8.4 Platform Compatibility

TL;DR: Consently works with any website platform through a simple JavaScript snippet. For popular platforms like WordPress, Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace, we provide step-by-step installation guides tailored to each platform's interface.

Overview

Consently is platform-agnostic and installs via a single JavaScript snippet that works across all website builders, content management systems, and custom-coded sites. The installation method varies by platform—some let you paste code directly into theme files, while others provide custom code injection settings or require plugins.

Supported Platforms

Consently officially supports and provides dedicated installation guides for:

Website Builders

• Dorik

• Wix

• Squarespace

• Framer

• Webflow

Content Management Systems

• WordPress

• Shopify

• Joomla (covered in Other CMS Platforms)

• Drupal (covered in Other CMS Platforms)

• Ghost (covered in Other CMS Platforms)

Tag Management Systems

• Google Tag Manager

Custom & Static Sites

• Direct HTML installation works for any website where you can edit the source code

• Static site generators (Hugo, Jekyll, Gatsby, Next.js, etc.) use direct HTML installation

Choosing Your Installation Method

The right installation approach depends on your platform's capabilities:

Method 1: Custom Code Injection (Easiest)

Best for: Wix, Squarespace, Framer, Webflow, Shopify

These platforms provide built-in settings for adding custom code to your site header without editing theme files. Navigate to the platform's custom code or site settings area and paste the Consently script.

Advantages:

• No file editing required

• Updates don't overwrite your code

• Simple copy-paste process

• No technical knowledge needed

Platform examples:

• Wix: Settings → Custom Code → Add Code to Header

• Squarespace: Settings → Advanced → Code Injection → Header

• Webflow: Site Settings → Custom Code → Head Code

Method 2: Theme File Editing (Most Control)

Best for: WordPress, Shopify, Joomla, Drupal, custom sites

Platforms that expose theme files let you add the Consently script directly to your theme's header template (usually header.php, theme.liquid, or index.html). This method provides the fastest load time but requires accessing theme files.

Advantages:

• Script loads immediately (no additional HTTP requests)

• Maximum control over placement

• Works with any platform that exposes code

Considerations:

• Theme updates may overwrite changes (use child themes when possible)

• Requires basic HTML knowledge

• File access permissions needed

Platform examples:

• WordPress: Appearance → Theme Editor → header.php (or use child theme)

• Shopify: Online Store → Themes → Edit Code → theme.liquid

Method 3: Google Tag Manager (Most Flexible)

Best for: Websites with multiple tracking scripts, marketing teams managing tags

Google Tag Manager centralizes all your tracking scripts in one interface. Install Consently as a Custom HTML tag that fires on all pages.

Advantages:

• Manage all tracking scripts from one dashboard

• Non-developers can update without code access

• Easy tag sequencing and consent mode integration

• Multiple environment support (staging, production)

Considerations:

• Slightly slower load time vs. direct HTML

• Requires existing GTM installation

• Must configure tag firing order correctly

Method 4: Plugins (Platform-Specific)

Best for: WordPress users who prefer plugin-based solutions

Some platforms have third-party plugins for adding header/footer code. WordPress users can use plugins like "Insert Headers and Footers" or "Head, Footer and Post Injections" to add the Consently script without editing theme files.

Advantages:

• No direct file editing

• Survives theme changes

• User-friendly interface

Considerations:

• Adds plugin dependency

• May increase site overhead

• Update compatibility required

CMS vs. Website Builder Differences

Understanding the distinction helps you choose the right installation guide:

Content Management Systems (CMS)

Examples: WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Ghost

Characteristics:

• Provide access to theme files and templates

• Allow direct code editing (with appropriate permissions)

• Support plugins/extensions for functionality

• Often self-hosted or managed hosting

Installation approach: Typically, theme file editing or plugins. Advanced users can add code to theme functions or header includes.

Website Builders

Examples: Wix, Squarespace, Webflow, Framer

Characteristics:

• Provide visual editing interfaces

• Limit direct code access (by design)

• Include built-in custom code injection features

• Fully hosted by the platform

Installation approach: Use the platform's custom code settings. These are specifically designed for adding tracking scripts like Consently.

E-Commerce Platforms

Examples: Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce (WordPress)

Characteristics:

• Combine CMS functionality with store management

• May have specific checkout/cart code injection areas

• Often restrict certain code modifications for security

• Support app/plugin ecosystems

Installation approach: Depends on the platform. Shopify uses theme file editing, WooCommerce follows WordPress methods, and BigCommerce provides custom code injection.

Finding Installation Settings

If your platform isn't listed in our guides, look for these common settings locations:

Settings to search for:

• Custom Code

• Code Injection

• Header Code

• Site Scripts

• Analytics & Tracking

• Advanced Settings → Custom HTML

• Theme Customization → Additional Scripts

Common menu paths:

• Settings → Advanced → Code Injection

• Design → Custom Code

• Site Settings → Scripts

• Marketing → Analytics

• Appearance → Theme Editor

If you can't find a code injection feature, your platform likely requires direct HTML installation by editing theme files or using GTM.

Platform Compatibility Matrix

What If Your Platform Isn't Listed?

If your website platform doesn't have a dedicated guide:

1. Try the general approach — Look for custom code injection settings in your platform's site settings or theme options

2. Check for header code features — Most modern platforms provide a way to add tracking scripts to the site header

3. Use Google Tag Manager — If your platform supports GTM, install Consently through GTM instead

4. Consult platform documentation — Search your platform's help docs for "custom code," "tracking scripts," or "Google Analytics installation" (the method is usually the same)

5. Contact support — Reach out to Consently support with your platform name, and we can provide specific guidance

Compatibility Guarantees

What's guaranteed:

• Consently script works on any website that executes JavaScript

• The script is tested across all major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)

• The banner displays correctly on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices

What's not guaranteed:

• Platform-specific admin interface instructions (platforms update their UIs regularly)

• Compatibility with heavily customized or outdated platform versions

• Integration with conflicting JavaScript libraries (rare but possible)

If you encounter compatibility issues, test your installation using browser developer tools to identify the problem.

What's Next

Choose your platform's installation guide:

1. For website builders — Select your platform: Dorik, Wix, Squarespace, Framer, Webflow

2. For CMS platforms — Select your platform: WordPress, Shopify, Other CMS

3. For tag management — Use Google Tag Manager

4. For custom sites — Use Direct HTML Installation