Server-Side Tracking vs. Pixel Tracking - Which is Better?
A number of ecommerce organizations are turning to server-side monitoring as a way to improve their data collection processes. While it needs a lot more technical knowledge than normal GTM and might present added costs, it can result in higher accuracy and more trustworthy information


Pixel tracking uses an item of code to sign up conversions on your web site. It's simple to set up and less vulnerable to advertisement blockers.

1. A lot more precise data
The traditional approach of tracking conversions on an internet site, making use of pixels, is having problem with altering browser personal privacy plans. This indicates that the data being sent to Google Advertisements, Facebook Manager and other platforms is much less precise than it ought to be.

Server-side tracking is an extra safe option that helps to bypass these constraints, as it's packed from your own domain name and dealt with as first-party code, implying it's less most likely to be impacted by ad blockers or various other safety and security measures. This gives a lot more precise data and an extra total picture of customer journeys throughout channels.

In addition, this sort of tracking allows organizations to track conversions outside of the website, such as call and in-store check outs, which can be difficult for pixel-based monitoring. This versatility offers marketing experts much more possession over the data they send, and makes it much easier to adhere to numerous data regulations. It's likewise a lot much less susceptible to scams, as it's more difficult for deceitful actors to adjust the system by altering the postback link.

2. Better control over information.
Server-side tracking enables businesses to gather and enrich information before sending it to third-party analytics/advertising systems. This boosts data efficiency and accuracy, which can aid online marketers make even more informed advertising and marketing decisions.

Standard pixel tracking depends on JavaScript tracking codes that are positioned in site site visitors' browsers. These tracking codes are commonly blocked by ad blockers, which can cause data collection disruptions and imprecise results. Server-side monitoring enables companies to bypass these constraints and provide precise, regular data that is less at risk to interference.

This kind of monitoring also allows services to track conversions that take place outside of the website, like call and in-store purchases. This is very important given that new privacy plans such as Apple's Intelligent Monitoring Prevention (ITP) limit the life span of cookie-based monitoring pixels to 7 days. This is a key reason S2S is a lot more reliable for companies looking for to adjust to these adjustments.

3. Less susceptible to scams
Server-side monitoring enables companies to control information hauls prior to it reaches third party endpoints, enhancing safety and personal privacy. This is specifically important as different web browsers and systems significantly transform how they handle cookies. For instance, in iOS 14, Safari will just supply first-party cookie information and will certainly not permit pixel-based tracking. Using server-side tracking, you can bypass these limitations and continue to track conversions that occurred beyond your web site.

On top of that, server-side monitoring allows you to record customer data directly on your own servers. This eliminates dependence on third parties, which can be prone to breaches and privacy violations.

A server-side tracking system is a set of instructions that tells your site's server what events to tape-record. This data is then sent to analytics tools like Google Analytics and Facebook Business. It's also used to trigger event-based ads, such as retargeting. On the other hand, pixel monitoring is a different approach that makes use of a tiny item of code on your web page to gather data from individuals.

4. Simpler to execute
Server-side tracking is a data collection procedure that takes place on the web site's very own web server, bypassing web browser limitations. This means that information accumulated by the website/app is first sent out to the web server where it's processed and then forwarded to analytics devices like Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel.

The advantage of this technique is that it minimizes the range of data management and offers companies a lot more control over transmission, making it typically much more dependable. Therefore, it's much less susceptible to data challenges ad optimization software brought on by points like a damaged connection or an energetic advertisement blocker being set up.

With OWOX BI's Server-Side Tracking, your organization can gather real-time conversion data in the same way that you would certainly with pixels or a cookie, however this is then passed straight to your advertising and marketing tools on the server. This permits you to have more accurate information and assists guarantee conformity with personal privacy policies such as GDPR. Moreover, it additionally prevents the tracking constraints imposed by browsers and advertisement blockers.