What is the difference between WordPress-native and GTM-based server-side tracking?

architecture wordpress-native gtm server-side comparison

Quick Answer

GTM-based: Events go browser → GTM web container → GTM server container → destinations. Requires external infrastructure, GTM expertise, 50-120 hours setup. WordPress-native: Events capture from WooCommerce hooks → server-side processing → destinations. Works within WordPress, no external systems, 15-minute setup.

Full Answer

GTM server-side tracking adds complexity layers: you need a web container, server container, cloud hosting, DNS configuration, and GTM expertise to configure tags/triggers. WordPress-native captures events directly from WooCommerce hooks and WordPress actions—the same system your plugins already use. No external containers, no cloud console, no dual preview debugging. The complexity is handled by the platform, not by you.