URLTO GUIDE
A link checklist before sending a newsletter
Button URLs in a sent email are difficult to replace. Test links from the actual outgoing message and distinguish controllable destinations from content fixed in the message.
URLTO editorial · Updated
URL shortening · series07 / 10
1. Inventory the destination and purpose of each button
List the intended destination for the headline button, body text and linked product image. When copying a previous message, look for old event or product URLs. Buttons can share a landing page while using different creative labels when placement comparisons are needed.
| Placement | utm_content | Expected result |
|---|---|---|
| Header button | header_button | Current registration page |
| Body text | body_link | Destination matching its description |
| Product image | product_image | Current product and option |
2. Apply one naming convention for the mailing
Use your team's source and medium names, such as newsletter and email, and one campaign name for the mailing. Distinguish placements with content. URLTO does not automatically merge differently capitalized values. Use public-safe work labels rather than an employee name or recipient email.
Open the built URL to verify product identifiers, language and fragment before shortening. Destination analytics is separate; URL creation does not measure completed purchases or signups. Start a record with mailing name, placement, public URL, destination and test time.
3. Review the test email, not only the editor
Send a test message to yourself through the mailing service and open its actual buttons. The editor preview can differ from the received message. On a phone, review the destination title, required inputs and completion screen. Review original-page metadata separately if you will also share the URL in channels that use link cards.
- Check each button and linked image separately
- Check that private control URLs are not published
- Verify required parameters at the destination
- Keep the final test message and test time
4. Understand what can change after sending
A manageable, available short URL lets you change its destination. It does not rewrite the button text, image or body of an email already sent. Updating a wrongly linked product does not automatically correct its description. Separate test periods from distribution and read requests separately from destination conversions.
Frequently asked questions
Can the body link and header button use the same URL?
Yes when you do not need to distinguish placements. To compare them, use different content labels and separate short URLs and records.
Are my pre-send test clicks excluded?
Test requests can appear in redirect activity. Record testing and actual sending times and distinguish those periods when reviewing results.