What is Server Side Tracking and how can I use it?

Server-side tracking refers to the process of collecting and analyzing data about users' interactions with a website or application on the server side, as opposed to the client side. In other words, the data is collected and processed on the server where the website or application is hosted, instead of on the user's device.

When a user visits a website or uses an application, their interactions with the site are recorded and sent to the server for processing. This data can include information such as page views, clicks, form submissions, and other interactions. Server-side tracking allows for more accurate and reliable data collection, as it eliminates potential issues such as data loss due to browser settings or ad blockers.

Server-side tracking is also more secure than client-side tracking, as the data is collected and stored on the server and is not accessible to the user. This can be useful for websites and applications that deal with sensitive information, such as financial or personal data.

Server-side tracking is typically done using server-side libraries, APIs or frameworks and the data is stored in a data warehouse, data lake or a specific database. This data can then be analyzed using various tools and techniques, such as SQL queries, data visualization software, and machine learning algorithms, to gain insights into user behavior and improve the website or application.

How can you implement server side tracking?

There are several ways to implement server-side tracking, depending on the specific website or application and the type of data being collected. Some common methods include:

1. Server-side libraries: Using libraries such as Google Analytics, Piwik, and Adobe Analytics, which can be integrated into a website or application to collect and analyze data on the server side.

2. APIs: Developing custom APIs to collect data from a website or application and send it to a server for processing.

3. Server-side frameworks: Using frameworks such as Node.js or Ruby on Rails to create custom tracking solutions for a website or application.

4. Webhooks: A webhook is a way for an app to provide other applications with real-time information. It's a simple event-notification via HTTP, and it allows you to get data from an application to another, in this case, your tracking solution.

5. Cloud-based solutions: Using cloud-based platforms such as Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, or Microsoft Azure to host and process tracking data.

Once the data is collected, it can be stored in a data warehouse, data lake, or a specific database, and then analyzed using various tools and techniques such as SQL queries, data visualization software, and machine learning algorithms. The data can be used to gain insights into user behavior and improve the website or application.

It is important to note that server-side tracking implementation can vary depending on the system architecture and infrastructure. Also, before starting to implement server-side tracking, it's important to define what data should be tracked, how it will be used and how it will be protected.

Why should a company implement server side tracking?

There are several reasons why a company might choose to implement server-side tracking:

1. Data accuracy: Server-side tracking can provide more accurate and reliable data than client-side tracking, as it eliminates potential issues such as data loss due to browser settings or ad blockers.

2. Data security: Server-side tracking can be more secure than client-side tracking, as the data is collected and stored on the server and is not accessible to the user. This can be useful for websites and applications that deal with sensitive information, such as financial or personal data.

3. Flexibility: Server-side tracking allows for greater flexibility in terms of the types of data that can be collected and analyzed. It can also be customized to meet specific needs, such as tracking user behavior across multiple devices.

4. Real-time data: Server-side tracking allows for real-time data processing and analysis, which can help a company to quickly identify and address any issues that may arise.

5. Integration: Server-side tracking allows for easy integration with other systems and tools, such as data warehouses, data lakes, and machine learning platforms, which can be used to gain deeper insights into user behavior and improve the performance of the website or application.

6. Compliance: Server-side tracking can help a company to comply with data protection regulations such as GDPR and CCPA, as the data is processed and stored on servers located within the company's control.

Overall, server-side tracking can provide a company with valuable insights into user behavior and help them to improve the performance of their website or application. It also allows them to better protect the data they collect and comply with data protection regulations.

Can server side tracking be implemented on all website CMS?

Server-side tracking can be implemented on most website Content Management Systems (CMS), but the specific methods and tools used will depend on the particular CMS and the type of website or application being tracked.

For example, if the website is built using a popular CMS such as WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal, there are pre-built plugins or modules that can be used to implement server-side tracking. These plugins and modules can be easily installed and configured to work with the website, and can be used to track user behavior and collect data.

If the website is built using a custom CMS or a framework such as Ruby on Rails, Node.js, or Laravel, the implementation of server-side tracking will require more custom development. This can include creating custom APIs, libraries, and frameworks to collect and process data, and integrating these with the existing website or application.

It's worth mentioning that some proprietary CMS may have limitations on the amount of data that can be collected or processed on the server side, and may require a specific implementation approach.

In general, server-side tracking can be implemented on most websites and applications, but the specific methods and tools used will depend on the particular CMS and the type of website or application being tracked.

What are the risks of server side tracking?

There are several risks associated with server-side tracking that companies should be aware of before implementing it:

1. Data breaches: As the data is collected and stored on the server, if the server is compromised, the data can be accessed by unauthorized parties, leading to potential data breaches and loss of sensitive information.

2. Privacy concerns: Server-side tracking can raise privacy concerns, as it involves the collection and storage of data about users' interactions with a website or application. Companies need to ensure that they are collecting only the necessary data, and that they have obtained the appropriate consent from users.

3. Technical complexity: Implementing server-side tracking can be technically complex, especially for websites or applications that are built using custom CMS or frameworks. This can increase the cost and time required for implementation, and may require specialized skills and resources.

