Do You Need Server Side Tagging? A Decision Guide for GDPR Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about "Do You Need Server Side Tagging?"
Server-side tagging is a method of collecting and processing tracking data on a server rather than in the user's browser. You might need it if you're experiencing marketing data loss, operating under privacy regulations like GDPR, or want to future-proof your tracking against browser restrictions.
According to the video, hiring a consultant to implement server-side tagging can cost between $5,000-$10,000. However, more affordable options exist, such as EU-based hosting services like gdpr-server-tracking.eu that offer competitive pricing while maintaining compliance.
Server-side tagging enables more compliant data collection by allowing you to process data server-side, filter sensitive information before sending it to third parties, and maintain better control over what data is shared. This helps meet GDPR requirements while still preserving valuable marketing insights.
For small businesses, the decision depends on several factors: if you're experiencing revenue loss from data tracking issues, if you're in a growth phase, or if you operate under privacy regulations like GDPR. If you're spending even a few thousand dollars monthly on advertising, server-side tagging can provide a positive ROI.
For optimal GDPR compliance, hosting your server-side tagging on EU-based servers with EU ownership is recommended. Services like gdpr-server-tracking.eu offer hosting in Finland on EU-owned infrastructure (Hetzner), eliminating data transfer risks while providing enhanced privacy features like parameter filtering and data hashing.
Server-side tagging is more resistant to browser restrictions, cookie blocking, and ad blockers than client-side methods. By implementing it now, you're establishing a more reliable data collection infrastructure that will likely face fewer limitations as privacy regulations and browser policies continue to evolve.
EU-based server-side tagging solutions offer stronger GDPR compliance through EU data residency, EU-owned infrastructure, and no third-party cloud provider involvement. This approach eliminates international data transfer concerns while providing enhanced privacy features and often more competitive pricing than major cloud platforms.
Yes, server-side tagging can help recover lost conversion data by using first-party cookies and server-side processing to track user interactions even when third-party cookies are blocked. This is particularly valuable for businesses advertising online in regions with strict privacy regulations like GDPR or CCPA.