Skip to main content

Testing & Validation

Thorough testing ensures your server-side tracking implementation works correctly and delivers accurate data.

Testing Checklist​

Pre-Launch Testing​

  • Events reach server-side GTM
  • Events stored in BigQuery
  • Events sent to GA4
  • Events sent to Meta
  • Events sent to LinkedIn
  • User ID tracking works
  • Consent management works
  • Attribution is accurate

Testing Procedures​

Step 1: Test Event Flow​

  1. Trigger test events on website
  2. Check server-side GTM logs
  3. Verify events in BigQuery
  4. Check platform integrations

Step 2: Test User ID​

  1. Visit website
  2. Check user ID is generated
  3. Submit form
  4. Verify user ID persists

Step 3: Test Attribution​

  1. Click ad with UTM
  2. Navigate site
  3. Submit form
  4. Verify UTM in conversion
  1. Reject cookies
  2. Verify no tracking
  3. Accept cookies
  4. Verify tracking works

Validation Tools​

GTM Debug Mode​

  • Test server container
  • View event data
  • Check destinations
  • Verify processing

BigQuery​

  • Query event data
  • Verify events stored
  • Check data quality
  • Validate schema

Platform Tools​

  • GA4 DebugView
  • Meta Events Manager
  • LinkedIn Campaign Manager

Common Issues & Fixes​

Issue: Events Not Reaching Server​

  • Check GTM configuration
  • Verify server URL
  • Check network requests
  • Review server logs

Issue: Events Not in BigQuery​

  • Check BigQuery destination
  • Verify service account
  • Check permissions
  • Review error logs

Issue: Platform Discrepancies​

  • Check event mapping
  • Verify parameters
  • Check user matching
  • Review platform settings

Next Step: Learn about Maintenance & Troubleshooting to keep your system running smoothly.