This post is for a marketer who said:
“Why would I pay $2,000 for Shopify tracking? I’ll just use the free Google app.”
I just show them the data.
Here’s why GTM + Custom Pixel + Server-Side wins every time:
You control exactly what data is sent
Checkout + purchase events tracked the right way
Enhanced Conversions with hashed user data
Server-side tracking bypasses ad blockers + iOS restrictions
No duplicate events. No missing conversions.
Works perfectly after Shopify removed Additional Scripts
The app gives you 40–60% of the picture.
GTM + Server-Side gives you 95%+.
Take immediate action before you burn your budget.