How can I implement a GDPR compliant Cookie consent in Webflow using the Finsweet option, following the tutorials and main YouTube video by Joe Krug? I'm based in the UK.

To implement a GDPR-compliant Cookie Consent in Webflow using Finsweet's Cookie Consent tool (by Joe Krug), here’s a step-by-step process based on the official tutorial and UK GDPR requirements.

1. Understand the Requirements

• UK GDPR still requires prior consent before setting non-essential cookies (e.g., tracking scripts, analytics).
• Only essential cookies (like cookie banner functionality) can be loaded by default.
• User must be able to accept, reject, or manage cookie types.
• Cookie preferences must be recorded and honored until changed.

2. Prepare Your Webflow Project

• Ensure all third-party scripts (e.g., Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel) are added via Embed elements or Script tags under Project Settings → Custom Code, but do not activate them immediately.
• You will wrap or conditionally load these scripts using Finsweet’s attributes.

3. Add Finsweet Attributes via CDN

• Go to https://finsweet.com/cookie-consent/ and scroll to the Quick Start section.

• Copy the provided script URL (CDN) and paste it into your Webflow project settings under Site Settings → Custom Code → Footer.

  Example:

• <script src="https://cdn.finsweet.com/cookieconsent/v2/cookieconsent.js"></script>

4. Design Your Cookie Consent UI

• You can build your own banner, modal, or pop-up in Webflow.
• Add buttons like Accept All, Reject All, and possibly a Preferences option.
• Assign Finsweet-specific attributes to these buttons:
• fs-cc="accept" activates all consented cookies
• fs-cc="deny" declines non-essential cookies
• fs-cc="open-preferences" opens a full preferences panel (optional)

5. Assign Categories and Manage Scripts

• Group your cookies/scripts into categories like:

• Essential

• Analytics

• Marketing

• When embedding third-party scripts, wrap them with attributes:

• Add a <div> with fs-cc-category="analytics" or fs-cc-category="marketing"

• Nest your analytics script inside that div

  This ensures scripts load only after consent is given.

6. Adjust Behavior for UK GDPR Compliance

• Change default behavior to do not activate cookies until consent is given.
• In your initialization script (can go in Footer code):
• Use the configuration option:
  • waitForConsent: true → Ensures nothing loads until the user consents.
• Example config snippet (already included in Finsweet setup, just ensure this option is set):
• fsCookieConsent.init({ waitForConsent: true })

7. Test the Setup

• Publish your Webflow site to staging or custom domain.
• Access the site in a private/incognito window.
• Ensure:
• Cookie banner appears on first load.
• No non-essential cookies/scripts load before consent.
• Accepting or rejecting updates cookie behavior accordingly.
• User can revisit and update preferences.

8. Optional: Add Consent Logging (for Audits)

• Finsweet does not natively store user consent logs.
• If required for compliance, consider adding a third-party integration like Cookiebot or CookieYes, or build a custom solution using Webflow Forms + Make/Zapier.

Summary

To ensure your cookie consent is UK GDPR-compliant using Finsweet, implement their script with waitForConsent enabled, group all optional cookies with the correct fs-cc-category attributes, and build a UI that clearly allows users to accept, reject, or manage their cookie preferences. Always disable non-essential cookies by default and test functionality before publishing.