How to Set up Server-side Tagging with Google Tag Manager

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How to Set up Server-side Tagging with Google Tag Manager

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 Setting up server-side tagging with Google Tag Manager (GTM) allows you to move some or all of your tracking logic to a server, providing more control over data collection and improving website performance and security. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up server-side tagging with GTM:

 1. Understand Server-Side Tagging in GTM

  1. What is Server-Side Tagging?:
    • Server-side tagging involves sending data to a server first, where it’s processed and then sent to third-party services like Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel. This approach can help with data privacy, reduce client-side tracking code, and provide more control over data flow.
  2. Why Use Server-Side Tagging?:
    • Improved data privacy and security.
    • Reduced reliance on client-side processing, which can improve website performance.
    • More control over data flow and processing.

 2. Set Up a Server-Side Container in GTM

  1. Access Google Tag Manager:
  2. Create a New Server Container:
    • Click on “Admin” and then select “Create Container.”
    • Choose “Server-side container” as the container type and follow the prompts to set up your container.
  3. Configure Server Container Settings:
    • Enter a name and description for your server container.
    • Choose the appropriate data processing location based on your requirements.
  4. Save Your Server Container:
    • Click on “Create” to create your server-side container.

 3. Set Up Server Containers in Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

  1. Navigate to GCP Console:
  2. Create a New Project:
    • If you haven’t already created a project for server-side tagging, click on “Select a project” and then “New Project” to create one.
  3. Enable the Tag Manager API:
    • In your project settings, navigate to “APIs & Services” > “Library” and search for “Tag Manager API”. Enable it for your project.
  4. Create and Configure Server Containers:
    • Go to “Tag Manager API” under “APIs & Services” and select “Server Container.”
    • Follow the prompts to create and configure your server containers.

 4. Configure Tags and Triggers in Server-Side Container

  1. Access Server-Side Container in GTM:
    • In GTM, navigate to your server-side container by selecting it from the account list.
  2. Configure Tags and Triggers:
    • Set up tags and triggers in your server-side container as you would in a regular GTM container.
    • Use server-side templates provided by GTM or create custom templates to handle various tag configurations.

 5. Publish Your Server-Side Container

  1. Test Your Configuration:
    • Before publishing, thoroughly test your server-side container to ensure that tags are firing correctly and data is being processed as expected.
  2. Enter Preview Mode:
    • Click on “Preview” to enter preview mode in your server-side container and test your tags and triggers.
  3. Publish Your Container:
    • Once you’re satisfied with your configuration and testing, click on “Submit” and follow the prompts to publish your server-side container.

 6. Monitor and Maintain

  1. Monitor Data Flow:
    • Regularly monitor data flow and processing in your server-side container to ensure that tags are firing correctly and data is being sent to third-party services as expected.
  2. Maintenance and Updates:
    • Regularly update and maintain your server-side container to accommodate changes in your tracking requirements, third-party services, or data processing logic.

Setting up server-side tagging with Google Tag Manager provides more control over data collection, improves website performance and security, and enhances data privacy compliance. By following these steps, you can effectively configure and deploy server-side tagging in GTM, enabling more efficient and controlled data processing for your website or application. Regular monitoring and maintenance of your server-side container will ensure that your tracking setup remains accurate and up-to-date with your business needs.