Tracklution vs. Server-Side Google Tag Manager
Tracklution is the Best GTM Server-Side Tagging Alternative if…
I don’t code, so server-side GTM is too complex and technical
I need a solution I can start using right away without hiring tech experts
I’m an agency looking for a scalable solution for server-side tracking
Improving ROAS for 1,000+ forward-thinking companies
Comparison: Tracklution vs. Server-Side GTM Features & Functionalities
The key difference between Tracklution and Google Tag Manager Server-Side Tagging can be summarized as follows:
Server-side Google Tag Manager is a self service package. Server container, server-side tagging, event data and tracking endpoints must be all manually configured, either by a skilled specialist or spending a hefty amount of time to learn how to do it. You also need to either host the server yourself or pay for it to Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or a third-party vendor.
In contrast, Tracklution provides full Server-Side Tracking as a Service. With Tracklution, you simply plug in your website and any other data sources, utilize the ready-made connectors to connect ads and analytics platforms, and you’re ready to go. Think of Tracklution as your extended team of technical tracking experts!
Server-Side Tagging with GTM
Setup time: Hundreds of hours
Setup requires technical expertise
Server-side tracking & Cloud hosting
Use your own subdomain for 1st-party context
Support for CMP & Consent Mode v2
Manual data layer setup
Connect offline data with manual configuration
Logging & debugging available with manual setup
Duplicate data recognition and automatic deduplication (manual configuration is possible)
Plug-and-Play CAPI connections
Automatic CAPI updates
Completely self-service
Pricing: Hosting starts at €120/m + implementation typically +10,000€ + maintenance work (weekly working hours depending on complexity) // Hosting cost can be reduced by utilising hosting service like Stape.io or TAGGRS
Companies with high needs for customization and available tech resources may prefer setting up server-side tagging manually from scratch with sGTM.
Tracklution
Setup time: 5-15 minutes
No-code tracking setup
Server-side tracking & Cloud hosting
Use your own subdomain for 1st-party context
Support for CMP & Consent Mode v2
Automatic or Manual Data layer setup
Seamless connection of offline data
Logging & debugging tools (included)
Duplicate data recognition and automatic deduplication
Plug-and-Play CAPI connections
Automatic CAPI updates
Support available for all plans
Pricing: Starts at €79/m All-inclusive server-side tracking tool
Companies looking to get started immediately and outsource all the technical parts of conversion tracking might find Tracklution's plug-and-play server-side tracking tool more suitable for their needs.
Implement Server-Side Tracking in a matter of minutes
30 days free trial – No credit card required
Deep dive into the
Differences between Tracklution and Server-Side Tagging with GTM
Server-side Google Tag Manager (sGTM) helps with technical implementation
Server-side Google Tag Manager (sGTM) requires both technical and analytics expertise to set up. You need to handle topics like setting up and managing a cloud server, configuring the server-side tagging environment, tag configuration, setting up API endpoints for data destinations, and taking care of load balancing for peak seasons.
Depending on the complexity, ongoing maintenance can range from a part-time to full-time commitment to ensure everything runs smoothly. This means you might need to hire a web analytics expert or have internal technical expertise, which can be time-consuming and require significant effort.
If you are a GTM/tracking professional who enjoys handling detailed configurations, admin work, and has the necessary skills, you may prefer this route. There are also numerous paid services that provide support for setting up, maintaining, developing, and troubleshooting server-side GTM implementations. There are also plenty of resources for self-learning GTM server-side tagging, and we recommend Simo Ahava's blog as a good starting point! 🌟
Server-side GTM is suitable for:
- GTM & conversion tracking specialists who enjoy and have the expertise to configure tracking setups.
- Businesses with in-house technical resources or the ability to hire external help.
- Organizations that have more customization needs over their tracking configuration and are willing to invest the time and effort required for setup and maintenance
Tracklution is an "all-in-one" conversion tracking solution
Tracklution is a comprehensive solution for conversion tracking, offering server-side tracking as a service. It combines all tracking features into one simple tool, with Tracklution managing all the technical aspects for you.
