A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Do Not Sell My Info Page for WordPress

Establishing a trustworthy website begins with safeguarding visitor data. Privacy regulations such as GDPR and CCPA aim to assist with this, yet they can appear complex when navigating compliance. A common requirement is implementing a dedicated ‘Do Not Sell My Info’ page, which can be unclear for many site owners. Having explored various methods, a clear, actionable process exists that is accessible even for those new to WordPress.

This tutorial details a proven method for creating a professional ‘Do Not Sell My Info’ page within WordPress. It also covers how to manage user requests effectively, helping you protect visitor privacy and maintain adherence to global data protection standards.

The Importance of a ‘Do Not Sell My Info’ Page

This type of page provides a straightforward mechanism for users to opt out of having their personal information shared with external entities. While often a legal mandate, it also serves as an effective trust-building tool.

Some website operators mistakenly believe these laws are irrelevant if they are not directly selling products. However, under statutes like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the term “sell” extends beyond monetary exchange. It can encompass sharing user data with third parties for advertising, analytics, or tracking purposes, regardless of financial transaction.

For instance, utilizing advertising networks, tracking pixels, or embedded social media content may be interpreted as “selling” or “sharing” personal data under these broad definitions.

Given the expansive scope of these regulations, implementing a ‘Do Not Sell My Info’ page is a prudent measure to ensure compliance while empowering users with greater control over their information.

Adhering to these laws and providing genuine data control is a critical responsibility for site owners. Although specific requirements vary, most regulations necessitate offering users an option to opt out of third-party data sharing or sales.

This page is a specific requirement under the CCPA. While the GDPR does not explicitly name it, offering such a page can help fulfill its core principle of granting users control over data processing.

Beyond legal compliance, demonstrating a serious commitment to privacy can increase user engagement, email sign-ups, and conversion rates. Ultimately, a ‘Do Not Sell My Info’ page helps meet contemporary privacy expectations and enhances your site's credibility.

Creating a Do Not Sell My Info Page in WordPress

As privacy standards become more stringent, creating this page is increasingly seen as a necessary step for legal operation. The following steps outline a clear process for establishing this page on a WordPress site, including guidance on managing user submissions to maintain compliance.

Step 1. Configure a Privacy Compliance Plugin

A streamlined approach involves using a dedicated privacy compliance plugin. Many experienced developers recommend solutions that help meet key privacy standards by enhancing user control over personal data.

Such plugins typically include features like customizable cookie consent banners, privacy policy assistance, and consent logging for audit trails. They often offer a specific addon for creating a dedicated opt-out request form, which visitors can use to instruct you not to sell their information.

Submissions are usually stored in a dedicated database table on your site, allowing for prompt review and action.

Both free and premium versions of these plugins are available. The free versions often cover essential GDPR compliance features, while the premium tier may be required for specific addons like the Do Not Track functionality.

Once activated, the plugin typically presents an onboarding wizard to guide you through initial setup, which can usually be completed in just a few minutes. Proceeding through this setup helps configure important elements for compliance with various data protection laws.

Step 2: Create a Dedicated WordPress Page

While the form can be added to any page, creating a new, dedicated page is recommended for clarity and ease of management. Navigate to Pages » Add New in your WordPress admin area.

Assign a clear title, such as ‘Do Not Sell My Personal Information.’ You may also include explanatory text about the purpose of the page and how the information will be used. Once the page content is drafted, save it without publishing immediately.

Step 3: Enable the Do Not Track Addon

The core plugin provides tools for general privacy law compliance. To add the specific opt-out form, you will need to enable the corresponding addon. Within the WordPress admin, locate the plugin's menu and find the ‘Do Not Track’ section. There should be an option to install or activate this addon.

Step 4: Generate the ‘Do Not Sell My Info’ Form

Next, navigate to the configuration settings for the Do Not Track addon. Here, you will define where the form should appear. Use the provided dropdown menu labeled ‘Do Not Track Page’ to select the dedicated page you created earlier. This action will automatically insert a basic form template onto that page.

The default form usually includes several mandatory fields for user identification:

• First Name
• Last Name
• Email Address

These fields are typically required and cannot be removed, as they are necessary to process the opt-out request accurately. After configuring these settings, you can finalize and publish your dedicated page, making the form live for your visitors.