This may be the first time you have encountered the term "deep link", however, I am convinced that in practice you use deep links on a daily basis. It's a digital navigation tool that is commonly used to help web users access content. It is simply a link to an internal element of, for example, a website or mobile app. Find out more about deep links, their use, their impact on SEO i UX.
What are deep links?
Deep linking is a technique that enables Directly redirecting the user from one application/page to a specific section of another application/page, bypassing the homepage. So, if you came across this article from a Facebook post, for example, or from a link in a newsletter - you have just benefited from deep linking!
- https://seoski.pl/seo/marketing-b2b-w-wyszukiwarce-plan-dzialania/ - is a deep link
- https://seoski.pl/ - this is not a deep link
For a person navigating the web, deep linking is common and taken for granted. However, if you are creating websites or developing applications, the topic of deep linking becomes more complicated and much more interesting!
What are the deep links for?
The basic types of deep linking are: linking between websites, linking from browser to application, linking from application to website and linking between applications.
Deep linking: page-to-page
This is probably the most popular type of deep linking that is often used when creating content. While site owners want to keep readers on their site, they also want to provide them with the most useful information possible. Sometimes this means linking to another website. Deep linking helps readers get to the news they want to find, and it helps a website's SEO, as search engines reward providing useful content.
Deep linking: page-to-application
Linking from the browser to the app is usually done when there is a better chance that the audience will discover the content in the browser, but it can only be presented in the app. The simplest example is discovering and downloading the apps themselves. Imagine you are browsing the web and come across an app that seems interesting. You click the link, your browser closes and the app shop on your device opens and takes you directly to the page of the app in question. This is an example of deep linking!
Its implementation is more complicated. It requires coding, and the process itself varies depending on the operating systems for which the application is optimised.
Deep linking: application-to-application
Deep linking between two applications involves creating a link that opens one application from within the other, redirecting the user directly to a specific section or functionality. This allows the user to move easily and quickly between applications to perform a specific task or obtain specific information. One common example would be sending a link to a YouTube video via instant messaging. You click the link and the specific video opens in the YT app on your mobile device.
Deep linking: application-page
An example of this kind of deep linking could be clicking a link in a calendar app to open a conversation on Zoom in a browser.
Deferred Deep Links are a special type that allows the user to go directly to a specific location on the mobile app, even if they do not have it installed on their device. They are primarily used to encourage users to download the app, as well as to increase conversions and user engagement.
They work in the following way: the user clicks on a deep link that takes them to a page with information about the app in question, and is then prompted to download and install the app. After downloading and opening the app, the user is redirected directly to the place in the app where the deep link led.
Deferred Deep Links are particularly useful for marketing campaigns and advertising activities that focus on conversions. They allow the user to be directed directly to a selected functionality in the application and speed up the process of making a purchase or using a service.
Deep linking and SEO
Links leading to specific subpages of a website are an important part of the link profile that affects a site's position in search results. The more trusted references, the higher the ranking and authoritativeness of the site. Deep linking allows you to create a natural link profile that will be positively evaluated by Google's robots. It is important that the deep linking is in line with the users' description and intentions. Otherwise, it may be interpreted as an attempt to manipulate the algorithms, which may result in a drop in ranking.
Deep linking is also applicable to social media. If your posts correspond to specific products, for example, you can refer the user back to them on your website so that he or she makes a transaction more conveniently. You shorten the purchasing process and accelerate the opportunity to increase profits.
Deep linking and UX
Imagine that you have just found an advertisement or simply a link that interests you. However, when you click it, you are redirected to the homepage instead of the page you wanted to visit. You search for it, but eventually give up. Sound familiar? Many people have certainly experienced similar situations that have negatively affected their user experience (UX) and caused frustration.
Deep linking is a solution to this problem due to the fact that it allows users to reach specific content or functionality in an app or on a website more quickly and easily. This allows users to find what they are looking for in a less time-consuming way and with less difficulty, which in turn improves their overall experience of the platform.
Deliver a seamless mobile experience with deep linking!
Nowadays, the use of mobile devices is the norm, so website and mobile app owners need to adapt to the needs of their users. Deep linking is a key element in ensuring user satisfaction and a positive experience when using a website or app. It also shortens conversion paths, which increases the chances of converting visitors into customers.
English 
Polish 
German