If you run a small business in the UK, you’re legally required to tell visitors how your website uses cookies. Especially if you use tools like Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, YouTube embeds, live chat widgets, or any third-party plugins that collect data.
But writing a cookie policy from scratch can feel overwhelming, and most small business owners simply want something clear, compliant, and easy to drop into their website.
That’s why we’ve created this free UK-compliant Cookie Policy Template, written in plain English and designed to work smoothly with consent tools such as CookieYes, Complianz, and CookieBot.
You can copy and paste it directly into your own website.
Cookie Policy Template
(Copy & paste directly into your website)
Last updated: [Insert Date]
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how [Your Business Name] (“we”, “us”, or “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on [your domain]. It outlines what cookies are, what types we use, why we use them, and your rights to control how they are used.
This policy is written in accordance with:
- PECR (Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations)
- UK GDPR
- Data Protection Act 2018
For further guidance, see the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-pecr/cookies-and-similar-technologies/
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites work properly, improve security, remember preferences, and analyse performance.
Cookies may be:
- First-party cookies: set directly by our site
- Third-party cookies: set by external services (e.g., analytics or advertising providers)
3. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies to:
- ensure the website operates correctly
- remember your cookie preferences
- analyse website traffic and performance
- improve functionality and user experience
We do not use cookies to collect personal information unless you explicitly consent to analytics or marketing cookies.
4. Types of Cookies We Use
4.1 Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function. They cannot be turned off.
| Cookie Name | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| [Cookie Name] | [Duration] | [Purpose] |
4.2 Analytics Cookies (Requires Consent)
These cookies help us understand how visitors use our site.
| Cookie Name | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| [Cookie Name] | [Duration] | [Purpose] |
Analytics cookies are only activated if you provide consent via the cookie banner.
5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You can update your preferences at any time by clicking:
[Insert “Cookie Settings” link/button]
Most web browsers also allow you to block or delete cookies. Learn more below:
6. Third-Party Services
Third-party providers (e.g., Google Analytics, YouTube embeds, ad platforms) may place their own cookies. Each provider is responsible for its own privacy and cookie policies.
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy occasionally. When we do, we will revise the “Last Updated” date above.
8. Contact Us
For any questions about this Cookie Policy or cookie usage on this website, contact:
[Your Business Name]
Email: [Insert]
Address: [Insert]
How to Use This Cookie Policy Template
You can add this policy to:
- your website footer
- your legal pages
- your cookie banner link
- your privacy policy (as a separate section)
For the best results, pair it with a proper cookie banner that blocks non-essential cookies until visitors give consent. Tools like CookieYes make this simple, and the wording in this template is fully compatible with their categories and consent options.
Need Help Setting Up Cookie Compliance?
If you’d like help implementing a privacy-friendly, fully compliant cookie banner, or you want your entire website checked for GDPR and PECR issues — we can handle it for you.
At 404 Marketing, we specialise in building websites that are fast, secure, compliant, and practical for real-world small businesses.
