If you’ve ever browsed the web, chances are you’ve come across a site that uses website cookies. It’s likely that you’ve clicked the accept button without giving much thought into what a cookie is, and how it affects your browsing experience. This begs the question: what is a cookie, and what are they used for?

 

What is a Cookie?

Cookies are essentially used to track your activity on any given website. They are small files that websites send to your device. They’re then used to track your visit to the website in question. Depending on how they’re used, they can serve many purposes. Cookies are used to improve the experience of both the website’s users, and developers. They can be used to remember a user’s login details, serve ads that better fit the user’s interests, or even help website owners collect more accurate data. The reason as to why many websites ask the user to accept their usage of cookies is because they are legally obliged to do so. 

 

Different Types of Cookies 

Cookies have many different uses, as well as types. First Party cookies are placed by the site you decide to visit. Their purpose is to provide accurate data for the site’s owner, as well as to provide a better user experience.

Third party cookies take this a step further. They can serve the user personalised ads based on their experience on the website. This can be done even after the user leaves the site. They are defined by domains that aren’t immediately visited by the user when publishers add third party items

Session cookies expire as soon as the user leaves the web browser. They are mostly used by e-commerce sites in order to remember which products are placed in the shopping cart. Once the user leaves the web browser, there wouldn’t be a point in keeping this information

Lastly, persistent cookies can be stored on a user’s device in order to keep track of login credentials, certain settings, and other information that was previously input by the user. This results in a quicker browsing experience.

 

Why Use Cookies

Using cookies can significantly improve a user’s experience on your website. It is likely that your site would receive positive feedback and increased traffic as a result. It is also important to note that if you are to obtain more accurate data, you have the ability to proceed with the correct adjustments when it comes to making changes to your marketing strategy.

To sum it all up, using web cookies is a great way to increase the traction and success of your website. If you have any questions, be sure to contact the Virtual Image team today.