Tracklution vs. Stape.io for Server-Side Tracking
Tracklution is the Best Stape Alternative if…
I don’t code, so server-side Google Tag Manager 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
8 minute read | Last updated: Oct 4, 2024
Comparison: Tracklution vs. Stape.io Features & Functionalities
The key difference between Tracklution and Stape.io can be summarized as follows:
Stape.io offers managed hosting for tagging server (with Google Tag Manager). This simplifies the process of setting up and managing server space, but everything around the actual conversion tracking needs to be configured specifically to fit your tracking needs. You most probably need to hire a technical tracking expert.
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!
Stape.io hosting & GTM Server-Side
Setup time: From weeks to months
Setup requires technical expertise
Server-side tracking & cloud hosting
Use your own domain or service provider’s domain
Support for CMP & Consent Mode v2
Manual data layer setup
Connect offline data with manual configuration
Logging & debugging tools (paid addon)
Duplicate data recognition and automatic deduplication (manual configuration is possible)
Plug-and-Play CAPI connections
Automatic CAPI updates
Support not available in the lowest tiers
Pricing: Hosting starts at €20/m + implementation starts at 2000€ + maintenance work (starts at 500€/m)
Companies with high needs for customization and available tech resources may prefer setting up server-side tagging manually from scratch with sGTM & Stape combination.
Tracklution
Setup time: 5-30 minutes
No-code tracking setup
Server-side tracking & cloud hosting
Use your own domain or service provider’s domain
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 Stape.io
Stape.io is a hosting solution for server Google Tag Manager (sGTM)
You can set up a server container in a matter of minutes, and they will manage the server infrastructure for you. This results in lower hosting costs compared to self-servicing in Google Cloud.
However, the responsibility for configuring the actual server-side tagging lies with you. This means you might need to hire a web analytics expert or have in-house technical resources, which can take considerable time and effort. Stape has several handy addons, though, to make this process a bit easier.
If you are a GTM/tracking expert who enjoys configuring all the details and has the expertise to do so efficiently, you might choose this option. Additionally, there are various paid services that offer support with sGTM setup, maintenance, development, and troubleshooting.
Stape.io 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 an "all-in-one" conversion tracking solution, providing server-side tracking as a service. With Tracklution, you get everything in one, simple tool, and all technical aspects of tracking are maintained by Tracklution.
This means you don't have to hire a technical person to set it up, maintain the system, or handle further development such as adding new platforms. You also don't need to manage servers or update Conversion API connections.
Tracklution provides a library of ready-made connections to ad platforms and analytics tools for you to utilize. The solution is entirely no-code, plug-and-play, allowing you to install it yourself with ease. Tracklution also offers extensive documentation and support.
Tracklution is suitable for:
- Companies looking for a plug-and-play method that they can install themselves in a matter of minutes.
- Organizations that prefer not to hire technical personnel or handle technical maintenance.
- Businesses that want a comprehensive, easy-to-use tracking solution with minimal ongoing effort.
Comparing Tracklution and Stape.io 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, Stape.io is suited for agencies with technical teams capable of handling complex, customized server-side tracking projects for larger enterprises (– some agencies have even built separate in-house tech teams for this).
Stape.io for Agencies
Setup time: >5 days per client
Setup requires technical expertise
Included Connectors: GA4, Google Ads, Facebook Conversion API
On-demand training and support
Supports various businesses like eCommerce, LeadGen, B2B, SaaS, subscription business
Billing: Flexible (client or agency card)
Accounts & login: Supports agency account and account sharing with team
Preferred by agencies with tech resources capable of configuring and supporting larger server-side tracking projects for enterprises with customization needs.
Agency partnerships: – Revenue sharing – Whitelabel options
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 tracking has become less effective due to limitations like ad blockers, iOS 14+ devices, and other tracking preventions. As digital marketing increasingly relies on algorithmic bidding, high-quality data is essential. Without proper data, businesses face lower results and higher customer acquisition costs.
To stay competitive, marketers and e-commerce businesses shift to server-side tracking (or server-side tagging). This approach gathers first-party data on your website and sends tracking events to ad platforms via their Conversion APIs. It also benefits businesses with offline elements, enabling them to integrate real-world sales data into the ad algorithms.
However, implementing server-side tracking can be technically challenging, even with tools like server-side Google Tag Manager and hosting services like Stape.io and TAGGRS. That’s why we created Tracklution: a tool for marketers who want to focus on achieving top-notch digital marketing performance without the technical hassle.
Benefits of Server-Side Tracking:
– 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, ensuring staying GDPR compliant and other similar regulations.
– User-Friendly Website: Get faster load times, smoother user experience, improved SEO, and better conversion rates by reducing the JavaScript load of your website.
Step by step guide: How to implement 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 (no need for server-side container – the existing tags, triggers, data layer, and Tracklution’s GTM templates can be utilized).
Our users typically see their conversion reporting go from 40-70% 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 tracking data starts flowing via server to ad platforms!
Voilà, you're all done and tracking 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 Stape.io 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, Stape.io with 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 gathers first-party data directly on your website and sends tracking events to ad platforms via Conversion APIs. This approach bypasses restrictions from iOS devices, ad blockers, and privacy-focused browsers, providing more accurate data and making your paid advertising more efficient.
Why should I switch to server-side tracking?
Server-side tracking offers more accurate data, improves conversion tracking by 30-50%, and helps reduce customer acquisition costs. It also improves website performance, enhances user experience by reducing JavaScript load in your website, ensures compliance with regulations like GDPR, and provides better control over data collection.
Who should use Tracklution?
Tracklution is ideal for businesses looking to automate and outsource the technical aspects of server-side tracking. It provides a simple, plug-and-play solution with minimal setup and maintenance.
Who should use Stape.io with sGTM?
Stape.io with server-side Google Tag Manager is suited for companies with complex customization needs and sufficient technical resources to handle manual setup, constant monitoring and maintenance.
What are the key benefits of using Tracklution?
Tracklution offers quick setup, no coding required, automatic updates for Conversion APIs, and simple integrations with major ad platforms, making it a hassle-free solution for server-side tracking.
What are the key benefits of using Stape.io with sGTM?
Stape.io provides the flexibility of Google technology, allowing for custom configurations and manual setups. It’s suitable for businesses that need a highly customizable tracking solution and have the resources to manage it.
What platforms does Tracklution support?
Tracklution integrates easily with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and your existing GTM container, for collecting data from your website. You can also bring in data from other sources like Stripe, CDP, CRM, and booking systems. For outgoing data, Tracklution supports major ad platforms like Google Ads conversion tracking, social media like Facebook Conversion API, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, LinkedIn, and Bing, accompanied by Google Analytics 4.
Do you offer support?
Yes! We are happy to assist you whenever you are in a need of a hand. Feel free to send us a chat message in the bottom right corner of this page or email us at support@tracklution.com.
Try it out yourself!
30 days free trial – No credit card required