Data tracking: Comparing Client vs Server vs Hybrid

Your approach to tracking product data should be based upon your desired outcome, from the tool.

There are 3 approaches to tracking data. Let’s first understand each one of them, & then we can deep dive into the differences between each, to help you choose the right one.

Client-side tracking

Client-side tracking involves collecting and sending data from the user's browser directly to the analytics server.

User interactions with your product are captured by a tracking code embedded in your site/ app.

Client-side tracking provides detailed insights into how users interact with your product's front end but relies on the user's browser to function correctly.

Server side tracking

Server-side tracking involves sending data from your server to the analytics server, bypassing the client's browser.

It records events directly from the backend of your product.

Hybrid tracking

Hybrid tracking is nothing but combining client-side tracking with server-side tracking.

The server reliably logs what it can, while the client fills in the gaps, capturing immediate events like user clicks and page views. A more complex setup, true, but it ensures that no event slips through the cracks. This is the best of both worlds, giving you a comprehensive data picture.

What impact will each tracking method have on my data?

Client-side

✅ Easy to set up

✅ Rich, real-time user interaction data

✅ Easy integration with other tools

❌ Data loss due to ad blockers & privacy tools

❌ Potential slow loading time due to added code

❌ Possibly less accurate data

Server-side

✅ Immune to ad blockers, ensuring no data loss

✅ Improves website performance by offloading tracking to the server

✅ Easy integration with other tools

❌ More complex setup.

❌ Restricted capture of client-side data [browser, OS, etc.]

❌ Relies heavily on backend processes

What should you choose?

Opt for client-side → if you prioritize detailed user interaction insights and ease of integration with multiple analytics platforms. Also, if you don’t want to spend time & effort into setting up your servers.

Opt for server-side → if data privacy, avoiding ad blockers, and site performance are your main concerns.

Opt for hybrid → if you want to avoid data loss, & also capture user interaction details.

Refer here to read about all the steps involved in a Mixpanel setup.

Hope this was helpful. If you’re looking for any help with Mixpanel, feel free to reach out using any of the below methods.

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