Launched by Apple in 2015, the Universal Link has changed how marketers work with web links in native apps. It provides a seamless connection between a brand’s user interface and the customer’s experience. iOS Universal Links are designed to replace traditional URLs and have become the recommended way to connect apps to the web. In this article, we’ll deeply understand Universal Links, their benefits, and the functional strategies that help them become integral to a customer’s web app experience.
Definition Of Universal Links
Apple introduced the Universal Connection feature in iOS 9. This feature allows users to take over the network connection of their app if it is downloaded to their device. For convenience and smooth operation, the interface directs the user from the website to the app without any additional actions from the user.
How Does Universal Linking Work?
Imagine using a mobile device to browse a website. A web link can take you directly to the app’s product page for a seamless purchase. Global links help you connect specific functions that you can perform in a web app. If you don’t have the native app installed on your device, a global link will also take you to the App Store so the user can download the specific app or directly open the app’s page of interest.
Setting up Universal Integration in iOS is easy, making it popular among app developers. Developers use Apple’s App Site Association (ASA) to organize apps and websites. The ASA file hosted on the web server contains a specified JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) tag that verifies the URL that the native app will open.
Advantages Of Universal Links
- The user experience of moving from a website to a mobile app creates a smooth and seamless process.
- If the interface between the website and the app is the same, it increases the consistency of the app experience.
- Increased retention is achieved by adapting to the wants and needs of the users.
- Universal links are HTTP or HTTPS links that can be easily shared across different sites. This encourages social media and word of mouth.
- According to the app owner, tracking the customer’s lifetime value (LTV) and ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) is simple and measurable.
- The user’s privacy is encrypted securely, eliminating the possibility of fraudulent apps.
Understanding Universal Links Vs App Links
Universal Links
- Introduced by Apple in 2015
- Only works on iOS environment (iPhones, iPads, Macbooks, iPods)
- Aim: Seamless user transition onto the native app or a new webpage (if the app is not installed.)
- Set-Up Process: Apple App Site Association or ASA file hosted on the website’s server
App Links
- Introduced by Google in 2015
- Only works on Android devices.
- Aim: Effective journey of the user from a website to an app, granted the app is installed on the user’s device.
- Set-Up Process: JavaScript Object Notion or JSON file hosted on the website’s server.
Strategies To Optimize User Experience With Universal Link
- It is necessary to remember that user misdirection is not appreciated. When clicking the link, the user should be able to transition from the website link and view the same product in the app.
- Boosting similar products within the app helps users identify specific features, creating personalized user experiences.
- If the universal link fails to open the mobile app or crashes before it can, the universal link allows it to fall back to the app store. This feature benefits mobile-first advertisers.
- Remember that the website and app should have a cohesive and easy-to-use layout to allow users to explore more within the app and not get confused.
- Sometimes, a poor internet connection or crash can fail to open the mobile app and generate an “ERROR” message or an alternative course of action.
Common Troubleshooting Problems With Universal Linking
- Universal links have security measures, including ensuring the universal links are not redirecting from a different URL, making the website and the mobile app challenging.
- iOS launches an update every year, so ensuring that the iOS version is compatible with universal links is essential. This precaution helps to detect and limit bugs.
- Integrating ASA with the universal link is necessary to open an app from a webpage. It may generate an error when opening the app if not done accurately.
- It is important to note that the universal links do not work when copy-pasted on your browsers.
- Universal linking can face configuration issues with deep linking when social media apps block the links that help the transition from a website to a mobile app.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you understand the basics of deep linking, international linking is a cakewalk. It aims to improve user experience by creating a smooth journey from the website to the desired mobile app.