Cookie Policy
Last updated: May 2026
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, which cookies SparkLocal HQ uses on our website (sparklocalhq.com), and how you can control them.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently and to provide information to website owners.
We also use browser localStorage — a similar technology that stores data locally on your device — to remember your cookie consent preferences. This is not a traditional cookie but serves the same purpose.
Cookies and localStorage do not contain personally identifiable information on their own, but they may be linked to information you provide to us through our forms.
2. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
- To ensure our website functions correctly
- To protect our contact forms from spam and abuse
- To understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it
- To remember your cookie consent preferences
3. Types of Cookies We Use
3.1 Essential Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary for our website to function correctly. They cannot be disabled through our cookie banner.
| Cookie / Storage | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
PHPSESSID |
Server session management | Session |
ts_cookie_consent (localStorage) |
Remembers your cookie consent choice | 180 days |
3.2 Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website. They are only set after you give consent via our cookie banner.
Provider: Google Analytics 4 (via Google Tag Manager)
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
_ga |
Distinguishes unique users | 2 years |
_ga_* |
Session state | 2 years |
_gid |
Distinguishes users | 24 hours |
_gat |
Throttles request rate | 1 minute |
We use Google Tag Manager with Consent Mode v2. This means Google Analytics operates in a cookieless, privacy-safe mode by default until you explicitly accept analytics cookies. No full analytics cookies are set before your consent is given.
You can also opt out of Google Analytics tracking at any time using Google’s official opt-out tool: tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
3.3 Security Cookies
These cookies are set by Google reCAPTCHA v3, which we use to protect our contact and enquiry forms from automated spam and abuse. reCAPTCHA analyses visitor behaviour to determine whether a form submission is from a human or a bot.
Provider: Google reCAPTCHA v3
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
_GRECAPTCHA |
Bot detection and spam prevention | 180 days |
rc::* |
reCAPTCHA session tokens | Session |
Disabling security cookies may prevent our contact forms from working correctly.
For more information, see Google’s Privacy Policy: policies.google.com/privacy
3.4 Third-Party Cookies
Some pages on our website may include content from third-party services such as embedded maps or social media links. These third parties may set their own cookies over which we have no control. Please refer to the relevant third-party privacy policies for more information.
4. Cookie Consent — How We Ask and Store Your Choice
When you first visit sparklocalhq.com, a cookie consent banner will appear at the bottom of the page. You have three options:
- Accept all — enables analytics (GA4) and security (reCAPTCHA) cookies
- Essential only — only essential cookies are set; analytics and reCAPTCHA are blocked
- Manage preferences — opens a preference panel where you can enable or disable analytics and security cookies individually
Your choice is stored in your browser’s localStorage under the key ts_cookie_consent for 180 days. After 180 days, we will ask for your consent again.
You can change or withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the Cookie Preferences link in the footer of any page on our website. This reopens the preference panel so you can update your choices.
Consent and Google Tag Manager: We use GTM Consent Mode v2. This means that even before you accept cookies, Google Analytics fires in a privacy-safe, cookieless mode that uses modelled data without identifying you. Full analytics cookies are only set after you explicitly accept analytics cookies.
5. How to Control Cookies via Your Browser
You can also control and delete cookies directly through your browser settings:
- Google Chrome: support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
- Mozilla Firefox: support.mozilla.org/kb/cookies-information-websites-store-on-your-computer
- Safari: support.apple.com/guide/safari/manage-cookies-sfri11471
- Microsoft Edge: support.microsoft.com/microsoft-edge/delete-cookies-in-microsoft-edge
Please note that disabling essential cookies may prevent parts of our website from functioning correctly.
6. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our cookie practices. The “Last updated” date at the top of this page will always show when it was last revised. We recommend checking this page periodically.
7. Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this policy, please contact us:
Email: [email protected] Website: https://sparklocalhq.com/contact/
SparkLocal HQ is a Google Business Profile management agency serving businesses across India, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the UAE.