Last updated: 6 January 2026
What cookies are
Cookies are small files stored on your device. Some are essential; others help with measurement and improvement.
Under UK rules, non-essential cookies generally require consent — and it must be a clear positive action, not “by continuing to browse”. ICO+1
How we use cookies
Strictly necessary
We aim to keep these to a minimum. These are required for basic site operation and security.
Analytics (optional)
Used to understand how people use the site. These are only set if you accept analytics cookies.
Cookies we use
Google Analytics 4 (optional)
GA4 cookies typically include:
- _ga (expires after 2 years) — used to distinguish users
- ga<container-id> (expires after 2 years) — used to persist session state
(Exact behaviour depends on configuration, but those are the standard GA4 cookie names/uses documented by Google.)
Future tools
Microsoft Clarity (optional, if enabled later)
If we enable Microsoft Clarity, we will treat it as optional and run it only with consent. Microsoft documents these Clarity cookies:
- _clck — persists the Clarity user ID and preferences (first-party)
- _clsk — links page views into a single Clarity session recording (first-party)
- CLID — identifies first time Clarity saw the user on any site using Clarity (third-party)
Bing Webmaster Tools
We may use Bing Webmaster Tools for search performance and site management. If we add any Microsoft tags that set non-essential cookies (beyond webmaster tooling), we’ll update this page and request consent as required.
How to change your cookie choices
- Use the cookie banner when you first visit, and/or
- Use the “Cookie settings” link in the site footer (if present), and/or
- Clear cookies in your browser settings.
Contact
Questions about cookies: info@grumpy-old-seo.com