This eliminates the need for hiring technical staff to set up and maintain the system, manage cloud servers, and take care of API updates. Tracklution provides pre-built connections to various ad platforms and analytics, ready for immediate use, and naturally takes care of auto-scaling to ensure your tracking works smoothly also in the peak sales seasons.
The no-code, plug-and-play nature of Tracklution makes it easy to install and use, with detailed documentation and support available.
Tracklution is suitable for:
- Companies seeking a quick, self-install tracking solution.
- Organizations that want to avoid technical maintenance and hiring additional personnel.
- Businesses in need of a user-friendly, all-in-one tracking system requiring minimal ongoing effort.
- See yourself by watching the tutorial video below!
Comparing Tracklution and sGTM from an Agency Perspective
In a Nutshell: Tracklution is ideal for agencies looking for a scalable, easy-to-use, and comprehensive conversion tracking solution without investing into technical expertise for implementation and maintenance.
In contrast, sGTM is suited for agencies with technical teams capable of handling complex, customized server-side tagging projects for larger enterprises (– some agencies have even built separate in-house tech teams for this).
sGTM for Agencies
Setup time: >5 days per client
Setup requires technical expertise
All ad platform connections and CAPIs need to be set up and configured separately
Fully self-service (courses and documentation available)
Supports various businesses like eCommerce, LeadGen, B2B, SaaS, subscription business
Billing: Flexible (client or agency)
Accounts & login: Supports agency account and account sharing with team
Preferred by agencies with tech resources capable of configuring and supporting larger server-side tagging projects for enterprises with customization needs.
Tracklution for Agencies
Setup time: ~5-15 minutes per client
No technical knowledge required
Included Connectors: GA4, Google Ads, Meta Conversion API, TikTok, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Bing
On-demand training and support
Supports various businesses like eCommerce, LeadGen, B2B, SaaS, subscription business
Billing: Flexible (client or agency card)
Accounts & login: Agency account incl. team access, possibility to grant access rights for clients
Preferred by agencies focused on delivering top-notch conversion tracking without specializing in setups and maintenance of complex tracking infrastructures.
Agency partnerships: – Revenue sharing – Whitelabel options – Tailored partner packages (features & pricing)
Get better results for your customers and scale your agency
Use Server-Side Tracking, First-Party Cookies and Conversion APIs of multiple ad platforms in your client projects without any technical work. Tracklution can be installed on any website in a matter of minutes.
What is Server-Side Tracking?
Traditional client-side tagging is becoming less reliable due to challenges such as ad blockers, iOS 14+ privacy updates, and other tracking restrictions. As digital marketing increasingly depends on algorithmic bidding and optimization, having accurate, data quality is crucial. Without it, businesses may see reduced performance and higher customer acquisition costs.
To maintain a competitive edge, many marketers and e-commerce businesses are turning to server-side tracking (or server-side tagging), which collects first-party data from your website and transmits it to ad platforms via their Conversion APIs. This method is also beneficial for businesses with offline sales, allowing them to incorporate data from offline sales into digital advertising algorithms.
However, setting up server-side tracking can be technically demanding. That’s why we created Tracklution: a solution for marketers who want to focus on optimizing digital marketing results without dealing with complex technical setups.
Benefits of Server-Side Tagging:
– Overcome Tracking Challenges: Bypass restrictions from ad blockers, iOS tracking prevention, and more, while respecting user privacy without third-party cookies.
– Accurate Conversion Tracking: Increases tracking accuracy by 30-50%, leading to lower customer acquisition costs and better marketing performance.
– Greater Control and Compliance: Provides control over customer data (PII), ensuring staying compliant with regulations like GDPR and CCPA.
– User-Friendly Website: Reduce the amount of HTTP requests and JavaScript load user’s browser, get faster load times, smoother user experience, improved SEO, and better conversion rates.
Step-by-step quide: Implementing Server-Side Tracking with Tracklution
Step 1
Install Tracking to Your Website
5-15 min
Install Tracklution pixels just as you would install any tracking pixel. This enables collecting and processing data server-side and delivering it to Ad Platforms via their Conversion APIs.
You can utilise the few-click Shopify App and WooCommerce Plugin or your existing GTM (the existing tagging setup, triggers, data layer, and GTM templates can be utilized – no need for server-side GTM container).
