Client-Side Tracking Explained
Client-side tracking is the traditional approach. JavaScript tags (like the Google Ads conversion tag or Google Tag Manager) run in the visitor's browser. When a conversion happens, the browser sends the data to Google.
- • Easy to set up (copy-paste tags)
- • No server infrastructure needed
- • Rich browser data (viewport, scroll, etc.)
- • Works with GTM templates
- • Blocked by ad blockers (15-30% of users)
- • Limited by Safari/ITP (7-day cookies)
- • Affected by iOS privacy (ATT)
- • Slows page load (extra JS)
Server-Side Tracking Explained
Server-side tracking sends conversion data from your server (or Shopify's servers) directly to Google's servers. The browser is no longer the middleman, so ad blockers and cookie restrictions don't affect data collection.
- • Not blocked by ad blockers
- • Not limited by browser cookies
- • More reliable data collection
- • Better data control and privacy
- • No page speed impact
- • Complex setup (server infrastructure)
- • Additional hosting costs ($50-200/mo)
- • Requires technical expertise
- • Limited browser-level data
- • Harder to debug
Side-by-Side Comparison
Get the best of both tracking methods
ScaleUp combines Shopify's Web Pixel API with Enhanced Conversions for maximum accuracy — no GTM or server containers needed.
Install Free on ShopifyTrusted by 2,000+ Shopify merchants
The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds
Most successful Shopify stores don't choose one or the other — they use both. The hybrid approach uses client-side tracking as the primary method (for ease of setup and rich browser data) and supplements it with server-side or Enhanced Conversions to capture what client-side misses.
This approach gives you 95%+ accuracy without the complexity and cost of a full server-side setup.
How the Hybrid Model Works
- • **Client-side tag** fires on conversion → captures browser data, GCLID, and conversion event
- • **Enhanced Conversions** sends hashed customer data → matches conversions lost to cookie restrictions
- • **Google deduplicates** automatically → no double-counting between the two methods
Shopify-Specific Considerations
Shopify has unique characteristics that affect your tracking choice:
Our Recommendation
For most Shopify stores, a hybrid approach using client-side tracking + Enhanced Conversions is the optimal balance of accuracy, cost, and complexity. Full server-side tracking (using GTM Server-Side or Shopify Flow webhooks) makes sense for high-volume stores with dedicated technical resources.
Get the Best of Both Tracking Methods
ScaleUp combines Shopify's Web Pixel API with Enhanced Conversions for 99.9% accuracy. No server setup, no monthly infrastructure costs.
Install Free on ShopifyNo credit card required
Written by Jamie Scott
Founder & CEO, ScaleUp
Jamie specializes in e-commerce conversion tracking, helping Shopify merchants improve their Google Ads performance through accurate data.
Helped 2,000+ Shopify merchants improve ROAS
Have questions about this article? Check our FAQ or contact us.