Paula Mantle, Author at Branch https://www.branch.io/resources/author/paula-mantle/ Unifying user experience and attribution across devices and channels Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:21:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 QR Code Tracking for Marketers: Tools, Tips, and Tactics https://www.branch.io/resources/blog/qr-code-tracking/ https://www.branch.io/resources/blog/qr-code-tracking/#respond Mon, 29 Sep 2025 22:27:39 +0000 https://branch2022stg.wpenginepowered.com/?p=22257 Track QR code scans, connect them to installs and in-app actions, and optimize campaigns with full-funnel attribution. See how Branch turns scans into conversions.

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QR codes are everywhere — from storefronts and packaging to direct mail and out-of-home ads. But simply scanning a QR code isn’t enough.

Today’s marketers need to track every scan, tie it to a conversion, and optimize campaigns with real-time data. Most free QR tools stop at basic scan counts. Tools like Branch go further — connecting each scan to installs, purchases, and in-app events for true cross-platform attribution.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how QR code tracking works, the tools you’ll need, campaign ideas to try, and how Branch takes your QR strategy to the next level with deep linking and multi-channel attribution.

Why QR codes are back

Once seen as a gimmick, QR codes have made a full comeback — and this time, they’re not going anywhere. From packaging and print to out-of-home and in-store displays, QR codes have become a powerful bridge between offline touchpoints and digital engagement. And, thanks to modern tracking capabilities, marketers now see QR codes as a serious performance channel.

The growth of QR codes in marketing

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated consumer adoption of QR codes, especially in retail, restaurants, and healthcare. But what started as a hygiene-focused workaround has since evolved into a full-fledged marketing asset.

Today, just about anyone can create a QR code with a QR code generator, and marketers embed them into campaigns at every funnel stage. They’ve become the modern version of barcodes — scannable, versatile, and instantly actionable.

Consumers have also grown comfortable using their phones to scan QR codes without needing a third-party app. This shift in behavior, combined with the ease of generating a free QR code, has removed the friction that once made QR codes feel clunky or niche.

With lower barriers and greater reach, QR codes are now a must-have in any omnichannel marketer’s playbook.

Key QR code marketing use cases

QR codes shine in cross-channel and physical-to-digital transitions — making them a natural fit for many modern marketing campaigns.

Here are just a few of the most common use cases:

  • Driving app downloads from flyers, posters, or billboards
  • Linking offline shoppers to mobile-first product experiences
  • Sending viewers from a print ad directly to a personalized landing page
  • Using QR codes in social media content to boost offline conversions

For teams that are just getting started, it’s easy to find a quick-start tutorial online or through your QR code platform. More advanced marketers are now integrating QR codes into their marketing strategies as a distinct traffic source — comparable to email, paid search, or organic social.

Why tracking QR code scans matters

Just like with ads or email clicks, knowing whether someone scanned your QR code is essential for optimization. Without data, you’re just guessing.

Tracking QR code scans gives marketers insight into which placements, formats, or creatives perform best. And with modern tools, you can track QR codes down to the specific campaign, location, or device.

Most platforms allow you to see both unique scans (individual users) and total scans (including repeats), offering valuable insights into how often your QR codes are being used and by whom.

You can also track the number of scans per channel, giving you the performance metrics needed to evaluate ROI and shift budget accordingly.

When you treat QR code engagement like any other trackable metric, it stops being a novelty — and starts being a scalable growth channel.

How does QR code tracking work?

QR codes may look simple, but under the hood, they can power sophisticated tracking and attribution workflows. The key is knowing how to structure your links and what technology to use behind each scan. This section breaks down how marketers can turn QR codes into data-rich, conversion-driving assets.

Using UTMs with QR codes

One of the most effective ways to track QR code performance is by appending UTM parameters to the destination link. These parameters help identify the source, medium, campaign, and content associated with each scan, giving you full visibility in tools like Google Analytics.

Here’s how it works: When someone scans the QR code, the device follows the embedded link, which often includes a redirect to your landing page. The UTM tags are passed through that redirect and captured in your analytics dashboard.

You can build these links manually or with the help of templates in a campaign URL builder. Just make sure your naming conventions are consistent, so you can compare QR code traffic to other channels like email, paid search, or social media.

By layering UTMs into your QR code links, you get granular, channel-level insights — without any extra friction for the user.

Using deep links to improve user experience

While UTMs tell you where users came from, deep linking takes things further by controlling where they go, especially in mobile environments.

A deep link doesn’t just open your app; it opens to a specific destination URL inside the app, like a product page, promo screen, or account dashboard. This provides a far better user experience than dropping users on a generic home screen.

Deep links also allow you to carry campaign metadata through the install process, which is especially important on iOS and Android, where app stores often interrupt the journey. With tools like Branch, this metadata can persist even after an app install, ensuring you know which QR scan led to which action.

In short, deep linking is a must if you’re using QR codes to promote mobile engagement.

Connecting QR code scans to conversions

Tracking a scan is one thing. Connecting that scan to downstream actions — like purchases, sign-ups, or in-app behavior — is where the magic happens.

To do this, you must look beyond scans and into conversion rates, user metrics, and on-site or in-app behavior. Modern platforms like Branch offer real-time tracking dashboards that help you optimize campaign performance as the data rolls in.

You can analyze user interactions post-scan, such as whether someone completed a form, downloaded a resource, or made a purchase. You can also evaluate user behavior over time to understand which QR codes lead to high-value actions versus bounces.

Marketers can move from surface-level vanity metrics to full-funnel performance visibility by tying scans to outcomes.

Best tools for QR code tracking

There’s no shortage of tools for creating and tracking QR codes — but not all platforms offer the same depth of insights or flexibility. Below are three popular solutions marketers use today, each with its own strengths depending on your campaign goals.

1. Branch

Branch offers enterprise-grade QR code tracking built for scale, performance, and deep attribution. Unlike basic QR tools that only capture scan counts, Branch provides the functionality needed to connect every scan to a real business outcome — whether it’s an app install, purchase, or sign-up.

What sets Branch apart is its ability to deliver in-depth analytics that tie together web, mobile, desktop, and even offline engagements. You’re not just measuring scans — you’re measuring impact across the entire user journey.

For marketers who want to make data-driven decisions across multiple campaigns and platforms, Branch is the go-to solution for QR code attribution.

2. Bitly

Bitly is one of the most widely used link shorteners and tracking platforms on the market — and it also offers built-in QR code generation.

Its tracking tools are relatively simple compared to Branch, but they’re easy to use and integrate well with short-link campaigns. Bitly’s QR codes are a good fit for quick-use cases like flyers, email footers, or social bios.

Bitly offers a pricing structure that includes both free and paid tiers, with advanced analytics, branded links, and integrations available on premium plans.

3. QRCode Monkey

QRCode Monkey is a flexible and user-friendly QR code generator known for its high level of customization. While it doesn’t offer deep attribution or post-scan analytics like Branch, it does support dynamic QR codes, which allow you to change the destination URL after the code has already been printed or published.

The platform also offers basic tracking features for marketers who want to measure scans without needing a full analytics stack. It’s a solid entry-level tool for those looking to launch campaigns quickly and test different creatives or call-to-actions.

QR code campaign ideas for marketers

QR codes are incredibly versatile — and when paired with tracking and attribution tools, they become powerful conversion drivers. Below are three campaign ideas that show how marketers can use QR codes in creative, high-impact ways.

Event promotions

Live events are one of the best places to deploy QR codes, especially when you want to drive on-the-spot action. Whether you’re at a trade show, hosting a product launch, or sponsoring a local event, QR codes can help guide attendees from physical environments to digital destinations.

For example, placing a custom QR code on signage, name badges, or brochures can drive users directly to a landing page or exclusive content. You can track page views and engagement in real time, giving you insight into what’s resonating with attendees.

Using Branch or another advanced tool, you can also track scan locations to understand which physical placements get the most traction — helping you plan smarter for future events.

