We want to ensure our clients understand what they need to know about the new rules on cookies and how they can act.

The ICO’s guidance document suggests that a website must:

1. Tell users that the cookies are there,
2. Explain what the cookies are doing, and
3. Obtain consent to store a cookie on their device.

We’ve been monitoring the situation in recent weeks to see how other websites comply and based on how digital marketing communities such as Econsultancy have responded, recommend taking the following three-step approach:

1. Audit to determine which cookies are running on your website
2. Creation of a privacy page on your website (or alteration of an existing privacy page) to state what these cookies are and explain what they do
3. Implementation of one of the following methods:

Level 1. A prominent link to your privacy policy and improved information within the policy itself. See example on John Lewis website.
Level 2. A bespoke plug-in, which ties in with your branding, asking the user to opt-out of cookies. This will link to your privacy page and the user’s browser settings, enabling them to make an informed choice. See this example on the BT website.
Level 3. Introduce an active opt-in to your bespoke plug-in.

An audit will be a useful thing to perform because there may be scripts or tracking on your website that you don’t use or need any more. Revising your privacy page will also allow site owners to educate users by offering clear and up-to-date information.

While the  ICO’s guidance document is unclear in places, and therefore open to interpretation, the ICO has indicated that it is “highly unlikely to prioritise first party cookies used only for analytical purposes in any consideration of regulatory action”. As such, if you have no other cookies on your website besides analytical cookies, you may be safe to adopt the Level 1 approach. If other cookies are used then we would recommend implementing Levels 2 or 3 depending on the cookies used.

There are a number of third-party plug-ins being offered for Levels 2 and 3, however these may affect the look of your website, and some clients have rightly asked if users will trust the message on a third party plug-in. User interface design has an important part to play therefore we recommend tailoring the style of any plug-in to fit with your website design, which should reduce opt-out rates.

We hope these practical suggestions support you in deciding how you would like to approach this. Please get in touch if you’d like to chat to us about it.

Sarah founded the successful Edinburgh and Leeds-based design studio Creative State in 2005 and has over 10 years’ experience in design and marketing.

IfLooksCouldKill and Creative State will be bringing their talents together to provide a broader service; a shift that will allow us to offer you a full suite of design and marketing opportunities.

Sarah will be in touch with you soon to say hello and we’re sure you’ll appreciate the energy and passion she brings with her.

As one of our newest additions we’ve been keeping a close eye on him – as you can see he likes his cuddles and the camera!

While Sarah’s been on maternity leave we welcomed the amazing Jo into the breach. Jo has been a real asset to the team and we’re going to miss her when she embarks on a short 3-month adventure in Italy. It’s a tough life!

Read more about Jo.

In particular I’ve enjoyed the quotes of late.

Have a look at see what Tina’s got to say. 

This a sure addition to my Pantone collection… if only they were non-perishable.

Truth be told, I’m not sure what to think of FLOWmarket.

It intrigues me, excites me, saddens me, but mostly confuses me – I don’t know whether to see this as a clever, supposedly perception-altering business venture or just a sad indicator of our generational inability to understand our needs.

I think I like what FLOWmarket is striving to do, I’m just not convinced they’ve done it.

What I do care for is a beautifully crafted and considered magazine that encourages, provokes, and instills a childlike desire for exploration and discovery. Cue oh comely

In their own words:
“oh comely is a magazine about people and their quirks and their creativity, rather than money and what it can buy. It’s a magazine that inspires people to be creative, talk to their neighbours and explore new things, rather than buy stuff or lose weight. It’s nice to see you here.”

I first spotted it last year in the airport on my way to Norway. I made the purchase with little consideration (judged by its cover alone), settled back, kicked off my DCs, got the boarding call, put my shoes back on, and by the time I’d landed it had been read cover-to-cover.
I don’t even like reading.

Issue nine is now out. There’s honey from the city, illustrated advice, and a three-course meal with Guinness.

If you have a WH Smith store near you, swing by and get yourself a copy (if you don’t, this‘ll sort you out).

Happy reading!

Premium Pringles, for the posh crisp eater.

Antalis, shopfront and giveaway piece.

Break-Fast, for breakfast in a hurry.