Cookies
Small files in the browser
Cookies are small text files that a website stores in the visitor’s browser. On the next visit the site uses them to “remember” the user — for example the cart contents, login, or language. They also power traffic measurement and ad targeting, which is why they are governed by privacy rules.
How cookies work
When you visit a website, the server sends a small data file to your browser, which stores it. On every further request to the same domain the browser attaches the file automatically, so the site can pick up where you left off. That is how you stay logged in and how items in your cart survive as you move between pages.
Cookies differ by origin and lifespan. First-party cookies are set by the site you are viewing; third-party cookies are added by external tools such as advertising or analytics platforms. Session cookies are deleted when you close the browser, while persistent cookies stay stored until they expire.
What cookies are used for
Not every cookie is the same. Some are essential for the site to work, others serve convenience, statistics, or marketing. This purpose is exactly what decides whether you need the visitor’s consent to store them.
- Essential: login, cart contents, security, and core functionality.
- Preference: remembered language, region, or display settings.
- Statistics: traffic measurement through tools like Google Analytics.
- Marketing: remarketing and ad targeting based on behavior.
Cookies and consent under GDPR
Under EU rules you may use only essential cookies without consent. For statistics and marketing you need the visitor’s demonstrable consent, collected through a so-called cookie banner. Consent must be freely given and revocable — declining has to be as easy as accepting.
In practice this means measurement and advertising scripts should fire only after consent is granted. A correctly configured cookie banner and privacy policy protect your company from fines and build trust with customers at the same time.
Need a website with cookies set up correctly?
Explore our website developmentFrequently asked questions
Does my website need a cookie banner?
If you use anything beyond essential cookies — typically Google Analytics or advertising tools — then yes. The banner must let visitors accept and decline equally easily and must hold measurement until consent is given.
Will cookies slow down my website?
Cookies themselves are tiny and barely affect speed. The load comes more from the external scripts that set them, such as advertising tools. That is why it pays to use only the cookies you truly need.
What happens when a visitor declines cookies?
The site must still work without optional cookies — essential ones stay active. You will, however, lose part of your analytics data and the ability to target ads at that visitor, which you should factor into how you evaluate campaigns.