How to set up ShareASale tag using server GTM

To set up ShareASale Google Tag Manager integration, you will need to:

1. Configure a server GTM container.
2. Set up sending data from the web to the server GTM container.
3. Upload ShareASale tag to server GTM.
4. Configure the tag. You can track pageviews or conversion events.
5. Add the trigger to a tag.
6. Test the setup.

Below, we will show you the configuration process in more detail.

What is ShareASale tag?

ShareASale tag is a solution developed by Stape that allows the server-side tracking for the ShareASale platform to be set up. With its help, you can configure pageviews and conversion events tracking in server GTM and send all the data on events directly to ShareASale’s server instead of processing the data on the client side.

ShareASale tracking pixel vs. ShareASale tag for server GTM

Tracking on the server side with the help of ShareAsale tag provides numerous benefits compared to ShareASale tracking pixel.

• More accurate data. As ShareASale tag uses server-side tracking, all the data collected is less exposed to browser restrictions and ad blockers.
• High data security and control. Since all the data is proceeding on your server instead of the website visitor's browser (like with pixel), you have more control over the data and can more easily comply with data regulations (e.g., GDPR).
• Faster website load. The tags are fixed on the server instead of the user's browser, which decreases the time a page takes to load.

What you need to set up ShareASale tag

To set up ShareASale tag, you will need:

• Configure server Google Tag Manager container.
• Set up data flow from the web to the server GTM container. Use Google Analytics 4 or Data Tag/Data Client for the purpose.

How to set up ShareASale tag in server GTM

1. Download ShareASale tag from GitHub and unzip the file.

2. Import the tag in the server GTM container:  go to the "Templates" section on the left → "Tag" → "New" → "Import". In the end, save the template. Click "Save".

3. Create a new tag and choose "ShareASale" as tag type.

4. Configure the tag. Choose the event type you would like to track:

• PageView - stores the {sscid} URL parameter inside the __sscid cookie.
• Conversion - Send request with data about the conversion to the ShareASale.

With the PageView event type you can also choose "Url parameter name" from the variables, by default it will be "sscid".

5. If you have chosen "Conversion" as event type, you will need to fill the following fields:

• Merchant ID - it can be found in the top left corner of your ShareASale account.

• Transaction type - this parameter is set to 'lead' or 'sale' for all lead tracking pixels.

• Amount - amount parameter must be passed with a hard-coded zero amount formatted to two decimal places.

6. Add a trigger for a tag.

7. Test the setup. To do it use both web and server GTM preview mode. If you face any difficulties, see the detailed guide on debugging and monitoring

To sum up

Setting up ShareASale tag for the server GTM container provides many perks, including accurate data tracking and high control over the data. With the help of tag, you track pageviews and conversion events. The configuration process is straightforward and shouldn’t take much time to start benefiting from server-side tracking!