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That whole server-side tracking debate (and why it's complicated)

Original: Server-Side Tag Management: Satan or Saviour?

Lukas Oldenburg
June 2, 2025
12 min read
Article
Intermediate
Server-Side Tag Management: Satan or Saviour?

Summary

This article provides an introduction to server-side tracking, highlighting the potential benefits and drawbacks of this approach compared to traditional client-side tracking. It covers the technical aspects of server-side data collection, including latency, schema, and cost trade-offs, as well as the implications for data privacy and compliance.

Who This Is For

Marketing Analysts
Technical Marketers
Analytics Engineers

Key Takeaways

  • Understand the fundamental difference between client-side and server-side tracking approaches
  • Learn why client-side tracking creates performance issues and privacy concerns for users
  • Discover how server-side tracking can improve site performance but reduces transparency
  • Grasp the trade-offs between data control and user privacy in modern tracking implementations

Tools & Technologies

Google Analytics Facebook Pixel Adobe Analytics Tag Management Systems Amplitude Apple ITP Ghostery Ad blockers

Topics Covered

server-side-tracking data-collection event-tracking data-privacy

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Topics

server-side-tracking data-collection event-tracking data-privacy