UTM Parameters
Automatic UTM tracking for better attribution
UTM parameters are tags added to URLs that help you track where your traffic comes from in analytics tools like Google Analytics.
What are UTM Parameters?
UTM (Urchin Tracking Module) parameters are query string parameters added to URLs:
https://yoursite.com/page?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=tutorial
The Five UTM Parameters
utm_source
Identifies where the traffic originates.
- Examples: youtube, linkedin, newsletter, google
utm_medium
Identifies the marketing medium or channel type.
- Examples: video, social, email, cpc, organic
utm_campaign
Identifies the specific campaign or promotion.
- Examples: summer_sale, product_launch, how_to_guide
utm_content
Differentiates similar content or links within the same campaign.
- Examples: post, comment, description
For content with multiple link placements, use more descriptive names:
- Examples: description_top, description_bottom, button_body, button_sidebar
YouTube videos can have links in the description top, description bottom, pinned comment, and video end screen. Using specific names like description_top helps you identify which placement drives the most clicks.
utm_term
Identifies paid search keywords.
- Examples: running_shoes, digital_marketing
Auto-Generated UTMs
When you create a link with a specific referring URL, qklnk automatically generates UTM parameters:
| Referring URL Contains | Source | Medium |
|---|---|---|
| youtube.com | youtube | video |
| linkedin.com | social | |
| x.com (formerly twitter) | x | social |
| facebook.com | social | |
| instagram.com | social | |
| tiktok.com | tiktok | video |
| *.substack.com | substack | newsletter |
Auto-Cleaned Destination URLs
When visitors land on your destination page, qklnk automatically cleans the URL by removing tracking parameters after they've been captured.
Before cleanup
yoursite.com/page?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=summer_sale
After cleanup
yoursite.com/page
This happens automatically when you have the tracking pixel installed. The cleanup occurs 100ms after page load, giving all analytics tools (including Google Analytics) time to capture the original URL containing all of the parameters first.
Why This Matters
- Shareable URLs — When visitors copy and share your URL, it won't contain tracking parameters
- Accurate attribution — Shared links won't pollute your data with incorrect UTM sources
- Cleaner bookmarks — Saved URLs stay clean and professional
- Privacy-friendly — Visitors don't see tracking parameters in their address bar
Automatic Input Formatting
UTM parameter fields automatically format your input to ensure clean, consistent tracking data:
- Uppercase letters are converted to lowercase
- Spaces and dashes become underscores
- Special characters are removed
- Multiple underscores are collapsed to one
Example
Input: Great - It's awesome!
Output: great_its_awesome
This automatic formatting ensures all your UTM parameters follow best practices without requiring manual cleanup.
Best Practices
- Use lowercase letters to avoid duplicate entries in analytics
- Use underscores instead of spaces
- Be consistent with naming conventions
- Keep campaign names descriptive but concise