Question 1

What is Hardal?

Accepted Answer

Hardal measures performance across every channel and sends clean first-party data back to ad platforms. Its server-side pipeline collects, governs, and delivers events from websites and mobile apps.

Question 2

What does Hardal replace?

Accepted Answer

Hardal can replace four costs that teams often pay separately: the tagging server and its cloud bill, Conversion API maintenance for Meta CAPI, TikTok eAPI and Google, reporting and attribution tools, and the engineering time spent keeping tracking alive. Every plan includes analytics and unlimited marketing destinations. Server-side tagging and gateways depend on the selected tier and setup.

Question 3

What makes Hardal different from other solutions?

Accepted Answer

Hardal combines managed server-side hosting, event collection, analytics, governance, and destination delivery. You can use Hardal-managed infrastructure in supported regions or self-host. The pipeline can apply consent signals, hash or redact selected fields, and anonymise IP addresses before delivery. The practical difference is one event layer instead of separate hosting, CAPI, analytics, and governance tools.

Question 4

Who are Hardal's competitors?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the job. JENTIS, Addingwell, and Stape overlap with managed server-side tagging. Segment and Tealium overlap on event routing and CDP work. Piwik PRO overlaps on privacy-focused analytics. AppsFlyer and Adjust overlap on mobile measurement. Compare the collection path, governance controls, included destinations, deployment model, and pricing unit.

Question 5

What are Hardal's core solutions?

Accepted Answer

Hardal offers four core solutions: 1) Destinations - Ready-to-use server-to-server endpoints with various platforms, 2) Server-side Hostings - For sGTM, Meta Signals Gateway, TikTok eAPI Gateway, etc., 3) Cookieless Analytics - Custom SQL-based analytics to collect and analyze data, and 4) ETL/Data Governance - Data hashing, redaction, and security features.

Question 6

What is server-to-server (S2S) and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Server-to-server delivery sends events between backend systems over HTTP instead of relying only on browser or app code. This gives you a controlled point to validate payloads, apply consent rules, hash approved identifiers, and route events to tools such as Google, Meta, Firebase, or Adjust.

Question 7

What is sGTM and why do I need it?

Accepted Answer

Server-side Google Tag Manager processes events in a server container before they reach analytics and ad platforms. It is useful when you want a first-party collection endpoint and more control over validation, consent, and delivery. Hardal can host and operate the container while your team controls its tags.

Question 8

How long does it take to implement Hardal?

Accepted Answer

A typical web setup takes 1 to 3 days once DNS, tag, and account access decisions are ready. App backends, custom event schemas, and complex consent flows can take longer. We scope those dependencies before kickoff.

Question 9

Do I need a developer to set up Hardal?

Accepted Answer

Managed connectors can often be configured by a marketing or analytics team. You will need IT or developer help for DNS changes, backend or app events, and custom schemas. Hardal guides the setup and can handle the managed infrastructure.

Question 10

What do you need from us for implementation?

Accepted Answer

We require your IT team to configure DNS settings and provide admin-level access to Google Tag Manager, Google Analytics 4, and Meta Business Manager. For complex integrations, we may schedule screen sharing sessions to complete the setup.

Question 11

Why do you need Meta Business Manager partner access?

Accepted Answer

We need Meta Business Manager access to set up the Meta Conversions API connection in our panel. For cases where obtaining permission takes time, we can also establish the connection via screen sharing.

Question 12

Why is a DNS configuration required?

Accepted Answer

DNS configuration is necessary to run the GTM instance we create for you on your own domain. This ensures that the tracking setup appears as first-party data collection from your domain rather than a third-party domain.

Question 13

Is the script added to the <head> tag regularly updated?

Accepted Answer

The script is focused solely on data transmission and is part of our Hardal Signal system that operates entirely server-to-server. For version updates (e.g., from current 1.3.2 to a newer version), you can run the 'hardal -update' command via CLI on your machine without giving us remote access.

Question 14

How does Hardal help with GDPR and KVKK compliance?

Accepted Answer

Hardal gives you controls to apply consent signals, anonymise IP addresses, and hash or redact selected fields before delivery. Those controls support a compliant data flow, but they do not decide your legal basis or guarantee compliance. Your organisation remains responsible for its collection rules, notices, and destination choices.

Question 15

Does Hardal store or process personal data?

Accepted Answer

Hardal processes the event fields you configure and can store event data when you use its analytics or data products. You control the sources, fields, destinations, and deployment model. Hardal can hash, redact, or anonymise selected data before it reaches a destination. Retention depends on the product and setup.

Question 16

Can I choose where my tracking data is processed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Hardal works with multiple cloud providers. You can run your sGTM on your preferred cloud provider, including Azure, AWS, or Huawei Cloud. For Turkey users, we offer Huawei Cloud deployment to comply with BDDK and KVKK regulations.

Question 17

How does Hardal handle IP anonymization and hashed data?

