Shortening & Tracking Tel (Phone Call) Links
What are tel links?
Tel links, sometimes called telephone links or call links, are links that, when clicked, prompt the user's device to call a telephone number instead of opening a web address.
Tel links use the format:
tel:+1-202-555-0191
When a user clicks on a tel link, their device will offer to call that number. Tel links work just like mailto links on Linkly and support all the same features.
How to Create a Tel Link with Linkly
Click Create New Link from the menu.
Enter your telephone number in the Destination field.
Use the format tel:+(country code)-(telephone number), for example tel:+1-202-555-0191.
Give your link a Nickname.
This is private and helps you find the link later. The end user will never see this.
Click Save Link.
Linkly will create your shortened tel link and automatically generate a QR code.
QR Codes for Tel Links
When you create a tel link, Linkly automatically generates a QR code. When scanned, this QR code will prompt the user's device to call the number.
Click on the QR code to enlarge it. You can then save it for use in printed materials or digital marketing.
When scanned on a mobile device, the user will be prompted to call the number:
Redirecting to Different Numbers by Country
You can redirect users to different telephone numbers based on their location. On the Create New Link form, under Targeting, click Country and enter the telephone numbers for each region.
Any countries not covered by your list will go to the main Destination at the top.
Tracking Tel Link Clicks
All of Linkly's click tracking and reporting features work with tel links, just as they do for any other link type.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tel Links
Can I track whether calls were actually made?
Linkly can track clicks on tel links, but cannot track whether someone actually completed the call. Click figures will usually be higher than the number of calls placed, as some users may decline the call prompt.
Do tel links work on desktop computers?
Tel link behaviour depends on the browser and device. Desktop computers may not have the ability to make telephone calls. Apple and Android phones respond reliably.
Can I change the phone number after distributing a QR code?
Yes. The QR code points to your Linkly link, which then redirects to the tel number. You can change the destination phone number at any time, even after printing and distributing the QR code.
What Linkly features work with tel links?
Tel links are compatible with most Linkly features, including click tracking, country targeting, device targeting, link rotation, retargeting pixels, custom domains, and data export.
How do I scan the QR code?
Most smartphones can scan QR codes using the built-in camera app. Simply point your camera at the code and tap the notification that appears.