Custom Templates for Google Tag Manager (GTM) and Server-Side GTM

Google Tag Manager (GTM) provides an efficient way to implement tags without needing to constantly modify website code. However, to take GTM's flexibility even further, custom templates can be created to streamline and optimize tracking implementations — both on the client-side and server-side.

What are GTM Custom Templates?

Custom templates in GTM are a way to simplify and standardize complex tracking codes. Instead of relying on raw HTML or JavaScript for each tag, custom templates encapsulate all the necessary code and user inputs into a pre-designed interface. This makes it easy for even non-technical users to deploy tags securely without having to touch code​.

With custom templates, marketers and businesses can:

• Ensure that data collection is done securely by using predefined APIs.
• Create a cleaner, more organized workspace in GTM.
• Avoid mistakes caused by manually inputting code each time a new tag is needed.

Benefits of Server-Side GTM

Server-side tagging in GTM adds another layer of control to data tracking. Unlike traditional client-side tags, which rely on users' browsers to send data, server-side tags are processed by a dedicated server before the data is sent to third-party platforms. This improves data accuracy and security.

Some key benefits of server-side tagging include:

• Enhanced data control: You can filter or modify data before sending it to third-party vendors.
• Increased data accuracy: Data is less likely to be blocked by ad blockers or browsers' privacy settings since it doesn’t rely solely on client-side scripts.
• Improved privacy compliance: Server-side tagging allows businesses to anonymize and process sensitive data before it reaches external platforms​

How Custom Templates Simplify Tracking Implementations

For businesses that want to streamline their tracking setup, custom GTM templates can significantly reduce the complexity of implementing tracking. By using a pre-built template, businesses avoid writing custom code for each tag deployment, ensuring faster implementation and reducing the likelihood of errors.

For example, if you're running marketing campaigns across platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, or Google Ads, custom templates can be tailored to handle the unique parameters required by each platform. This ensures that the right data is captured with minimal effort, and it makes tag management much more scalable for larger organizations.

Why Choose Custom Templates for Your GTM Setup?

• Efficiency: Custom templates reduce dependency on developers, allowing marketers to quickly deploy and manage their tags.
• Security: Templates use predefined APIs, preventing risky modifications to your site’s code.
• Flexibility: Custom templates can be tailored to specific business needs, whether for client-side or server-side implementations.

 Book a call with Vera today to learn more about how custom GTM templates can speed up your tracking implementation.