A guide to getting server-side tracking running on a WordPress / WooCommerce store via DataNostro. No custom plugin — we use the official Google Tag Manager web container + GTM4WP or Site Kit for the dataLayer, and DataNostro as the sGTM server.
Who this guide is for
- WordPress 6.x with or without WooCommerce
- If you only measure marketing sites (not a store) — you'll skip the "WooCommerce dataLayer" section
- Time: 60–90 minutes for the first setup, 15 minutes for an additional domain
What you'll need
- WordPress admin access (Administrator role)
- A Google Tag Manager account — a web container + sGTM container
- DNS access for the tracking subdomain (e.g.
track.yourstore.cz) - A DataNostro account and a created container
Step 1 — Install the GTM web container + a dataLayer plugin
If you don't have GTM yet:
- WP Admin → Plugins → Add New → search for GTM4WP (Duracell Tomi's Google Tag Manager for WordPress) → Install + Activate.
- WP Admin → Settings → Google Tag Manager → enter your GTM container ID (
GTM-XXXXXX). - Container code placement: Footer of <body> (most compatible). For the Schrems II zone, choose Custom and insert the code into the theme.
For WooCommerce, in GTM4WP tick Integration → WooCommerce = Standard. The plugin then emits dataLayer events in the Universal Analytics format productImpressions, addToCart, checkout, purchase. That's the shape DataNostro understands by default.
Alternative for the newer GA4 dataLayer: the official WooCommerce Google Analytics plugin → emits GA4 events view_item, add_to_cart, purchase directly. If you're starting a new implementation, go here — it saves you a few transformations in the GTM workspace.
Step 2 — Deploy the sGTM container in DataNostro
- In GTM (Google Tag Manager), create a new "Server" type container (alongside the existing Web container).
- Download the Server Container Config as JSON (Admin → Export Container).
- In the DataNostro dashboard → Containers → Create new → upload the JSON.
- DataNostro returns the endpoint URL (e.g.
track.yourstore.cz) and DNS instructions.
Step 3 — Set up DNS for the tracking subdomain
At your DNS provider (Cloudflare, Wedos, GoDaddy…) add a CNAME or A record per the instructions from the DataNostro dashboard. Example for Cloudflare:
Type: CNAME
Name: track
Target: containers.datanostro.com
TTL: Auto
Proxy: DNS only (orange cloud off — sGTM needs a direct hit)After DNS propagation (5–60 min) DataNostro automatically issues a Let's Encrypt SSL.
Step 4 — Switch Web GTM to the server-side endpoint
In Google Tag Manager (web container):
- Open the GA4 Configuration tag (or the Meta Pixel tag).
- In Fields to Set add:
Field: server_container_url Value: https://track.yourstore.cz - Do the same for all GA4 Event tags and (optionally) the Meta Pixel.
- Publish the GTM workspace (Submit → Publish).
From this point, all GA4 hits and CAPI requests from browsers will fly to track.yourstore.cz instead of www.google-analytics.com and graph.facebook.com.
Step 5 — Connect the platforms in DataNostro
In the dashboard → Platforms, connect them one by one:
| Platform | What you need | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| GA4 | Measurement ID + API Secret | GA4 admin → Data Streams → Measurement Protocol |
| Meta CAPI | Pixel ID + Access Token | Events Manager → Settings → Generate access token |
| Sklik | Account ID + API Token | Sklik admin → My account → API token |
| Heureka | Affiliate ID | Heureka order tracker |
Step 6 — Test end-to-end
- In the DataNostro dashboard → Containers → Send a test event (a purchase test).
- In GA4 → DebugView, verify the event arrived.
- In Meta Events Manager → Test Events, verify the Meta CAPI hit.
- On the site, make a real order for a test CZK 1 → verify all the destinations.
Common problems
"I'm not getting events into GA4"
Check in the browser's Network tab where the /g/collect request goes. If to www.google-analytics.com, the GA4 tag isn't redirected — go back to Step 4. If to track.yourstore.cz but you get a 4xx, look at DataNostro Activity — you'll see the error detail.
"The WooCommerce dataLayer has the wrong prices (with VAT / without VAT)"
In GTM4WP → Integration → WooCommerce you'll find a Send tax with revenue toggle. CZ market = usually Yes (prices with VAT).
"The cookie banner blocks the dataLayer"
If you use Cookiebot / Cookieyes, dataLayer events are only sent after consent. Set up Consent Mode v2 so that analytics_storage and ad_storage align with the tagging rules in GTM. DataNostro respects Consent Mode signals by default.
Next steps
- Power-Ups — Cookie Keeper, Bot Detection — significantly improve the match rate
- Sklik native setup — instead of custom HTTP requests
- Migrating from Stape? — a parallel setup with no downtime