Tag: url tracking

How to shorten a hyperlink (and make it instantly clickable)
Readers don’t care about the full hyperlink; they care about where it leads them. But long, exposed URLs? They clutter the page, disrupt readability, and make your content harder to trust.

The solution is simple: shorten the hyperlink to make it more trustworthy.

Instead of linking to a long, clunky URL, you can use a short, branded link that looks neat and is easy to manage. In this blog, we’ll explain what a hyperlink is, how to shorten a hyperlink with Replug, and the benefits of doing so.

Let’s start with the basics before we move on to the process.

Maximize marketing ROI
by transforming ordinary URLs into
branded short links that convert. Try Replug for free

What is a hyperlink?

A hyperlink is a clickable element in a document, web page, or email that takes the reader to another location. It could open a new page, lead to a section within the same file, or direct someone to external content like a video, image, or resource.

Hyperlinks usually appear as text, phrases, or buttons. For example:
- In a blog: “Click here to learn more”
- In a document: a word like “Download” might point to a file link
- In an email: a phrase like “Shop now” could take readers to a landing page
Behind the hyperlink is a URL. If that URL is long, you can create a short link so the hyperlink remains clean and reliable.

Why shorten a hyperlink?

Shortening hyperlinks has clear benefits for both presentation and performance:
- Cleaner look: no distracting or broken lines in documents or blogs.
- Professional branding: links can carry your brand name with Replug.
- Improved trust: readers are more likely to click short, branded links.
- Analytics and tracking: shortened links allow us to monitor clicks.
- Flexibility: edit or update the destination without changing the hyperlink text.
In short, shortening makes hyperlinks smarter and more useful.

How to shorten a hyperlink with Replug

Here’s the step-by-step process on how to shorten a hyperlink using Replug:

Step 1: Sign in or sign up

Go to Replug and sign up for a free 14-day trial (no credit card needed). If you already have an account, log in to the dashboard.

Step 2: Paste your long URL

On the dashboard, paste the original long link into the bar under “Quickly shorten your link”. This creates a shortened version instantly.

Step 3: Create a branded URL (optional)

At first, Replug generates a short URL with an alphanumeric slug. For example:

You can customize the slug to make it look more recognizable and professional:

This not only looks professional but also improves recognition.

Step 4: Enable link cloaking (optional)

Replug also offers link cloaking. If you want the shortened URL to appear as a vanity link in the browser (helpful for affiliates or content marketers), you can enable this option while setting up your link.

Step 5: Save and copy the short URL

Once ready, click on “Save Shortened Link” and copy your short link.

Step 6: Add it to your hyperlink

Now, go back to your document, blog editor, or email tool. Highlight the text you want to hyperlink (for example, Learn more). Insert your Replug short link instead of the original long URL.

Now, when readers click the hyperlink, they’ll be directed to the shortened link, which then forwards them to the intended destination.

Benefits of using Replug for shortened hyperlinks

Replug lets you shorten a link while turning it into a complete marketing asset. Here are the benefits that it offers:
- Custom branded links: build trust and align links with your brand.
- Click analytics: track number of clicks, user devices, and geography.
- UTM parameters: measure campaign performance precisely using UTM links.
- Retargeting pixels: capture audiences who clicked your hyperlinks.
- Link rotation: send traffic to multiple offers from the same hyperlink.
- Editable links: update destinations anytime without changing the hyperlink itself.
- QR codes: create dynamic QR codes for offline or print materials.
Maximize marketing ROI
by transforming ordinary URLs into
branded short links that convert. Try Replug for free

Who actually benefits from shortening hyperlinks?

