Link Tracking
Technology that records when recipients click links in emails, enabling click-rate measurement and engagement analysis.
Definition
Link tracking is the technology that monitors and records when email recipients click links. When tracking is enabled, links in your emails route through a tracking server that records the click before redirecting to the destination URL. This enables click-rate metrics, click maps, and understanding which content resonates with your audience.
Why It Matters
Link tracking provides essential data for email optimization. Knowing which links get clicked (and which do not) reveals what interests your audience. Click data informs content strategy, CTA placement, and overall email design. Without tracking, you cannot measure true engagement.
How It Works
Your ESP replaces original links with tracking URLs. When clicked, the tracking server logs the click (who clicked, when, which link) then redirects to the original destination. This happens in milliseconds, transparent to the recipient. The data powers your analytics dashboard.
Best Practices
- 1Enable click tracking for all marketing emails
- 2Use unique tracking for different links to the same destination
- 3Monitor click patterns to optimize link placement
- 4Track clicks separately from total clicks for accurate engagement data
- 5Consider disabling tracking for sensitive links if needed