How to Track Links For Free: 8 Best Free Link Trackers

Tracking your links is the easiest way to know what’s working in your marketing strategy.

Whether you’re running ads, sharing affiliate links, promoting on social media, or emailing a list — you need to know who clicks, when they click, and what happens after.

In this post we will talk about how to track links for free, including 8 of the best free link trackers that give you full visibility into your URLs — free and paid plans.

What is link tracking?

Link tracking means monitoring how users interact with your URLs.

When someone clicks a link, data is recorded about that click — like where the user came from, what device they used, and how many total clicks happened.

Using a link tracker, you can collect:

• Number of clicks
• Geographic location
• Device and browser info
• Languages used
• Referrer site or platform
• UTM parameters (campaign, source, medium)

This helps you know if your link in bio from social media is performing better than your email links or which post drove the most traffic to your landing page.

Why do you need a link tracking tool?

Here’s why using a link tracking tool is a no-brainer:

Bottom line: If you’re sharing links to grow your brand, drive traffic, or make sales—you need a tracking tool. It’s not just helpful; it’s essential.

Key Features to Look for in a Link Tracker

Not all link trackers are created equal. Some just count clicks.

Others are full-fledged marketing tools that help you build audiences, optimize campaigns, and protect your brand.

If you’re choosing a link tracker, here are the must-have features to look for:

1. Branded Link Shortening

Generic links look sketchy. Branded links (like yourbrand.link/offer) build trust, improve click-through rates, and reinforce your identity.
✅ Look for tools that support custom domains.

2. UTM Builder & Automation

A good tracker should let you easily add UTM parameters (like utm_source, utm_campaign)—and better yet, do it for you.
✅ Smart UTM tagging = clean, consistent data in Google Analytics.

3. Click Analytics

You need more than just a click count. Look for:

• Country & device tracking
• Referral source
• Time of click
• Browser & OS breakdown
  ✅ Data-rich dashboards give you real insights, not just numbers.

4. QR Code Generator

If you’re sharing offline (flyers, packaging, posters), built-in dynamic QR codes with tracking are a must.
✅ Make sure they support editing destination URLs later.

5. Retargeting Pixel Support

Drop your Meta, Google, or TikTok pixels into any link—even third-party content—and build custom audiences from every click.
✅ Perfect for remarketing without needing your own landing page.

6. Link Redirection Rules

Redirect users based on:

• 🌐 Country
• 📱 Device type
• 🌐 Language
  ✅ Great for global campaigns and personalized user experiences.

7. Link Expiration & One-Time Use

For limited-time offers or secure links, expiration rules ensure you’re in control even after the link is shared.
✅ Avoid users seeing outdated or inactive content.

8. A/B Split Testing

Test different versions of a link or destination page to see what performs best—based on real clicks.
✅ A/B testing is gold for optimizing landing pages and CTAs.

9. Team Collaboration & Access Control

If you work with a team or agency, look for tools that allow:

• Multi-user access
• Role-based permissions
• Link folders or tagging
  ✅ Keep campaigns organized without stepping on toes.

10. Integrations & API Access

Whether it’s Google Analytics, Slack, or Zapier, integration saves time and boosts your workflow.
✅ APIs are a bonus for custom apps or automation.

How to track links with Linko step-by-step

Tracking your links with Linko is fast, easy, and packed with insights. Follow these steps to start tracking your links effectively:

1. Sign up or log in to your Linko account

• Visit Linko.me and create a free account. If you already have one, just log in to access your dashboard.

2. Paste your long URL into the shortening box

• On your dashboard, you’ll see a URL input field. Paste the long link you want to shorten and track.

3. Customize your short link (optional)

Before clicking “Shorten,” you can:

• Add a custom slug (e.g., linko.me/your-brand)
• Choose a branded domain if you’ve connected one
• Add tags or assign it to a campaign or channel

This helps with organization and makes your tracking easier later on.

4. Click “Shorten” to generate your trackable link

• Once customized, click Shorten.
  • Your tracking URL is now live! You can copy and share this link anywhere — social media, SMS, email, ads, etc.

5. Go to the “Recent Clicks” tab for real-time analytics

Linko automatically tracks:

• Total clicks
• Unique visitors
• Referral sources
• Device and browser info
• Top countries
• Click timestamps
• Languages
• A/B testing data

Just go to the “Recent Clicks” tab, or find any short link and click the “Action” icon next to any link, and then click on “Statistics” to explore the detailed stats.

6. Use advanced filters for deeper insights

You can sort your data by:

• Date range
• Campaign or channel

7. Set up alerts, expiration, and targeting (optional)

Linko offers tracking tools that go beyond just clicks:

• Set link expiration dates for limited-time offers
• Enable IP or country targeting
• Add UTM tags to track traffic sources in Google Analytics
• Use CTA overlays to drive engagement
• Add Meta tags, hide referrer, link cloaking or more.

8. Download reports or integrate with Google Analytics

• Export your analytics into CSV or connect Linko with GA4 using retargeting pixels. This helps you measure impact across platforms more precisely.