Offline-to-online conversions

QR codes are a frictionless way to convert offline interest into online action. From direct mail to print ads, they act as a seamless bridge between real-world touchpoints and digital channels.

Let’s say you include a QR code on a mailer promoting a seasonal sale. With proper attribution in place, you can track campaign performance all the way from scan to checkout. And with tools like Branch, you can access real-time data to see how your offline assets are performing — enabling fast iteration and optimization.

This is especially powerful for brands that invest heavily in traditional advertising or operate in industries where physical presence is a big part of the funnel.

Product packaging and in-store experiences

Adding QR codes to packaging or displays is a proven way to boost user engagement at the point of purchase or consideration. Whether it’s a scan-to-learn-more flow, a product registration page, or an in-app promotion, QR codes can extend the customer experience beyond the shelf.

Marketers can use trackable QR codes to monitor how different packaging versions or placements perform. Want to A/B test two different creative styles? Just link them to distinct URLs and measure which one drives more engagement.

In-store experiences can also benefit from QR codes placed at entrances, checkout counters, or endcaps — guiding shoppers toward content, deals, or product education with zero friction.

Why Branch is ideal for QR code campaigns

While many platforms offer basic QR code generation and scan tracking, Branch doubles down — connecting each scan to a complete user journey across web, app, and offline touchpoints. For marketers who want to turn QR codes into measurable growth drivers, Branch offers the most comprehensive solution available.

Deep linking for post-scan engagement

A key advantage of Branch is its best-in-class deep linking technology, which ensures that users don’t just land somewhere — they land exactly where they need to go.

Whether someone scans a code in-store or from a printed ad, Branch routes them to the most relevant destination, even if it requires going through an app store install flow. Once installed, the app opens to the correct screen, not just the homepage — creating a seamless post-scan engagement experience.

Need help implementing? Branch offers a full step-by-step guide to creating, distributing, and tracking deep-linked QR campaigns across multiple platforms.

Multi-channel attribution

Branch doesn’t just track clicks or scans — it tracks outcomes across every environment a user might interact with. That includes desktop, mobile web, in-app, and even QR codes on packaging or printed ads.

Because Branch links retain metadata through the install process, it’s possible to attribute conversions back to the original source — no matter the operating system (iOS or Android) or channel.

This gives marketers true multi-channel attribution, helping them understand which QR placements actually drive business results — not just traffic.

How Max Fashion used Branch to drive double-digit growth with QR codes

Max Fashion, one of the largest value fashion retailers in the Middle East, used Branch to power a large-scale QR code campaign that drove measurable in-store and online results.

By placing Branch-powered QR codes across physical locations, including storefronts and promotional materials, Max Fashion connected offline shoppers to digital experiences with seamless deep links. Each scan was tracked from the moment of engagement to downstream actions like app installs, product views, and purchases.

The result? Double-digit growth in app sessions and conversions, directly attributable to their QR code strategy. With Branch, Max Fashion gained full-funnel visibility into campaign performance, enabling them to optimize placements, personalize engagement, and scale what worked.

Branch’s customizable QR templates, deep linking technology, and multi-channel attribution tools helped turn a basic scan into a powerful engine for business growth.

Ready to turn every scan into a measurable conversion? Request a Branch demo today and see how QR code tracking can drive installs, sign-ups, and real revenue — online and off.

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How To Track URLs and Measure Campaign Success https://www.branch.io/resources/blog/url-tracking/ https://www.branch.io/resources/blog/url-tracking/#respond Mon, 29 Sep 2025 22:10:04 +0000 https://branch2022stg.wpenginepowered.com/?p=22253 Learn how to track URLs across channels, measure attribution, and optimize campaigns. Explore proven tools, techniques, and case studies from top brands.

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If you’re running any kind of marketing campaign, you need to know what’s working. That means tracking more than just traffic. It means tracking the right links.

URL tracking gives marketers the power to tie every click back to a source, campaign, and channel, unlocking actionable data to optimize performance and prove return on investment (ROI). However, not all tracking methods are created equally. And without the right tools or setup, you risk losing data across platforms, channels, or devices.

In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly how URL tracking works, what methods are most effective, which tools marketers actually use, and how platforms like Branch go beyond clicks to deliver post-click attribution and real revenue insights.

What is URL tracking and why does it matter?

URL tracking is one of the most essential tools in a marketer’s toolkit. It allows you to understand how visitors are getting to your content, which efforts are generating results, and where your strategy might need adjustment. Whether optimizing paid ad spend or refining email performance, tracking URLs is the foundation for effective measurement.

How URL tracking works

A tracking URL is a modified version of a standard link that includes special parameters to record specific details about a user’s journey. These extra bits of data — often added through query strings — help marketers determine where traffic is coming from and what it’s doing once it arrives.

Tracking code, such as UTM parameters or custom campaign tags, powers most tracking links. When a user clicks on the tracking URL, it routes them to the intended website URL, sometimes through one or more redirects. During that process, data is captured and sent to an analytics platform.

Once set up, these tracking links generate a wealth of actionable metrics — from click-through rates (CTRs) to bounce rates to conversion rates — allowing you to monitor campaign performance with far more precision than raw traffic numbers alone.

Benefits of tracking URLs in campaigns

Without tracking, you’re guessing. With it, you’re learning — and more importantly, improving.

URL tracking allows marketers to optimize their campaigns based on actual performance data, not assumptions. Whether you’re running paid ads, organic content, or multichannel outreach, URL tracking powers better campaign tracking and more efficient spend.

It also unlocks the ability to analyze traffic patterns in real time, which means faster iteration and quicker pivots when something isn’t working. When paired with behavior analytics tools, tracking helps surface valuable insights about user behavior — like which links drive engagement, what devices are being used, or where drop-off occurs in the funnel.

More broadly, tracking supports smarter marketing efforts by giving you a clear picture of how each campaign contributes to the bottom line. And by connecting the dots between clicks and conversions, URL tracking improves attribution, helping you give credit where it’s truly due.

Examples of campaigns using URL tracking

Nearly every modern campaign, regardless of channel or objective, can benefit from URL tracking. Here are a few real-world examples:

  • A social media team running posts on multiple platforms uses tracking URLs to compare Instagram performance to X (Twitter) or TikTok.
  • An email campaign promoting a product launch includes separate tracking codes for each call-to-action (CTA) button and image link, revealing which drives more clicks.
  • Performance marketers launching ad campaigns on Google and Facebook use unique URLs to measure how each platform and ad set performs.
  • A blog team focused on driving traffic to product pages uses UTM-tagged links to differentiate between organic, paid, and referral sources.
  • A B2B company shares a lead magnet on LinkedIn and uses a tracking URL to isolate results from paid vs. organic posts.
  • Large-scale digital marketing campaigns deploy hundreds of short links across web, mobile, and email to measure impact at scale.

In each case, URL tracking transforms scattered data into a story you can act on.

Three core methods of URL tracking

There are several ways to implement URL tracking, each with its own advantages depending on your goals, channels, and tech stack. Below are three standard (and complementary) methods marketers use to effectively track URLs and extract campaign insights.

1. Using UTM parameters

UTM parameters are the most widely used method for URL tracking. Originally developed by Urchin (acquired by Google), these tags are appended to URLs to help identify the source, medium, and intent of traffic. When used correctly, they give you powerful visibility into how each link contributes to campaign performance.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common UTM parameters:

  • **utm_source** – Identifies the platform or origin of the traffic (e.g., Facebook, newsletter)
  • **utm_medium** – Specifies the type of traffic (e.g., email, CPC, social)
  • **utm_campaign** – Defines the specific campaign name for the promotion
  • **utm_content** – Differentiates versions of a creative, such as A/B test variants
  • **utm_term** – Tracks paid keywords in search engine ads (often used with Google Ads)

When you’re building tracking links using a campaign URL builder, many tools will autogenerate these tags for you. Some platforms even allow you to save a template so you can standardize parameters across teams.

