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How to Update Destination Links and Why

One of the powerful features of Snipzr is the ability to change where a shortened link points to - even after you've already shared it!

Common Scenarios​

🔄 Content Migration

  • You moved your blog to a new platform
  • Page URLs changed during a website redesign
  • Product pages were reorganized

🎯 Campaign Optimization

  • A/B testing different landing pages
  • Directing traffic based on performance
  • Updating seasonal campaigns

🐛 Fix Mistakes

  • Original URL had a typo
  • Wrong page was linked initially
  • Product was discontinued, redirect to alternative

📊 Dynamic Campaigns

  • Weekly deals using the same short link
  • Rotating featured products
  • Seasonal content updates

🚫 Broken Links

  • Original page was deleted
  • Site went down temporarily
  • Content moved to new location

Once shared, links are everywhere:

  • 📱 Social media posts
  • 📧 Email campaigns
  • 🖨️ Print materials (business cards, brochures)
  • 📋 QR codes on packaging

Updating the destination means:

  • ✅ No broken links
  • ✅ No reprinting materials
  • ✅ No lost traffic
  • ✅ Continuous tracking

Maintain SEO Value​

Links accumulate authority over time:

  • Backlinks from other sites
  • Social shares and mentions
  • Bookmarks and saved links

Updating instead of creating new links preserves:

  • Link authority
  • Social engagement
  • Analytics history
  • Referral traffic

A/B Testing​

Test different destinations:

Week 1: snipzr.com/sale → Landing Page A
Week 2: snipzr.com/sale → Landing Page B
Week 3: snipzr.com/sale → Best performing page

Track which destination performs better without confusing your audience with multiple links.

Step-by-Step Process​

  1. Log in to Dashboard

    • Go to snipzr.com
    • Access your links dashboard (click your profile icon → Links)

  2. Find Your Link

  3. Edit Destination

    • Click the ︙ icon (next to the link) → Edit Link
    • Find the "URL to shorten" field
    • Enter the new destination URL
    • Verify the URL is correct

  4. Save Changes

    • Click "Update"
    • The change is effective immediately
    • Test the link to confirm

Best Practices​

Before Updating​

Verify the new destination:

  • ✅ Test the new URL works
  • ✅ Check it loads correctly on mobile
  • ✅ Verify content is ready
  • ✅ Ensure page is published (not draft)

Document the change:

  • Note old and new URLs
  • Record reason for change
  • Set reminders for future updates
  • Update internal documentation

Consider timing:

  • Update during low-traffic periods if possible
  • Avoid updates during active campaigns
  • Plan around scheduled emails/posts

After Updating​

Test immediately:

  • Click the short link
  • Verify it goes to correct destination
  • Test on multiple devices
  • Check analytics are tracking

Monitor performance:

  • Watch for error rate changes
  • Check bounce rate on new destination
  • Monitor conversion rates
  • Review user feedback

Communicate changes:

  • Notify team members
  • Update marketing materials if needed
  • Document in project management tools

Advanced Use Cases​

Rotating Content​

Update link destination on a schedule:

Monday: snipzr.com/deal → Product A
Tuesday: snipzr.com/deal → Product B
Wednesday: snipzr.com/deal → Product C
...

Benefits:

  • One memorable link
  • Easy to promote
  • Maintains engagement

Time-Based Campaigns​

Schedule destination changes:

Jan 1-31: snipzr.com/monthly → January offer
Feb 1-28: snipzr.com/monthly → February offer
Mar 1-31: snipzr.com/monthly → March offer

Limitations and Considerations​

What Stays the Same​

When updating destination:

  • ✅ Short URL doesn't change
  • ✅ Analytics history preserved
  • ✅ QR codes still work
  • ✅ Custom slug remains
  • ✅ Domain stays the same

What Changes​

  • ❌ Destination URL (obviously!)
  • ❌ May affect page title in analytics
  • ❌ Social preview might change
  • ❌ Meta information might update

SEO Considerations​

Positive impacts:

  • Maintains link equity
  • Preserves social shares
  • Keeps backlinks valid

Watch out for:

  • Dramatic content changes may confuse users
  • Too frequent changes can appear spammy
  • Analytics become harder to interpret with many changes

Plan Limits​

PlanUpdates per Link
FreeUnlimited
BasicUnlimited
ProfessionalUnlimited

All plans allow unlimited destination updates!

Troubleshooting​

Possible causes:

  • Browser cache (especially if you just changed it)
  • Change not saved properly
  • System delay (rare, usually < 30 seconds)

Solutions:

  • Clear browser cache
  • Try incognito/private mode
  • Wait 1-2 minutes and try again
  • Check dashboard to verify change was saved

Error After Update​

Problem: Link shows error page after updating

Check:

  • New destination URL is valid and accessible
  • No typos in the URL
  • Destination site is a owned by you or trusted

Fix:

  • Update to correct URL
  • Temporarily point to holding page
  • Contact destination site administrator

Analytics Confusion​

Problem: Analytics look strange after update

Why:

  • Mix of data from old and new destinations
  • Different page titles/metadata
  • User behavior differs by destination

Solution:

  • Filter analytics by date ranges
  • Compare pre/post update metrics separately
  • Consider creating new link for major changes

Next Steps​

Keep your links dynamic and effective!