To ensure users land exactly as you desire within a mobile app, you can’t merely rely on “open app.” Deep linking, deferred deep linking, dynamic deep linking, app-to-app linking, and URL deep linking all fall into the same general category. Let’s take a look at each, the differences, and why they matter, minus the jargon.
To help you with all this linking rigmarole, many app developers use a mobile measurement partner. Apptrove is one example, which creates the link, routes the link, tracks the link, and attributes the link, leaving you to handle the features and campaigns, rather than plumbing.
What Is Deep Linking?
Deep linking means a link that takes a user to a specific page or screen in an app — not merely launching the app to its landing page. For example, you might click a “Buy Now” and the app opens to that product space, which is deep linking – neat!
Deep linking is only effective if the user has the app installed. If the user does not have the app installed, the link fails or lands on a generic spot instead.
Deferred Deep Linking: Linking That Waits
Deferred deep linking is the intelligent counterpart of deep linking for users who do not have the app yet. The second half is:
- Someone clicks the link.
- Because the app is not installed, they are directed to the app store to download the app.
- Once the app is installed and opened, the app “remembers” where they wanted to go and directs them to that specific screen.
Ever since the introduction of deferred deep linking, there has been a way for you to keep context and effectiveness of the campaign and contextual experience, considering the user had to install the app.
Dynamic Deep Linking: Flexible and Parameterized
Dynamic deep linking means links that carry parameters or data – for example: “go to the product 123 with discount code ABC.” It also compounds with deep linking and deferred deep linking.
What dynamic deep linking affords is smart links: irrespective of who clicks, whether or not they have the app, dynamic data that the app interprets allows the app to send them exactly what they want. You may see “Welcome back, Alice, here is your new reward” or “Here is the special offer you clicked on.”
Dynamic deep linking operates great for well-planned personal campaigns and promotions.
App-to-App Linking: Moving Between Apps
App-to-app linking refers to the process of one app seamlessly linking to or starting another app (with context). For example, a messenger app may launch your shopping app to a specific product. App-to-app linking involves deep links behind the scenes.
This is advantageous in ecosystems, meaning app A wants you to take an action in app B, and often includes directional information so that app B knows what to show when it opens.
URL Deep Linking: Using web URLs to be able to reach in-app content
URL deep linking refers to the process of using a URL (like a standard link) that can deep link into your app. It is the bridge between the web and the app. When a user taps on a URL, the system checks: does the user have that app? If yes, launch to content; if not, fall back to the website or App store.
URL deep linking is common through emails, social media, ads- anywhere you can drop a link. If it works for web use, it would also work for the app.
Why All These Link Types Matter
Enhanced User Experience: Users will authentically arrive at the expected destination – A smoother journey with fewer dead-end paths, confusion or choices.
- Better conversion: When users can see the meta-object that motivated them in the app, they are far more likely to take that action.
- Personalization: With a dynamic deep-link level solution, each user entrance can be customized.
- Cross-app Collaboration: With app-to-app linking, apps in the same ecosystem can collaborate quickly and seamlessly.
- Seamless web-to-app journey: With URL deep linking, you can bridge users who start from a web advertisement or an email.
Conclusion
In all, by considering and understanding Deep linking, Deferred deep linking, Dynamic deep linking, App-to-app linking, and URL deep linking, you can create seamless journeys in mobile applications.
Deep linking occurs when the app is installed. Deferred deep linking takes care of when it is not installed. Dynamic deep linking adds data and personalisation. App-to-app linking allows there to be movement between apps. URL deep linking is the method of bridging web and app environments.
By thinking through these levels of linked resources together, you can provide your user with a seamless experience from the link or advertisement down to the desired in-app screen. It is also helpful to leverage a company like Apptrove to manage the relationships behind the scenes, to allow your users to enjoy clean and seamless flows.
