If you’ve noticed a sudden drop in the number of visits recorded on your website in Google Analytics, you’re not alone! In fact, since March 2024, with the enforcement of the ePrivacy Directive, it has become “mandatory” for all websites operating in European Union countries to implement Google Consent Mode. Otherwise, Google Analytics would stop tracking visits from users in those countries.
Given the importance of this topic, and since we’ve received numerous requests for help in this area, we’ve decided to be proactive and create a guide to assist you! In this article, we’ll explain how you can set up Consent Mode using plugins like Cookie Yes and Google Site Kit – for WordPress – or through manual integration – for HTML websites. Shall we begin?
What is Google Consent Mode and why is it mandatory?
Google Consent Mode is a tool that allows websites to obtain explicit user consent before storing or accessing their cookies. This measure aims to protect user privacy and ensure they have control over their online data.
The implementation of Consent Mode became mandatory for all websites operating in European Union countries as of March 2024. The ePrivacy Directive, which replaced Directive 95/46/EC, strengthens personal data protection and requires businesses to obtain explicit consent from users before processing their data.
How to Set Up Google Consent Mode on WordPress
To set up Consent Mode on WordPress, simply follow these steps:
1) Install the “Cookie Yes” plugin“
Cookie Yes is a free plugin that simplifies the implementation of Consent Mode on WordPress. Download and install the plugin on your site.
2) Connect “Cookie Yes” to your “Web App”
In the Cookie Yes dashboard, create an account and connect it to your WordPress site.
3) Install the “Google Site Kit” plugin“
Google Site Kit is another free plugin that allows you to integrate Google Tag Manager into your WordPress site. Download and install the plugin on your site.
4) Set up Google Tag Manager
Create an account on Google Tag Manager and follow the instructions to integrate Tag Manager into your WordPress site.
5) Create a New Tag
In Google Tag Manager, create a “New Tag” and select the “Custom” type.
6) Choose the “Cookie Yes CMP” template under “Discover more tag types in the Community Template Gallery.”
In the “Tag Configuration” section, search for “Cookie Yes CMP” in the Community Template Gallery and select the template.
7) Copy the tracking code from “Advanced Settings” in the “Cookie Yes” dashboard.
In the Cookie Yes dashboard, go to Advanced Settings and copy the tracking code.
8) Paste the code into the New Tag under “Website Key.”
In the tag configuration in Google Tag Manager, paste the copied tracking code into the “Website Key” field.
9) Choose the “Default Consent Settings”
Set the default consent settings in Google Tag Manager according to your needs.
10) Set up the Trigger for the New Tag
Set up the trigger for the tag so that it is fired only when the user has given their consent.
11) Save (the New Tag will be automatically loaded on your site)
Save the tag, and it will be automatically loaded on your WordPress site.
How to Set Up Google Consent Mode on an HTML Website (Manually)
If your site is not WordPress, you can set up Consent Mode manually by following these steps:
1) Create an account on the “Cookie Yes” website and install the plugin on your site.
Create an account on the Cookie Yes website and follow the instructions to obtain the tracking code.
2) Create a Google Tag Manager account and install the code on your site.
Create an account on Google Tag Manager and follow the instructions to integrate the Tag Manager code into your HTML site.
From here, the process is exactly the same as the setup process on WordPress! Just follow the process starting from step 5: Create a New Tag.
The implementation of Google Consent Mode is crucial to ensure compliance with the ePrivacy Directive and protect the privacy of users on your site. Although the initial deadline for implementation was March 2024, it is highly recommended that all websites operating in the European Union activate Consent Mode as soon as possible.
Following the steps outlined in this article, using plugins like Cookie Yes and Google Site Kit on WordPress, or manual integration for HTML sites, allows for relatively simple configuration of Consent Mode.
I hope this article has helped you! If you need further assistance, send us a message! See you soon…