Understanding Mobile App Deep Linking: Challenges and Best Practices

Have you ever clicked a link that took you right into an app at a specific location, such as a profile or product page? That is mobile app deep linking! Mobile app deep linking makes it easier for users to bypass the app's homepage and access the content they want to use.

Mobile app deep linking creates a more fluid experience and connects app users to the web more appropriately, but implementing deep linking can pose problems. In this blog post, we'll outline some common problems developers have when using deep linking and recommend the best ways to overcome those issues. This guide will help a business owner, developer, or marketer understand how to appropriately use mobile app deep linking.

What Is Mobile App Deep Linking?

Mobile app deep linking is a method of developing links that connect users directly with a precise place within your app rather than only visiting the home screen of your app. For example, maybe you are selling shoes, and a user clicks an ad for "Red Sneakers," the link will open the app and navigate the user directly to that product and not only your homepage.

This leads to a better experience for the user, improves conversions, and further supports marketing targeting. This practice is also significant for deep linking analytics, which helps brands measure where users go in the app and what they do.

Challenges in Deep Linking

Implementing mobile app deep linking can present several obstacles. Here are a few you may encounter:

1. Platform Differences

Deep linking is handled differently on iOS than it is on Android. You'll need to create different rules and settings for each platform. If it's not configured correctly you run the risk of a link doing nothing, or worst of all sending the user to an error page.

2. Broken Links

What happens if the page that your link directs to doesn't exist, or the user doesn't have the app on their device? Then maybe your deep link won't open the way you intended. You could negatively impact your marketing performance while creating a frustrating experience for users.

3. Deferred Deep Linking

What if the user doesn't download your app yet? With mobile app deep linking, you may want them to download the app and land on the right screen after they first open it. That's deferred deep linking and requires additional steps for implementation.

4. No Analytics

You won't be able to evaluate your deep links if they aren't trackable. You need good deep link analytics to see how users are engaging with your deep links, and where they are dropping off. 

Best Practices for Mobile App Deep Linking

Even though mobile app deep linking can be difficult, it is usually very effective when executed properly. Here are some best practices:

1. Use a Mobile Linking Platform

Using a linking platform can help you better manage, test, and track your deep links. These linking platforms often have options for supporting multiple devices, operating systems, campaign tracking, and more— all in one location.

2. Test Across All Devices

Make sure to test your links on Android and iOS before launch, in addition to testing with multiple versions of your app, and testing to see what happens when someone doesn’t have your app installed.

3. Set Up Deferred Deep Linking

Deferred deep linking allows users to install your app first and land on the proper screen afterward. This is ideal for advertisements or social media promotion campaigns. Most mobile linking platforms will assist in managing this easily.

4. Use Deep Linking Analytics to Analyze

Using a deep linking analytic service, you will be able to understand what links perform the best. This information can reveal which campaigns create the most users, and what users do after clicking the link. You can then take action to improve using actual information instead of guessing.

Make It Easy with Apptrove

If setting up a mobile app deep linking seems like a big hurdle, don't sweat it—Apptrove makes it easy. Apptrove is a mobile measurement partner (MMP), so they'll make it easy for you to create, manage and/or report on deep links all in one place with powerful tools you can trust.

Here's what you get with Apptrove:

1. A simple mobile deep-linking setup
2. Built-in deep linking analytics to track every click
3. Seamless integrations into all of your marketing campaigns
4. A powerful mobile linking platform you can rely on

Whether you're running paid ads, email campaigns, social promotions, or anything else, Apptrove makes the process work smoothly so you get the most out of your deep links and the data you need to make better decisions for your users.

Closing Thoughts

Mobile app deep linking is one of the best ways to get customers to the content they want to see. It can be tricky but you can do it right with the proper tools and best practices. 

You can use a trusted mobile linking platform, measure your performance with deep link analytics, and partner with a player like Apptrove will make it easier to go through the whole process. We are sure your users and your marketing department will appreciate it.