BACK
What Are Internet Cookies?
Taylor Tunnison • August 12, 2022

Internet privacy has been making headlines recently. Many people now express concerns about the security of their online activities, and for good reason. While the internet is incredibly empowering, it can also pose risks to the everyday user. Internet cookies often enter into various debates over online privacy. Some insist that they prey on innocent users, yet others celebrate their endless practical applications. But just what are internet cookies, anyway?

The Rise of Internet Cookies

At its core, the internet is simply data—and a lot of it. By some estimates, users send and receive over 150,000 gigabytes of internet traffic data every single second. Website traffic statistics alone are truly staggering if you stop and think about them.


Since their inception in the 1990s, cookies (HTTP, browser, or website cookies) have transformed the way most users interact with the internet. Web servers create these small blocks of data and store them on a user’s device to improve their experience in many ways. Cookies may allow users to access certain kinds of content, navigate websites using their accounts, and even manage online shopping carts. They can also personalize and streamline internet sessions by remembering devices over time.


Most web browsers enable cookies by default. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. By supporting cookies, browsers ensure that websites function as intended by developers. Without them, user experiences would suffer severely. For instance, they may have to log in to new pages separately, and ordering multiple items online might be next to impossible.

Types of Internet Cookies

There are many types of cookies on the internet today. They’re often named for their specific use cases. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most common.

1. Session Cookies

Session cookies only exist while a user navigates a particular website. These temporary pieces of data expire once the web browser closes. Session cookies help some websites maintain a consistent state over short periods of time.

2. Persistent Cookies

By contrast, persistent cookies only expire after a specific amount of time. They’re also known as tracking cookies, as websites and advertisers can use them to collect information about user’s browsing habits. However, persistent cookies can also enhance user experiences by keeping them logged into accounts long-term.

3. Secure Cookies

Secure cookies are only sent over encrypted connections like HTTPS. This means criminals are less likely to expose their contents when eavesdropping on network traffic.

4. Cookie Walls 

Some websites feature a popup that blocks users from accessing content unless they “consent” to allow some or all cookies. These so-called cookie walls may be legally dubious if they don’t truly allow users to opt out.

5. First-Party Cookies

First-party cookies match the domain shown in the web browser’s address bar. They allow websites to collect on-page data, remember user settings like preferred languages, and ensure a positive ecommerce experience. Without them, users likely couldn’t add multiple items to an online shopping cart because the cart wouldn’t save changes between different webpages.

6. Third-Party Cookies

When people express concerns about internet privacy, third-party cookies may be on their mind. These cookies belong to a domain other than the one in the browser’s address bar. Third-party cookies are often contained within digital advertisements, and they may track users’ browsing history across multiple websites for extended periods of time.


In an attempt to avoid potential negative effects of third-party cookies, some browsers now block them by default. Among them are Brave, Firefox, and newer versions of Safari. Chrome also blocks third-party cookies during incognito mode, and it may entirely block them by default in 2024.

What Are Cookies Used for on Websites?

Internet cookies are what allow many websites to function properly. That’s not to say that concerns about privacy are misguided. However, the modern internet we’ve come to know and love simply wouldn’t be the same without them.

 

Ecommerce websites rely on first-party session and persistent cookies. This allows them to create a seamless shopping cart experience for customers. For instance, when a user logs in to an account, session cookies keep them logged in as they move from page to page. If they add an item to their cart, session cookies remember their selection even if they click the “back” button.


Persistent cookies can save abandoned carts for future sessions if users get distracted and close their browser. The website may even send an email reminding them to complete the transaction. These personalized retargeting campaigns often deliver greater conversion rates over time.
Persistent cookies also serve to personalize users’ internet experiences. They can save passwords, account names, or contact information, keep users logged in across multiple sessions, remember their unique preferences, and suggest content that aligns with their past choices.


Web browsers often store cookies and local copies of webpages in their cache. This allows previously visited webpages to reload quickly so users can pick up where their session left off. Cached data generally improves browsing experiences, but it can pile up and eventually slow things down. Clearing a browser’s cache may resolve various errors, though it might also erase cookies that save user data.

The Cookie Crumbles

Third-party cookies may be on their way out, but don’t worry. Your favorite ecommerce websites will still function as intended, and you’ll still be able to target specific demographics with Google Ads. Ongoing debates about online privacy may also empower internet users to reclaim their agency by better understanding their options. They may even jumpstart the adoption of new advertising alternatives.

Are You Interested In More?