Bonus Tip 💡

Use Linko’s campaign manager to group links, track performance by channel, and monitor progress from one place — no spreadsheets needed!

8 Best free link tracker tools

Below are the tools that have both free and paid plans. However, these link shorteners’ free plan is enough for tracking links for individuals.

Linko — All-in-One Smart Links, QR Codes & Bio Pages

Linko is more than just a link shortener—it’s your digital Swiss Army knife for smarter marketing.

Whether you’re a creator, marketer, or business owner, Linko helps you shorten links, create trackable QR codes, build bio pages, and even retarget visitors—all from one clean, easy-to-use dashboard.

It’s fast, privacy-focused, and packed with tools that help you grow traffic, track performance, and convert clicks like a pro—without the bloat or learning curve.

✨ Key Features

• 🔗 URL Shortener with click tracking, UTM support, and branded domains
• 📱 Bio Link Pages — customizable, mobile-friendly pages to host all your links
• 📦 QR Code Generator — static & dynamic codes with analytics
• 🎯 Retargeting Pixels — add Meta, Google, or TikTok pixels to short links
• 📈 Advanced Analytics — real-time click tracking by country, device, and referrer
• 💼 Custom Domains — use your own domain to build brand trust
• 🔄 Redirection Rules — geo, language, or device-based targeting
• 💻 Easy-to-Use Dashboard — built for marketers, not developers

🔥 Why Linko Stands Out

• 🚀 Built for speed — no bloat, no lag, just fast link generation
• 🔒 Privacy-first — GDPR-friendly with no creepy tracking
• 🌐 Multiple tools, one login — no need for separate tools for QR codes or bio pages
• 🛠️ Perfect for creators, influencers, startups, and agencies
• 🌱 New, but hungry — constantly evolving based on real user feedback

💰 Pricing

• Free Plan: $0/mo — basic short links, 1 bio page, unlimited free QR codes
• Core Plan: $9/mo — branded links, pixel tracking, analytics, UTM tracking, 5 bio links
• Individual Plan: $20/mo — advanced features, custom domains, retargeting, A/B testing
• Business Plan: $49/mo — RSS CTA, broken link monitoring, team access, high limits, premium support
• Agency Plan: $149/mo — white-label + everything unlimited

Ideal for: Creators, marketers, and businesses who want all the tools to grow their brand—without juggling 5 different apps.

👉 Try it now at Linko.me and turn every click into a marketing opportunity.

Bitly — The OG Link Shortener

Bitly is one of the most popular and reliable URL shorteners out there.

It lets you create custom short links, track clicks in real time, and manage campaigns all from one dashboard.

Simple, clean, and built for businesses that want to look sharp while staying data-driven.

✨ Key Features

• 🧪 Click tracking and performance analytics
• 🏷️ Branded/custom domains
• 📊 Campaign tracking with UTM support
• 👥 Team management & link permissions
• 🧩 Integrates with tools like Zapier, Hootsuite, etc.

💰 Pricing

• Free: Basic link shortening
• Core: $120/yr (custom links + analytics)
• Growth: $35/mo (team features + campaigns)
• Premium: $300/mo (1 year of click stats + higher limits)

Rebrandly — Custom Branded Links Made Easy

Rebrandly is a URL shortener focused on brand identity. It lets you create short links using your own domain name, so every link you share reinforces your brand.

From link tracking to team collaboration, Rebrandly gives you full control over your URLs.

✨ Key Features

• 🌐 Custom branded domains
• 📈 Advanced analytics and click tracking
• 🔗 Link routing & deep linking
• 👥 Team access & role-based permissions
• ⚙️ API & integrations (Zapier, Slack, etc.)

💰 Pricing

• Free: 10/mo links
• Essential: $13/mo (custom domain + analytics)
• Professional: $44/mo (more links, team features)
• Growth: $99/mo (higher limits for scaling teams)

TinyURL — The Classic No-Fuss Link Shortener

TinyURL keeps it simple: shorten links fast, share instantly. No login needed, no complicated dashboard—just quick, reliable link shortening.

It’s perfect for users who want a fast, no-frills experience or for developers who want a dependable API.

Did you know that TinyURL was the first link shortener? If no, then read about the journy of TinyURL.

✨ Key Features

• ⚡ Instant link shortening (no signup required)
• 🧑‍💻 Developer-friendly API access
• 📝 Custom aliases for links
• 🔁 Redirection management
• 🔒 Link expiration options (paid)

💰 Pricing

• Free: Basic shortening + custom alias
• Pro: $12.99/mo (analytics, link history, more control)
• Bulk 100K: $129/mo (100K links + higher limits)
• Enterprise: Custom plans available

Short.io — Branded Links with Full Control

Short.io is a powerful link shortening platform that lets you use your own domain, track clicks, and control every aspect of your short URLs.

From geo-targeting to deep linking, it’s made for businesses that want precision and customization.