Accepted Answer

Through our ETL/Data Governance solution, you can configure which data elements (IP, client_id, email, phone number, etc.) should be hashed or redacted using Regex syntax, providing complete control over personally identifiable information.

Question 18

Does Hardal track users who don't give consent?

Accepted Answer

Hardal reads consent signals from your CMP and applies the routing rules you configure. Anonymous measurement and advertising use cases such as remarketing have different legal and platform requirements. Define the allowed behaviour with your privacy and legal teams, then enforce it in Hardal.

Question 19

Does Hardal offer legal guarantees for regulatory compliance?

Accepted Answer

No, Hardal doesn't provide legal guarantees. However, our platform is designed to help you manage your data in compliance with regulations by giving you control over data collection and processing.

Question 20

Where are access tokens stored?

Accepted Answer

Access tokens are stored as strings in the same database where sGTM runs on the local machine. These tokens are used for connections between Meta and sGTM, as well as for TikTok API and LinkedIn API.

Question 21

Can I send my data to BigQuery?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can send your real-time server data to BigQuery using a custom domain with Hardal's Write to BigQuery template.

Question 22

I already set up CAPI myself, what's your advantage?

Accepted Answer

If your CAPI setup is reliable and maintained, you may not need to replace it. Hardal adds managed destination operations, consent and PII controls, event validation, and the option to combine web, backend, and CRM events. Run both paths in parallel and compare delivery before changing the setup.

Question 23

What's the purpose of TikTok API?

Accepted Answer

TikTok API is a secure server-to-server interface that allows advertisers to share customer actions on their websites directly with TikTok, improving tracking and attribution.

Question 24

Can I use Hardal alongside existing tracking like Google Tag Manager?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Hardal works alongside GTM and other client-side tracking methods, so you can test it without making immediate changes to your current setup.

Question 25

Why do I need Hardal for mobile if I'm already using it for web?

Accepted Answer

Mobile apps have a different collection path from websites. Hardal accepts backend app events through its REST API, applies your consent and identifier rules, and routes them to analytics, ad platforms, or an existing MMP. It does not remove ATT or consent requirements, and it does not replace an MMP when you need device-side attribution features.

Question 26

We already use Firebase and Adjust for mobile. What will Hardal provide?

Accepted Answer

With Hardal, you can feed data to your existing Firebase and Adjust setups through your own servers. This gives you control over your data before it reaches third parties, allowing you to enrich conversions and hash PII data. Hardal is also an Adjust partner, so that integration is supported directly.

Question 27

Is Hardal an MMP (Mobile Measurement Partner)?

Accepted Answer

No, Hardal is not an MMP. It provides server-side measurement infrastructure that can work with existing MMPs like Adjust to improve data accuracy and privacy compliance.

Question 28

How does Hardal handle insights and data analysis?

Accepted Answer

Hardal doesn't generate insights itself but ensures sensitive data is properly transmitted to marketing platforms where insights can be developed. Our Cookieless Analytics solution lets you collect data with the Hardal script and analyze it using custom SQL, allowing for more advanced and flexible analysis than standard analytics platforms.

Question 29

Does Hardal collect our data?

Accepted Answer

Hardal processes the events you choose to send and can collect them through its web, app, and server-side endpoints. You retain ownership and control which fields are stored or routed to marketing platforms and your own storage systems.

Question 30

Can we recover our historical data with Hardal?

Accepted Answer

No. Hardal does not reconstruct events that were never collected. It starts processing data after the implementation goes live. You can run it beside the current setup and compare new events against backend, CRM, and platform records.

Question 31

Does Hardal provide a dashboard?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Hardal provides a dashboard that reports the number and percentage of users who have given consent after your transition to Server-Side measurement, as well as the number of users covered by server-side & 1st party tracking.

Question 32

How does Hardal's pricing work?

Accepted Answer

Hardal's pricing is based on monthly or annual billing and is event-based. Plans vary depending on the number of tracked events per month, the number of integrations (Google, Meta, TikTok, BigQuery, etc.), the level of custom support needed, and whether you choose Cloud or On-Premise products. Annual billing provides cost savings compared to monthly billing.

Question 33

Can I test Hardal for free?

Accepted Answer

You can evaluate Hardal alongside your existing tracking instead of switching immediately. This lets you compare event delivery and reporting against your current setup. Trial terms depend on the product and implementation, so confirm the current terms with the team.

Question 34

Can I change my plan after subscribing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time based on your event volume and needs. Changes take effect in the next billing cycle.

Question 35

What happens if I exceed my plan's event limits?

Accepted Answer

Customer satisfaction and transparency are key for our team. For smaller overages, we don't charge our customers. For significant overages, we'll contact you and notify you. You may need to upgrade your plan to maintain full tracking. You'll be notified before reaching your limit.

Question 36

Do you offer installment plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can help with installment options based on the pricing we offer you.

