What is server-side tracking

ClickGuard's tracking code records every visit from your ads: which ad was clicked, the visitor's IP address, device and behavior on your website. By default, that data goes from the visitor's browser straight to ClickGuard. Server-side tracking routes it through a subdomain of your own website instead, so nothing in the browser can stop it on the way.

Client-side vs server-side tracking

Client-side tracking is the standard setup. The tracking code runs in the visitor's browser and sends data to ClickGuard's servers. Because ClickGuard's address is a third party to your website, ad blockers, privacy extensions and some browsers' built-in protections can block those requests.

Server-side tracking sends the same data to a subdomain you own, such as track.yourwebsite.com, which passes it on to ClickGuard. To the browser it looks like part of your own website, a first-party request, so blockers leave it alone.

Why it matters for click fraud protection

ClickGuard can only judge a click it can see. When an ad blocker stops the tracking code, the click still costs you money, but ClickGuard has no visit to analyze: no device, no behavior, no session. Bots and fraudsters are also more likely than real visitors to block scripts, so the clicks that go missing are often the ones you most need to catch.

With server-side tracking, ClickGuard records almost every ad click and visit, so you:

• Bypass ad blockers and browser tracking limitations.
• Identify fraudulent behavior earlier and more clearly.
• Turn wasted spend into conversions faster.

ClickGuard is the only click fraud protection software that offers this advanced tracking method. It's available on the Pro and Custom plans.

See also: What is ClickGuard's tracking code.