Shortened hyperlinks can be applied across multiple scenarios:
- Digital marketing: Short hyperlinks help brands maintain consistent messaging across platforms. They’re easy to share in emails, ads, and campaigns while keeping everything clean and trackable. Marketers can also run A/B tests with different links to see which strategies bring better results.
- Social media marketing: Short hyperlinks keep posts neat, boost engagement, and encourage sharing. A branded link also feels more trustworthy, making users more likely to click.
- Vanity links: Custom, keyword-based links are easier for people to remember and type. With a URL shortening tool, creating vanity links becomes simple, giving businesses a professional, user-friendly way to share content.
- Affiliate marketing: Replug helps cloak affiliate links into branded hyperlinks that look clean, trustworthy, and click-worthy. Plus, with advanced link tracking, affiliates can see which campaigns are driving real conversions.
- Campaign analytics: Every click on a hyperlink tells a story. Marketers gain insights into click-through rates, demographics, and user behavior, which helps optimize campaigns and allocate resources more effectively.
- QR codes: Pairing QR codes with short hyperlinks is a powerful way to reach audiences across touchpoints. With dynamic QR codes, you can update the destination anytime without changing the code itself, keeping campaigns flexible and future-proof.
Conclusion

Long hyperlinks not only look messy but also reduce trust and harm readability. By shortening them, you can keep links clean, branded, and easy to share while unlocking analytics and flexibility.

With Replug, hyperlinks go beyond shortening. You can create custom branded links, cloak affiliate URLs, track campaign performance, and even generate QR codes. Whether it’s for digital marketing, social media, or affiliate promotions, Replug turns every hyperlink into a smart marketing asset.

If you want hyperlinks that people are irresistibly clickable, it’s time to shorten and manage them with Replug!

Frequently asked questions

How do I reduce the length of a hyperlink?

Shortening the length of a hyperlink is simple: Copy the long link from your website or social media, paste it into Replug, click to create, and save your new short link.

How do I rename or shorten a hyperlink?
- If you just want to rename it, most platforms (Word, Google Docs, emails, websites, etc.) let you edit the display text of the link. Instead of showing the full URL, you can replace it with cleaner text like “Read more” or “Visit here”.
- If you want to shorten the actual link itself, you can use a URL shortener like Replug. Just paste your long URL, generate a short one, and use that wherever you share it.
How to shorten a URL safely?

Use a reliable URL shortener, opt for branded links, and avoid suspicious third-party tools. Always preview and test shortened links before sharing to ensure they’re safe and trustworthy.

How do I edit a hyperlink to make it shorter in Word?

Right-click the link, select Edit Hyperlink, then choose ScreenTip (top-right of the dialog box) and type in your preferred text.
August 28, 2025
TikTok UTM builder: How to create UTMs for TikTok ads?
TikTok’s skyrocketing popularity has opened up exciting new opportunities for businesses to reach fresh audiences and measure the success of their campaigns. One of the best ways to track your marketing efforts on TikTok is by using UTM tags.

But let’s be honest—creating UTMs isn’t always straightforward. Many people end up using clunky methods like Google Sheets to manage their UTMs. That’s where we come in. At Replug, we designed a free UTM builder to simplify the process and help you get the most out of your TikTok ads.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to create UTMs for TikTok ads effortlessly. By the end, you’ll be able to track your campaigns with precision and make data-driven decisions to boost your marketing success.

What are UTM parameters?

UTM parameters, also known as UTM tags or UTM codes, are snippets of text appended to a URL to track the source, medium, campaign, term, and content of a marketing link. These parameters help marketers understand where their website traffic is coming from and how users interact with their marketing campaigns.

Here’s a breakdown of the five UTM parameters:
- Source (utm_source): This parameter identifies the specific source of the traffic, such as the platform or website where the link was clicked. For example, if you’re running ads on TikTok, the source would be “tiktok”.
- Medium (utm_medium): The medium parameter describes the marketing medium or type of traffic, such as email, social, or CPC (cost-per-click) advertising. For TikTok ads, the medium could be “cpc” (cost-per-click).
- Campaign (utm_campaign): This parameter specifies the name of the marketing campaign associated with the link. It helps differentiate between different campaigns running simultaneously. For example, if you’re running a summer sale campaign on TikTok, the campaign name could be “summer_sale”.
- Term (utm_term): This parameter is typically used for paid search campaigns to identify the keywords associated with the ad. However, for TikTok ads, it may not be as relevant unless you’re running keyword-targeted campaigns.
- Content (utm_content): The content parameter allows you to differentiate between different elements within the same campaign. For example, if you’re testing two different ad creatives for your TikTok summer sale campaign, you could use “video_ad1” and “video_ad2” as content identifiers.
Why should you use UTM tags on TikTok?

