Google Tag Manager Server Side Tracking: Why This Data MATTERS to Every Business

Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about "Google Tag Manager Server Side Tracking And Why This Data MATTERS to every business."
Server-Side Google Tag Manager (sGTM) allows businesses to own their data collection infrastructure by processing tracking data through servers they control rather than through third-party domains. This is important because it provides more accurate tracking in an increasingly privacy-focused world where third-party tracking is being blocked by browsers and operating systems like iOS 14+.
First-party data is collected directly by your business through your own domain, making it clear to users who owns their data. Third-party data is collected by external domains (like Google's servers), which is less transparent to users and increasingly blocked by privacy initiatives like iOS 14+ and various browser restrictions.
Setting up server-side GTM requires more technical knowledge than standard GTM, including understanding of server provisioning and domain configuration. However, Google Cloud Platform offers a free tier with potential one-click provisioning, making it approachable for those willing to learn or work with someone technical.
Google Cloud Platform offers a free tier that's sufficient for 99.9% of use cases according to Google's documentation. For businesses concerned about GDPR compliance, specialized EU-based hosting services like gdpr-server-tracking.eu offer competitive pricing with additional privacy features.
iOS 14+ blocks tracking based on third-party domains like googletagmanager.com. Server-side GTM on your own domain (e.g., tracking.yourdomain.com) isn't on Apple's block list, allowing your tracking to continue functioning while respecting user privacy through transparent first-party data collection.
EU-based hosting like gdpr-server-tracking.eu provides servers physically located in the EU (Finland), eliminating data transfer risks under GDPR. Additionally, these specialized services offer enhanced features for hashing and filtering sensitive data, with no third-party access via cloud provider subprocessors.
Server-side GTM requires maintenance of the server operating system, security updates, and code updates. While Google Cloud Platform may offer some automatic update services, specialized hosting providers like gdpr-server-tracking.eu can handle this maintenance for you, allowing you to focus on your marketing efforts.
Businesses that implement server-side tracking now will have a significant advantage as privacy regulations continue to evolve. Owning your data infrastructure ensures you maintain accurate marketing data while respecting privacy regulations, giving you an edge over competitors who haven't adapted to these changes.