Question 37

Does the server location affect pricing?

Accepted Answer

No, the server location does not affect pricing.

Question 38

How does partnership with Hardal work?

Accepted Answer

We currently start with a 10% commission rate, which may be updated gradually over time. For example, if a customer starts using Hardal through your referral with a monthly fee of $2,499, you can invoice us $250 monthly to benefit from the revenue sharing model. This model can be expanded based on the number of customers.

Question 39

As an agency, how can I convince my clients to use Hardal?

Accepted Answer

Start with the client's current discrepancy: compare backend or CRM conversions with GA4 and ad platform reports. Then show the collection path, consent rules, and maintenance work behind that gap. Hardal gives the client one event stream and prebuilt destinations. Do not promise a universal performance lift. Validate the result against the client's own records.

Question 40

Do you offer white-label solutions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, agencies can use Hardal as a white-label solution for their clients.

Question 41

Do I need to switch to this system today?

Accepted Answer

No. First confirm that browser-only collection, destination maintenance, or report mismatches are causing a material problem. If they are, run Hardal beside the current setup and validate one conversion path before expanding.

Question 42

What can we expect after implementation?

Accepted Answer

You get a first-party event path, configured consent and PII rules, managed destination delivery, and access to the event data included in your plan. Compare the new path with backend or CRM records during rollout. Campaign performance can change after platforms receive different inputs, but the result depends on your traffic, event design, and bidding setup.

Question 43

What advantages does Hardal offer compared to setting up Conversions API or containers myself?

Accepted Answer

A self-built setup gives you direct infrastructure control. Hardal is useful when you want to keep control of tags and events but hand off hosting, monitoring, destination updates, retries, and support. The better option depends on your team's skills, custom requirements, and appetite for ongoing operations.

Question 44

What are the main cost differences between in-house server-side setup and Hardal?

Accepted Answer

A self-hosted setup includes cloud spend plus the engineering time for monitoring, upgrades, and destination changes. Hardal's published plans start at $249 per month for 5 million events. Compare both options using your event volume, required destinations, support level, and internal labor rather than a generic savings percentage.

Question 45

How does the implementation time compare between in-house setup and Hardal?

Accepted Answer

A team that already knows sGTM and its cloud stack can move quickly. A typical Hardal web setup takes 1 to 3 days after DNS, tag, and access decisions are ready. Custom app, backend, and consent work takes longer. Scope the same requirements before comparing timelines.

Question 46

What technical expertise is needed for in-house setup versus using Hardal?

Accepted Answer

Self-hosting requires cloud, container, monitoring, security, and destination API skills. Hardal handles that managed infrastructure. Your team still owns the event model and may need technical help for DNS, app or backend events, custom schemas, and consent design.

Question 47

How does Hardal handle ongoing maintenance compared to in-house solutions?

Accepted Answer

With self-hosting, your team owns patches, capacity, monitoring, destination API changes, and incident response. Hardal manages those infrastructure tasks. Your team still maintains its tag configuration, event definitions, consent choices, and source access.

Question 48

What are the security advantages of Hardal over in-house server-side implementation?

Accepted Answer

Hardal provides an ISO 27001-certified managed environment, updates, access controls, and data-governance features. An in-house environment can meet the same or stricter requirements when it is designed and operated well. Compare deployment, access, retention, incident response, and audit requirements with your security team.

Question 49

How does Hardal handle scalability compared to in-house server-side setups?

Accepted Answer

Hardal manages capacity for its hosted deployment. With a self-hosted setup, your team chooses and operates the scaling model. In either case, size the system against normal event volume, traffic spikes, retention, and destination limits.

Question 50

What privacy compliance advantages does Hardal offer compared to in-house solutions?

Accepted Answer

Hardal includes controls for PII hashing, regex-based redaction, IP anonymisation, and consent-aware routing. A self-built system can implement the same controls, but your team must design, test, and maintain them. Neither option removes your organisation's responsibility to define a lawful data flow.

Question 51

How does support differ between in-house server-side setups and Hardal?

Accepted Answer

An in-house setup relies on your team or an agency for implementation and incidents. Hardal includes onboarding and product support, with service level and account coverage based on the selected plan. Check the current plan terms for response times and dedicated support.

Question 52

What are the main risks of in-house server-side implementation compared to Hardal?

Accepted Answer

The main in-house risks are ownership gaps: missed upgrades, weak monitoring, undocumented consent logic, or a destination API change with no clear owner. A managed service shifts infrastructure and connector operations to Hardal. You still own source quality, access policy, event definitions, and legal decisions.

Question 53

How does data accuracy compare between in-house server-side solutions and Hardal?

Accepted Answer

There is no fixed accuracy rate for either architecture. Results depend on source instrumentation, consent, identifiers, deduplication, destination rules, and the records used as ground truth. During a proof of concept, compare both paths with backend or CRM events and document why each mismatch occurs.

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