Guides
How short links, domains and QR codes actually work.
Turn a branded short link into a newsletter draft
Use Mailchimp, Brevo, MailerLite or SendGrid Marketing to prepare a campaign while keeping recipients and sending under review.
Publish short links from WordPress and ShopifyFIELD NOTES / 242 2 min readPublish short links from WordPress and Shopify
Install the downloadable integration package, check its first event and keep a clear record of what was created.
Review a campaign page on desktop and Android before sharingFIELD NOTES / 243 2 min readReview a campaign page on desktop and Android before sharing
Use template previews and the Android dashboard to check the visitor journey at the size your customers will see.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a bakery
A weekend cake order needs a collection date before payment. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for qr labels on takeaway bo…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a coffee shop
A commuter wants to collect a drink without joining the queue. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for counter cards beside t…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a restaurant
A diner needs opening hours and booking availability on the same page. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for table tents an…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a food truck
A lunch customer must know where the truck is today. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for truck-side poster.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a farm shop
A customer collecting a vegetable box needs the correct entrance. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for printed box inserts.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a caterer
An organiser needs headcount and event date before a meaningful quote. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for proposal cover…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a fitness coach
A first-time client needs to understand session format before booking. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for gym noticeboar…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a yoga studio
A beginner worries about equipment and arrival time. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for reception cards.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a physiotherapy practice
A patient needs practical arrival instructions before a first visit. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for appointment remi…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a dental clinic
A new patient needs an accurate phone number and accessible entrance. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for reception leafl…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a salon
A client needs service duration before choosing an appointment. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for mirror stickers.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a barber
A visitor deciding between a booking and a walk-in needs both routes. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for window decal.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a pet groomer
An owner needs to know which service fits the pet's size. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for pet collection cards.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a veterinary practice
An owner must quickly distinguish routine care from emergency help. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for clinic entrance s…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a dog walker
An owner needs to know whether their neighbourhood is covered. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for community noticeboard.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a photographer
A couple comparing photographers needs a relevant portfolio first. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for business cards.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a wedding planner
A couple needs budget and date guidance before a call. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for venue open-day cards.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a illustrator
A publisher needs usage rights before requesting an illustration. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for portfolio postcards.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a musician
A listener at a show wants the correct track without choosing among many profiles. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for me…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a podcast host
A new listener needs one strong starting episode and listening-platform choices. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for epis…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a writer
A reader wants a sample before committing to a book purchase. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for book fair cards.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a newsletter publisher
A prospective subscriber needs proof of the editorial style. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for social profile link.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a course instructor
A learner needs prerequisites before paying for a course. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for webinar closing slide.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a language tutor
A learner needs timezone and proficiency information to book correctly. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for community fly…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a music teacher
A parent needs age suitability and instrument requirements. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for school noticeboard.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a school club
A student needs the next meeting room and participation rules. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for campus posters.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a university society
A new student needs the membership route after an orientation fair. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for freshers fair han…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a library
A reader needs the right catalogue rather than a generic homepage. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for bookmark inserts.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a museum
A visitor at an exhibit needs context without losing the exhibition route. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for exhibit la…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a gallery
A visitor needs artwork context and a clear enquiry route. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for artwork caption cards.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a theatre
A ticket holder needs arrival and access information before curtain time. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for ticket conf…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a festival
An attendee needs travel advice and current programme changes. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for wristband packaging.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a conference
A delegate needs the current room allocation between sessions. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for badge reverse.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a workshop organiser
A participant needs to bring the right materials to a practical session. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for confirmation…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a community meetup
A newcomer needs expectations and venue details before attending. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for community group pro…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a sports club
A new player needs age group and training location. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for pitch-side board.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a charity
A supporter wants to verify the organisation before donating. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for fundraising leaflet.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a animal rescue
An adopter needs the application steps before contacting the team. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for adoption-day cards.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a community garden
A neighbour needs to know when volunteers will be present. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for garden gate sign.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a religious community
A visitor needs time and location details without joining a mailing list. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for welcome lea…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a local campaign
A resident needs current information and a way to ask a question. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for public meeting hand…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a estate agent
A buyer needs the correct property and viewing availability. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for property window card.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a holiday rental
A guest needs check-in instructions after confirming a reservation. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for welcome folder.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a tour guide
A traveller needs the precise departure point before leaving their hotel. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for hotel recep…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a travel adviser
A traveller needs the scope of a planning service before submitting a request. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for travel…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a hotel
A guest needs different information before booking and after arrival. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for room informatio…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a repair shop
A customer needs to know whether a device is supported before travelling. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for repair rece…
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a plumber
A household needs to know whether an urgent call can be answered. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for vehicle signage.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a electrician
A property owner needs the service scope before describing a job. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for trade business card.
2 min readA practical link-page plan for a landscaper
A homeowner needs examples of projects with a similar scale. Plan the buttons, destination checks and handover for site board.
What to include on a digital business cardFIELD NOTES / 218 2 min readWhat to include on a digital business card
Start with your name, role and company.
Test a business-card QR code before printingFIELD NOTES / 219 2 min readTest a business-card QR code before printing
Keep a clear border around the QR code and use strong contrast.
Build useful call and WhatsApp buttonsFIELD NOTES / 220 2 min readBuild useful call and WhatsApp buttons
A call action suits questions your business can answer promptly.
Connect a custom domain to a contact pageFIELD NOTES / 221 2 min readConnect a custom domain to a contact page
A dedicated subdomain such as card.example.com can coexist with a main website.
Make contact exchange clear and usefulFIELD NOTES / 222 2 min readMake contact exchange clear and useful
Ask only for information needed to follow up.
Read page analytics without confusing clicks with salesFIELD NOTES / 223 2 min readRead page analytics without confusing clicks with sales
A page view records an access and a click records an action toward a destination.
A contact card for property enquiriesFIELD NOTES / 224 2 min readA contact card for property enquiries
Show the agent’s name, agency and service area.
Turn a freelancer card into a focused portfolioFIELD NOTES / 225 2 min readTurn a freelancer card into a focused portfolio
Choose a small number of projects that demonstrate the work you want to receive.
Make a restaurant contact page useful on a phoneFIELD NOTES / 226 2 min readMake a restaurant contact page useful on a phone
Diners usually need a menu, opening hours or directions.
Prepare a contact card for an eventFIELD NOTES / 227 2 min readPrepare a contact card for an event
Adapt the card to the conversations expected at the event.
Maintain several cards without losing trackFIELD NOTES / 228 2 min readMaintain several cards without losing track
Separate personal, company and campaign cards by purpose.
Choose a readable contact-card templateFIELD NOTES / 229 2 min readChoose a readable contact-card template
Choose colors with enough contrast and avoid small text over busy imagery.
Changing a short domain with a recovery planFIELD NOTES / 107 3 min readChanging a short domain with a recovery plan
Inventory published paths, verify ownership and destinations, and move traffic in a controlled sequence that preserves links already in cir…
Reading human and automated traffic without false certaintyFIELD NOTES / 108 3 min readReading human and automated traffic without false certainty
Separate link requests from people, compare like-for-like reporting windows, and investigate traffic patterns before judging a campaign by …
A practical monthly review of team link permissionsFIELD NOTES / 110 3 min readA practical monthly review of team link permissions
Review who can create, edit and administer links, verify sensitive paths with test accounts, and make ownership clear before a teammate lea…
Archiving and deleting old links without breaking the pastFIELD NOTES / 102 4 min readArchiving and deleting old links without breaking the past
Deleting a link is the one action in a link platform that cannot be undone from the audience side.
Planning the slug namespace on a short domainFIELD NOTES / 101 4 min readPlanning the slug namespace on a short domain
A short domain has one namespace shared by every team. Deciding its shape early avoids collisions you cannot undo.
Fighting link rot in documentationFIELD NOTES / 097 4 min readFighting link rot in documentation
Documentation accumulates links faster than anyone can maintain them. The fix is structural, not heroic.
Consent and click analytics: what a redirect may recordFIELD NOTES / 096 4 min readConsent and click analytics: what a redirect may record
A redirect happens before any banner appears. That timing is the whole question, and it has a defensible answer.
How WhatsApp and Telegram build link previewsFIELD NOTES / 094 4 min readHow WhatsApp and Telegram build link previews
Two messengers, two crawlers, two caches, and a set of behaviours that explain almost every preview that looks wrong.
Tracking app installs from a short linkFIELD NOTES / 092 4 min readTracking app installs from a short link
The gap between a tap and an install is where most mobile attribution goes wrong. Here is what actually survives the store.
DNS and TTL planning when you move a short domainFIELD NOTES / 090 4 min readDNS and TTL planning when you move a short domain
Moving where a short domain points is a small change with a long tail. The tail is set by a number you should lower days in advance.
Redirect chains: what they cost and how to flatten themFIELD NOTES / 088 5 min readRedirect chains: what they cost and how to flatten them
A short link that passes through three hops before landing is slower, leakier and harder to debug than one that lands on the first try.
Links for podcasts and audio: designing for the earFIELD NOTES / 063 2 min readLinks for podcasts and audio: designing for the ear
A spoken link has to be understood once, at speed, without spelling. That constrains almost every choice.
Roles and permissions for a link workspaceFIELD NOTES / 062 2 min readRoles and permissions for a link workspace
Who can create, who can edit, who can add a domain. A small permission model prevents most link accidents.