To get the most out of UTM parameters, always include a consistent campaign source, campaign medium, and campaign content — especially when comparing multiple channels. This ensures your analytics platform can correctly bucket and attribute performance data.

2. Using shortened links

While UTM-tagged URLs are incredibly useful, they’re not always ideal for direct sharing — especially on platforms with character limits or in environments where a clean aesthetic matters.

That’s where shortened links come in.

Most shorteners allow you to convert long URLs (including ones with detailed tracking parameters) into concise, branded links. You can share these across social media, SMS, print, or affiliate networks without them looking cluttered.

Even better, some shorteners provide insights into CTRs, letting you see which links perform best and where users are engaging. This can be especially helpful for top-of-funnel testing or influencer-driven campaigns where branding and performance go hand in hand.

3. Using deep links for advanced attribution

Basic UTM tracking shows you who clicked a link, but deep links go further. They can route users directly to a specific screen or product inside a mobile app, improving both the landing page experience and downstream engagement.

This is particularly powerful when tracking referral campaigns or user acquisition funnels. With deep linking, the context of the original link (e.g., source, medium, creative) can be passed through install flows — even on iOS, where privacy changes have made traditional attribution more difficult.

Platforms like Branch support deep links that preserve metadata, enabling full-funnel attribution from click to conversion. This bridges the gap between marketing and product analytics and gives marketers a more complete picture of performance, especially in mobile-heavy environments.

See how Branch deep links support full-funnel attribution.

Top tools for effective URL tracking

Now that you understand the fundamentals of URL tracking, the next step is choosing the right tools to execute and measure your efforts. Below are some of the most widely used platforms for tracking links and understanding campaign performance — ranging from beginner-friendly analytics to enterprise-grade solutions.

Branch

Alt. Text: Branch’s homepage (Source)

Branch is a powerful attribution and linking platform built for modern marketers. Unlike basic link shorteners or static UTM-based tools, Branch helps you track users across platforms and devices — from click to conversion.

One of Branch’s standout features is its robust API, which enables advanced link generation, automated campaign tagging, and real-time data syncing across your internal systems. This makes it ideal for growth teams, product marketers, and mobile-first companies who want to unify data from web, app, and offline channels.

Branch also supports deep linking, post-install attribution, and user journey stitching, delivering insights beyond traditional click counts.

Google Analytics

Alt. Text: Google Analytics’s homepage (Source)

Marketers of all sizes most commonly use Google Analytics as their web analytics tool. It’s free, integrates easily with other Google products (like Ads and Tag Manager), and offers a comprehensive view of user traffic, behavior, and conversions.

When used with UTM-tagged URLs, Google Analytics allows you to track campaign performance across channels like email, paid search, and social. Inside the dashboard, you can compare source/medium traffic, bounce rates, session durations, and goal completions — all linked back to your tracking URLs.

While Google Analytics excels at top-level reporting, it may fall short for mobile attribution, deep linking, or post-click engagement data — areas where Branch picks up the slack.

Other tools (e.g., Bitly, Rebrandly, and TinyURL)

For marketers focused on branded links and social sharing, tools like Bitly, Rebrandly, and TinyURL provide lightweight yet practical tracking capabilities.

These platforms offer basic analytics tools that track clicks, referrers, and device types. They’re especially useful when sharing content in environments with limited space, like SMS, influencer shoutouts, or promotional banners.

Some tools even integrate with search engine campaigns, providing URL-level performance insights for cost-per-click (CPC) and pay-per-click (PPC) ads. If you’re running paid search campaigns on platforms like Google or Bing, pairing shorteners with UTM tags can improve campaign clarity and post-click optimization.

While these tools lack deeper attribution or in-app analytics, they’re perfect for quick-win tracking and user-friendly link management.

Branch helps you track beyond the click — across installs, apps, and channels. Request a demo today.

3 common mistakes marketers make when deploying URL tracking

Even experienced marketers can fall into common traps when managing tracking URLs. These issues may seem small, but they can lead to misleading data, broken attribution models, and missed opportunities. Below are three of the most frequent mistakes (and how to avoid them).

1. Inconsistent naming conventions

One of the most common and costly mistakes in URL tracking is failing to use consistent naming conventions across campaigns. When different team members use different spellings, capitalizations, or formats for UTM parameters (e.g., utm_source=Facebook vs. utm_source=facebook), analytics platforms will treat them as separate sources.

The result? Fragmented data, skewed reports, and a lot of cleanup later.

To prevent this, establish a shared UTM naming system across your team or organization. Document how to format campaign names, mediums, and sources, and consider using a URL builder with predefined templates to enforce consistency.

2. Losing data across channels

Marketers often focus on a single source of truth — like Google Analytics — while overlooking how different marketing channels handle redirects, cookies, or tracking parameters. This can lead to gaps in data, especially when users move from web to mobile or across different devices.

For example, if someone clicks an Instagram ad on their phone and is routed through multiple redirects before landing in your app, it’s easy to lose visibility into the original source if your tracking setup isn’t robust.

To maintain full-funnel attribution, ensure your links and tracking tools support cross-channel journeys. Platforms like Branch can help unify user paths across web, app, and other touchpoints, closing the attribution loop.

3. Overlooking post-click behavior

A lot of marketers stop measuring performance at the click, but email marketing, paid social, and display campaigns rarely succeed based on CTR alone. What happens after the click is just as important.

Failing to measure post-click actions, like page views, form fills, or purchases, can lead to flawed assumptions and underperforming strategies. A solid marketing strategy should combine URL tracking with conversion tracking, behavioral analytics, and downstream metrics.

By looking beyond the click, you’ll uncover which campaigns drive meaningful engagement and which ones just inflate your traffic numbers.

How Branch simplifies URL tracking and attribution

While many tools can help you track URLs and analyze clicks, few go beyond that to connect every step of the user journey — from the first tap on a social ad to an in-app purchase weeks later.

That’s where Branch stands apart.

Deep linking for seamless UX

Branch’s deep linking technology allows marketers to direct users not just to an app or webpage, but to exactly the right place inside that experience. Whether you’re promoting a product page, reengaging inactive users, or running a referral campaign, Branch links carry context across every touchpoint.

Unlike traditional URLs or UTMs that drop data during redirects, Branch deep links preserve campaign metadata through app installs and reopens — delivering a seamless user experience and more reliable attribution, even on iOS.

Unified analytics across channels

Branch unifies link tracking and attribution across web, mobile, connected TV (CTV), QR (quick response) codes, and more. Instead of juggling separate dashboards for each platform, marketers get one centralized view of campaign performance across all digital and offline marketing channels.

That means you can see which links drive installs, signups, purchases, or other downstream actions — no matter where the user started or what device they used. Branch also integrates with your customer relationship management (CRM) system, ad platforms, and product analytics tools to ensure your data flows where you need it.

The result? Fewer blind spots. Smarter decisions. Better ROI.

See how top brands succeed with Branch.

What Branch customers have to say

Many leading brands have turned to Branch to level up their tracking and attribution.

These aren’t just tracking improvements — they’re revenue-driving outcomes powered by better data and better links.

Ready to unlock deeper attribution and better campaign data? Get deeper insights from every click — request a Branch demo today.

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Best URL Shorteners for Marketers in 2025 https://www.branch.io/resources/blog/best-url-shorteners-for-marketers-in-2025/ https://www.branch.io/resources/blog/best-url-shorteners-for-marketers-in-2025/#respond Thu, 18 Sep 2025 20:37:01 +0000 https://branch2022stg.wpenginepowered.com/?p=22101 Discover the top URL shorteners for marketing. Compare branding, deep-linking, attribution, and analytics—and see how Branch helps marketers convert clicks into conversions.

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Most marketing links never get clicked — often because they look messy, seem untrustworthy, or lack tracking. The right URL shortener fixes that and more.

Whether you’re running paid campaigns on TikTok, sending SMS promotions, or building organic engagement on social media, your links need to do more than just look clean — they need to perform.