Using UTM tags on TikTok offers several important benefits for marketers:

Track campaign performance:

UTM tags enable you to track the effectiveness of your TikTok campaigns accurately. By appending UTMs to your ad URLs, you can monitor metrics such as clicks, conversions, and engagement specific to each campaign, source, and medium.

Identify traffic sources:

With UTM tags, you can pinpoint the exact sources driving traffic to your website from TikTok. Whether it’s from organic posts, paid ads, or influencer collaborations, UTMs help you understand which channels are delivering the most value.

Measure ROI:

By tracking the performance of your TikTok campaigns using UTMs, you can calculate the return on investment (ROI) more precisely. This data allows you to assess the cost-effectiveness of your marketing efforts and allocate your budget more effectively in the future.

Optimize campaigns:

UTM-tagged URLs provide valuable insights into user behavior and preferences. By analyzing UTM data, you can identify trends, determine which content resonates best with your audience, and optimize your TikTok campaigns for better results.

Enhance reporting:

UTM parameters make it easier to generate detailed reports on your TikTok marketing activities. Whether you’re reporting to clients, stakeholders, or your team, UTMs provide clear and granular data that can support your analysis and decision-making.

Facilitate A/B testing:

UTMs allow you to conduct A/B tests effectively by tracking different variations of your TikTok ads or content. By comparing the performance of URLs with different UTM parameters, you can identify which strategies yield the highest conversion rates and refine your approach accordingly.

How to create UTMs for TikTok ads using Replug?

Replug is a URL shortening and tracking platform that allows you to create custom short links with UTM parameters for tracking purposes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating UTMs for TikTok ads using Replug:

Step 1: Sign in to Replug

Visit the Replug app and sign in to your account. If you don’t have an account, you can sign up for free.

Step 2: Enter campaign and URL details

Once logged in, simply choose a campaign on your dashboard (create a new campaign if you’re a new user) and enter the TikTok campaign URL in the “URL to shorten” field.

Step 3: Configure UTM parameters

In the campaign creation process, you’ll have the option to add UTM parameters to your links. Specify the UTM parameters according to your campaign requirements. This typically includes parameters like source, medium, campaign, term, and content.

Note: For TikTok ads, ensure that you set the source as “tiktok” and the medium as “cpc” (cost-per-click), or any other relevant medium depending on your campaign goals.

Step 4: Generate short link

After configuring the UTM parameters, click the “Create” button and proceed to generate a short link for your TikTok ad. Replug will automatically create a shortened URL with the specified UTM parameters appended to it.

Step 5: Customize the URL slug

Replug allows you to customize the shortened URL. You can choose a unique identifier or keyword to make the link more memorable or reflect your content.

Step 6: Use shortened URL in the TikTok ad

Copy the shortened URL generated by Replug. Paste this URL as the destination URL in your TikTok ad setup when creating or editing your ad campaign.

Step 7: Track performance

Once your TikTok ad campaign is live, Replug will track the performance of the shortened URL with UTMs. You view analytics and track metrics such as clicks, conversions, and engagement for your TikTok ad campaign.

Note: Remember to analyze the data provided by Replug to optimize your TikTok ad strategy and maximize your marketing efforts. Happy tracking!

Final Note

UTM tags are invaluable tools for marketers looking to optimize their TikTok ad campaigns and maximize their ROI. By leveraging Replug’s UTM builder, you can easily create custom short links with UTMs, track the performance of your campaigns, and make data-driven decisions to achieve your marketing objectives.

