In the world of digital marketing, it’s important to understand all the various methods of tracking visitor interactions with your website or application.
One such method is server side tracking. In this article, we’ll give you a crash course on everything you need to know about server side tracking: what it is, how it works, and its advantages and disadvantages.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of server side tracking and be able to decide if it’s the right choice for your business.
Table Of Contents
What is server side tracking
Server-side tracking is a technique used to track user behavior by storing and analyzing data on the server rather than the user’s device.
This allows for more accurate data collection as it is not subject to the same limitations as client-side tracking, such as cross-device inconsistency and data loss.
Server-side tracking is typically used in conjunction with client-side tracking to provide a complete picture of user behavior. However, it can also be used on its own, particularly in cases where tracking data is sensitive and needs to be kept secure.
If you’re considering using server-side tracking for your business, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to have a reliable and secure server infrastructure in place. Second, you’ll need to be able to process and analyze large amounts.
What are the benefits of server side tracking?
The benefits of server side tracking are many and varied. By tracking user behavior on your website or application server, you can gain valuable insights into how your users interact with your content. This data can be used to improve the user experience, generate leads, or even drive sales.
Some of the benefits of server side tracking include:-
- Improved user experience: By understanding how your users interact with your content, you can make changes to improve the overall user experience. This could involve anything from changing the layout of your website to adding new features or content.
- Increased leads and sales: By understanding what your users want and need, you can make changes to your site or application that will drive leads and sales. This could involve adding new features or redesigning your checkout process.- Better understanding of your users: By tracking server side
How does server side tracking work?
There are a few different ways to track users on a website or application, but server side tracking is by far the most accurate. Server side tracking works by storing information about each user in a database on the server.
This means that every time a user visits the site, their information is retrieved from the database and used to track their activity.Server side tracking is more accurate than other methods because it doesn’t rely on cookies, which can be deleted by the user or blocked by their browser. It also doesn’t rely on IP addresses, which can be changed by the user or their ISP.
The downside of server side tracking is that it requires more infrastructure to set up and maintain. It also doesn’t work as well for users who are not logged in, as their information can’t be stored in the database.
What are some common challenges with server side tracking?
There are many common challenges with server side tracking, but some are more prevalent than others. One such challenge is session stitching, which occurs when a user visits your site from multiple devices or multiple browser tabs. This can cause inaccurate data collection, as each visit will be counted as a separate session.
Another common challenge is bot traffic. Bots are automated computer programs that can simulate human activity on a website. This can inflate your traffic numbers and skew your data.
Both of these challenges can be addressed with proper tracking configuration and filters. By setting up your tracking correctly, you can ensure that you’re collecting accurate data that represents real human activity on your site.
How can I get started with server side tracking
If you’re looking to get started with server side tracking, there are a few things you’ll need to do. First, you’ll need to identify the server you want to track. This can be done by looking at your web server’s logs or by using a tool like Pingdom. Once you’ve identified the server, you’ll need to install the appropriate tracking software.
For most servers, this will be Google Analytics.Once the software is installed, you’ll need to configure it to track the data you want to collect.
This will involve setting up filters and goals so that you can track the right data. Once the software is configured, you’ll need to make sure it’s running correctly. You can do this by checking the data that’s being collected and comparing it to your server’s logs.If everything looks good, you’re ready.
Conclusion
In conclusion, server-side tracking is a method of collecting and processing data about user interactions with a website or application by sending data to a server to be processed.
This approach can provide more accurate data compared to solely relying on client-side tracking methods, as it is not subject to browser limitations or ad-blockers. By combining both server-side and client-side tracking, businesses can gain a more complete understanding of user behavior and optimize their websites or applications accordingly.