In this guide, we’ll explain why URL shorteners matter for marketers, compare the key features, and provide a curated list of the top tools.

Why URL shorteners matter for growth

For modern marketers, a URL shortener is a foundational tool for boosting campaign performance, tracking effectiveness, and building brand trust across every platform, from social media posts to SMS campaigns.

Below, you’ll find several reasons why short links are a key part of the digital marketing stack.

1. Improving click-through rates (CTRs)

The visual impact of a link can influence whether someone clicks on it or scrolls past it. Clean, short links perform better than long, messy URLs, especially on character-limited platforms like social media posts.

Why? Short URLs are more user friendly, easier to read, and inspire brand trust. A branded, concise link can increase CTRs by making users feel more confident about where they’re headed.

Additionally, shorteners make it easier to share links across marketing channels — whether you embed them in Instagram bios, influencer stories, or email footers — without sacrificing professionalism or performance.

In short, the more user friendly your link appears, the more likely someone is to click.

2. Enabling campaign tracking

Marketers live and die by the data.

A good link shortener is as much about aesthetics as performance tracking. With the right tool, you can track link engagement across every channel and understand what’s driving real results.

By tagging your marketing campaigns and using unique short links per channel or audience segment, you can analyze the number of clicks, measure link clicks over time, and connect each one to a specific destination URL. Many modern tools offer detailed analytics dashboards to help you spot trends, optimize performance, and make faster decisions.

3. Building trust with branded links

Anyone can shorten a link. However, not everyone can do it in a way that builds brand equity and user trust.

Using branded links tied to a custom domain helps you control the first impression. Instead of a generic “short.ly/xyz,” you could use something like “go.yourbrand.com/spring-sale,” reinforcing your credibility while improving the user experience.

A branded domain tells users that the link is coming from you, not a third party. This minimizes drop-off and builds confidence — particularly important when promoting offers, running a referral program, or linking to gated content.

Branded shorteners also allow for custom URLs that include meaningful, descriptive slugs instead of random strings. If you’re trying to clean up a messy original URL, shortening it into a branded format can instantly elevate your brand presence.

Top marketing use cases for URL shorteners

URL shorteners are everywhere in marketing — because any place you need clean, trackable links, they shine. Here’s where they typically make an impact:

  • Social media and influencer posts. Short, memorable links (especially branded ones) help drive more clicks and trust on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Stories, and Twitter/X.
  • Email campaigns and newsletters. You can use short links to simplify tracking, avoid ugly long URLs, and monitor click behavior across audiences.
  • SMS and chat messaging. With character limits and mobile-first readers, concise links work best — and tracking makes mobile campaigns measurable.
  • QR (quick response) codes and print media. Embedding a short URL within a QR or printed code means no typos and better analytics from offline to online engagement.
  • App marketing and deep linking. Smart links that route users seamlessly — web to app, or vice versa — help improve conversion and retention rates. This is where tools like Branch, with deep linking and attribution baked in, outperform basic shorteners.
  • Paid ads and display campaigns. Shortened, branded links look more trustworthy in ads and enable attribution across search and display channels.

Four URL Shortener Features to Consider

Not all URL shorteners are created equal. While some offer the basics, others go far beyond link trimming, delivering the kind of functionality that supports campaign performance at scale. Whether you’re a solo marketer or managing a multichannel growth team, here are the core features to look for when evaluating a URL shortening service.

1. Analytics and reporting capabilities

If you’re operating without data, you’re falling behind. The best shorteners offer detailed analytics that show more than just a raw number of clicks. They also help you understand who is engaging with your links and where and how they’re engaging..

Look for tools that go beyond vanity metrics and offer reporting by device, location, referral source, and more. Granular analytics let you evaluate functionality, compare channels, and optimize campaigns faster. And if you’re investing in content and landing pages, good link data feeds your search engine optimization (SEO) strategy by showing which channels and formats drive actual traffic.

2. Branded links and custom domains

A strong brand doesn’t stop at your homepage. Shorteners that support branded links and custom domains allow you to extend that branding into every channel, whether you’re sharing on email, ads, or social media.

Want to go a step further? Look for platforms that let you use your domain as a branded domain so your links consistently reflect your identity. Many tools also allow you to create custom links with specific slugs for individual campaigns, giving you more control over user perception and messaging.

3. Integration with marketing tools

The real value of a shortener multiplies when it fits seamlessly into your existing workflows.

The best tools integrate with platforms like Zapier to enable automation across your tech stack, helping you shorten and distribute links automatically for blog posts, campaigns, or customer support.

You should also look for shorteners that work across SMS and chat tools, support video platforms like TikTok, and embed smoothly into your webpage builders or content management system (CMS). Whether using them in social media campaigns or powering a referral system, integration flexibility saves time and reduces errors.

4. Pricing, scalability, and support

URL shorteners come in all shapes and sizes — from basic free plans to enterprise-grade platforms with advanced features and support.

You should also evaluate each option’s pricing structure carefully.

Some may offer limited functionality on free tiers, while others bundle high-value features into paid plans that scale with your needs. If your team requires developer access, check for API availability and support for open source or self-hosted implementations.

Above all, consider the user experience and quality of support. Is onboarding intuitive? Can you get help when you need it? Tools that serve high-growth teams usually combine robust tech with responsive customer success.

Looking for more than basic link shortening? See how Branch supports smarter campaigns. 

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7 best URL shorteners for your brand

We’ve reviewed the most popular tools and narrowed them down to the seven best URL shorteners for marketers in 2025. Whether you’re looking for basic link shortening, branded link capabilities, or enterprise-grade analytics, there’s something here for every use case.

1. Branch

Alt. Text: Branch homepage showing cross-channel attribution dashboard (Source)

Branch offers a full suite of advanced features designed for growth teams that need more than basic link trimming. With cross-channel attribution, detailed analytics, and powerful custom links, Branch gives you a complete picture of how your links perform across paid, owned, and earned channels.

It’s particularly valuable for digital marketing teams that want to optimize campaigns based on real engagement, not just clicks. Branch also offers seamless deep linking, referral tracking, and post-click measurement, aiming to elevate the user experience with intelligent referral programs.

Ideal for: Growth marketers running paid user acquisition (UA) campaigns, product teams optimizing app user experience (UX), and performance marketers seeking full-funnel attribution.

2. Bitly

Alt. Text: A screenshot of Bitly’s homepage (Source)

A longtime player in the space, Bitly is one of the most well-known and widely used URL shorteners. It’s ideal for quick setup, especially if you want a free URL shortener with a generous feature set. Bitly supports branded links and has a user-friendly dashboard. Marketers and developers alike appreciate its robust API, which makes it easy to generate and manage custom URLs at scale.

Ideal for: Those looking for familiarity and ease of use.

3. Rebrandly

Alt. Text: A screenshot of Rebrandly’s homepage (Source)

Rebrandly stands out for marketers focused on brand consistency. It lets you create branded links using your custom domain, transforming even the ugliest URLs into clean, trustworthy ones.

The platform also supports branded domain configuration, meaning you can confidently share links that reflect your brand across ads, email, and social media. With built-in analytics to track link performance, Rebrandly is a great fit for campaigns where perception matters.

Ideal for: Brand-conscious marketers running paid or multichannel campaigns.

4. TinyURL

Alt. Text: A screenshot of TinyURL’s homepage (Source)

TinyURL still holds its own if you’re looking for a no-frills option. It’s perfect for quickly shortening links without needing an account or advanced features.

It’s especially helpful when you need to clean up a long URL for sharing in messages, QR codes, or printed materials. TinyURL also supports redirects and link expiration features, and it offers a free plan with simple analytics.

It’s not flashy — but it works.

Ideal for: Users who need quick, no-login link shortening for print, SMS, or QR codes.

