TL;DR: If your platform isn't listed in our dedicated guides, follow these universal principles: find where your platform lets you add custom HTML to the <head> section, paste your Consently script, and publish. Website builders typically have a "Custom Code" section; traditional CMS platforms typically require theme file editing.

Overview

This guide provides universal installation principles for platforms not covered in our dedicated setup guides. Whether you're using a website builder like Carrd or 10web, or a traditional CMS like Joomla or Ghost, the core process remains the same: add your Consently script to your site's <head> section. 

Before You Begin

Make sure you have:

Time required: 5-10 minutes

Check for Dedicated Guides First

We have detailed installation guides for these platforms:

If your platform isn't listed above, continue with the universal instructions below. You can also check our Platform Compatibility overview to see which installation method works best for your setup.

Universal Installation Principles

All website platforms need the same thing: your Consently script placed in the <head> section of your HTML. The difference is where and how each platform lets you add this code.

The script always looks like this:

<!-- Start Consently Banner -->
<script src="https://app.consently.net/consently.js" data-bannerid="YOUR_BANNER_ID"></script>
<!-- End Consently Banner -->

Your job is to find where on your platform you can add this code. The instructions below cover the two main types of platforms.

1. For Website Builders

Website builders (like Carrd, 10web, Hostinger Website Builder, Zyro, Strikingly, and similar drag-and-drop platforms) typically provide a dedicated area for custom code.

How to Install on Website Builders

Step 1: Look for settings related to custom code

Common names include:

  • "Custom Code"

  • "Embed Code"

  • "Header Scripts"

  • "SEO Settings" (sometimes includes header code)

  • "Advanced Settings"

  • "Integrations"

💡 Tip: Try searching your platform's settings or help documentation for "custom code" or "tracking scripts."

Step 2: Find the header or site-wide code section

Website builders usually offer multiple code injection points:

  • Site Header or Head Code - This is what you want

  • Body Code or Footer Code - Don't use these for Consently

  • Page-specific Code - Avoid this; you want a site-wide installation

Choose the header/head option that applies to all pages. 

Step 3: Paste your Consently script

Copy your embed script and paste it into the header code field. You don't need to add <head> tags—the platform handles that automatically.

Step 4: Save and publish

Click Save or Apply, then publish your site if required.

Done!

Your banner should now appear on all pages of your website. 

✅ Success indicator: Open your website in an incognito window—the consent banner should appear.

Common Website Builder Patterns

Most website builders follow one of these patterns:

Pattern 1: Settings Panel

Settings → Custom Code/SEO → Header Scripts → Paste script → Save → Publish

Pattern 2: Advanced Editor

Editor → Advanced Settings → Custom Code → Site Header → Paste script → Publish

Pattern 3: Integration Menu

Integrations → Add Integration → Custom Code → Header → Paste script → Apply → Publish

If your builder doesn't fit any of these patterns, check its documentation.

2. For Traditional CMS Platforms

Traditional CMS platforms (like Joomla, Drupal, Ghost, ProcessWire, Craft CMS, and similar content management systems) typically require editing theme template files directly.

How to Install on Traditional CMS Platforms

Step 1: Access your theme files

Navigate to your CMS's theme editing area. Common locations:

  • Theme editor in the admin panel

  • File manager, if your CMS provides one

  • FTP/SFTP access to server files

Step 2: Locate your header template file

Look for files typically named:

  • header.php

  • header.html

  • head.html

  • layout.html

  • base.html

  • index.php (for some platforms)

The exact filename depends on your CMS and theme structure.

💡 Tip: If you're unsure which file to edit, check your CMS's documentation for "editing theme header" or "adding custom scripts."

Step 3: Find the <head> section

Open the header template file and locate the <head> tag. You'll see other scripts and meta tags already there. 

Step 4: Add your script before </head>

Insert your Consently script just before the closing </head> tag:

<head>
  <!-- Existing head content -->
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <title>Your Site</title>

  <!-- Start Consently Banner -->
  <script src="https://app.consently.net/consently.js" data-bannerid="YOUR_BANNER_ID"></script>
  <!-- End Consently Banner -->
</head>

Step 5: Save and clear cache

Save your changes. Many CMS platforms cache template files, so:

  1. Clear your site's cache (look for "Clear Cache" or "Rebuild" in admin settings)

  2. If you have a CDN, purge the CDN cache as well

Done!

Visit your website to confirm the banner appears.

✅ Success indicator: The consent banner should load on all pages. Check your browser console (F12 → Console) to confirm no JavaScript errors.

Common CMS Patterns

Traditional CMS platforms typically use one of these structures:

Pattern 1: PHP-Based (like Joomla, Drupal)

  • Template files in /templates/ or /themes/ directory

  • Header code in header.php or within index.php

  • May require a child theme to preserve changes during updates

Pattern 2: Template Engine (like Ghost, Craft CMS)

  • Template files use .hbs, .twig, or similar formats

  • Header partials in /partials/ or /templates/ directory

  • Often have a specific head.hbs or similar partial file

Pattern 3: Built-in Code Injection

  • Some modern CMS platforms offer code injection in settings

  • Look for "Site Header" or "Code Injection" in the admin panel

  • Functions like website builders, but with CMS features

When Direct Installation Isn't Possible

If your platform doesn't allow custom code or theme editing, use an alternative installation method:

Option 1: Google Tag Manager

If you already use Google Tag Manager or your platform supports it, install Consently via GTM instead. GTM works on virtually any platform that allows third-party scripts.

Option 2: Platform Support

If you can't find where to add the script and GTM isn't available, check:

  • Your platform's support documentation for "adding tracking codes."

  • Your platform's community forum for similar questions

  • Your platform's customer support for guidance

Installation Complete—What's Next

After installing your script:

  1. Test your installation thoroughly

  2. Verify cookie auto-blocking

  3. Review installation best practices to ensure optimal setup

Troubleshooting

I can't find where my platform stores custom code

Solution:

  1. Search your platform's help documentation for "custom scripts," "tracking codes," or "header injection."

  2. Look for settings related to SEO, Analytics, or Integrations—these often include custom code options

  3. If you have access to theme files, follow the Direct HTML Installation guide

  4. Consider using Google Tag Manager as an alternative

The banner doesn't appear after installation

Why this happens: Cache issues, incorrect script placement, or JavaScript conflicts.

Solution:

  1. Clear your platform's cache and your browser's cache

  2. View your page source (Ctrl+U or Cmd+U) to verify the script is present

  3. Check the browser console (F12 → Console) for JavaScript errors

  4. Ensure the script is in the <head> section, not in <body> or footer

  5. Follow the detailed troubleshooting in Testing Your Installation

My platform requires a plugin or extension for custom code

Solution: Install the required plugin/extension, then follow the installation steps for the website builder or CMS platform (depending on how the plugin works). Most custom code plugins function similarly to built-in code injection features.

Additional Installation Resources

Core Installation Guides: