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'''Navigation:''' [[Main_Page]] > [[Reporting]] > [[Analytics]] > About link tracking
'''Navigation:''' [[Main_Page]] > [[Reports]] > [[Campaigns]] > About link tracking


== About Link Tracking ==
== About link tracking ==


Link tracking is a powerful feature within ActiveCampaign that helps users understand how effectively their emails engage contacts. By enabling link tracking, you can see if contacts clicked any links in your campaigns, allowing you to gauge interest and improve your email strategies. This feature is essential for businesses aiming to enhance customer engagement and optimize their campaigns.
Link tracking in ActiveCampaign is a powerful feature that allows users to monitor and analyze the effectiveness of links within their email campaigns. Understanding which links are clicked can provide valuable insights into contact engagement and the overall success of marketing efforts. This feature is essential for businesses looking to optimize their emails based on real-time data and improve their marketing strategies.


== How Link Tracking Works ==
'''Link tracking''' enhances the ability to gauge how contacts interact with campaigns, making it easier to identify areas for improvement and to strategically refine future messaging.


By default, '''link tracking''' is enabled for all direct and automated campaigns that include links. Whenever a link is added to your campaign, ActiveCampaign generates a unique tracking link specific to that campaign and each individual contact. When a contact clicks a link, they are redirected to the specified URL, and the click action is logged in ActiveCampaign's system. This information is subsequently reflected in your campaign reports and in each contact's activity stream.
== How to Access this Feature ==


Importantly, note that link tracking cannot monitor clicks associated with email addresses or personalization tags instead of valid URLs.
Accessing the link tracking data in ActiveCampaign is straightforward. Users can navigate to campaign reports directly through the interface. Follow these steps to reach the link tracking options:


By utilizing link tracking, you can access vital data in your campaign reports, including:
1. Log in to your ActiveCampaign account.
* Which links were clicked
2. From the left menu, click on '''Reports'''.
* The number of times each link was clicked
3. Select either '''All Campaigns''' for direct campaigns or '''Automation Reports''' for automated campaigns.
* Which contacts engaged with specific links


Additionally, link tracking serves dual purposes by allowing you to trigger other actions within your account, such as link actions, automations, segmenting contacts, adding conditional content to campaigns, and updating lead scores.
== Step-by-Step Instructions ==


== How to Access Link Tracking ==
To effectively track link clicks in your campaigns, follow the steps below based on the type of campaign you are using.


To leverage link tracking features in your ActiveCampaign account, follow these steps:
=== For Direct Campaigns ===


1. Navigate to the '''Campaigns''' section from your ActiveCampaign dashboard.
1. Click on '''Reports''' in the left menu.
2. Create a new campaign or edit an existing one.
2. Choose the '''All Campaigns''' option.
3. Ensure that you include links in your email, as this feature is only applicable if links are present.
3. Locate and click on the specific campaign you wish to view.
4. In the campaign summary box, click the '''Clicks''' option.


== Step-by-Step Instructions ==
=== For Automated Campaigns ===
 
1. Click on '''Reports''' from the left menu.
2. Select '''Automation Reports'''.
3. Click on '''All Automations'''.
4. Find the automation you want to review and click on the ellipsis (three dots) below its name.
5. In the modal that appears, select '''Automation Overview'''.
6. Scroll down until you find the '''Campaign Metrics''' table.
7. Click the ellipsis under the appropriate campaign name, then choose '''Campaign Overview'''.
8. In the summary, click on the '''Clicks''' option.


To view the link click data, perform the following steps based on whether you're analyzing direct or automated campaigns:
By following these steps, you can access detailed link click data and statistics for each type of campaign.


=== Locate Link Click Data for Direct Campaigns ===
== Configuration Options and Settings ==
1. Click on '''Reports''' in the left menu.
2. Select the '''All Campaigns''' option on the left side of the screen.
3. Click the name of the respective campaign.
4. Click on the '''Clicks''' option located in the '''Summary''' box.


=== Locate Link Click Data for Automated Campaigns ===
Link tracking in ActiveCampaign is generally enabled by default for all direct and automated campaigns that contain links. However, there are settings you may need to configure or adjust:
1. Click on '''Reports''' in the left menu.
2. Select the '''Automation Reports''' option on the left side of the screen.
3. Click on '''All Automations.'''
4. Find the desired automation and click the ellipsis under the automation name.
5. A modal window will appear; click the '''Automation Overview''' option.
6. Scroll down to the '''Campaign Metrics''' table; click the ellipsis under the campaign's name and select the '''Campaign Overview''' option.
7. Click the '''Clicks''' option located in the '''Summary''' box.


== Configuration Options and Settings ==
* '''Site Tracking''': If this feature is enabled, a parameter will be added to each link that allows tracking of contact interaction with your website post-click. This is essential for logging web page visits.


Link tracking offers various settings that can be customized based on your campaign requirements:
* '''Turn Off Link Tracking''': You can manually disable link tracking on the '''Campaign Summary''' page under '''Options''' for each campaign if desired. This means the system will not record link clicks for that specific email.


* **Link Tracking**: This feature is enabled by default, ensuring that all links you include in your email are monitored for clicks.
* '''Configure URL Whitelisting''': If you want to disable site tracking for a specific URL, uncheck the '''Site Tracking''' option within the Settings > Tracking page.
* **Website Tracking**: If using the '''Site Tracking''' feature, a parameter is added to your links to identify which contacts clicked your campaign link. This keeps your tracking compliant with browser data collection regulations. You can manually adjust these settings as needed.
* **Custom Domain Tracking**: If you utilize a custom domain name (CNAME) with link tracking enabled, links will redirect through one of ActiveCampaign's domains while still masking your custom CNAME.


=== Options to Modify Link Tracking ===
These options provide flexibility based on your campaign needs, allowing you to balance tracking requirements with user privacy.
1. **Manually turn off link tracking** for each email under the '''Campaign Summary''' page in the '''Options''' section.
2. **Untick the Site Tracking box** for the whitelisted URL, accessible under the '''Settings > Tracking''' page in your account.


== Best Practices and Tips ==
== Best Practices and Tips ==


* Ensure you are using distinct URLs for any links in your campaigns. Unique URLs help to properly segment tracking data for detailed reports.
To maximize the effectiveness of link tracking in your campaigns, consider the following best practices:
* Try to avoid sending plain text emails if you need trackable links. This is due to issues with hyperlink recognition across different email clients, which may result in untracked clicks.
 
* Use templates from the template library when necessary, then simply delete image blocks for tracking in text-only emails.
* **Use Unique URLs**: Ensure that each URL included in your campaign is unique to facilitate accurate tracking. URLs should differ by at least one parameter.
* Regularly review the Clicks report to gain insights into which contacts are most engaged and tailor your future campaigns accordingly.
 
* **Avoid Plain Text Campaigns**: While tracking is possible in plain text emails, it's not recommended due to the likelihood that clicking the link may not register as intended. Instead, opt for graphical templates where you can manipulate links more effectively.
 
* **Monitor Engagement**: Regularly check the link click data to understand which links perform well. Use this data to refine your content and campaigns over time for better engagement.
 
* **Check Recipient Settings**: If a contact has images disabled, they can still be tracked when they click on links. Consider informing recipients about this to improve your open and click rates.
 
== Common Use Cases with Examples ==
 
Link tracking can be applied in various scenarios, such as:
 
* **Analyzing Email Campaigns**: After sending an email that promotes a new product, use link tracking to assess which promotional links were clicked the most. This provides insight into what products resonate with your audience.
 
* **Creating Segments**: By understanding which links were clicked, you can create targeted segments based on user interests and engagement levels.
 
* **Triggering Automations**: Use the data from link clicks to trigger specific automations. For instance, if a contact clicks on a link to register for a webinar, you can automatically send them a confirmation email.
 
== Troubleshooting Section ==
 
If you encounter issues with link tracking, consider the following troubleshooting tips:


== Troubleshooting ==
* **Confirm Link Visibility**: Ensure that links in your emails are correctly formatted and visible to recipients, as broken URLs can impede tracking.


Should you encounter issues with link tracking, consider the following troubleshooting tips:
* **Email Client Restrictions**: If some contacts do not register clicks, they may be using email clients that do not support tracking. Encourage recipients to whitelist your emails.


* Verify that links in your email are correctly formatted and not replaced with email addresses or personalization tags.
* **Understand Parameter Issues**: If links do not seem to track correctly, verify that they are uniquely identifiable. Multiple links with the same address can lead to inaccurate data.
* Check your settings to ensure that '''link tracking''' and/or '''site tracking''' are enabled for your campaigns.
* Use the Reports section to ensure you’re looking in the correct modules for your data.


== FAQ ==
== FAQ ==


'''Q1: Can I track link clicks in plain text emails?'''
'''Q1: Is link tracking available for all ActiveCampaign plans?'''
A1: Yes, while it is possible, it is not recommended due to the difficulty in hyperlinking URLs correctly.
A1: Yes, link tracking is included in the Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise plans.


'''Q2: Will link clicks be tracked if a contact has images disabled?'''
'''Q2: Can I track links in plain text emails?'''
A2: Yes, link clicks will still be tracked as well as counted as campaign opens.
A2: Yes, but it's not recommended as not all email clients will hyperlink the text, leading to untracked clicks.


'''Q3: How do I view link click performance?'''
'''Q3: What happens if a contact has images disabled?'''
A3: Link click performance is found under the '''Clicks''' report section in your campaign analytics.
A3: Link clicks will still be tracked, and they will be counted as campaign opens as well.


'''Q4: Does link tracking work with custom domains?'''
'''Q4: How can I view link click data for my campaigns?'''
A4: Yes, if you have link tracking enabled with a custom domain, your links will still redirect using ActiveCampaign's tracking domains, while showing your custom domain.
A4: Navigate to '''Reports''' and follow the respective steps for direct or automated campaigns, as outlined above.


'''Q5: Can I turn off link tracking for a specific campaign?'''
'''Q5: Can I customize the URLs used for link tracking?'''
A5: Yes, you can disable link tracking from the '''Campaign Summary''' page under the '''Options''' section for each campaign.
A5: You should ensure that the URLs are unique; custom domain names can also be used to mask the tracking URLs.


'''Q6: What data is included in the Clicks report?'''
'''Q6: What metrics are available in my link tracking reports?'''
A6: The report includes unique clicks, total link clicks, unique link clicks per link, contacts who did not click any links, and the average recipients per link click.
A6: You can see metrics such as unique clicks, total link clicks, and average recipients per link click.


'''Q7: What happens if I don’t use unique URLs for link tracking?'''
'''Q7: Can I disable link tracking for specific campaigns?'''
A7: Tracking may not function correctly, as it relies on unique URLs to differentiate between different links in a campaign.
A7: Yes, you can manually turn off link tracking for each email on the '''Campaign Summary''' page.


With this comprehensive understanding of link tracking, you can effectively leverage the feature to enhance your email marketing efforts within ActiveCampaign.
By leveraging the information available through link tracking, you can substantially improve your understanding of contact engagement, optimize email performance, and ultimately convert more leads into customers.
```
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Latest revision as of 15:04, 3 November 2025

```mediawiki Navigation: Main_Page > Reports > Campaigns > About link tracking

About link tracking[edit | edit source]

Link tracking in ActiveCampaign is a powerful feature that allows users to monitor and analyze the effectiveness of links within their email campaigns. Understanding which links are clicked can provide valuable insights into contact engagement and the overall success of marketing efforts. This feature is essential for businesses looking to optimize their emails based on real-time data and improve their marketing strategies.

Link tracking enhances the ability to gauge how contacts interact with campaigns, making it easier to identify areas for improvement and to strategically refine future messaging.

How to Access this Feature[edit | edit source]

Accessing the link tracking data in ActiveCampaign is straightforward. Users can navigate to campaign reports directly through the interface. Follow these steps to reach the link tracking options:

1. Log in to your ActiveCampaign account. 2. From the left menu, click on Reports. 3. Select either All Campaigns for direct campaigns or Automation Reports for automated campaigns.

Step-by-Step Instructions[edit | edit source]

To effectively track link clicks in your campaigns, follow the steps below based on the type of campaign you are using.

For Direct Campaigns[edit | edit source]

1. Click on Reports in the left menu. 2. Choose the All Campaigns option. 3. Locate and click on the specific campaign you wish to view. 4. In the campaign summary box, click the Clicks option.

