How Ad Blockers Disrupt Tracking
Client-Side Tracking Limitations
Ad blockers primarily target client-side tracking mechanisms such as third-party cookies, tracking pixels, and scripts embedded in web pages. This means that the traditional methods of collecting data, such as tracking user activity or conversions, are increasingly ineffective. According to some studies, ad blockers can render 10-30% of users invisible, as they prevent scripts from firing, leading to incomplete or inaccurate datasets.
The Rising Popularity of Ad Blockers
With over 40% of internet users in some regions using ad blockers, businesses are losing access to critical behavioral data.
This significantly affects user attribution, conversion tracking, and audience segmentation, making it harder for businesses to personalize their marketing efforts or measure campaign effectiveness.
Server-Side Tracking
To combat the effects of ad blockers, businesses are turning to server-side tracking. Unlike client-side tracking, which relies on user browsers to execute tracking scripts, server-side tracking collects data directly from the server. This approach bypasses ad blockers entirely, as the tracking is handled on the server end, allowing for uninterrupted data collection. With server-side tracking, businesses can regain access to accurate user data, even if the user has an ad blocker enabled.