# Deploying server-side Google Tag Manager with Addingwell

> DATA HIT is a certified Addingwell partner. How consent, ad blockers and browser privacy erode tracking data, and how server-side tagging with Addingwell recovers it.

By Matthew Redford, published 2025-05-20 · Google Tag Manager · https://datahit.co/blog/addingwell-certified-partner

In today’s digital landscape, businesses face significant challenges in tracking user behaviour and measuring campaign performance. Website traffic undergoes substantial reduction through various privacy measures.

DATA HIT has become a certified partner of Addingwell, an all-in-one platform designed to help businesses navigate these challenges through server-side tagging.

## The Privacy Challenge

The chart clearly illustrates the data loss journey many websites experience:

-   Initial traffic starts at 100%
-   GDPR / consent requirements typically reduce this to 80%
-   Ad blockers further diminish trackable traffic to 64%
-   Privacy features in browsers like Apple ITP, Firefox, and Brave cut reduce this to 45% and below

This erosion creates several notable consequences:

-   Unreliable KPI in analytics tools
-   Difficulties attributing ROI accurately
-   Declining retargeting reach
-   Limitations in data-driven marketing

## Server-Side Tracking Impact

As a certified Addingwell partner, we can now offer a solution that recovers tracking levels up to the typical 80% consent stage – a marked improvement in the current landscape once ad blockers and privacy features have had an impact.

Server-side tagging through Addingwell provides several key benefits:

1.  Enhanced Data Collection: Recover lost tracking data and improve measurement accuracy
2.  Simplified API Integration: Implement conversion API tracking from platforms like Meta and LinkedIn
3.  Managed Infrastructure: Focus on your business while the technical aspects are handled
4.  First-Party Data Management: Own and control your data in a privacy-compliant way
5.  Comprehensive Monitoring: Track tag health and cookie performance
6.  Improved Website Performance: Deliver better user experiences while collecting more accurate data

## Why This Matters for Your Business

With proper server-side implementation, you can track a more accurate ROI for your campaigns, and make better-informed marketing decisions.

As a certified Addingwell partner, DATA HIT can fully support your implementation, ensuring a smooth transition to server-side tracking that balances privacy compliance with business intelligence needs.

Interested in seeing how server-side tagging could transform your data collection strategy? Contact us for more information or to schedule a demonstration of the Addingwell platform.

## FAQ

**Q: What exactly is server-side tagging?**

A: Unlike traditional client-side tagging (which runs in users’ browsers), server-side tagging processes data collection on a server you control. This approach is less vulnerable to ad blockers and browser privacy restrictions.

**Q: How difficult is implementation?**

A: As a certified partner, DATA HIT handles the implementation process, making it straightforward for your team. Addingwell’s platform simplifies what would otherwise be a complex technical transition.

**Q: Is server-side tagging compliant with privacy regulations?**

A: Yes. Server-side tagging still respects user consent choices. The difference is in how data is processed after consent is given, ensuring more accurate measurement without compromising compliance.

**Q: How much lost data can we recover?**

A: Server-side tagging can help recover tracking up to the 80% consent stage – a marked improvement in the current landscape once ad blockers and privacy features have had an impact.

**Q: Will this improve our website performance?**

A: Yes. Server-side tagging reduces the number of scripts loading in your users’ browsers, leading to faster page loads and better user experience.