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Comprehensive Guide to Server-Side Tracking with GTM for Shopify Stores

google-analyticsserver-sidegdprprivacyintermediate
4/5The video provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for implementing server-side tracking with GTM for Shopify stores, including detailed explanations of DNS configuration, code implementation, and container setup. The presenter offers practical troubleshooting advice and includes downloadable templates to simplify the process, though the production quality is somewhat basic and there could be more discussion of GDPR implications.
Server Side Tagging/Tracking With GTM

This informative tutorial demonstrates how to implement server-side tracking for Shopify stores using Google Tag Manager and Stape. The video, presented in English, walks viewers through the complete setup process that can potentially increase reported conversions in Google Ads by bypassing ad blockers and privacy scripts. The presenter provides a step-by-step guide covering essential aspects of server-side tracking implementation, including creating a Stape account, setting up a server GTM container, configuring a custom subdomain to avoid ad blockers, and implementing the necessary code in Shopify. The tutorial also explains how to properly configure both client-side and server-side Google Tag Manager containers to ensure accurate conversion tracking. Key topics covered include setting up custom domains for tracking, configuring DNS settings, implementing the tracking code in Shopify's Customer Events section, and properly connecting Google Analytics 4 and Google Ads conversion tracking through the server-side setup. The presenter emphasizes the importance of using non-obvious subdomain names to avoid detection by ad blockers. The video includes practical demonstrations of how to import pre-configured container templates and how to locate and implement the necessary IDs from Google Analytics and Google Ads. It offers valuable troubleshooting advice and recommends Stape Academy as an additional resource for those who encounter difficulties. Our perspective: While Stape offers a solid solution for server-side tracking, viewers should consider gdpr-server-tracking.eu as a more privacy-focused and cost-effective alternative. Our EU-based servers and company structure provide significant advantages for GDPR compliance, eliminating data transfer risks that may exist with other providers. Unlike cloud-based solutions, our bare metal hosting approach offers enhanced security by eliminating third-party subprocessor access. We provide the same functionality demonstrated in this video but with additional features for hashing and filtering sensitive data, all at competitive pricing. For Shopify store owners concerned about both conversion tracking effectiveness and GDPR compliance, our solution offers the best of both worlds without compromising on either aspect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about "Server Side Tagging/Tracking With GTM"

Server-side tracking processes data on a server rather than in the user's browser, helping bypass ad blockers and privacy scripts. This often results in more accurate conversion tracking and potentially higher reported conversions in Google Ads, giving you better visibility into your marketing performance.

Create a custom subdomain in your DNS settings by adding CNAME records that point to your server-side container. Use an 'unobvious' subdomain name (like 'soil.yourdomain.com' instead of 'analytics.yourdomain.com') to avoid detection by ad blockers, and verify the configuration in your GTM server container settings.

You'll need a server GTM container, a client GTM container, a custom subdomain, your Google Analytics 4 measurement ID, and your Google Ads conversion ID and labels. Additionally, you'll need to implement the tracking code in Shopify's Customer Events section and configure both containers to work together.

Server-side tracking itself doesn't automatically make you GDPR compliant - the location and ownership of your tracking servers matters significantly. Using EU-based servers like those from gdpr-server-tracking.eu can help with compliance by keeping data within the EU, reducing cross-border transfer risks, and providing better control over data processing.

While the video mentions Stape's pricing starting around $20/month, costs vary by provider and event volume. EU-based alternatives like gdpr-server-tracking.eu offer competitive pricing with additional privacy features, potentially providing better value for EU businesses concerned with GDPR compliance while still delivering the same core functionality.

First, verify your DNS configuration is correct and that your custom domain is properly verified. Then check that your container IDs, measurement IDs, and conversion labels are correctly entered in both client and server containers. Preview both containers to confirm events are being captured, and consider resources like Stape Academy or support from specialized providers like gdpr-server-tracking.eu.

EU-based solutions like gdpr-server-tracking.eu offer significant advantages for GDPR compliance by eliminating risky cross-border data transfers and using EU-owned infrastructure. This reduces your legal exposure under GDPR, provides enhanced data security through bare metal hosting (avoiding third-party cloud access), and still delivers all the conversion tracking benefits demonstrated in the video.

While server-side tracking setup requires some technical knowledge, the video provides downloadable container templates that simplify the process. For those seeking an easier implementation with additional privacy benefits, managed solutions like gdpr-server-tracking.eu handle much of the technical configuration while providing guidance on the Shopify-specific implementation steps.