FAQs

Is the TikTok UTM Builder compatible with all types of TikTok ad campaigns?

Yes, the TikTok UTM Builder is compatible with all TikTok ad campaigns, including video ads, sponsored hashtag challenges, branded effects, and influencer partnerships.

How do I track the performance of my TikTok ad campaigns with UTMs?

Replug automatically tracks the performance of the shortened URLs with UTMs. You can log in to your Replug account to access analytics and track metrics like clicks, conversions, and engagement for your TikTok ad campaigns.

Does Replug provide real-time analytics for TikTok ad campaigns?

Yes, Replug offers real-time analytics, allowing you to monitor the performance of your TikTok ad campaigns as they unfold. You can track clicks, conversions, and other engagement metrics in real-time to make timely adjustments and optimizations.
May 17, 2024
Branded Link Management: Your Key to Online Success
Links serve as vital assets that connect your brand with the digital world, so having full control over them is essential. Branded Link management empowers you to safeguard your brand, optimize your marketing, and efficiently handle the many links your company generates.

Therefore, a central link management tool is essential to enhanced collaboration, accurate tracking, and brand protection. It can also help to increase brand awareness and streamline link sharing between colleagues.

Here’s what branded link management is and why it’s crucial for your company’s online success.

What is branded link management?

Branded link management, often referred to as branded link shortening is a specialized facet of link management that focuses on shortening, customizing, and optimizing links, particularly for branding and marketing purposes.

Branded links are shorter and more user-friendly versions of URLs, and they often feature a custom domain that aligns with a brand or campaign.

Key aspects of branded link management:
- Customization: Branded links allow you to tailor URLs to match your brand, campaign, or content. For example, a long and complex URL can be transformed into a concise and branded link.
- Branding: By using branded links, you reinforce your brand identity in every link you share. This consistency can boost brand recognition and trust among your audience.
- Tracking and analytics: Branded link management tools often offer robust tracking and analytics features. This data helps you measure the performance of your branded links, enabling data-driven marketing decisions.
- Link security: Branded link management platforms often include security features that protect your links from malicious activities, ensuring the integrity of your brand’s online presence.
- User experience: Branded links are user-friendly and can enhance the overall user experience, as they are easier to remember and share.
A complete link management solution
for marketing professionals & agencies. Try Replug for free

Branded link management: why do you need it?

Companies, particularly those engaged in e-commerce, affiliate marketing, and social media marketing, benefit from using a link management tool for several compelling reasons:
1. URL shortening:
A branded link management tool shortens long and cumbersome URLs, making them more user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. This is particularly useful for sharing links on social media, in email marketing campaigns, and within content.
1. Tracking and analytics:
Branded link management tools offer robust tracking and analytics features, allowing companies to monitor the performance of their links. This includes tracking click-through rates, conversion rates, and other essential metrics to assess the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
1. Conversion analysis:
Companies can analyze the conversion rates associated with specific links. This insight helps in optimizing marketing efforts and understanding which links are driving the most conversions and sales.
1. Branding:
Branded links provide consistency and reinforce a company’s brand identity with every link shared. This consistency can boost brand recognition and trust among the audience.
1. Efficiency:
Link management tools streamline the process of creating and managing links, saving time and reducing the risk of errors. This is especially valuable for companies that deal with a large number of links.
1. Social media traffic:
Many link management tools offer features like bio links, which are crucial for social media marketers. These tools help drive social media traffic to the company’s website by providing a simple and appealing way to share links on platforms with character limits or visual constraints.
1. Lead generation and retargeting:
Some link management tools go beyond shortening links and offer lead generation and retargeting capabilities, enabling companies to capture leads and re-engage with potential customers who clicked on their links.

