What's a link?

A link in Linkbreakers is a trackable URL that powers QR codes and campaigns. Links provide analytics, workflow capabilities, and destination management that extends beyond basic URL shortening.

Unlike traditional URL shorteners that only redirect traffic, Linkbreakers links capture visitor data, enable interactive experiences through workflows, and allow destination updates without reprinting physical QR codes.

Quick summary

• Update destinations anytime without reprinting QR codes or redistributing materials
• Track visitor profiles, location, device type, and behavioral patterns for every scan
• Add interactive workflows: forms, password gates, conditional routing, multi-step journeys
• Use your own custom domain while maintaining all tracking capabilities
• Integrate with CRM and marketing tools through APIs and webhooks
• Share links directly (not just via QR codes) while keeping same analytics

Links vs traditional URL shorteners

Feature	Traditional Shorteners	Linkbreakers Links
Destination redirects	Yes	Yes
Click counting	Basic	Comprehensive
Visitor profiles	No	Yes
Location tracking	No	Yes
Device/browser data	No	Yes
Update destination	No	Yes
Interactive workflows	No	Yes
Form integration	No	Yes
Password protection	No	Yes
Conditional routing	No	Yes
CRM integration	No	Yes
API access	Limited	Full

Linkbreakers links provide visitor analytics, workflow automation, and API integration that transform links into marketing infrastructure.

Links and QR codes (the relationship)

Every QR code contains a link (but not every link needs a QR code):

• QR codes are the scannable visual representation of your link
• Regenerate QR design anytime without changing the link (analytics stay intact)
• Share links directly via email, social, SMS (same tracking as QR scans)
• Consistent experience across all channels (QR codes, direct links, etc.)

Flexible omnichannel campaigns:

• Physical materials (print, packaging, signage) via QR codes
• Digital channels (email, ads, social) via direct links
• All traffic tracked under same link with unified analytics

Creating and configuring links

Basic setup:

1. Set destination URL (website, PDF, video, app, any URL)
2. Add descriptive name for internal organization
3. Apply tags for filtering and campaign management
4. Optionally customize slug (e.g., linkbreakers.com/spring-sale)

Access controls:

• Geographic restrictions (block or allow specific countries)
• Time-based availability (schedule start/end dates)
• Password protection for gated content

Advanced link features

Interactive workflows:

• Collect visitor information through forms
• Add password gates or authentication steps
• Conditional routing based on responses or location
• Multi-step visitor journeys

A/B testing:

• Test different destinations systematically
• Compare workflow variations
• Data-driven optimization

Geolocation targeting:

• Route visitors to different destinations by location
• Localized campaigns for regional content
• Improve relevance and conversions

Scheduled campaigns:

• Auto-activate at future date/time
• Auto-deactivate when promotion ends
• No manual intervention needed

Analytics capabilities

What you track per link:

• Individual visitor profiles (aggregated across multiple scans)
• Device type and operating system
• Geographic location (country, region, city)
• Scan timestamps and frequency patterns
• Return visitor identification
• Workflow completion rates
• Time spent on destination pages

Behavioral insights:

• Journey mapping through multi-step workflows
• Content preference patterns
• Peak engagement times
• Cross-campaign visitor correlation
• Friction points in conversion funnels

Performance optimization:

• Compare campaigns to identify best practices
• Seasonal pattern recognition
• ROI tracking and budget optimization
• Industry benchmarking context

Custom domains

Use your own domain instead of Linkbreakers.com (setup guide):

Benefits:

• Brand consistency (use yourbrand.com instead of generic shortener)
• Visitor trust (recognizable domain increases clicks)
• Professional appearance
• All analytics and workflow features preserved

Technical setup:

• Simple DNS record update (CNAME or A record)
• Automatic SSL certificate provisioning and renewal
• Fast global redirects maintained
• No ongoing technical maintenance required

Multiple domain strategies:

• Different domains per campaign type or business unit
• Regional domains for international campaigns (e.g., uk.yourbrand.com, de.yourbrand.com)
• Separate brands or product lines
• Compliance with industry regulations

Interactive workflows (beyond simple redirects)

Add steps before destination:

• Custom forms to collect contact info, preferences, or qualification data
• Password gates for exclusive content
• Conditional routing based on responses or visitor attributes
• Multi-step sequences (form → password → destination)

Lead qualification:

• Progressive profiling across multiple visits
• Behavioral scoring based on engagement depth
• Conversion funnel tracking to identify bottlenecks
• Automatic CRM integration for qualified leads

Example workflow:

1. Visitor scans QR code
2. Sees form collecting email and role
3. Conditionally routed based on role (sales → demo, support → docs)
4. Lead automatically created in CRM
5. Analytics track entire journey

Personalization:

• Dynamic destination routing based on visitor attributes
• Content customization per visitor segment
• Cross-visit continuity (remember returning visitors)
• Real-time personalization based on form responses

API and business system integration

Use the Linkbreakers API for programmatic link management:

Automate link operations:

• Bulk link creation for campaigns
• Update destinations, workflows, settings programmatically
• Export analytics data to BI systems
• Webhook notifications for real-time engagement tracking

CRM and marketing automation:

• Sync visitor data to Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.
• Trigger email sequences based on link interactions
• Create sales opportunities from qualified leads
• Feed campaign data into analytics platforms

Custom integrations:

• Build specialized workflows for your business
• Automated compliance and data handling
• Performance-based optimization (auto-adjust based on metrics)
• Audience segmentation and personalization at scale

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a link and a QR code in Linkbreakers?

A link is the underlying smart URL that provides tracking, analytics, and workflow capabilities. A QR code is the visual representation that makes the link easily scannable. Every QR code contains a link, but links can also be shared directly.

Can I change where my link goes after I've printed QR codes?

Yes! You can update link destinations at any time without affecting printed QR codes. This flexibility allows you to update campaigns, fix broken links, or redirect to seasonal content without reprinting materials.

How do links track visitors while maintaining privacy?

Links collect technical information necessary for functionality (device type, location, timing) while requiring explicit consent for personal information through forms. All data collection follows privacy regulations and visitor preferences.

What happens if my destination website goes down?

Links include error handling that provides graceful failure messages rather than broken experiences. You can also update destinations immediately when issues are discovered, ensuring visitor experience remains professional.

Can I use my own domain for links instead of Linkbreakers domains?

Yes, custom domains are available and maintain all analytics and workflow capabilities while providing brand consistency. Setup requires simple DNS configuration that most organizations can implement quickly.

How do workflows and forms integrate with links?

Links can include interactive steps before reaching destinations, including forms, authentication, conditional logic, and multi-step sequences. These workflows collect information and qualify visitors while maintaining smooth user experience.

What analytics do links provide beyond basic click counting?

Links provide comprehensive visitor profiles, geographic insights, device information, engagement depth analysis, return visitor tracking, and behavioral patterns that reveal campaign effectiveness and audience characteristics.

Can I create links programmatically through an API?

Yes, the Linkbreakers API provides comprehensive programmatic access for link creation, configuration management, analytics retrieval, and workflow automation that supports technical integration and automation scenarios.

How do links work with marketing automation and CRM systems?

Links integrate with business systems through APIs and webhooks that synchronize visitor data, trigger automated processes, and provide engagement context for sales and marketing activities.

What's the maximum number of links I can create?

Link limits depend on your subscription plan, with generous quotas that accommodate most business needs. Enterprise subscriptions provide consumption-based billing that scales with actual usage without arbitrary limits.

Limits and caveats

• Feature availability and limits can vary by plan and workspace setup.
• Results depend on correct implementation, attribution setup, and data quality controls.
• Regulatory and privacy obligations vary by jurisdiction and use case.