What is Mobile App Deep Linking and Why It Matters?

 



Have you ever clicked a link, and it immediately takes you to a specific area of the app, directly to a product on Amazon or a post on Instagram? That is mobile app deep linking in a nutshell.

In this post, we're going to discuss what mobile app deep linking is, why it matters, how it works, and how it ties into the tools of a mobile measurement partner and deep linking analytics.

Let's get this simplified.

What is Mobile App Deep Linking?

Mobile app deep linking is a type of linking, or linking technology, which not only opens an app, it opens an exact page or scene inside the app. So, essentially, you skip the homepage and go straight to the content you want. That is exactly what deep linking does.

Example:

My friend sends me a link to a recipe in a food app. Instead of just opening the homepage of the app, that link opens that exact recipe.  That’s mobile app deep linking providing me a more direct and efficient experience.

Why is Mobile App Deep Linking So Important?

We all utilize the power of mobile applications daily. From shopping to social media apps to games, applications are embedded in our lives. Mobile app deep linking lets us interact with apps more fluidly and more enjoyably.  

Here's why this is helpful:  

Saves You Time - You will no longer have to look through menus or categories.  

Enhances Experience - Makes you feel like using apps is easier and more natural.  

Improves Engagement - Users are more likely to continue to utilize the app if it behaves as they expect it to.  

Increases Conversions - For businesses, that means more purchases or sign-ups.

How Mobile App Deep Linking Works

There are different kinds of mobile app deep linking, and each has a unique purpose:

1. Traditional Deep Linking

Traditional deep links work when the user has installed the app. The user is taken immediately to the correct screen within the app, regardless of where they are coming from.

2. Deferred Deep Linking

If the user has not installed the app, deferred deep links first send the user to the app store, then, after the app is downloaded and opened, will take them to the correct screen.

3. Contextual Deep Linking

In addition to the normal deep link consideration, contextual deep linking captures additional data in the link, such as where the user came from, who sent them the deep link, or even a discount code to be used in the app. When the user comes to open the app, the information is passed in the link to allow a more personalised experience after the app opens.

What is a Mobile Linking Platform?

Mobile linking platforms are services that provide developers with tools to create and manage deep linking more easily. These services offer a variety of features, including:

  • Creating smart, customizable links

  • Creating links that work across iOS, Android, and web

  • Managing deferred and contextual linking

  • Tracking user interaction with these links

Some examples of mobile linking platforms are Branch, Firebase Dynamic Links, and Adjust. Without leveraging these platforms, managing deep linking in a mobile app could be incredibly difficult, especially for a larger app with a lot of content.

The Power of Deep Linking Analytics

After all your deep links are live, it will be useful to know how they are performing. That is where deep linking analytics comes in.

With deep linking analytics, you can:

  • Record how many people clicked your links

  • Identify which devices or platforms they used

  • Track how many people installed the app from the link

  • Now you can examine user behaviours after they opened the app

All of this data helps the business and developers understand what is working and where improvements can be made. It turns guesses into data-driven decisions.

Benefits of Mobile App Deep Linking

Recapping the benefits of mobile app deep linking:

  • Redirects users to certain content directly

  • Minimizes the steps required to search for something

  • Improves the experience across devices 

  • Works when the app isn't installed (deferred deep links) 

  • Allows for personalization via contextual links

  • Helps to track and measure with deep linking analytics 

Mobile app deep linking is even more effective when partnered with a mobile linking platform.

How Can You Start Using Mobile App Deep Linking?

Whether you are creating a new app or enhancing an existing app, here is how to get started:

  • Consume a mobile linking platform that aligns with your needs.

  • Add mobile app deep linking support within your app code.

  • Create deep links for relevant content or offers.

  • Share those links in ads, messages, emails, or on websites.

  • Use deep linking analytics to view clicks, installs, and user behaviour.

  • Test, learn, and improve your links and user journeys.

Even if you are not a developer, understanding how mobile app deep linking works will allow you to make better decision in marketing, product design, or user experience.

Final Thoughts

Mobile app deep linking is much more than a technical feature - it's a way to transform apps into smarter, faster, user-friendly experiences. Deep linking connects users to precisely the content they want, optimizes how apps work, and something every business should consider - provides businesses the opportunity to grow. 

A good mobile linking platform and intelligent deep linking analytics can ensure every type of app - big or small - will provide better links and better user experiences. 

Now that you know what mobile app deep linking is, you are already ahead of the game.

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