Short Trackable Links (URL Shortener)

Short Trackable Links is a feature that automatically shortens any URL to just 22 characters, saving you valuable space in your SMS messages and helping you to keep costs down when sending web addresses in your messages.

1. To confirm if this feature is enabled on your account, go to the menu and click on the    icon, then select Numbers & Channels.

2. Select the Settings tab.

3. Under the SMS heading, find where it says Short trackable links and you'll be able to see whether it's Enabled or Disabled:

When this feature is enabled, any time you add a link to your message content, the message preview will show you that the link has been shortened:

Custom Links

You can take the Short Trackable Links feature one step further by requesting a custom URL:

Example of a standard short URL: https://nxt.to/1234567

Example of a custom short URL: https://cloud.to/1234567 

Contact your eTXT account manager to request custom links for your account.

Reporting on Link Activity

1. To review the interactions that recipients have had with your links, go to the menu and click on the    icon, then select Campaign Reports.

2. Click on the name of the campaign you'd like to review.

3. From the campaign dashboard, just select the Link clicks tab and you'll see a list of the recipients and the number of times they've clicked on the link:

 4. You can export a .csv of this data by clicking on the Export view / tab button.

Short Trackable Link FAQs

• Who enables STLs?
  If Short Trackable Links are disabled and you'd like to activate the feature, all you have to do is contact your eTXT account manager and they can easily activate it on your account. Keep an eye out for a confirmation email letting you know that STLs are good to go.
• What are the benefits of STLs?
  
  • • Keep it simple by shortening links directly from the Hub, eliminating the need for additional link-shortening platforms.
    • Automatically shorten long URLs to 22 characters. This is a great way to reduce the characters you use in your message, which can in turn reduce your costs by keeping you within character limits.
    • Track exactly which of your recipients have clicked a link, and send a follow-up message to those who haven't clicked on important links.
• Is it possible to have a Shortened Link without Tracking?
  You can use a Shortened Link without tracking, although we wouldn't recommend this as you won’t be able to download reports and analyse which links have been clicked, and who's clicked them.

• What are some use cases for STLs?

  • • Employee Communications - If you need to share an important link or document, trackable URLs will tell who has clicked the link.

    • Alerts & Notifications - Short URLs make it easier to track who has received time-sensitive and important alerts.

    • Payment Reminders - You can send trackable links to invoices and follow up on customers who haven’t clicked the link.

    • Appointment Reminders - You can message customers about upcoming appointments or bookings and send shortened URLs that allow them to reschedule.

    • Renewal Reminders - Send shortened links to remind customers about their upcoming subscriptions or to make changes.

• Can I send files through STLs?
  Yes, you can upload and send files up to 410KB. File types include png, jpg, pdf and gif formats. Messages will be sent as a Shortened Link to download the file.

• How much does it cost?
  The good news is, it’s free. STLs are included in your package, all you have to do is get them enabled. Depending on your needs, you might prefer to send full URLs in your messages, particularly if you'd like to retain your full company URL in the text.
  

• How do I turn off Short Trackable Links?
  You can get this turned off by emailing mobiledirect@spark.co.nz.
  If you turn off STL, note that:

  • • You won't be able to see who has clicked on a link

    • The link you send may be a lot of characters and affect the billing units of a message