SCHEDULE A MEETING

Share This Post With Your Friends

Latest Posts

Why Digital Ads are Essential for Today’s Businesses

July 30, 2025
In today's hyperconnected world, digital advertising isn’t optional, it’s essential. With consumers spending more time online than ever before, businesses that want to stay competitive need to meet their audience where they already are, on social media, in search engines, and across websites and apps. At True North Technologies , we help businesses harness the power of digital ads to increase visibility, generate leads, and drive measurable growth. If your business isn’t investing in digital advertising yet, now is the time to start, and here’s why. What Are Digital Ads? Digital ads are paid advertisements that appear online across platforms like Google, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and more. They can take many forms, including: Search ads (Google Ads) Display ads (banners on websites) Social media ads Video ads Retargeting ads Mobile in-app ads The key advantage? Unlike traditional advertising, digital ads are targeted, trackable, and flexible, giving businesses control over who sees their message and how much they spend. 6 Reasons Digital Ads Are Critical in 2025 1. Your Customers Are Online Over 5 billion people use the internet globally, and many of them browse multiple platforms every day. Whether you run a local business or an e-commerce store, digital ads ensure you show up at the right time, in the right place, to the right people. 2. Highly Targeted Reach Digital advertising lets you pinpoint your ideal customer based on demographics, interests, online behavior, location, and more. Instead of wasting dollars on a broad audience, your ad budget works smarter not harder. 3. Real-Time Performance Tracking With digital ads, you’re never going to guess. You’ll see real-time metrics on impressions, clicks, conversions, and ROI. This transparency allows for continuous optimization and smarter decision-making. 4. Cost-Effective Marketing Whether you're working with a $200 budget or $20,000, digital ads are scalable. You can set daily or monthly caps, pause underperforming campaigns, and focus on high-performing keywords or audiences. It’s one of the most budget-friendly ways to test and grow. 5. Supports SEO and Organic Growth Running paid ads alongside an SEO strategy helps increase brand exposure. When users see your business in both organic results and paid placements, it builds trust and improves click-through rates, especially in competitive industries. 6. Drives Measurable Business Results From driving traffic to increasing sales or generating leads, digital advertising is directly tied to business growth. With a clear call-to-action and optimized landing pages, your ads can guide users straight to conversion. Digital Ads in Action: What We Do at True North Technologies At True North Technologies, we partner with businesses to create digital advertising strategies that are built around your unique goals. Whether you're aiming to increase brand awareness, generate leads, or drive online sales, we focus on delivering measurable results through smart targeting, engaging creative, and continuous optimization. Our team manages every step of the process, from campaign planning and audience research to ad design, performance tracking, and strategic adjustments. We’re not just setting up ads, we’re building a system that works in sync with your overall digital marketing strategy. Real Talk: Digital Ads vs. “Doing Nothing” Some business owners hesitate to invest in ads because they’ve tried it in the past without success or think their organic traffic will carry them. But in 2025, doing nothing is riskier than trying something new. Competitors are already reaching your customers online. If you’re not showing up in search results or social feeds, you’re invisible. And invisibility doesn’t grow revenue. Final Thoughts Digital advertising isn’t just about getting clicks, it’s about driving real business outcomes in a digital-first world. It’s efficient, cost-effective, and essential for any business looking to scale in today’s marketplace. If you're ready to start seeing measurable results from your marketing efforts, we’re here to help. At True North Technologies, we make digital ads easy, strategic, and impactful. Ready to grow your business with digital advertising? Let’s talk!

