In fact, Deeplink is not new to us and may even be used every day.
What is Deeplink?
Imagine a specific scenario, your friend shared a link to an e-commerce platform thru Whatsapp. If you haven't installed the app, typically you would be directed to the download page. After downloading and opening the app's homepage, you would still need some time to find the corresponding product. However, if the shared link is a deep link, as soon as you open the app after downloading, you will be directly taken to the page of those shoes. What you see is what you get, without the need to search again.
Most web links are Deep Links that point users directly to content pages. When applied to an app, they can create the same experience for users as using the web, thus improving conversion rates.
Traditional Deep Links and Deferred Deep Links
Based on the scenario mentioned earlier, deep links can be categorized into traditional deep links and deferred deep links. With traditional deep links, as long as the app is installed when the link is opened, it can guide users to specific content within the app.
However, if the user doesn't have the app installed, traditional deep links won't work. This is where deferred deep links come into play. They can redirect users to the content even if the app is not installed when the link is opened. The link will first redirect to the App Store or Google Play Store for app download and then immediately bring the user to the specific "deferred" content upon first launch.
Contextual Deep Links
Contextual deep links possess all the functionalities of deferred deep links and offer additional features. Contextual deep links can store information about the user who clicked the link, the location where the link was originally shared, and virtually unlimited custom data.
Contextual links add value for both app developers and users. In addition to simple content redirection, app developers can build powerful features, including personalized onboarding and recommendation processes. Apps can provide a better experience and offer more relevant information, benefiting the users.
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