What to do when a published link is wrongFIELD NOTES / 061 2 min readWhat to do when a published link is wrong
A link that is already in fifty thousand inboxes cannot be unsent. Here is the order of operations that limits the damage.
Query parameters, fragments and what survives a redirectFIELD NOTES / 060 2 min readQuery parameters, fragments and what survives a redirect
Whether a parameter reaches your landing page depends on where it sits in the URL and what each hop does with it.
HTTPS for short domains: certificates, renewal and the failure modesFIELD NOTES / 059 2 min readHTTPS for short domains: certificates, renewal and the failure modes
Automatic certificates work until they do not. Here is what has to be true for issuance, and what breaks renewal.
Why your click count never matches your analytics sessionsFIELD NOTES / 058 2 min readWhy your click count never matches your analytics sessions
The gap between clicks on a short link and sessions in your analytics is normal, explainable and worth quantifying once.
Making a UTM convention that a whole team will followFIELD NOTES / 057 2 min readMaking a UTM convention that a whole team will follow
Conventions fail for social reasons, not technical ones. Here is how to write one people can actually comply with.
Short links in print: what changes when there is no clickFIELD NOTES / 056 2 min readShort links in print: what changes when there is no click
Print links are typed, not clicked. That single fact changes the slug, the domain, the tracking and the failure modes.
Running a link hygiene auditFIELD NOTES / 055 2 min readRunning a link hygiene audit
Short links accumulate. Once a year, find the dead ones, the duplicates and the ones pointing somewhere embarrassing.
Where redirect latency actually comes fromFIELD NOTES / 054 2 min readWhere redirect latency actually comes from
A short link adds one round trip. Whether that costs 30ms or 400ms depends on four things, and only one of them is the database.
How to choose short link slugs that survive contact with humansFIELD NOTES / 053 2 min readHow to choose short link slugs that survive contact with humans
The path after the slash gets typed, read aloud, printed and misremembered. Design it for those four situations.
A security checklist for running short linksFIELD NOTES / 052 3 min readA security checklist for running short links
Short links concentrate trust in a single hostname. Here is what to lock down before that hostname is on a billboard.
Custom 404s and main-page redirects on a short domainFIELD NOTES / 044 2 min readCustom 404s and main-page redirects on a short domain
Two settings that take a minute and quietly save a lot of traffic.
GDPR and link analytics: what you can collect and howFIELD NOTES / 042 2 min readGDPR and link analytics: what you can collect and how
IP addresses are personal data. Here is how click analytics stays useful and lawful at the same time.
Referrer hiding: what it does and when it is appropriateFIELD NOTES / 041 2 min readReferrer hiding: what it does and when it is appropriate
The Referer header tells the destination where a visitor came from. Sometimes that is exactly what you do not want.
Bot traffic in link analytics: how to filter it and why it mattersFIELD NOTES / 020 2 min readBot traffic in link analytics: how to filter it and why it matters
A meaningful share of clicks on a freshly shared link are machines. Counting them wrecks every comparison you make.
Why your link preview is wrong on WhatsApp and Facebook — and how to fix itFIELD NOTES / 019 2 min readWhy your link preview is wrong on WhatsApp and Facebook — and how to fix it
A diagnosis order that finds the cause in about five minutes.
Migrating from Bitly without breaking a single linkFIELD NOTES / 017 2 min readMigrating from Bitly without breaking a single link
Export, import, DNS cutover and a fallback window that keeps old slugs alive while you switch.
Password-protected short links: when they earn their keepFIELD NOTES / 009 2 min readPassword-protected short links: when they earn their keep
A password gate on a link is not encryption. Here is what it does protect, and how to use it without annoying people.
Link cloaking explained — and when not to use itFIELD NOTES / 008 2 min readLink cloaking explained — and when not to use it
Cloaking keeps your short URL in the address bar by loading the destination in a frame. It has real uses and real failure modes.
UTM parameters: the complete practical guideFIELD NOTES / 004 2 min readUTM parameters: the complete practical guide
What each of the five parameters means, a naming convention that survives contact with a real team, and the mistakes that split your report…
How to set up a custom short domain, step by stepFIELD NOTES / 003 2 min readHow to set up a custom short domain, step by step
DNS records, SSL, apex vs subdomain, and the mistakes that cause a domain to sit in "not configured" for hours.
Branded links vs generic links: what actually changesFIELD NOTES / 002 2 min readBranded links vs generic links: what actually changes
Custom domains change trust, click-through, deliverability and analytics ownership. Here is what to expect and what to ignore.
What is a URL shortener and how does it actually work?FIELD NOTES / 001 2 min readWhat is a URL shortener and how does it actually work?
A short link is a 301/302 redirect with a database behind it. Here is the full request path, from DNS to destination, and what changes when…
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