actually need one of those popups too? We’ll answer that below but real quick, here’s a lowdown on

What they are, why they help protect you and your visitor, and how to handle them the right way.


What Are Cookies, Anyway?

Cookies are tiny text files your website saves on a visitor’s browser. Some are harmless and help your site work properly (like remembering what’s in a shopping cart). Others track user behavior, like which pages someone visits or what ads they click.

There are two main types:

  1. Essential cookies: Needed to run your site. These usually don’t require consent.

  2. Tracking/marketing cookies: Used for ads or analytics. These often do require consent.


Where Is Cookie Consent Legally Required?

European Union (GDPR + ePrivacy)

  1. If someone from the EU visits your site, you must ask for their consent before using any non-essential cookies.

  2. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and ePrivacy Directive require “informed, active” consent. That means no pre-checked boxes or vague language.


United States

There’s no single national law, but some states are stepping in:

  1. California (CCPA/CPRA): You must disclose cookie use and allow users to opt out of the sale of their data.

  2. Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, and Utah have similar rules.

  3. Even if your business isn’t based in these states, you still have to comply if you serve their residents.


What’s a Cookie Consent Banner?

A cookie banner is a small popup or strip that appears when someone visits your website. It lets users know your site is using cookies and may ask them to:

  1. Accept all cookies

  2. Only allow essential ones

  3. Customize their preferences

This is especially important if your site is viewed by people in Europe or certain U.S. states.

Cookie Consent Banner example

Cookie Consent Banner Pop-Up example

Do You Need A Cookie Consent Pop-Up Banner?

No you don’t but they help! If you’ve put a link to your cookie policy on your website i.e. in the footer, then you’ve done your part. Your policy is there and if visitors are curious or protective, they can go to the page first, review your policy and determine if they want to continue on your site. 

Having a Cookie Consent Pop-Up simply brings this matter to the forefront and in a manner that not disturb the visitor page viewing flow. A weary visitor will have to physically detour to your cookie policy page if it just linked in the footer, thus taking them out of their flow to the initial intended page(s) on your website. 

Cookie Consent Pop-Ups collect direct visitor “consent” input so you are protected against “I didn’t see your cookie policy” arguments in legal letters or litigation. Some website demand consent acceptance to proceed to their content, the ultimate protection. 

 These Cookie Consent Pop-Ups elevate your user trust. Your bringing your policies to them and not hiding anything. 

 
Best Practices for Cookie Banners

  1. Be clear and honest about what data you collect.

  2. Use “opt-in” banners in the EU and “opt-out” options in California.

  3. Include a link to your privacy policy in the banner.

  4. Let users customize their settings when possible.

  5. Keep records of user consent (many platforms automate this).

 
Tools to Help You Stay Compliant

Not sure where to start? You don’t have to code your own banner. Tools like CookieYes, Cookiebot and OneTrust can help detect cookies, manage consent preferences, and auto-update your banner based on user location.

If your website is built on WordPress, there are a couple plugins that we really like including Complianz.io and CookieYes. 

If your website is through a hosted service like Wix or Squarespace, you use their internal based tools. 

E-commerce platforms like Shopify have Apps you can add to your site to handle the cookie pop-up banner need. 

Final Thoughts

If your website uses cookies, a cookie banner isn’t just a good idea, it’s often a legal requirement.

The right popup doesn’t just keep regulators happy. It shows your visitors that you care about their privacy.