Server-side analytics refers to tracking and collecting website data on a dedicated server of a website or app rather than in the user’s browser (the “client”), as with traditional tracking. After capturing the data on your own server, you can modify it and forward it to existing analytics and marketing tools.
Server-side analytics provides increased security and control because there is an additional layer between the website and the data collection platform. Depending on the final configuration, the data is less affected by ad blockers and other tracking restrictions, making it more accurate and comprehensive. On the other hand, server-side analytics requires technical expertise and resources to set up and maintain.
Server-side analytics differs from client-side analytics, where data is transferred directly from the user’s browser (the client) to an external third-party server, like an analytics account.
Server-side tracking is one of the methods that can be used with a first-party collector, which combines the benefits of server-side and client-side tracking. In this approach, cookies are set on the client-side, and the tracking requests come directly to a first-party domain instead of a third-party analytics platform.
Tools that offer server-side analytics include Google Analytics 4 (GA4), Piwik PRO Analytics Suite, Matomo and Heap Analytics.
Learn more:
Server-side analytics
-
Cross-platform analytics: Deep dive into benefits for various businesses
SUMMARY Users no longer follow a neat and organized path when interacting with products and services. The customer journey is much more complex than it used to be. Visitors use different platforms, often switching between native apps, mobile apps, and desktop browsing as they progress toward becoming clients. For instance, customers could begin on the…
-
25 years of digital analytics with Brian Clifton: Being data-informed, not just data-driven
As organizations increasingly rely on data in their business decisions, the challenges of ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and ethical collection are becoming more and more important. Along with understanding the audience’s needs, supporting collaboration between teams, and securing privacy compliance, these challenges have evolved into data collection and analytics priorities. Let’s dive into the third…
Other definitions
Recent posts from Piwik PRO blog
- Cross-platform analytics: Deep dive into benefits for various businesses
- 25 years of digital analytics with Brian Clifton: Being data-informed, not just data-driven
- Piwik PRO is officially HIPAA certified!
- How Oxford Online Pharmacy increased data volume by 15% with Duga Digital and server-side Piwik PRO Analytics
- What is PII, non-PII, and personal data? [UPDATED]
- We’re officially ISO 27001-certified!
- Introducing real-time dashboards in Piwik PRO
- Real-time content analysis for publishers