---
title: "Google Tag Manager Server-side Tagging"
date: 2023-11-13
author: "GTM Kit"
---

# Google Tag Manager Server-side Tagging

Server-side tagging is a silver bullet that gives you improved data accuracy, performance, privacy, and flexibility.

In this guide you will get an introduction to server-side tagging in Google Tag Manager and learn how to get started with server-side tracking.

## Introduction to Server-side tagging (tracking)

Server-side tagging in Google Tag Manager (sGTM) is a feature that allows users to move the tag execution from a website’s client-side (in the browser) to the server-side environment. This is a significant evolution from the traditional approach where all tracking tags are fired directly in the user’s browser.

Here are some of the benefits of server-side tagging:

### Improved Data Accuracy

**First party server-side cookies:** Cookies are restricted more and more due to privacy concerns and the Apple Safari browser will expire client-side cookies in 7 days and in some cases 24 hours. Server-side tagging allows you to extend cookies to several years by using server-cookies.

**Reduced ad blocker impact:** Server-side tags can bypass some ad blockers that traditionally block client-side tags.

### Improved Page Speed

**Reduced Browser Load:** Fewer tags and scripts are loaded in the browser, leading to faster page load times.

**Optimized Network Requests:** You can consolidate multiple requests into fewer ones and reduce the cookie-content overhead on each request.

### Privacy and Security

**Control Over Data:** You have more control over the data that gets sent to third-party services, reducing the risk of leaking sensitive information.

**Reduced Cross-Site Tracking:** Reduces the ability for third-party services to track users across multiple websites.

### Flexibility

**Custom Integrations:** Easier integration with custom back-end systems or databases.

**Data Enrichment:** Ability to enrich event data with server-side data before sending it to third-party tools.

## So, what’s the downside?

The GTM server-side container is free, but hosting it is not free unless you have low traffic. A server-side solution is also more complex so if you are a beginner, you will probably need help or spend some time improving you GTM skills.

You can get sGTM hosting from $20 per month and some providers like [Stape.io](https://stape.io/?pt=tlam&rs=site) have a free tier for low traffic sites. The more data you track/process, the higher the price is.

The solution from [Stape.io](https://stape.io/?pt=tlam&rs=site) is a simplified approach that demands less technical expertise than solutions like Google Cloud Platform. Additionally, it provides valuable add-ons for enhanced functionality.