The Rise of Mobile Apps in Digital Marketing

July 18, 2025
In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, mobile apps have emerged as a powerful tool for businesses looking to engage their audiences, boost brand visibility, and drive customer loyalty. With smartphone usage continuing to skyrocket, companies can no longer afford to ignore the influence that mobile applications have on consumer behavior and marketing strategies. At True North Technologies , we specialize in custom mobile app development and strategic digital solutions . We’ve seen firsthand how mobile apps are transforming how businesses connect with their audiences, and we’re here to help you stay ahead of the curve. Why Mobile Apps Matter in 2025 Mobile usage is no longer just part of the customer journey, it is the journey. As of 2025, over 64% of web traffic originates from mobile devices, and users now spend more than 3 hours per day in mobile apps. Businesses that invest in mobile app development are tapping into a space where their customers already live, work, and shop. Whether it’s a retail store launching a loyalty app, a restaurant offering mobile ordering, or a service-based company building a scheduling tool, mobile apps give brands direct access to consumers without the distractions of search engines or social feeds. Key Benefits of Mobile Apps in Digital Marketing 1. Enhanced Customer Engagement Mobile apps allow businesses to interact with customers in real time through push notifications, personalized content, and instant support. This level of engagement helps improve customer retention and builds stronger relationships over time. 2. Data-Driven Insights Apps provide a goldmine of data from user behavior and location tracking to purchase history and app usage. With the right analytics in place, marketers can optimize their campaigns and personalize the user experience in ways that simply aren’t possible on traditional websites. 3. Increased Brand Visibility Having a branded app on a user’s device means your logo is seen every day. It’s constant passive exposure. That visibility keeps your business top of mind and reinforces your brand identity. 4. Seamless Integration with Digital Campaigns Mobile apps can be integrated into your broader digital marketing strategy, linking to email campaigns, social media promotions, loyalty programs, and more. 5. Improved Conversion Rates A well-designed app simplifies the path to purchase. With faster load times, streamlined checkouts, and personalized experiences, apps typically convert at higher rates than mobile websites. How Businesses Are Using Mobile Apps Strategically Industries of all kinds are leveraging mobile apps to meet their customers where they are: Retail & E-commerce: Offering app-exclusive discounts and push notifications for flash sales. Restaurants: Enabling mobile ordering, reservations, and reward points. Healthcare: Allowing patients to book appointments and access records via secure mobile apps. Professional Services: Providing client portals, document sharing, and project tracking on the go. Whether you’re a small business or an enterprise brand, mobile apps provide scalable solutions that grow with your business. Custom Mobile App Development with True North Technologies At True North Technologies, we build custom mobile app solutions tailored to your business goals and user needs. We don’t just stop at development. As a full-service digital marketing agency, we also provide guidance on launching your app effectively through integrated marketing strategies including SEO, digital ads, social media, and more . Final Thoughts The rise of mobile apps in digital marketing is more than just a trend, it’s a shift in how brands connect with customers in a mobile-first world. By investing in a custom mobile app, you’re not just keeping up, but you’re standing out. If you're ready to unlock the power of mobile for your business, our team at True North Technologies is here to help. Let’s build something great together. Contact us today.

The Power of Customer Reputation Management for Business Growth

June 30, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, your brand reputation isn’t just important, it’s everything. Potential customers trust online reviews and public perception just as much as personal recommendations. That’s why customer reputation management has become one of the most powerful tools for business growth, and at True North Technologies, we’re here to help you take control of it. Whether you’re a local service provider or an online retailer, your success depends on what people are saying about you. Here’s how reputation management can fuel your growth, and how True North Technologies can guide you along the way. Why Customer Reputation Management Matters Before making a purchase, booking a service, or even visiting a website, most customers do one thing first: they Google you. They check your reviews, look for testimonials, and read social media comments. A few negative reviews, or a lack of recent positive ones, can be enough to send them to your competitors. According to research , 87% of customers won’t consider a business with low ratings. Managing your online reputation isn’t just about looking good, it’s about building trust, increasing visibility, and driving conversions. What Is Customer Reputation Management? Customer reputation management is the strategic process of monitoring, influencing, and improving how your brand is perceived online. It involves: Responding to customer reviews (both positive and negative) Encouraging happy customers to leave reviews Monitoring social mentions and brand chatter Ensuring consistency across review platforms like Google, Facebook, and Yelp Promoting testimonials on your website and social media Addressing and resolving customer concerns quickly and professionally At True North Technologies, we offer custom reputation management solutions that are proactive, efficient, and aligned with your brand. The Growth Benefits of Reputation Management 1. Boosts Trust and Credibility A strong online reputation builds consumer confidence. When potential customers see dozens of positive reviews and timely, professional responses to feedback, they’re more likely to trust your business and ultimately choose you. 2. Improves Local SEO Rankings Search engines like Google factor in reviews when ranking local businesses. Businesses with consistent, high-quality reviews and up-to-date profiles are more likely to appear in the Local Pack (those top results with maps and star ratings). This increases your visibility and brings more traffic to your site. Want to know more about how SEO plays a role in your digital growth? Check out our blog on Why Your Business Needs a Strong SEO Strategy in 2025 . 3. Drives More Conversions Reviews act as social proof. When visitors see others had a great experience with your business, they feel more confident converting, whether that means calling for a quote, placing an order, or booking a service. 4. Gives You a Competitive Edge Many businesses still overlook reputation management or don’t have a solid strategy in place. By being proactive, you can stand out in your industry, win more trust, and grow faster than competitors who neglect this key area. Final Thoughts: Reputation = Revenue In today’s competitive market, your online reputation is often your first impression, and sometimes your only one. By taking control of your digital presence and making customer feedback part of your growth strategy, you can turn your reputation into one of your most valuable marketing tools. At True North Technologies, we help businesses build, protect, and promote reputations that drive real results. From strategy to implementation, we’re your partner in long-term growth. Want to grow your business through better reviews and stronger customer trust? Let’s talk about your reputation strategy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.