Why Server-Side Tracking Matters
Traditional client-side pixels are failing. iOS 17+ strips URL parameters, Safari’s ITP limits cookie lifespan to 7 days, and ad blockers prevent tracking scripts from loading entirely. The result? You’re losing up to 40% of your conversion data - and making budget decisions based on incomplete information. A reliable marketing attribution platform needs server-side infrastructure to overcome these browser-level restrictions.
ONClix server-side tracking bypasses all of these limitations by moving the tracking layer from the browser to your server.
How ONClix Server-Side Tracking Works
First-Party HttpOnly Cookies
ONClix sets three first-party HttpOnly cookies directly from your server:
- _ocid (visitor cookie, 2-year lifespan) - identifies returning visitors across sessions
- _ocsid (session cookie, 30-minute rolling) - tracks session-level behavior
- _ocattr (attribution cookie) - stores the original attribution data
Because these are first-party cookies set server-side, they survive ITP restrictions that kill third-party and JavaScript-set cookies.
The Parameter Vault
This is what makes ONClix unique. When a user clicks your ad, the URL contains critical parameters like gclid, fbclid, or ttclid. iOS 17’s Link Tracking Protection strips these parameters before your page even loads.
The Parameter Vault intercepts and stores these parameters at the server level - before the browser has a chance to strip them. This means your attribution data stays intact regardless of what Apple, Google, or Firefox do next.
Fingerprint Recovery
For the small percentage of users who block cookies entirely, ONClix uses SHA-256 hashed browser signals combined with /24 IP subnet matching to identify return visitors. This probabilistic method provides a fallback layer that recovers conversions that would otherwise be completely invisible. The recovered data feeds directly into multi-touch attribution models, ensuring every touchpoint is accounted for.
Dynamic Ad-Block Resistance
ONClix randomizes script paths and API endpoints, making it extremely difficult for ad blockers to target the tracking script. Combined with custom CNAME tracking (e.g., track.yourdomain.com), the tracking infrastructure is virtually indistinguishable from your own website.
The Technical Advantage
| Feature | Client-Side Pixel | ONClix Server-Side |
|---|---|---|
| iOS 17+ resilience | Limited | Full |
| Cookie lifespan | 7 days (ITP) | Up to 2 years |
| Ad blocker resistance | None | Dynamic evasion |
| Parameter capture | After browser strips | Before browser strips |
| Data ownership | Vendor servers | Your server |
Getting Started
Setup takes under 15 minutes:
- Add the ONClix tracking script to your site
- Configure your custom CNAME record
- Connect your ad platforms via Conversions API
- Start seeing recovered conversion data immediately
The Parameter Vault starts capturing data from the moment it’s activated - no historical data required to start seeing results.