Feature Branch Other link shorteners
Branded links Custom domain & branding Limited or paid tiers only
Deep linking Native mobile app support Basic redirect functionality
Full-funnel attribution Marketing analytics & retargeting Limited to click tracking only
Campaign analytics Cross-channel dashboards Minimal to moderate detail
Platform integrations Robust SDKs & API support Varies, often lightweight or missing

5. Short.io

Alt. Text: A screenshot of Short.io’s homepage (Source)

Short.io is a lesser-known but powerful tool that allows you to connect your own domain, manage branded links, and set up innovative routing features.

It supports custom slugs and has a useful API, making it a solid choice for dev-savvy marketers or teams that want more control. With strong workflow support and integrations, it’s also well suited for growing companies that want to automate their link ops.

Ideal for: Growth teams, marketers with dev resources, or power users needing workflow automation.

6. Sniply

Alt. Text: A screenshot of Sniply’s homepage (Source)

Sniply is built for engagement. Unlike traditional shorteners, it lets you share links with a customizable call-to-action overlay on the destination page.

It’s great for social media managers or creators who want to drive conversions from curated content. Its interface is clean and user friendly, and the link editor gives marketers a creative edge. So if you want to turn third-party links into engagement tools, Sniply delivers.

Ideal for: Social media managers and creators who curate third-party content and want to drive conversions.

7. BL.INK

 

Alt. Text: A screenshot of BL.INK’s homepage (Source)

BL.INK is designed for teams managing large-scale marketing campaigns. With detailed analytics, branded links, and customizable dashboards, it’s a favorite among enterprise customers. The platform offers advanced features like role-based permissions, real-time reporting, and extensive link management. It also integrates easily with tools like Zapier, making it a flexible option for teams needing power and scale.

Ideal for: Enterprise marketing teams with large-scale campaign needs and deep analytics requirements.

How to choose the right URL shortener

With so many options on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by features and pricing pages. But choosing the best URL shortener for your needs involves aligning the tool with your marketing goals, budget, and data strategy.

Here’s how to make the right call.

Match features to your marketing goals

Start by evaluating each platform’s functionality and how well it matches your goals. Are you looking to optimize cross-channel performance? Do you need short links that plug into your digital marketing workflows? Are you running a referral program that requires tracking users from click to conversion?

If the answer is yes to any of those, then your tool needs more than basic shortening. It should help you track links across multiple platforms, channels, and customer journeys — ideally with analytics beyond simple click counts.

Factor in budget and scale

If you’re just getting started or only need a basic link shortener, you might be fine with a free plan. But if you’re part of a growing team, scaling fast, or want enterprise-level features like branded domains, referral tracking, and analytics, you’ll likely need a platform with flexible paid plans.

Consider how pricing aligns with your usage and how well the tool scales as your team or campaign complexity grows. If you’re working with developers or custom systems, make sure there’s a robust API available. For companies with specific security or hosting requirements, look for platforms that offer self-hosted or private cloud options.

A good platform should grow with you and not hold you back.

Look at analytics depth and integrations

Data is only valuable if you can access it. Look for tools that go beyond the raw number of clicks and offer detailed analytics about link performance, such as engagement by channel, geography, or device.

But data alone isn’t enough.

Consider how well the tool integrates into your current tech stack. Does it support automation through platforms like Zapier? Can it be used in SMS or push campaigns? Does it play well with video-driven platforms like TikTok? If you rely heavily on multi-touch campaigns, choose a shortener that integrates easily into your workflows and helps you act on insights — not just report them.

Why Branch is more than just a link shortener

While many tools on this list are great for shortening links, only Branch combines deep linking, cross-channel attribution, and enterprise-grade analytics in one platform. It’s perfect for marketers who want to connect every click to tangible business outcomes — not just track vanity metrics.

Deep linking across channels

Branch goes beyond basic short links, offering advanced features like deep linking that adapt across web, app, and device. Whether you’re sending users from email to app or running a complex referral program, Branch ensures a seamless user experience across channels that drives conversion.

It’s an ideal fit for digital marketing teams who need links that do more than just redirect — they need links that intelligently route, retain context, and convert.

Post-click attribution and analytics

Branch helps you manage every link with precision. The built-in link management system pairs with detailed analytics to show what happens after the click — not just that it happened.

You can track links across devices, analyze CTRs, and optimize your marketing campaigns using actionable post-click data. That’s attribution you can actually use, not just a spreadsheet of clicks.

What Branch customers are saying

Whether transforming a long URL to a short URL, preserving context in the original URL, or creating branded links for better engagement, top brands rely on Branch to enhance the user experience and drive results at scale.

For example, Funstage and Platogo use over 1 million deep links every month to drive player loyalty and retention. By implementing Branch’s cross-platform deep linking and attribution, the gaming companies were able to unify web and app experiences, making it effortless for users to reengage and pick up where they left off.

The result? A stickier product experience and a measurable lift in long-term engagement.

Similarly, Tunaiku, one of Southeast Asia’s leading lending apps, boosted app downloads by 23% after adopting Branch’s advanced attribution and linking tools. By moving beyond last-click models and gaining visibility into its full user journey, Tunaiku optimized acquisition campaigns, doubled down on high-performing channels, and scaled customer growth without wasted ad spend.

Ready to go beyond basic links? Branch turns every click into insight. Book a demo to see it in action.

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Branch Achieves the New AWS Advertising and Marketing Technology Competency https://www.branch.io/resources/news/branch-achieves-the-new-aws-advertising-and-marketing-technology-competency/ https://www.branch.io/resources/news/branch-achieves-the-new-aws-advertising-and-marketing-technology-competency/#respond Thu, 30 Nov 2023 13:12:55 +0000 https://branch2022stg.wpengine.com/?p=17677 Branch has achieved the AWS Advertising and Marketing Technology Competency in the category of Advertising Intelligence and Measurement.

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PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 30, 2023Branch, an industry leading mobile linking and measurement platform, announced today that it has achieved the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Advertising and Marketing Technology Competency in the category of Advertising Intelligence and Measurement. This achievement recognizes Branch for its expertise in providing customers with both professional services and software solutions that empower advertisers and marketers to reinvent workloads with solutions and services that offer enhanced user experience and attribution across devices, platforms and channels.

As advertisers and marketers look to leverage the cloud to innovate and lean into digital transformation, they are increasingly looking for partners with services and solutions purpose-built to meet their needs. AWS Advertising and Marketing Technology Competency Partners like Branch provide customers such as advertising agencies, marketers, publishers, advertising or marketing technology providers and analytics service providers with AWS validated solutions and services that help accelerate their advertising and marketing transformation. An added benefit for customers migrating or building advertising and marketing workloads on AWS is the number of integrations and distribution channels connecting shared data with flexibility and interoperability. Branch is powered by AWS to support use cases in this industry.

  • No matter the channel — apps, email, paid ads, social media, influencers, CTV, QR codes, mobile web or desktop — Branch’s continued investment in linking technology ensures an adaptable, fully-featured solution that covers even the most complex customer journeys. 
  • Branch provides crucial visibility into what works and what doesn’t, so growth-focused teams can direct spend and efforts for the highest ROI. 
  • With best practices honed in partnership with hundreds of world-class brands, Branch’s expertise enables us to react quickly to industry changes, so marketers and advertisers don’t have to choose between performance and compliance.

Achieving the AWS Advertising and Marketing Technology Competency differentiates Branch as an AWS Partner Network (APN) member with demonstrated technical proficiency and proven customer success in running cloud solutions on AWS for the advertising and marketing industry. This program showcases advertising and marketing technology consulting and software AWS Partners who have domain knowledge and are providing cloud services powered by AWS. To receive the designation, AWS Partners must undergo a rigorous technical validation by AWS solution architects and have verified customer references. 

“Branch is extremely proud to achieve the AWS Advertising and Marketing Technology Competency in  Advertising Intelligence and Measurement,” said Michelle Geltman, Sr. Director Business Development at Branch. “By leveraging the agility, breadth of services and pace of innovation that AWS provides, our team is dedicated to helping maximize the value of evolving digital strategies so growth-oriented teams can acquire users, retain customers and drive higher conversions.”