✨ Key Features

• 🌍 Branded domains for full URL control
• 📊 Detailed analytics (clicks, countries, devices)
• 🎯 Geo & device targeting
• 🔗 Deep linking to apps
• 👥 Team roles and permissions
• 🔧 API & integrations (Zapier, GTM, etc.)

💰 Pricing

• Free: 1 domain + basic analytics
• Hobby: $5/mo (advanced features, more links)
• Pro: $18/mo (team access, custom reports)
• Team: $48/mo (everything unlimited)
• Enterprise: $148/mo (for agencies)

Cuttly — Smart Link Shortening with Real-Time Analytics

Cuttly is a free and easy-to-use URL shortener packed with powerful tracking tools.

It’s great for marketers, bloggers, and anyone who wants to shorten links, brand them, and monitor performance in real time—without breaking the bank.

✨ Key Features

• 🔗 Custom short links with branded domains
• 📈 Real-time analytics (clicks, sources, devices)
• 🎯 UTM builder for campaign tracking
• 🌍 Geo & device targeting
• 🧩 API access for developers

💰 Pricing

• Free: Basic shortening + 30 links/mo
• Starter: $12/mo (300 links/mo)
• Single: $25/mo (5K links/mo)
• Team: $99/mo (20K links/mo)
• Enterprise: $99/mo (50K links/mo)

Linkly — Smarter Links for Smarter Marketing

Linkly is a feature-rich URL shortener built for marketers who need click tracking, retargeting, and link customization—all without the fluff.

It’s easy to use and packed with tools that help you boost conversions, monitor performance, and control every click.

✨ Key Features

• 🔗 Branded short links with custom domains
• 🎯 Retargeting pixels (Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, etc.)
• 📈 Detailed analytics (clicks, devices, referrers)
• 🌍 Geo, language, and device-based redirects
• 🧪 Link rotators & A/B testing
• 🔌 Integrations with Google Ads, Meta, Zapier

💰 Pricing

• Free: 1K clicks/mo
• $34/mo: (25K clicks
• $59/mo: (50K clicks)
• $94/mo: (100K clicks)

Dub.co — The Open-Source Link Shortener Built for Teams

Dub.co is a modern, open-source link management platform that’s fast, privacy-friendly, and ideal for teams and developers.

With beautiful UI, analytics, branded links, and integrations, Dub makes it easy to manage and track links—without handing over your data.

✨ Key Features

• 🔗 Branded short links with custom domains
• 📊 Real-time analytics (clicks, location, referrer)
• 🔐 Privacy-focused & GDPR compliant
• 🧩 API access & integrations (Slack, Zapier, etc.)
• 🧑‍💻 Fully open-source & self-hostable

💰 Pricing

• Free: Open-source version for self-hosting
• Pro: $30/mo (50K clicks, 3 custom domain)
• Business: $90/mo (250K clicks, A/B testing features)
• Advacned: $300/mo (1M clicks, less payout fee and more)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing (unlimited scaling, premium support)

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Tracking URLs

URL tracking is a simple but powerful tactic for understanding user behavior, measuring campaigns, and improving your marketing.

But it’s also easy to mess up. If you’re not careful, your tracking links could end up giving you inaccurate data or worse—lost clicks.

Here are some of the most common mistakes marketers make when tracking URLs (and how to avoid them):

1. Using Inconsistent UTM Parameters

If you’re using utm_source=facebook in one link and utm_source=FB in another, your analytics will treat them as separate sources. This breaks your data and makes reports a nightmare.

✅ Stick to a consistent naming convention like utm_source=facebook for all links.

2. Leaving Out Key UTM Tags

A tracked link without utm_medium or utm_campaign is like a pizza without toppings—sad and uninformative.

✅ Always include utm_source, utm_medium, and utm_campaign at minimum.

3. Making Links Too Long or Ugly

Long URLs with raw UTM parameters can scare off clicks or look spammy in social posts and emails.

✅ Use a link shortener like Linko to make them clean, clickable, and branded.

4. Tracking internal links with UTM tags

UTM tags are for external traffic. Using them on your own site will overwrite original source data and mess up your funnels.

✅ Track internal links with tools like heatmaps or click events instead.

5. Forgetting to update or expire old links

If you’re running time-sensitive promotions, old links can still be floating around and messing with your analytics.

✅ Set expiration dates or update destinations for outdated links.

6. Not Testing the Links Before Sharing

A broken link with the wrong parameters = wasted clicks and frustrated users.

✅ Always preview and test your shortened/tracked links before publishing.

7. Ignoring the data after launch

Tracking URLs isn’t just about adding UTMs and moving on. If you’re not checking the analytics, you’re missing the point.

✅ Use tools like Linko’s short link analytics to review clicks, sources, devices, and geo data in real time.

Conclusion

Tracking links isn’t optional—it’s essential. With the right link tracker, you’ll know what works, what doesn’t, and where to double down.

Start with a free link tracking tool like Linko.me, test your campaigns, and grow with data.

The best part? You don’t need to pay to get started. Many link tracking free tools offer powerful features with no cost.

Now that you know how to track links, go ahead and put this knowledge into action.

FAQs