With the upcoming stricter regulations surrounding cookies and privacy, it's becoming increasingly difficult for Shopify merchants to reliably collect and analyze data. This is where server-side tagging comes in. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it essential for your online store?
What is Server-Side Tagging?
Server-side tagging is a method where tracking and data collection takes place not through the browser (client-side), but through a server. Instead of tracking scripts like those from Google Analytics or the Facebook Pixel running directly on your website, they are handled by a separate server.
This offers benefits such as better data protection, improved webshop speed, and more accurate data. For Shopify stores, this means a more reliable way to measure the performance of their marketing campaigns.
Why is it necessary for Shopify stores?
1. Upcoming cookie regulations
New privacy laws make it more difficult to use cookies and collect data through browsers. Server-side tagging helps you comply with this by processing data in a compliant manner, without relying on browser cookies.
❌ Safari and Firefox have been blocking third-party cookies since the Apple iOS 14.3 update in 2021.
❌ Google Chrome will phase out third-party cookies this year, reaching 100% by Q1 2025. 😱
❌ Due to Apple’s Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP), cookies are stored for a maximum of 7 days.
✅ With Server-Side Tagging you can extend this to an unlimited duration, allowing returning visitors to be recognized.
2. Improved data quality
Browsers are increasingly blocking tracking cookies, leading to data loss (100% blocked as of Q1 2025!). With server-side tagging, you can ensure that important information such as conversions and customer behavior is still accurately tracked.
3. Faster webshop
Because tracking no longer happens in the browser, your pages load faster. This is not only good for the user experience but also for your SEO performance.
How does Server-Side Tagging work?
With Server-Side Tagging, a dedicated server is set up, usually via a cloud platform like Google Cloud. This hosts a tag manager container that handles all tracking and measurement activities. For Shopify stores, this server is configured to work with your existing tools, such as Google Analytics, Meta Ads, and other marketing platforms.
What are the benefits specifically for Shopify merchants?
✅ Better integration with Shopify apps: Many Shopify apps work better with Server-Side Tagging because they rely less on browser data.
✅ Lower advertising costs: More accurate data means better optimization of your ads, which can increase your ROI.
✅ Customer Data Protection: Customers are becoming increasingly privacy-conscious, and Server-Side Tagging helps you process their data securely.
How to Implement Server-Side Tagging in Your Shopify Store?
Setting up the DataLayer is the foundation of a good tracking setup. If it's not configured correctly (which unfortunately happens all too often), the data will incorrectly end up in Google Tag Manager, GA4, and advertising channels like Meta and Google Ads.
For an ultimate tracking setup, these 4 components are essential:
Server-Side Tagging
DataLayer
Privacy (Consent Management Platform)
Measurement Protocol
Implementation can be complex, but with the right partners, it's a breeze.
So choose the complete solution specifically developed for Shopify stores with proprietary DataLayer technology for maximum control;
Plug & Play DataLayer +
Server-Side Tagging Tools
With the goal of increasing your ROAS and providing insight into your customer journey! Although we prefer to call it POAS (Profit On Ad Spend).
Is it worth the investment?
For Shopify merchants who rely on data to optimize their marketing, Server-Side Tagging is a smart investment. It offers a future-proof data collection solution, improves your online store performance, and ensures compliance with the latest regulations.
✅ No more browser blockages. Because you'll be working with first-party data, browser blockages are no longer an obstacle.
✅ Comprehensive data. It's estimated that approximately 30-50% more e-commerce and user data will be available in channels like GA4, Google Ads, TikTok, Pinterest, and Meta.
✅ Scale and optimize more efficiently. Both marketers and advertising platform algorithms will use the data to manage and optimize campaigns.
🚫 Scale and optimize more efficiently. Both marketers and advertising platform algorithms will use the data to manage and optimize campaigns.
👌100% tracking implementation guarantee
That's why we, together with our partners, offer a 100% guarantee that Server-Side Tagging is implemented correctly so that you can measure all data.
Conclusion
Server-side tagging is a game-changer for Shopify merchants. It puts an end to the era of pixel tracking!
With upcoming changes in cookie legislation, it's NOW to take action.
By switching to this method, you'll not only ensure a faster and more secure webshop, but also more reliable data.
Reliable marketing data ensures you recoup your investment in no time.
Stop wasting your advertising budget and choose the ultimate solution today!
Do you want to know how well or poorly your current webshop can measure its data based on the new rules?
👉 FREE ANALYSIS
Request your comprehensive FREE TRACKING ANALYSIS of your current webshop today.
© Ecom Pirates®