Our users typically see their conversion reporting go from 40-70% up to 100% accuracy.
Where do you want to install Tracklution?
Step 2
Enable Custom Domain
3 min
Enable 1st-party data collection and 1st-party cookies with a simple CNAME addition in the domain's DNS settings.
This helps you in better attribution, recognising returning users, and bypassing ad blockers and similar tracking prevention techniques. This step is optional, yet highly recommended.
Step 3
Connect Ad Platforms
3 minutes
In Tracklution Dashboard you can easily connect all the needed Ad Platforms and their Conversion APIs code-free via a simple UI.
Tracklution provides seamless connections to major platforms like Google Ads, Meta Conversion API (Facebook & Instagram), TikTok, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Bing, and Google Analytics 4.
🎉Voilà, you're all done and tracked event data starts flowing via server to ad platforms!
Voilà, you're all done and tracked event data starts flowing via server to ad platforms!
Seamless Conversion Tracking with Ready-Made Connectors
Server-Side Tracking, First-Party Cookies and Conversion APIs for any website with easy installation. Simple yet powerful tracking tool for digital advertising. Deliver better and more data to ad platforms with Tracklution.
Google Ads
Google Ads API
Meta Conversion API
TikTok
TikTok Events API
Google Analytics 4
GA4 Measurement Protocol
Meta Conversion API
LinkedIn Conversions API
Snapchat
Snap Conversions API (CAPI)
Microsoft Ads
Microsoft Ads
Webhooks
Send data to any URL
And More
Try it yourself!
Conclusion:
Pros and Cons of Tracklution and GTM for Server-Side Tracking
Choosing the right server-side tracking solution depends on your business needs and technical capabilities.
Tracklution offers a no-code, fully managed solution perfect for those wanting simplicity and efficiency. It provides easy integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, and other platforms, allowing you to focus on your core business without the technical hassle.
In contrast, Google Tag Manager server container (sGTM) is ideal for businesses with complex needs and sufficient technical resources, offering flexibility and customization at the cost of a more hands-on setup and maintenance.
TL;DR: Quick questions and answers
What is server-side tracking?
Server-side tracking enables first-party data collection directly from your website, transmitting tracking events to ad platforms through their Conversion APIs. This method avoids issues caused by iOS updates, ad blockers, and privacy-focused browsers, ensuring more accurate data and optimizing your paid advertising efforts.
Why should I switch to server-side tracking?
Switching to server-side tracking delivers more accurate data, enhances conversion tracking by 30-50%, and lowers customer acquisition costs. It also boosts website performance by reducing the JavaScript load on the client-side, improves user experience, and helps with compliance by offering better control over data collection practices.
Who should use Tracklution?
Tracklution is perfect for businesses seeking to automate and simplify the technical side of server-side tracking. Its plug-and-play solution requires minimal setup and maintenance, allowing you to save time and money while optimizing tracking.
Who should use sGTM?
Server-side Google Tag Manager (sGTM) is designed for businesses with complex tracking needs and the technical capacity to manage manual setup, ongoing monitoring, and regular maintenance.
What are the key benefits of using Tracklution?
Tracklution provides a fast, no-code setup, automatic Conversion API updates, and seamless integration with major ad platforms. It’s a convenient, hassle-free solution for implementing server-side tracking.
What are the key benefits of using sGTM?
sGTM offers the flexibility of Google Tag Manager, enabling highly customized tracking setups. It’s ideal for businesses that need tailored tracking configurations and have the resources to manage ongoing technical maintenance.
What platforms does Tracklution support?
Tracklution seamlessly integrates with platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and your existing GTM web container to gather data from your website. Additionally, you can import data from other sources like Stripe, CDP, CRM, and booking systems. On the outgoing data side, Tracklution supports key advertising platforms including Google Ads conversion tracking, social media channels like Facebook Conversion API, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, LinkedIn, and Bing, along with comprehensive tracking through Google Analytics 4.
Do you have customer support?
Absolutely! We’re here to help whenever you need assistance. You can easily reach out to us by sending a message through the chat in the bottom right corner of the page or by emailing us at support@tracklution.com.
Try it out yourself!
30 days free trial – No credit card required