“Our partnership with Branch has been a game-changer for Jersey Mike’s. With their insights, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of our customer journey, attributing revenue to specific channels like push and text messages. Branch has not only improved our overall customer experience but also helped us connect the dots between downloads, sales, and our digital marketing efforts, paving the way for a more successful and streamlined strategy,” said Kelly McGee, Director of Digital Marketing at Jersey Mike’s.

AWS is enabling scalable, flexible and cost-effective solutions from startups to global enterprises. To support the seamless integration and deployment of these solutions, the AWS Competency Program helps customers identify which AWS Partner solutions and services are powered by AWS for specific industry use cases. For a specific industry solution to meet a need, explore the AWS Partner solutions and/or services offered in AWS Marketplace or APN Partners, including Branch

About Branch

Branch is the linking and measurement partner for growth-focused teams, trusted to maximize the value of their evolving digital strategies. World-class brands like Instacart, Western Union, NBCUniversal, Zocdoc and Sephora rely on Branch to acquire users, retain customers and drive more conversions.

Contact: press@branch.io

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Ancestry® Increases App Engagement by 3x Using Branch’s Universal Email https://www.branch.io/resources/case-study/ancestry-increases-app-engagement-by-3x-using-branchs-universal-email/ https://www.branch.io/resources/case-study/ancestry-increases-app-engagement-by-3x-using-branchs-universal-email/#respond Fri, 10 Feb 2023 19:28:40 +0000 https://branch2022stg.wpengine.com/?p=13932 Learn how genealogy company Ancestry® used mobile-optimized email to drive a 50% increase in app downloads and 3x increase in user engagement.

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Branch’s comprehensive suite of solutions and expertise in mobile growth helped Ancestry® increase user retention and acquisition, as well as drive feature adoption. The email campaign showed significant improvements in key metrics. App opens increased by 44% week over week, app downloads in the U.S. market rose by 50%, and international markets saw a nearly 100% increase in app downloads. Furthermore, there was a nearly 3x increase in engagement with the app features highlighted in the email campaign.

  • 44% increase in app opens
  • 50% rise in app downloads in the U.S. market
  • 3x increase in engagement

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GoMechanic Leveraged Branch To Drive 60% Referral Conversion Rate https://www.branch.io/resources/case-study/gomechanic-leveraged-branch-to-drive-60-referral-conversion-rate/ https://www.branch.io/resources/case-study/gomechanic-leveraged-branch-to-drive-60-referral-conversion-rate/#respond Fri, 10 Feb 2023 16:36:25 +0000 https://branch2022stg.wpengine.com/?p=13922 GoMechanic, an India-based online start up with over 900 locations, used deep-linked referral campaigns to achieve a 50% higher than average click-to-install rate.

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For GoMechanic, a company that serves over 1M+ users globally, achieving personalization has opened up new growth avenues for user acquisition and engagement that they will continue to focus on down the road with Branch as a trusted partner.

  • 50% higher than average referral click-to-install rate
  • 2% increase in average daily order contribution
  • 60% referral install-to-purchase conversion rate

 

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What’s the Difference? Last-touch vs. Install-touch Attribution https://www.branch.io/resources/blog/whats-the-difference-last-touch-vs-install-touch-attribution/ https://www.branch.io/resources/blog/whats-the-difference-last-touch-vs-install-touch-attribution/#respond Thu, 09 Feb 2023 22:50:08 +0000 https://branch2022stg.wpengine.com/?p=13896 You’ve probably come across the terms “last-touch attribution” (LTA) and “install-touch attribution” (ITA). But many mobile marketers don’t always know which type is best. Here, we examine the differences between LTA and ITA and explain why last-touch attribution is the best method to use. We’ll cover: Common attribution methods used today How install touch developed... Read more »

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You’ve probably come across the terms “last-touch attribution” (LTA) and “install-touch attribution” (ITA). But many mobile marketers don’t always know which type is best. Here, we examine the differences between LTA and ITA and explain why last-touch attribution is the best method to use.

We’ll cover:

  • Common attribution methods used today
  • How install touch developed and whether it’s still useful
  • The difference between last-touch and install-touch attribution
  • How to understand the contribution and impact of all your campaigns
Which attribution methods are most common?

Attribution is the process of crediting a source with a particular action or event. Gathering this data is useful primarily because it helps the marketer measure their various marketing channels’ success rates so they can better understand consumer behavior. The method used to gather this attribution data is equally important.

The most common types of attribution are forms of either multi-touch or single-touch attribution. With multi-touch attribution, credit is given to a number of different “touches,” or interactions, with a brand. When using single-touch attribution, only one of those touches — typically the one determined to be most important — is credited.

Methods of multi-touch attribution
  • Linear attribution. Splits conversion credit equally among all campaign touchpoints.
  • Time decay attribution. Spreads credit out over each touchpoint with consideration to when each touchpoint occurred. Applies the most credit to the most recent touchpoint and the least credit to the first touchpoint.
  • U-shape attribution. Applies the most credit to the first and last touchpoint, while applying the least credit to touchpoints encountered in the middle.

As not every touchpoint is created equal, utilizing multi-touch attribution methods can harm accuracy since there is no weight toward more impactful activities. More importantly, multi-touch attribution is problematic in today’s age of privacy.

The problem with multi-touch attribution

In the world of cross-platform mobile advertising, multi-touch attribution used to be referred to as “the Holy Grail.” It attempts to show marketers each touchpoint that led a consumer to action. While this sounds good on paper, multi-touch attribution is problematic.

“Multi-touch attribution requires the ability to track individual consumers across multiple channels through a stable concept of identity over time,” explains Branch Senior Product Marketing Manager Amanda Vandiver. However, this has become increasingly difficult to execute due to recent shifts in privacy.

“Platforms are limiting access and [thus the] ability to understand identity,” Vandiver adds. “Device identifiers are going away.” Without a clear idea of who an individual is and how they interact with your brand across platforms and over a period of time, multi-touch attribution breaks and is unreliable.

Alternatives to multi-touch attribution

This brings us to single-touch attribution, which relies less on a concept of stable identity. The most common types of single-touch attribution are:

  • First-touch attribution. Gives 100% conversion credit to the first “touch” a user had with your brand before the conversion event. This method can attribute too much credit to bringing a user into the funnel and ignore activities that inspire conversions.
  • Install-touch attribution (ITA). This method gives 100% conversion credit to the last touch a user had with your brand before installing your mobile app. Install-touch attribution has a systemic bias toward install ads at the expense of engagement ads or owned and earned marketing activities. This method is useful if all you care about is an app download.
  • Last-touch attribution (LTA). This method gives 100% conversion credit to the event responsible for a user’s last click or impression before converting. This method is most useful if you care about what drives users to act, whether that’s engaging with your app or purchasing your products.

Last-touch attribution has become one of the most commonly adopted methods used today, especially in mobile. However, what many mobile measurement partners (MMPs) present as last-touch attribution is actually install-touch attribution.

How install-touch attribution developed and why it’s not useful

Install touch worked really well years ago when the only conversion event that mattered was a mobile app install. It still works today for industries like gaming where the app install remains the end goal. But for most industries, getting an app install is not enough anymore. This means install-touch attribution is also not enough.

Now consumers have hundreds of apps to choose from — and just because they’ve installed your app doesn’t mean they’ll start, or continue, using it. What’s important for apps today is not just the install, but the activation and retention of users to better measure their lifetime value (LTV). You’ll want to pay attention to whether those installs are actually good.

The impact of bad data from install-touch attribution

The impact and damage of misattribution on retention is significant. Without true last-touch attribution, you might not see the value of a campaign touch that occurs after the install. This means you may make a business decision based on bad data.

Possible outcomes:

Image of an older model iPhone labeled "first age of mobile" an a newer iPhone labeled "current state" and a comic graphic of a person thinking: "Are these installs actually sticking around?"

