When you install analytics, enable cookies, or add a consent banner, most site owners focus on getting the tools working and forget about the page that explains what’s actually happening in the background.
I see this a lot on new WordPress sites. The cookie banner is there, Google Analytics is running, maybe even a marketing pixel is installed — but there’s no clear cookie policy page, or it’s incomplete.
That becomes a problem pretty quickly. Visitors don’t know what data is being stored, consent tools often require a policy page to function properly, and depending on your audience, it can also create compliance issues.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer / Summary
To create a cookie policy page, you need to:
- Add a dedicated page on your website
- Explain what cookies your site uses and why
- List common cookie types (essential, analytics, marketing)
- Link the page from your cookie banner and footer
- Keep it aligned with your actual tools (like analytics or plugins)
If you’re using WordPress, you can create this page manually or use a plugin to generate and manage it.
Why This Matters
A cookie policy page does two important things:
- It explains to visitors what data is being stored in their browser
- It supports your consent banner and legal pages (like your privacy policy)
In practice, this page connects your technical setup (cookies, tracking tools) with user transparency.
When I set this up on WordPress sites, I treat it as part of the same group as:
- Privacy policy
- Terms and conditions
- Consent banner
If one of these is missing or inconsistent, the setup feels incomplete.
Step-by-Step: How to Create a Cookie Policy Page
Step 1: Create a New Page in WordPress
Go to:
Pages → Add New
Give the page a clear title:
“Cookie Policy”
Set the URL (slug) to something simple:
/cookie-policy/
This keeps it consistent with your other legal pages.
Step 2: Explain What Cookies Are (Briefly)
Start with a short explanation in plain language. Keep it simple — most users don’t need a technical breakdown.
Example structure:
- Cookies are small files stored in the browser
- They help the website function, track usage, or remember settings
Avoid long definitions. The goal is clarity, not depth.
Step 3: List the Types of Cookies You Use
This is the most important part of the page.
Break cookies into categories like:
Essential cookies
- Required for the website to function
- Examples: login sessions, security, basic functionality
Analytics cookies
- Used to track how visitors use the site
- Example: Google Analytics
Marketing cookies (if applicable)
- Used for ads or tracking across sites
- Example: Facebook Pixel or similar tools
In most sites I build, analytics cookies are the main category. Many smaller websites don’t actually use marketing cookies, but they still include them in the policy — which can be misleading. Only list what you actually use.
Step 4: Mention Specific Tools (If Relevant)
If you’re using tools like:
- Google Analytics
- Google Tag Manager
- Consent plugins
You can mention them briefly under the relevant category.
You don’t need a full technical breakdown — just enough for transparency.
Step 5: Explain How Users Can Control Cookies
Add a section explaining how visitors can manage cookies.
This usually includes (you can also learn more about managing cookies at allaboutcookies.org):
- Accepting or rejecting cookies via your banner
- Changing browser settings
- Clearing cookies manually
If you’re using a consent plugin, mention that users can update preferences through it.
Step 6: Link the Page in Key Areas
Once the page is created, link it in:
- Your website footer
- Your cookie consent banner
- Your privacy policy (if relevant)
This step is often missed. The page exists, but users can’t find it.
Step 7: Keep It Aligned With Your Setup
This is where most sites go wrong.
If you add or remove tools later (analytics, plugins, ads), your cookie policy should reflect that.
In my experience, it’s better to keep the page simple and accurate than long and generic.
Practical Tips
Keep it consistent with your privacy policy
Your cookie policy and privacy policy should not contradict each other. They don’t need to repeat everything, but they should align.
Don’t overcomplicate it
You don’t need a legal document full of technical terms. Clear explanations are more useful for most visitors.
Use a plugin if you want automation
If you’re using a cookie consent plugin, many of them can:
- Generate a policy page
- Update it automatically
- Sync it with your cookie scan
I usually recommend this for sites that use multiple tools or change frequently.
Keep the structure clean
Use headings for each section. This makes the page easier to read and scan.
Common Mistakes
Listing cookies you don’t use
Many templates include marketing or tracking cookies by default. If your site doesn’t use them, remove them.
Forgetting to update the page
Adding analytics or a new plugin without updating the policy creates inconsistencies.
No link from the cookie banner
If your consent banner doesn’t link to the policy, users don’t have context for what they’re agreeing to.
Copy-pasting generic policies
Generic templates often don’t match your actual setup. This is one of the most common issues I see.
When to Use a Plugin vs Manual Page
Use a manual page if:
- Your site is simple
- You use minimal tracking (e.g., just analytics)
- You want full control over the content
Use a plugin if:
- You use multiple tracking tools
- You want automatic updates
- You need integration with a consent banner
For most beginners, a plugin is the easiest way to stay accurate without constantly updating the page.
Conclusion
A cookie policy page doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to reflect how your site actually works.
Create a dedicated page, explain your cookies clearly, link it properly, and keep it updated as your site evolves.
If your analytics, consent banner, and policy page all match, your setup is in a good place.
Etienne Basson works with website systems, SEO-driven site architecture, and technical implementation. He writes practical guides on building, structuring, and optimizing websites for long-term growth.