Illustration by the author with MidjourneyUTM parameters are labels added to a destination URL so the analytics system on that website can identify campaign traffic. A typical destination might look like this:
https://example.com/menu?utm_source=poster&utm_medium=qr&utm_campaign=summer_menu
The common parameters
- utm_source identifies where the visit originated, such as a newsletter or poster.
- utm_medium describes the channel, such as email, social, QR, or CPC.
- utm_campaign names the campaign.
- utm_term can identify a paid-search keyword.
- utm_content distinguishes similar ads or placements.
The correct workflow
- Build and test the complete destination URL, including its UTM parameters.
- Create a cutdown.link URL using that complete destination.
- Share the short link or download its QR code.
- Review campaign sessions and conversions in the analytics tool installed on the destination website.
- Review aggregate redirect clicks in the cutdown.link dashboard.
Changing campaign parameters later
With an account link, you can edit the destination and its UTM parameters without changing the public short link or QR code. Be careful when changing parameters during a campaign: consistent naming makes reports easier to compare.
cutdown.link does not interpret UTM reports for your destination and does not currently provide geographic or device analytics. Its click counts answer a simpler question: how often did the managed link redirect?
Frequently asked questions
- Does shortening a URL remove its UTM parameters?
- No. Put the UTM parameters in the destination before shortening it; the redirect sends visitors to that complete URL.
- Does cutdown.link report UTM campaign results?
- cutdown.link reports click totals. Campaign sessions and conversions are measured by the analytics system on your destination website.
Experienced Marketer and Technologist