A complete link management solution
for marketing professionals & agencies. Try Replug for free

Brand and manage your links with Replug:

A powerful link management tool can be the difference between success and obscurity. Replug is not just another option; it’s the best choice, and here’s why:

Branded short links:

Replug’s link shortener transforms lengthy URLs into concise, branded short links. Your audience will remember and trust these links, and you can even use your custom domain for that extra touch of professionalism.

Link analytics:

Replug provides in-depth link analytics, so you’re never in the dark about your link performance. UTM tracking allows you to monitor metrics at your fingertips, enabling data-driven decisions.

Bio links:

Say goodbye to juggling multiple links. With Replug, you can consolidate all your branding needs into a single, sleek bio link. It’s a one-stop landing page to engage your audience effectively.

Also read: How to Add Multiple Links to Instagram Bio Using Replug?

Retargeting pixel:

Lost sales don’t have to stay lost. Replug’s retargeting pixel enables you to re-engage potential customers across multiple networks, increasing your chances of conversion.

QR code:

Create dynamic marketing interactions with QR codes. They’re versatile tools that can bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds.

A/B testing:

Experiment with up to 10 variations of your URLs to find the winning formula. Replug’s A/B testing feature helps you optimize your links for the best results.

Deep links:

Guide your audience through smooth in-app experiences with deep links. These links enable users to navigate seamlessly within mobile apps, enhancing the customer journey.

Link rotator:

Optimize user experiences by intelligently routing traffic based on user preferences. It’s a powerful tool for keeping your audience engaged and interested.

SMS links:

Improve your SMS marketing efforts with bulk short links and insights provided by Replug. Enhance your messaging strategy and drive more conversions.

Call to action generator:

Simplify your calls to action (CTAs) to increase engagement and conversions. Replug makes it easy to create effective CTAs that drive results.

Maximize marketing ROI
by transforming ordinary URLs into
branded short links that convert. Try Replug for free

Replug’s white label solution: Your brand, your link management

For businesses, agencies, and professionals looking to maintain brand consistency and provide top-tier link management services, Replug’s White Label Solution is the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. Here’s why it’s the ultimate choice:
- In-house link management: Replug’s White Label Solution allows you to have your very own, in-house link management tool. It’s an extension of your brand, ensuring a seamless user experience for your clients.
- Branded experience: Every interaction with your link management tool is a branded experience. Your clients see your branding, reinforcing your identity and building trust.
- Client control: With your white-label solution, you maintain full control over your client’s experience, ensuring that it aligns perfectly with your brand’s values and message.
- Streamlined workflow: Replug’s white-label tool streamlines the link management process, saving you time and reducing the risk of errors. It’s all about optimizing your workflow to be more efficient and productive.
- Data insights: Comprehensive data insights are at your fingertips. Understand how your clients are using the tool and gain insights to guide your services.
- Agency growth: As an agency, offering a white-label solution positions you as a full-service provider and strengthens your brand as a leader in your industry.
Final verdict:

Replug is not just a link management tool; it’s a comprehensive solution that empowers your brand, streamlines your digital efforts, and positions you for success in a competitive online landscape.

Whether it’s enhancing brand visibility with branded short links, providing a white-label solution for your agency, or offering a range of powerful features, Replug is the ultimate choice for those who aspire to stand out, make every click count, and unlock their brand’s full potential in the digital world.

FAQs

What is branded link management?

Branded link management combines link shortening with customization using your branded domain, creating links that reinforce your brand’s identity.

Can I track the performance of branded links with analytics?

Yes, our link management tool offers robust analytics, enabling you to monitor click-through rates, conversion rates, and other essential metrics for branded links.

Can branded link management be used by agencies for their clients?

Yes, agencies can benefit from white-label branded link management solutions like Replug to provide branded link management services to their clients.

What tools are available for effective link management?

Numerous tools and platforms are available, including Replug, which offers branded link management, analytics, custom domains, bio links and more.
October 31, 2023
Track your success: How to create a tracking link?

Link tracking is essential for businesses looking to improve their marketing efforts and understand their audience’s engagement. By monitoring clicks on specific links within a marketing campaign, businesses can gather valuable data and make informed decisions that lead to increased conversions and a better return on investment.

