If you use Pearl Diver to identify the people visiting your website, you need those visitors' consent to collect their data. That consent is recorded through a consent string in your cookie notice, backed by a privacy policy that explains what you collect and why.

What a consent string is

A consent string is a record of the permission a visitor gives your website to collect and process their personal data. When someone accepts your cookie notice, your site stores that choice as a consent string, capturing what they agreed to: analytics, personalization, or advertising.

🔐 Why it matters for compliance

Privacy regulations such as the GDPR require you to get valid consent before you collect or process someone's data. A consent string is how you show that you did. It does two jobs:

• Transparency — your cookie notice tells visitors, in plain language, what data you collect and how you use it.
• Control — visitors decide what to allow. They can accept everything or limit it to specific types of data.

Keep that consent string on record. It's your evidence if you're ever asked to prove compliance.

Consent strings and cookies

Cookies are small files a website stores on a visitor's device. They can track activity, personalize content, and serve targeted ads, so they need explicit consent. Your cookie notice is where visitors give that consent, and the consent string is the result.

What we recommend for Pearl Diver

To get the most out of Pearl Diver, set your cookie notice to 'opted in' rather than 'opted out'.

Important: 'Opted in' is permitted in the US and lets Pearl Diver capture more visitor information than 'opted out'.

You can set this up in two ways:

• Your website's built-in tools — most site platforms include consent string functions in their cookie settings.
• A consent management tool — we recommend Cookiebot, which manages cookies and consent preferences for GDPR compliance.

VISUAL: Screenshot

Content: An example cookie consent banner on a live website, set to 'opted in', showing the notice text and a "Continue to browse / Manage" button.

Caption: "An 'opted in' cookie banner, with the notice text and consent buttons."

Example cookie notice wording

Use one of these as a starting point. Swap in your own site name where you see WEBSITENAME, and link the notice to your cookie or privacy policy so visitors can read the detail.

'Opted in' wording (recommended)

• "This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our site. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our use of cookies." Buttons: Continue to browse / Manage
• "We use cookies to personalize content, to provide social media features, and to analyze our traffic. By using our site, you consent to our cookies." Buttons: Continue to browse / Manage
• "Our website uses cookies to deliver the best possible service and user experience. By accessing our site, you agree to the terms outlined in our cookie policy." Buttons: Continue to browse / Manage
• "Cookies help us improve your experience on our site. By using our site, you consent to the use of cookies. For more details, please review our cookie policy." Buttons: Continue to browse / Manage
• "We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and personalize content and serve targeted advertisements. More information can be found here. By continuing to browse WEBSITENAME.com, you consent to our use of cookies." Buttons: Continue to browse / Manage

'Opted out' wording

• "We use cookies to personalize our website and offerings to your interests and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and our products, you agree to our use of cookies." Buttons: Accept all / Configure cookies / Read more
• "We and selected third parties use cookies and similar technologies as specified in the cookie policy. You can consent to the use of such technologies by using the 'Accept' button." Buttons: Accept all cookies / Manage cookies
• "We use tools to track, analyze, and personalize your experience and ads, and share data with affiliates." Buttons: See cookie notice / Accept / Manage

What to do next

• Add or update your cookie notice using one of the examples above.
• Link the notice to your cookie or privacy policy so visitors can read what you collect and why.
• For managed consent, set up Cookiebot and connect it to your site.

Need help? Email us at [email protected]. Please include your account details and a brief description of your issue.