How to track deep links when ESP link wrapping breaks them?

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares his experience with Iterable link tracking breaking their deep links and their solution to migrate deep linking to Branch and utilize their native integration.

Email marketer from MarketingLand.com suggests using a URL shortener as a proxy to your deeplink. It makes managing and tracking easier, and offers a single point to update your link if the deeplink changes

Email marketer from AppsFlyer explains that deferred deep linking is a method that allows you to take users to a specific page within the app, even if they haven't installed the app yet. Once the user installs and opens the app, they are directed to the intended content, overcoming the limitations of ESP link wrapping.

Email marketer from Reddit shares that a common workaround is to use a dedicated deep linking service that encodes the deep link in a way that ESP link wrapping doesn't interfere with. They suggest researching different deep linking service providers to find one that fits the specific needs.

Email marketer from Quora suggests testing deep links extensively across different email clients and devices to identify if and how ESP link wrapping is affecting them. They also recommend contacting the ESP's support team to inquire about options to disable link wrapping for specific links or domains.

Email marketer from EmailMarketingTips.com shares that If possible, request your ESP to disable link tracking for specific deep links. Some ESPs offer the option to exclude certain links or domains from link wrapping, ensuring they are not modified.

Email marketer from EmailGeekForum explains that a workaround involves using a landing page that redirects to the deep link. The email link points to your domain, and the landing page handles the redirect. This can bypass some of the ESP's link wrapping issues, but it may introduce an extra step for the user.

Email marketer from Email Geeks suggests that if an ESP is breaking links, either the links are malformed to begin with or a new ESP is needed, as this shouldn't happen.

Email marketer from LinkedIn recommends thoroughly testing deep links across various email clients and mobile devices. Different email clients may handle links differently. Use a tool like Litmus to test rendering across devices and clients.

Email marketer from Branch.io explains that Branch provides a platform designed for deep linking and attribution, offering solutions to ensure deep links work correctly across various platforms, including when ESPs attempt to wrap links. Branch manages link wrapping to prevent breakage and accurately track attribution.

Email marketer from Stack Overflow suggests using Android App Links (if applicable) as they are less prone to being broken by ESP link wrapping. App Links require domain verification and provide a more reliable way to deep link into Android apps.

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares insights on how a company managed deep links for their client by placing their links in emails, ensuring they still hit the client's redirect on their end, potentially as a solution to ensure seamless deep linking experience.

Expert from Email Geeks clarifies it’s more complex than a 303 redirect and the ESP is adding security setting headers on the redirect which could potentially break things and is documented to do so differently on different browsers.

Expert from Email Geeks shares that when tracking link clicks using a service like Linkly, using a custom domain that you own is generally fine, while using a shared domain may cause issues with content reputation. He stated this would be something to be moderately concerned about.

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that ESP link wrapping can be problematic for deep links and recommends strategies such as using a custom domain for tracking links or exploring options with the ESP to bypass link wrapping for specific links.

Documentation from AppsFlyer OneLink explains that OneLink provides robust deep linking capabilities and helps ensure links function correctly, even with ESP link wrapping. The OneLink setup accounts for various platforms and circumstances, reducing the risk of broken links.

Documentation from Adjust provides a comprehensive guide on setting up deep links, including handling link wrapping. Adjust suggests using their platform's deep linking functionality, which is designed to ensure links function correctly even when wrapped by ESPs.

Documentation from Kochava details the process of implementing deep links, including strategies for dealing with link wrapping. Kochava's platform provides tools to create and manage deep links that are resistant to common ESP wrapping issues.

Documentation from Firebase explains that Firebase Dynamic Links can be used to create deep links that survive the app install process. These links can redirect users to specific content within the app, and Firebase handles the complexity of different platforms and link wrapping.