For example, imagine a business has created a landing page, an email marketing campaign, or a newsletter to promote its product or service. These marketing efforts require links that redirect the audience to the offered product or service. To ensure the success of future marketing communications and interactions, the business needs to know which links are being clicked by the audience.

This information is valuable for businesses as it reveals engagement statistics and helps evaluate the marketing campaign’s success. By tracking clicks on specific links, businesses can gather data on the number of clicks, the location of clicks, and the time of clicks, which can then be used to improve future marketing efforts and increase conversions.

Also Read: How to Create a perfect Call-To-Action (CTA) For Maximum Conversion

How to Create a Tracking Link with Replug: Step-by-Step Process

Shortening URLs for link tracking with Replug is a quick and simple process. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Sign in to Replug or create an account for free.

Step 2: Select the desired campaign on the main dashboard or create a new one in a few seconds.

Note: To create a new tracking link, you must create a campaign or select an existing one.

Step 3: Paste the link you want to track in the “URL to shorten” section below the “select your campaign” section.

Note: You can also add the UTM parameters to your link. Learn how to add UTM parameters.

Step 4: Click the create button to create your shortened URL.

Step 5: Now, you have the shortened version of your link. Click the edit icon to customize your link.

Step 6: Click the update button after editing the link, and you’ve your tracking URL ready.

[branded_short_links]

Check the tracking parameters:

Step 7: Go to the main dashboard, click manage and select Replug links from the drop-down menu.

Step 8: You’ll find your newly created link in the Replug links section. Click the three dots at the opposite side of the link, then click view stats.

Step 9: You can view the tracking parameters, which include clicks, unique clicks, conversion, and conversion rate.

Note: You can also view the detailed stats on this page by scrolling down. For clarification, watch the video below.

Also Read: What Is A Vanity URL & How To Track It?

FAQs

What is a tracking URL?

A tracking URL is a hyperlink that tracks clicks on a specific link. It usually contains additional parameters and codes used by tracking software to track the clicks’ source, location, and behavior. The information collected through tracking URLs can be used for various purposes, such as website analytics, marketing campaigns, and conversion tracking.

How do tracking links work?

Tracking links work by redirecting clicks from the original link to a tracking link that contains additional parameters. When a user clicks on the tracking link, the tracking software records the information about the click, such as the source, location, and behavior of the user.

The tracking software then sends the user to the original link while keeping a record of the information gathered through the tracking link. This information can then be analyzed to improve marketing strategies, track conversions, and gather insights into user behavior. The tracking process is typically transparent to the user and occurs in the background without affecting the user experience.

You may also like:

What Are Tracking Pixels?

How to Create a QR code for a URL?

Campaign Tracking: Data-Driven Tools for Marketers

March 13, 2023
What is a Tracking URL and How Does it Work?
What is a tracking URL?

A tracking URL is a link that contains one or more URL parameters to track, identify, and analyze user activity or behavior on a website.

URL tracking is an engagement strategy used in digital marketing that allows marketers to track the clickability, conversion rate, and call-to-action buttons on the websites.

Have you seen a call-to-action button in an email newsletter or cloaked Amazon affiliate links?

The reason behind it is that e-commerce marketers utilize tracking tools that allow them to add parameters that help track user behavior and also to win back customers through retargeting.

Why is URL tracking important?

URL tracking is an essential process in online marketing that helps marketers in analyzing the overall performance of the URLs. It includes factors such as number of clicks and conversions.

The reason why the URL tracking process is important for bloggers, affiliate marketers, and digital marketers is that it assists users in determining the link performance in an article or on a website page.

It’s nearly impossible to track affiliate sales without URL tracking. Almost every affiliate network or affiliate marketing software uses URL parameters in the product links to track the clicks and conversions.