4. Scalability issues: As the amount of data collected and processed increases, the server infrastructure may not be able to handle the load, leading to scalability issues and potential downtime.

5. Compliance: Server-side tracking may require compliance with data protection regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA, which can be complex and costly to implement.

6. Misuse of data: Companies should ensure that the data collected through server-side tracking is only used for legitimate business purposes, and that it is not shared or sold to third parties without the appropriate consent.

It's important to note that these risks can be mitigated by implementing proper security measures, such as encryption and access controls, and by following best practices for data privacy and compliance. Companies should also have a clear understanding of the data they are collecting, why they need it and how it will be used.

How is the data displayed when using server side tracking?

When using server-side tracking, the data collected is typically displayed in a variety of formats, depending on the specific needs of the company and the type of data being analyzed. Some common methods of displaying data include:

1. Dashboards: Data can be displayed in a dashboard format, which provides an easy-to-use interface for viewing key metrics and performance indicators. Dashboards can be customized to display different data sets and can be configured to show real-time or historical data.

2. Reports: Data can be generated in the form of reports, which can be exported in various formats such as PDF, CSV, and Excel. Reports can be used to provide a detailed analysis of specific data sets, such as user behavior or website performance.

3. Data visualization: Data can be displayed using visualization tools such as charts, graphs, and maps, which can be used to represent data in a way that is easy to understand. This can help to identify patterns and trends in the data, and can be used to make data-driven decisions.

4. APIs: The data can be accessed through APIs that can be consumed by other systems or applications. This allows other systems to access the data directly, and can be useful for integrating server-side tracking data with other tools and platforms.

5. Alerts: Data can be configured to trigger alerts, which can be sent via email or other methods. This can be useful for identifying and addressing issues in real-time.

It's important to note that the data can be displayed in a variety of ways, and the best way to display the data will depend on the specific needs of the company and the type of data being analyzed. It's also important to keep in mind that the data should be displayed in a way that is easy to understand for the intended audience, and provide actionable insights.

Can server side tracked data be imported into a Google Data Dashboard?

Yes, data collected through server-side tracking can be imported into a Google Data Studio Dashboard. Google Data Studio is a data visualization tool that allows you to connect, visualize, and share data from various sources, including data collected through server-side tracking.

To import data into a Google Data Studio Dashboard, you need to first connect the data source to the Data Studio. This can be done by creating a new data source in Data Studio and configuring the connection to the data source.

The exact steps for connecting to a data source will depend on the format and location of the data, but generally, you will need to provide Data Studio with the necessary credentials and information to access the data. Common data sources include:

1. Google Analytics

2. BigQuery

3. SQL databases

4. Google Sheets

5. CSV files

Once the data source is connected, you can create charts, tables, and other visualizations using the data. Data Studio has a variety of pre-built templates and connectors that can help you to quickly create visualizations and dashboards. You can also customize the visualizations to meet your specific needs.

It's important to note that to import data into Data Studio, you need to have the data in a format that is compatible with Data Studio. Also, you will need to have access to Google Data Studio, and be familiar with the platform capabilities and limitations.

How can I make sure the server side tracked data is secure?

There are several ways to ensure that server-side tracked data is secure:

1. Encryption: Encrypting data both in transit and at rest can help to protect it from unauthorized access. This can be done by using secure protocols such as HTTPS and SFTP, and by using encryption algorithms such as AES and RSA.

2. Access controls: Implementing access controls, such as user authentication and authorization, can help to prevent unauthorized access to the data. This can be done by using tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and virtual private networks (VPNs).

3. Data backup: Regularly backing up data can help to protect against data loss in case of a security breach or other incident. This can be done by using cloud-based backup solutions or by storing backups on a separate, secure server.

4. Regularly monitoring: Regularly monitoring the system and reviewing logs can help to detect and prevent security breaches. This can be done by using tools such as intrusion detection systems, log analysis tools and security information and event management (SIEM) platforms.

5. Compliance: Ensure that the data is collected, processed and stored in compliance with relevant data protection regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA.

6. Regularly update: Regularly update the software and systems used to collect, process, and store data, and apply security patches as necessary.

It's important to have a thorough and regularly reviewed security plan in place, and to educate the employees on security best practices to help ensure the security of the server-side tracked data. Additionally, it's essential to have a disaster recovery plan in place in case of a security incident.

Concluding thoughts on Server Side Tracking

server-side tracking is a valuable tool for collecting and analyzing data about users' interactions with a website or application. It can provide more accurate and reliable data than client-side tracking and can be more secure for sensitive data.

However, it is important for companies to understand the potential risks and take the necessary steps to mitigate them. The data collected through server-side tracking can be displayed in a variety of formats, such as dashboards, reports, data visualization, API and alerts.

Furthermore, it can be integrated with other systems and tools, such as Google Data Studio Dashboard, and can be used to gain deeper insights into user behavior and improve the performance of the website or application. To ensure the security of the data, it's essential to implement proper security measures, such as encryption, access controls, data backup and compliance with data protection regulations.