Billy Grace Server Side Tracking: The ultimate setup

Billy Grace Server Side Tracking combines precise data analysis with advanced technologies, enabling companies to optimize their marketing performance. In this article, you will learn how to set up Billy Grace in Google Tag Manager (GTM) for Server Side Tracking and discover the benefits of this approach.

What is Billy Grace?

Billy Grace is an AI-driven platform that supports companies in improving their marketing strategies. Among other things, it offers these 3 benefits:

• Better attribution: Get insight into which marketing channels are producing the most return.
• First-party data platform: Collect data on your own server and comply with GDPR regulations.
• Automatic optimizations: Save time through AI-driven optimizations.

What are the benefits Billy Grace combined with Server Side Tracking?

Billy Grace offers benefits when combined with Server Side Tracking. Here are the six main benefits:

1. Better data quality: Collecting data directly from the server makes data more accurate and reliable.
2. Enhanced privacy: Avoiding data collection through third parties increases compliance with GDPR regulations.
3. More efficient performance: Less load on the browser results in faster load times and a better user experience.
4. More accurate segmentation: Improved data quality allows you to better group customers and create targeted campaigns.
5. Bypassing data blockers: Tracking remains effective despite adblockers and browser restrictions.
6. Complete control over data: With Server Side Tracking, you control data flows yourself, which is essential for advanced analytics.

Want to know more? See all the benefits of Server-side Tracking.

What events can you measure with Billy Grace Server GTM?

With Billy Grace Server GTM, you can measure virtually any event. In addition to a selection of standard events, you can also set up custom events. Below are four examples of measurable events:

- Purchase: Track orders in an online store, including data such as transaction ID, revenue and currency.

- Button clicks: Measure specific actions, such as clicking a CTA button or a download link.

- Demo bookings: Register users to schedule a demo via a form or button.

- Form submissions: Track when users fill out a form, such as contact forms or subscriptions.

With this flexibility, you can fully tailor tracking to the goals of your website or application.

How do you set up Billy Grace in Server Sgtm?

Option 1: Billy Grace Server Side Tracking with TAGGRS templates.

Import preset GTM templates from the TAGGRS template gallery. This reduces implementation time and minimizes errors.

Use pre-configured TAGGRS templates to speed up implementation:

• Configure a server container in Google Tag Manager.
• Download the JSON files of the all platforms combined template in the TAGGRS dashboard.
• Import the files and fill in missing variables.

Learn more about the TAGGRS templates.

Option 2 : Set up Billy Grace Server Side Tracking Manually.

It is possible to implement Billy Grace exclusively via Server Side Tracking. Please note that Billy Grace does not support dual setup (client AND server at the same time). So deliberately choose a server-side-only configuration.

For manual configuration of Billy Grace Server Side Tracking:

Setting Billy Grace Server Side

1. Set up a server container

Start by configuring a server container in Google Tag Manager (GTM). Once these basic settings are complete, you can set up Billy Grace tags in the server container.

Important: For proper deduplication, the following configurations must be performed in the web container:

Add a Unique Event ID variable to your web container, as described in the GTM Web documentation. This variable should be sent with each event of the Billy Grace web pixel.

Billy Grace's web tracking container should also forward events to your Server Side GA4 tracking.

Note: The variable {{Unique Event ID}} is specifically associated with the trigger to which it is attached. Make sure that the same triggers are used in both the web and server containers. This is important for correct deduplication.

2. Billy Grace Server Side tag configuration options.

• Go to Tags and click on New.
• Give the tag a name, for example Billy Grace - All events.
• Under Tag Type, select: Billy Grace - Server Side Tag.
• Under Tracking ID, enter your Billy Grace Tracking ID.
• Add the GA4 Client as a trigger

Note: Per-customer setting required for display in platform

Do you want server-side data to be visible in the Billy Grace platform? Then this must be converted manually from client to server configuration. Please contact the Billy grace support team for this.

Real-time testing via live debugger

During testing, you can use Billy Grace's live debugger. This shows all incoming hits in real time. This helps to quickly check that your setup is working as intended.

4. Validate the configuration

Use the preview mode to verify that the tag is functioning correctly. Check the following:

• Or the tags are activated.
• Whether the correct information is sent.

Test steps:

1. Put your web container in preview mode (don't forget to publish your changes).
2. Open the preview mode of your server container.
3. Run a page view on your website.

Check the data:

• In the web container, copy the event_id of the sent event.
• In the server container (for example, in a "page view" event), look for the event_id in the Outgoing HTTP Requests to b.billypix.com.

If the event_id is identical in both the web and server containers, your setup is successful and events will be deduplicated correctly.

Billy Grace Server Side Tracking completed

This guide will help you set up Billy Grace in conjunction with Server Side Tracking through Google Tag Manager. This configuration gives you more control over your data and ensures improved data quality, which is essential for personalized and effective marketing campaigns. In your TAGGRS dashboard, view the additional measured data available through the use of TAGGRS Server Side Tracking.

Don't forget to put your configuration live to get everything working correctly!