For Automated Campaigns[edit | edit source]

1. Click on Reports from the left menu. 2. Select Automation Reports. 3. Click on All Automations. 4. Find the automation you want to review and click on the ellipsis (three dots) below its name. 5. In the modal that appears, select Automation Overview. 6. Scroll down until you find the Campaign Metrics table. 7. Click the ellipsis under the appropriate campaign name, then choose Campaign Overview. 8. In the summary, click on the Clicks option.

By following these steps, you can access detailed link click data and statistics for each type of campaign.

Configuration Options and Settings[edit | edit source]

Link tracking in ActiveCampaign is generally enabled by default for all direct and automated campaigns that contain links. However, there are settings you may need to configure or adjust:

  • Site Tracking: If this feature is enabled, a parameter will be added to each link that allows tracking of contact interaction with your website post-click. This is essential for logging web page visits.
  • Turn Off Link Tracking: You can manually disable link tracking on the Campaign Summary page under Options for each campaign if desired. This means the system will not record link clicks for that specific email.
  • Configure URL Whitelisting: If you want to disable site tracking for a specific URL, uncheck the Site Tracking option within the Settings > Tracking page.

These options provide flexibility based on your campaign needs, allowing you to balance tracking requirements with user privacy.

Best Practices and Tips[edit | edit source]

To maximize the effectiveness of link tracking in your campaigns, consider the following best practices:

  • **Use Unique URLs**: Ensure that each URL included in your campaign is unique to facilitate accurate tracking. URLs should differ by at least one parameter.
  • **Avoid Plain Text Campaigns**: While tracking is possible in plain text emails, it's not recommended due to the likelihood that clicking the link may not register as intended. Instead, opt for graphical templates where you can manipulate links more effectively.
  • **Monitor Engagement**: Regularly check the link click data to understand which links perform well. Use this data to refine your content and campaigns over time for better engagement.
  • **Check Recipient Settings**: If a contact has images disabled, they can still be tracked when they click on links. Consider informing recipients about this to improve your open and click rates.

Common Use Cases with Examples[edit | edit source]

Link tracking can be applied in various scenarios, such as:

  • **Analyzing Email Campaigns**: After sending an email that promotes a new product, use link tracking to assess which promotional links were clicked the most. This provides insight into what products resonate with your audience.
  • **Creating Segments**: By understanding which links were clicked, you can create targeted segments based on user interests and engagement levels.
  • **Triggering Automations**: Use the data from link clicks to trigger specific automations. For instance, if a contact clicks on a link to register for a webinar, you can automatically send them a confirmation email.

Troubleshooting Section[edit | edit source]

If you encounter issues with link tracking, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

  • **Confirm Link Visibility**: Ensure that links in your emails are correctly formatted and visible to recipients, as broken URLs can impede tracking.
  • **Email Client Restrictions**: If some contacts do not register clicks, they may be using email clients that do not support tracking. Encourage recipients to whitelist your emails.
  • **Understand Parameter Issues**: If links do not seem to track correctly, verify that they are uniquely identifiable. Multiple links with the same address can lead to inaccurate data.

FAQ[edit | edit source]

Q1: Is link tracking available for all ActiveCampaign plans? A1: Yes, link tracking is included in the Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise plans.

Q2: Can I track links in plain text emails? A2: Yes, but it's not recommended as not all email clients will hyperlink the text, leading to untracked clicks.

Q3: What happens if a contact has images disabled? A3: Link clicks will still be tracked, and they will be counted as campaign opens as well.

Q4: How can I view link click data for my campaigns? A4: Navigate to Reports and follow the respective steps for direct or automated campaigns, as outlined above.

Q5: Can I customize the URLs used for link tracking? A5: You should ensure that the URLs are unique; custom domain names can also be used to mask the tracking URLs.

Q6: What metrics are available in my link tracking reports? A6: You can see metrics such as unique clicks, total link clicks, and average recipients per link click.

Q7: Can I disable link tracking for specific campaigns? A7: Yes, you can manually turn off link tracking for each email on the Campaign Summary page.

By leveraging the information available through link tracking, you can substantially improve your understanding of contact engagement, optimize email performance, and ultimately convert more leads into customers. ```