Configure CDN Server-side Tracking

In the context of the latest iOS 16.4 update, CDNs are privacy-compliant solutions to the restrictions imposed on first-party cookies, important for effective marketing and analytics. And then, why integrating a CDN with server-side tracking?

Benefits of CDN server-side

Prepare your DNS settings in TAGGRS

1. Log in to your TAGGRS dashboard.
2. Locate the DNS settings for your server-side GTM subdomain.

Have you already have a website operational on CloudFlare? Jump to Configure DNS settings for your subdomain in CloudFlare. Otherwise, follow the next steps.

Add your website to CloudFlare

1. Go to the CloudFlare dashboard and add your website.
2. Enter your domain name and select a plan (the free plan is sufficient for most setups).
3. Click Continue.

Review DNS records for your main website

1. CloudFlare will scan and display your current DNS records.
2. Review these to ensure all necessary records are present.

Update nameservers at your hosting provider

1. CloudFlare will provide new nameservers.
2. Log in to your domain registrar or hosting provider and replace the current nameservers with the ones from CloudFlare.
3. Save the changes and return to CloudFlare to click Done, check nameservers.

Select your website in CloudFlare

Once your nameservers are updated, return to the CloudFlare dashboard and select your website from the list.

Configure DNS settings for your subdomain in CloudFlare

1. Go to the DNS section in CloudFlare.
2. Click Add record to create a new DNS record for your sGTM subdomain (e.g., sst.yourdomain.com).
3. Enter the appropriate type (usually CNAME or A record) and value as provided by TAGGRS.

Validate DNS within TAGGRS

1. In the TAGGRS dashboard, use the Validate button next to your DNS settings.
2. Wait for the status to update to Validated. If you encounter errors, consult TAGGRS support resources.

Activate proxy status for the subdomain record

1. In CloudFlare, edit the subdomain DNS record and ensure the proxy status is enabled (orange cloud icon).
2. Save the record. This step ensures traffic is routed through CloudFlare and benefits from CDN features.

Test and validate

Use Google Tag Manager’s Preview mode to confirm that server-side events are being routed correctly through your CDN. Check incoming and outgoing requests in your sGTM container to verify that cookies are set as first-party and data is flowing as expected.

Results and best practices

Practical example

For e-commerce and high-traffic sites, using a CDN with server-side tracking means faster analytics, more reliable event collection, and better compliance with privacy regulations. For example, when Disney+ launches new content, a CDN ensures viewers worldwide can access streams instantly, demonstrating the CDN’s impact on speed and user experience.