Link tracking
Link tracking refers to the process of monitoring and analyzing the interactions users have with links on websites, emails, or other online platforms.
Here are some common methods used for link tracking:
UTM Parameters (Urchin Tracking Module):
These are special tags added to the end of URLs to track the effectiveness of campaigns. For example, a URL with UTM parameters might look like this:
https://example.com/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=spring_sale
The UTM parameters help identify the source, medium, and campaign associated with the link when users click on it.
Tracking Pixels:
A small, invisible image embedded in a webpage or email that tracks user actions, such as clicks or page visits. It allows the collection of data on link interactions.
Redirect Links:
Some link tracking services use redirect URLs. When a user clicks on the link, they are first sent to a tracking server that logs the action before redirecting them to the intended destination.
Link Shorteners:
Services like Bit.ly, TinyURL, or Google’s URL shortener allow you to create shortened versions of URLs that also come with analytics tools to track clicks, referrers, and other data.