For example, you might decide not to continue investing in network B that did drive conversions while doubling down on network A that didn’t, resulting in lost conversions moving forward.

If this continues, you will see a long-term negative impact in your LTVs, retention curve, and more.

Ultimately, install touch only reflects one point in time. But, by using last touch and giving credit to the campaign that drove the conversion rather than the campaign that drove the install, you can ensure you’ll see the entire picture.

Metrics like conversion, revenue, retention, engagement, and LTV will all be taken into account. This, in turn, will allow you to make better business decisions that will positively impact your ROI.

Using cohort analytics to improve install-touch attribution

While there are some reasons install touch may be preferable for some businesses — such as estimating the LTVs brought in by a specific channel — you’re still being forced to use inaccurate data. However, Branch’s cohort analytics solves this problem.

Cohorting can be used not only to get an install-touch view but also to compare install touch with last touch. So, if measuring LTV is your goal, you can still do this through cohorting — just without all the unnecessary inaccuracies and inefficiencies.

Understand the impact of all your campaigns with last-touch attribution

Understanding which campaign to give credit to is vital. Give credit to the wrong campaign and your data becomes inaccurate, leading to critical errors in business decisions and spending.

For example, a user taps a Facebook ad, installs the app, and then fails to perform any additional action. They then encounter a Twitter ad that causes them to register, and then a Google ad that causes them to subscribe. Install-touch attribution will incorrectly credit the original Facebook ad for that subscribing moment.

 Install touch attribution limitations Charting a users touches and showing how install-touch attribution will only attribute the first touch: Facebook --> Install --> Twitter Ads --> Register --> Google Ads --> Subscribe

This will likely result in a marketer turning off the Twitter and Google ads because they will appear ineffective. This hurts overall conversions as well as your data reporting, business decisions, and revenue. Suddenly, it will look like Facebook is not performing as well, either.

Why re-engagement attribution doesn’t work

Re-engagement attribution is sometimes suggested as a solution for understanding campaign performance. But, in actuality, it’s a temporary fix that makes the situation more complex in the long run. That’s because conversions are attributed in two different places simultaneously. In our example, extra conversions are being falsely reported to Facebook that are already being attributed elsewhere.

A bad workaround: re-engagement attribution Visualizing the false attributions to Facebook. App Install attributed to Facebook Register attributed to Twitter ads, but all attributed to Facebook Subscribe attributed to Google ads, but all attributed to Facebook.

With re-engagement attribution, there are two different attribution windows opening: a click-to-install window and a reattribution window. This results in all post-install conversions being attributed to two different touch points — one to the install source (Facebook) and another to the post-install source (Twitter and Google).

Why is this bad? This type of attribution generates data in siloed dashboards so marketers can’t analyze the true source or get a comprehensive view of attribution. Even worse, if the reattribution window expires, those later events will be misattributed as unknown or organic.

Why last-touch attribution is better

With last-touch attribution, you can identify the true performance of paid ads, CRM, and in-house channels without further data processing. Since the last touch is not limited to the install, it’s possible to properly measure retargeting campaign performance, CRM channels, and more. This provides a more accurate view of which campaigns are driving the metrics that matter — when users register, and when they subscribe.

True last-touch attribution is the only method that correctly attributes events based on the last touch that drove them, which improves accuracy in reporting and decisions. And Branch is the only MMP that offers true last-touch attribution by default. We understand brands that run cross-channel campaigns across multiple platforms, and we’ve built a system that suits those needs. We also allow you to use the same links for acquisition and re-engagement campaigns.

Last-touch attribution delivers accurate and trustworthy data

In choosing the right attribution method for your brand, consider each method’s functionality and capacity for accuracy. The more accurate your data, the better informed your business decisions will be. Install touch used to be successful but isn’t sufficient anymore. And while multi-touch attribution can be valuable when technically possible, the concept of identity is muddy on mobile, and it’s better to rely on predictable attribution data.

We believe last-touch attribution is the best option. That’s because today’s mobile marketers care about more than just the install, and last-touch attribution provides a more accurate view of which campaigns are driving conversions.

Branch offers true last-touch attribution by default, enabling you to give credit to touch points that directly drove conversions — including but not limited to installs. We also make measuring the delta between install touch and last touch available through cohorts and also offer install touch for brands who need to use it for certain scenarios.

Start collecting attribution with the most accurate and trustworthy method out there. To learn more, watch our LTA vs. ITA webinar.

 

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How To Use QR Codes To Get More Users to Your Mobile App https://www.branch.io/resources/blog/how-to-use-qr-codes-to-get-more-users-to-your-mobile-app/ https://www.branch.io/resources/blog/how-to-use-qr-codes-to-get-more-users-to-your-mobile-app/#respond Thu, 02 Feb 2023 21:56:33 +0000 https://branch2022stg.wpengine.com/?p=13829 Quick response (QR) codes can adorn everything from storefronts and receipts to menus and bus stops. A QR code can help transform a transactional moment in time into a relationship, but many QR codes are not optimized for building app engagement.  App users have higher conversion and engagement. And you can offer them a better... Read more »

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Quick response (QR) codes can adorn everything from storefronts and receipts to menus and bus stops. A QR code can help transform a transactional moment in time into a relationship, but many QR codes are not optimized for building app engagement. 

App users have higher conversion and engagement. And you can offer them a better experience in-app. But to get users from scanning a QR code in the real world to spending time or money in your app, the experience needs to be seamless. 

Experience and attribution matter

When using QR codes to drive app engagement and app downloads, experience and attribution matter. Sure, 45% of smartphone users reported scanning a marketing-related QR code in the three months prior to a 2021 survey. But how many of those QR codes were optimized for great experience and accurate mobile attribution? 

Experience

Scanning a QR code is compelling to consumers because it’s easy. Customers who scan your QR code should always be deep linked, i.e. routed directly to the content they’re expecting to see in your app. 

Newspaper including a QR code QR code being scanned from a newspaper App store to download the app from scanning a QR code App content that had been promoted in newspaper

Even if they don’t yet have the app installed and are first routed to the App Store or Play Store to install your app, customers should then be routed back to the content they’re expecting after install with deferred deep linking

Attribution

You must be able to tie app activity back to the QR code that drove it. This includes accurate attribution and conversion data, even down to the specific store location or product where the QR code was scanned. Make sure to apply proper analytics labels to your Branch QR Codes like channel, campaign, feature, and tags.

Scaling QR codes requires simple creation and maintenance

Consider all the channels and campaigns in which you can leverage QR codes. The situation quickly becomes complicated for multi-faceted enterprise businesses. You need to learn how to easily create new QR codes, customize QR codes, and update existing QR code links to ensure that your content is always up to date.

Creation

When managing many QR codes, it’s key to be able to quickly create QR codes or convert any URL with one click from your browser. Programmatically creating QR codes via SDK or API can also speed up your workflow, eliminate developer work, and scale to enterprise-level traffic. You can even create branded QR codes in real time, personalized to each user. 

Maintenance

The often-physical nature of QR codes typically means they require advanced planning. Running a campaign with QR codes on things like physical goods, signage, or in print media enables you to capture offline-to-app users and attribute the success of that campaign. But a static QR code doesn’t offer a lot of flexibility for change. You’re missing conversions if you don’t have a dynamic QR code that can be updated with a different link for a current, relevant offer. 

Where to use QR codes to drive app downloads and engagement

As with other channels, you must match the placement of a QR code campaign with the intent of the users who see it. This could include completing an in-person activity, taking advantage of an incentive or promotion, or enabling an existing relationship. In every case, the user has to see the value of interacting with your app.

Tips to make your app part of the shopping experience using QR codes

1. Include QR codes on product packaging and inserts. Print once and dynamically update QR codes on product packaging for consumers that already have a relationship with your brand.

QR code on a tag in a shoe QR code on a tag in a shoe being scanned

2. Display QR codes on your storefronts and in-store signage to encourage app downloads.

Clothing rack in store displaying a QR code

3. Support curbside pickup and “buy online, pick up in-store” (BOPIS) in app with QR codes that speed up the pickup process.

