Cookie Policy
This policy explains what cookies we use, why we use them, and how you can control them.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by websites you visit. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, remember your preferences, and provide information to website owners.
This Cookie Policy complies with the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR), UK GDPR, and the Data Protection Act 2018. Under UK PECR, we are required to obtain your consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device.
We distinguish between first-party cookies (set directly by primelocalseo.co.uk) and third-party cookies (set by external services we use).
2. Cookies We Use
Category 1 — Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function. They do not require your consent under UK PECR.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| ci_session | Maintains your session state (form CSRF protection, secure navigation) | Session | Prime Local SEO (CodeIgniter) |
| csrf_cookie_name | Cross-site request forgery protection for forms | Session | Prime Local SEO |
| cookie_consent | Stores your cookie consent preferences | 12 months | Prime Local SEO |
Category 2 — Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website. Requires your consent.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Distinguishes unique users for Google Analytics reporting | 2 years | Google (GA4) |
| _ga_XXXXXXXXXX | Stores session state for GA4 measurement | 2 years | Google (GA4) |
| _gid | Distinguishes users within a 24-hour period | 24 hours | Google (GA4) |
| _gat | Throttles request rate to Google Analytics servers | 1 minute | Google (GA4) |
Category 3 — Marketing & Targeting Cookies
These cookies track your browsing habits to show relevant advertising. Requires your consent.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| _fbp | Meta Pixel — identifies browsers for advertising and analytics | 3 months | Meta (Facebook) |
| _fbc | Meta Pixel — stores click identifier from Facebook ad clicks | 2 years | Meta (Facebook) |
| IDE | Google Ads — used for serving targeted advertisements | 13 months | Google Ads |
| _gcl_au | Google Ads conversion tracking | 3 months | Google Ads |
Category 4 — Functional Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality. Requires your consent.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| lang | Remembers your language preferences | Session | Prime Local SEO |
| form_data | Preserves form progress to prevent data loss on navigation | Session | Prime Local SEO |
3. Third-Party Cookies & Services
- Google Analytics 4: See Google's Privacy Policy
- Google Ads / Google Tag Manager: See Google's Advertising Privacy
- Meta Pixel (Facebook): See Meta's Privacy Policy
- Google Maps embeds: May set cookies if you interact with embedded maps
Please note: If you disable marketing cookies, you may still see advertising from us — it just won't be targeted to your interests.
4. Managing & Withdrawing Cookie Consent
4.1 Using Our Cookie Preference Centre
4.2 Browser Controls
4.3 Opting Out of Analytics
Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on to opt out across all websites.
4.4 Opting Out of Advertising
Visit Your Online Choices (UK) to opt out of interest-based advertising.
5. Your Consent
- Accept all cookies: You consent to all categories including analytics, marketing, and functional
- Reject optional cookies: Only strictly necessary cookies will be used
- Manage preferences: Choose individual categories in our Preference Centre
Your consent is stored for 12 months. We comply with UK PECR — consent is freely given, specific, informed, and as easy to withdraw as to give.
6. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. We will post the updated version on this page with an updated effective date.
7. Contact Us
Prime Local SEO · privacy@primelocalseo.co.uk · +44 20 7946 0192