A cookie banner is the first thing a visitor sees on your website. It must be legal, yet it must not put users off. How do you get it right?

What must a cookie banner contain?

According to GDPR and data protection authority recommendations, your cookie banner must include:

  • Clear information about what cookies you use
  • The option to accept or reject all cookies
  • The option to select individual cookie categories
  • A link to detailed information (cookies policy)
  • The option to change consent at any time

What to avoid – common mistakes

Cookie wall – Blocking access to the website without consent is illegal.

Pre-ticked consents – Checkboxes must be unticked by default.

Hidden rejection – The "Reject" button must be as visible as "Accept".

"By continuing you agree" – Scrolling or continuing to browse is not valid consent.

The French CNIL fined Google EUR 150 million because the button for rejecting cookies was not sufficiently visible.

How to achieve a high consent rate legally?

Even whilst complying with all the rules, you can optimise the consent rate:

  • Use clear, understandable language
  • Explain the benefits of cookies to the user
  • Choose a non-invasive design (not a full-page popup)
  • Offer "Accept necessary only" as a compromise
  • Test different variants

Implementation with Consentio

Consentio provides you with a cookie banner that meets all GDPR requirements whilst being optimised for a high consent rate. One line of code and you are done.