Promotion to download app to expedite check-in for mobile pickup

4. Enable users to create their own QR codes for referrals or user-generated content (UGC) to expand your brand reach.

Hand holding a phone showing a branded QR code Printer with custom branded QR code Recommendation for individuals to include their custom QR code in shipping box Two people sharing their custom QR codes in person

Tips for using QR codes to advertise your app 

Print QR codes on physical fliers, mailers, gifts, or other direct mail campaigns to promote your app.

Flier including a branded QR code

Include app-enabled QR codes in television campaigns to reach new audiences, bridge devices, and promote installs.

On-screen OTT QR code for Cyber Monday promotion  Cyber Monday promotion landing page accessed via OTT QR code

Make QR codes part of your email campaigns to encourage activity in the app.

Email including a QR code to download the app Phone scanning an email QR code to download the app App store visited once the QR code is scanned

Use branded QR codes promoting loyalty rewards, including auto-applying promotion codes, to entice customers at their peak intent.

App store download page including promotion  After app download, promotion is reflected in the app

Incorporate QR codes into print ads or other physical advertising like billboards or signage. 

Printed billboard promoting specific content and including a QR code Specific content being promoted on the billboard is accessed once scanning the QR code

Extend your most valued relationships

Branch’s industry-leading mobile linking platform (MLP) enables QR codes that do all of the above, so you can extend the relationship with your most valuable customers. If you’re not already using QR codes, it’s not too late to make them part of your mobile app acquisition and retention strategy.

With 76 million smartphone users scanning a QR code in 2021, QR codes are here to stay. See how simple it can be to seamlessly route users to relevant in-app content, increase conversion rates, and understand performance with Branch QR codes.

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Branch Honored with Top Workplaces 2023, USA Award https://www.branch.io/resources/blog/branch-honored-with-top-workplaces-2023-usa-award/ https://www.branch.io/resources/blog/branch-honored-with-top-workplaces-2023-usa-award/#respond Wed, 01 Feb 2023 23:25:24 +0000 https://branch2022stg.wpengine.com/?p=13826 We are thrilled to announce that Branch has been honored with our fourth award from Top Workplaces: the Top Workplaces USA 2023 award. We’re honored to be recognized on this prestigious list.  “Scaling Branch’s culture alongside the business has been, and continues to be, incredibly important,” says Mada Seghete, Co-founder and VP of Marketing at... Read more »

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We are thrilled to announce that Branch has been honored with our fourth award from Top Workplaces: the Top Workplaces USA 2023 award. We’re honored to be recognized on this prestigious list. 

“Scaling Branch’s culture alongside the business has been, and continues to be, incredibly important,” says Mada Seghete, Co-founder and VP of Marketing at Branch. “We make every effort to hire people who are smart yet humble, driven yet collaborative. This award is a testament to our team members bringing excellence not only to our product and operations, but also to our culture. We’re committed to fostering a culture focused on mutual growth and success that empowers everyone to do the best work of their careers, and I am grateful to the entire Branch team for embodying that culture day in and day out.”

The Top Workplaces USA award celebrates nationally recognized companies that make the world a better place to work together by prioritizing a people-centered culture and giving employees a voice. This award is based entirely on feedback from an employee engagement survey completed by the employees of participating workplaces. 

Top Workplaces uses the Energage Workplace Survey to look into four culture imperatives: 

  1. Align: Where the company is headed, its values, cooperation, effective meetings 
  2. Connect: Employees feel appreciated, work is meaningful, working at full potential, clued-in to each other
  3. Coach: Managers care about concerns, are helpful, encourage employee development
  4. Performance: Execution, open-mindedness, innovation, clued-in leadership

The employee engagement survey also measures: 

  1. Employee Engagement: Productivity, retention, recruiting
  2. Leadership: Confidence in company leaders
  3. The Basics: Pay, benefits, flexibility, training, expectations

In every category we aspire to meet and exceed our team’s expectations and this award is an excellent reflection of our success in doing so. If you’re interested in learning more about our culture and available roles, we’re hiring!

Check out our careers!

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AWS and Branch Partner to Accelerate Advertising and Marketing Transformation https://www.branch.io/resources/blog/aws-and-branch-partner-to-accelerate-advertising-and-marketing-transformation/ https://www.branch.io/resources/blog/aws-and-branch-partner-to-accelerate-advertising-and-marketing-transformation/#respond Fri, 20 Jan 2023 16:34:10 +0000 https://branch2022stg.wpengine.com/?p=13546 At Branch, we pride ourselves on cultivating meaningful and valuable relationships with our partners. We prioritize working with like-minded companies that help make us the best-in-class technology in the market.

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At Branch, we pride ourselves on cultivating meaningful and valuable relationships with our partners. We prioritize working with like-minded companies that help make us the best-in-class technology in the market. This is why we’re excited to announce we’re expanding our AWS partnership into the AWS for Advertising & Marketing initiative to help accelerate advertising and marketing transformation.

AWS for Advertising & Marketing is an initiative featuring services and solutions purpose-built to meet the needs of advertising agencies, marketers, publishers, ad technology providers, and analytics service providers. The initiative helps customers deliver personalized ad experiences, optimize ad-serving performance and cost, and innovate on audience segmentation and attribution. It simplifies the process for industry customers to select the right tools and partners, helping accelerate their production launches and get faster time to value.

With Branch links behind all marketing communications, customers have a consistent platform to capture comprehensive attribution data to accurately measure the impact of those efforts.

“We’re thrilled to see two of our partners come together. The powerful combination of Branch’s deep linking and attribution platform with the reliability of AWS allows us to own the app install experience from end to end and improve the customer experience for our members.” — Chelsea Meissner, Targeted Marketing Manager at Chipotle.

AWS empowers advertisers and marketers to reinvent workloads with solutions to improve audience and customer data management, privacy-enhanced data collaboration, advertising platforms, marketing measurement and ad intelligence, and personalized digital customer experiences. For customers looking for prescriptive, solution-specific support, AWS for Advertising & Marketing identifies leading industry partners in each area like Branch.

Our mobile linking platform (MLP) and mobile measurement partner (MMP) solutions optimize customer experience and measure the impact of marketing efforts, built on the reliable foundation of AWS:

  • Measure comprehensively: Branch solves growing gaps in attribution by matching important in-app events to the channels and campaigns that drove them.
  • Eliminate broken customer experiences: Intelligent linking is a critical component in delivering personalized, seamless experiences that drive higher engagement and performance across all channels.
  • Bridge offline and online: Consumer habits have changed rapidly. Their expectations for touchless engagement must integrate offline communications with an app and extend the life cycle of those moments.
  • Aggregate all your data in the cloud: Campaign management platforms are siloed and hard to reconcile. With a common linking infrastructure, all campaign data can be harmonized to better inform marketing decisions.

One benefit of migrating or building advertising and marketing workloads on the most widely adopted cloud is the number of integrations and distribution channels connecting shared data with flexibility and interoperability. Whether you are seeking third-party data or tools to better manage first-party data, there are both AWS and third-party solutions offered in the AWS Data Exchange, AWS Marketplace, along with the largest community of AWS Partner Network (APN) members, including Branch.

Branch customers can also leverage our products in AWS Marketplace, Amazon’s mobile ad network, SES, and Amazon Fire. With the help of AWS, we provide a complete cloud services and cloud management portfolio to give enterprise customers fast, flexible access to the cloud.

“This is only building upon what is already proven to be a valuable partnership for our customers. With our competencies in Digital Customer Experience, Retail, and now Advertising and Marketing, Branch and AWS together are supporting the future of mobile marketing at scale.” —  Michelle Lerner, Sr. Director Business Development at Branch.

Support of AWS for Advertising & Marketing is our latest advancement in supporting customers. Customers can use Branch with AWS for Advertising & Marketing here.

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