Digital marketing experts use UTM parameters to track their website visitors and understand the source of the traffic. They set separate UTM parameters for Google ads, Facebook ads, social media, landing pages, etc.

To sum it up, the reason why URL tracking is important in the digital marketing world is that it provides users with insights into link performance, click activity, and conversion rate.

Related: What Is A Vanity URL & How To Track It?

How does the URL tracking work?

URL tracking is an online marketing strategy that monitors the impact of the marketing campaigns through link performance. Following are the activities that can be tracked with URL tracking:
- Clicks
- Conversion
- Affiliate commissions
- Click-through rate
- Traffic sources
- Leads generated
URL tracking process
- Define the purpose of URL tracking:
Bloggers and marketers don’t vaguely start tracking random URLs. Instead, there is always an agenda behind the tracking.
- URL selection:
Pinpoint the URLs that you can track over the next few weeks or months.It’s almost impossible to manually track hundreds of thousands of URLs.
- Opt for the most suitable UTM parameters:
Opt for the most suitable UTM parameters to insert in the URL to track. A UTM parameter is a tiny code that goes into the URL address to track the sources of website page traffic.
- Tracking the UTM parameters:
The last and most important part of the URL tracking process is tracking the UTM parameters. Track UTM parameters through Replug or also can use Google Analytics.

When should I use a tracking URL?

There are several use cases for tracking URLs. Once you have figured out what tracking a URL means, it gets easier to apply the tactics.

Here are different scenarios when you should use a tracking URL:
- Record the clicks on the links:
Whenever you want to know how many clicks a link has gotten, the easiest way to track the clicks is by using a tracking URL.
- Track sales and conversions:
E-commerce stores and online businesses track sales and conversion through a tracking URL. It usually comes in handy when businesses want to know where the sale or conversion has come from on their website.
- Identify the top-performing pages:
When there are multiple sales pages with unique UTM parameters, it’s easier to identify the top-performing sales page.
- Study the performance of the links on a site:
There are site-wide links available on every blog or website. Tracking URLs help admins understand the overall link performance on the website.
- Allot the affiliate commissions appropriately:
Tracking URLs are imperative in affiliate marketing. No wonder the affiliate product links are long and clunky. The affiliate networks use URL parameters to identify and allot the affiliate sales to the appropriate affiliate account.
- Find the traffic sources for a landing page:
When marketers create a new landing page for a new product, they share the landing page link across all channels, such as social media, email newsletter, blog sidebar, etc. Therefore, the source of the website visitor is easily traceable with a tracking URL.
- Trace the footprints of the generated leads:
Lead generation means when a visitor signs up for a trial account or downloads a freebie. Marketers insert a UTM parameter that explains where the lead came from.

Types of URL tracking

There are three types of URL tracks that are being used:

1. Auto-tagging

The auto-tagging URL tracking is a URL tracking system that automatically adds relevant slugs to the URL that helps in tracking the data. There is no need to manually add a tag to every URL.

2.Manual tagging for backend systems

Manual tagging for backend systems relies on the ValueTrack parameters. These parameters track information about the ad clicks. Adding these parameters to your ad campaign, the user can track or identify the details such as device, location, and other information about the audience.

3.Manual-tagging

In a manual-tagging system, the user needs to put in the UTM parameters using a URL builder. Usually, the UTM tracking generators have a form and the users need to fill in the blanks using the parameters to generate the tracking URL.

How to track URLs with UTM parameters?

Are you wondering about tracking URLs with UTM parameters?

Here are four steps to follow:

#1. Select the URLs to track

The URL tracking process begins with selecting the URLs to track. Most experts start with choosing the UTM parameters and bypassing step no. 1, which doesn’t make sense. So start with the URL selection and then get to the UTM parameters afterward.
Usually, digital marketing experts use UTM parameters on the call-to-action buttons in email newsletters, landing pages, discount offer pages, and Facebook or Google ads.

