Shortening & Tracking SMS Links
What are SMS links?
SMS links are links that, when clicked on a mobile device, prompt the user to send a text message to a predefined number.
SMS links use the format:
sms:+1-202-555-0191
When a user clicks on an SMS link, their device will open the messaging app with the number pre-filled. SMS links work just like tel links on Linkly and support all the same features.
How to Create an SMS Link with Linkly
Click Create New Link from the menu.
Enter your phone number in the Destination field.
Use the format sms:+(country code)-(telephone number), for example sms:+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 SMS link and automatically generate a QR code.
QR Codes for SMS Links
When you create an SMS link, Linkly automatically generates a QR code. When scanned, this QR code will prompt the user's device to send a text message to 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 send a message:
Redirecting to Different Numbers by Country
You can redirect users to different phone numbers based on their location. On the Create New Link form, under Targeting, click Country and enter the SMS numbers for each region.
Any countries not covered by your list will go to the main Destination at the top.
Tracking SMS Link Clicks
All of Linkly's click tracking and reporting features work with SMS links, just as they do for any other link type.
Frequently Asked Questions about SMS Links
Can I track whether messages were actually sent?
Linkly can track clicks on SMS links, but cannot track whether someone actually sent the message. Click figures will usually be higher than the number of messages sent, as some users may close the messaging app without sending.
Do SMS links work on desktop computers?
SMS link behaviour depends on the browser and device. Desktop computers typically cannot send SMS messages. 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 SMS number. You can change the destination phone number at any time, even after printing and distributing the QR code.
What Linkly features work with SMS links?
SMS 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. On Android, you can also use the Google Lens app.