GUIDE
App download link checklist
Use this checklist before you share a mobile app download link in campaigns, QR codes, websites, email, SMS, or launch materials. The goal is one stable public URL that routes people to the right place. If the link will be printed, pair this with the one QR code guide; if the visible domain matters, review custom domain app links.
Direct answer
Check the destinations, test the devices, and decide whether you need a custom domain before the link goes public. If the link will live in more than one channel, make sure you can edit it later.
Before you publish
Use this order
Start with the destinations, test the devices, then confirm the link still makes sense after launch.
Run the store URL checker before sharing the link.
- 1. Confirm the App Store URL is correct.
- 2. Confirm the Google Play URL is correct.
- 3. Set a web fallback that works on desktop and other non-store visits.
- 4. Decide whether the public link should use a custom domain for trust and recognition.
- 5. Test the link on iPhone, Android, and desktop.
- 6. Scan the QR code on a phone if the link will be printed.
- 7. Confirm the destinations can still be edited after launch.
- 8. Check that the copy matches the actual job: routing, not attribution.
For an iOS beta release
After creating the link, set a valid public TestFlight invite as its existing iOS destination and test the invite on a real iPhone before sharing the beta link.
Destination checklist
- App Store URL
- Google Play URL
- Web fallback for desktop visitors
- Desktop behavior you expect when no app is installed
- Editable destination check
- Fallback check on a desktop browser
- No hidden app behavior required for the link to work
Campaign checklist
- QR code tested
- iPhone tested
- Android tested
- Desktop tested
- Custom domain if the asset needs to look branded
- Destinations editable after launch
- Printed QR label and landing copy describe the same destination role
Analytics checklist
- Basic aggregate clicks
- Campaign-level visibility for simple review and internal follow-up
- No attribution claim
- No visitor-level or raw clickstream analytics promise
Common mistakes
Skipping desktop testing
Even if the link is app-focused, desktop visitors still need a useful fallback path.
Assuming attribution comes with routing
Routing and attribution are different jobs. Smart Linker covers the routing job, not install attribution.
Letting the URL rot
If the public URL cannot be edited later, campaign cleanup becomes more expensive than it needs to be.
Using a link that is too generic
The link should signal what it does and should feel trustworthy in print, support, and launch materials.
When Smart Linker is enough
Smart Linker is enough when you need one public app install-routing URL, editable destinations, QR-ready distribution, custom domains when needed, and basic aggregate clicks. If you need deferred deep linking, attribution, or an MMP workflow, the job is bigger than routing.
How to replace separate App Store and Google Play links with one testable URL
Use one stable public URL with App Store, Google Play, and web fallback destinations. Verify it in four distinct layers before sharing it.
-
1
Validate inputs
Use the App Store and Google Play URL Checker to check store URL structure and extractable identifiers before configuration. It does not prove live store availability, ownership, installation, or official Apple or Google validation.
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2
Inspect configured truth
Use your Smart Link’s
/to inspect the destinations currently configured before sharing or changing campaign materials. It creates no external trace, redirect, click, usage, routing analytics, or acquisition analytics.slug/ preview /is convenience syntax only.slug+ -
3
Observe runtime behavior
Use the Smart Link Preview Checker to observe redirects and response behavior for Smart Linker or external public URLs with desktop-like, iOS-like, and Android-like requests. It uses one checker network location, so geo behavior may differ elsewhere; it is not configured-truth disclosure or real-device verification.
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4
Verify real user experience
Confirm the final path on a physical iPhone, Android, and desktop in the real placement; scan the final QR where relevant. Neither checker replaces this step.
FAQ
Answers are visible on the page, so you can scan them without expanding anything.
What should I check before sharing an app download link?
Validate store URL structure, inspect the destinations configured on your Smart Link, observe runtime redirects with the Preview Checker, then test the real devices and placement you plan to use.
Do I need attribution to use Smart Linker?
No. Smart Linker is enough when you need one public install-routing link and basic aggregate click visibility, not install attribution.
Can I edit the destinations later?
Yes. The public URL can stay the same while the store and fallback destinations behind it change later.
Does Smart Linker show raw clickstream or visitor-level analytics?
No. Smart Linker stays on basic aggregate clicks and does not position itself as a raw clickstream or visitor-level analytics platform.
Create your download link
Use one public URL, keep the destinations editable, and share it where your launch needs it.
Create your Smart Link