#2. Choose appropriate UTM parameters

The next up is to choose the suitable UTM parameters to add to your URL. Digital marketers who run Google ads or Facebook ad campaigns know the effectiveness of these UTM parameters.
Moreover, a campaign’s URL could have multiple UTM parameters doing their specific jobs. The most common UTM parameters are mentioned below:

utm_source:

To identify the traffic platform sending traffic to a website

utm_medium:

To understand the type of link where it’s being used

utm_campaign:

To specify a certain campaign or promotion

utm_term:

To recognize the search term the brand is targeting

utm_content:

To explain the type of content used to drive website visitors such as an article text or a sidebar banner.

#3. Place the UTM parameter tracking

UTM parameters placement does seem a difficult task, especially for online marketers who have zero experience with HTML or website code editing. However, the manual insertion of the UTM parameter isn’t the only way to do it.
There are several UTM tracking code generators available on the market that lets you insert the UTM parameters into a URL. Not only are these UTM generators spot on, but they also make the process faster.

#4. Analyze the results

It’s necessary to keep an eye on the campaign results to navigate along the way. To get started with tracking your UTM campaign results, follow these steps:
Go to your Google Analytics account for further steps
Head over to the Acquisition. Then go to the Traffic Acquisition.

You’ll see all the traffic acquisition channels.

The UTM campaign would reflect under the source/medium section, so look out for that.

How to get a tracking URL?

The UTM parameters are extremely helpful when tracking user behavior during an online campaign. A tracking URL with complete tracking anecdotes could come in handy in social media marketing, online advertising, and email marketing.
Have you ever hovered over a link in an email that includes various terms such as source or medium? The reason is that these are types of UTM parameters that facilitate to track the performance of the email marketing campaigns.
You might wonder, how do I get a tracking URL?
Well, you can opt for a decent UTM tracking tool that allows you to add UTM tags to your URLs without making a big deal out of it.

Add UTMs with Replug

Replug is an all-in-one link management tool for creating, managing and tracking vanity URLs for social media, online advertising, or email newsletters. Branded URL shortener allows users to shorten the long URLs so that they appear clean anywhere you share them.

Moreover, the additional Replug features include UTM, retargeting, bio links, QR generation, mobile deep linking, and more.
Here are four simple steps to get a tracking URL using Replug:

Step 1: Log in to your Replug account
Go to the Replug app and log in to your account.

Step 2: Enter the URL to shorten
After the login, you’ll see a URL shortening snippet right on the dashboard. Select the Replug campaign and paste the long URL you want to shorten and add UTM parameters to the campaign. If you haven’t created a campaign, you’ll be better off creating one.

The moment you paste the URL to shorten it, an “Add UTM” CTA button will appear next to the URL.

Step 3: Add UTM parameters

Click on the “Add UTM” CTA button to include the UTM parameters to add the ability to track the URL using Replug.

Once you click that CTA, you’ll be prompted with a UTM screen – you’d have to select an already created UTM or add a new one.

If you choose to create a new UTM code, a form will pop up to fill out.

Go through this step as it’s crucial to add the URL tracking. Once you’re done with adding all required parameters, proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Generate the short URL
After you add the parameters, they will appear along with your URL. Proceed further to generate that short URL along with UTM parameters to track link performance.

Start Tracking

Generating a tracking URL is a great tool for online marketers to push sales growth. The fundamentals of a tracking URL will remain the same whether you use Google Analytics or a URL shortener tool. However, the benefits of URL shorteners are still yet to be explored to its maximum potential.
Brands and entrepreneurs use URL tracking for branding, building a custom audience, and generating more sales.

FAQs

Can URL be tracked?

Any URL that contains the tracking parameters can be tracked. The ideal method is to include UTM parameters to track the URL performance.

What is URL tagging?

URL tagging is the process of infusing identifiers to the URLs to attribute the traffic to a specific campaign or event.

What is UTM stand for?

UTM stands for Urchin Tracking Modules.

Start making most of your online marketing efforts with tracking URLs today!
September 20, 2022