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URL Redirects

URL redirect blocks turn your tagd-ai tag into a smart link that automatically sends visitors to another website. Perfect for linking QR codes to existing web content.

What Are URL Redirects?​

When a tag contains a URL redirect block:

  1. User scans the QR code
  2. tagd-ai receives the request
  3. User is immediately redirected to your specified URL
  4. No tagd-ai content is shown (unless you add other blocks)

This gives you a permanent QR code that points to any web address, which you can change anytime without reprinting.

Adding a Redirect​

Create Redirect-Only Tag​

  1. Create a new tag
  2. Click + → URL Redirect
  3. Enter the destination URL
  4. Save the tag

The QR code for this tag now redirects to your URL.

Add Redirect to Existing Tag​

  1. Open your tag
  2. Click + → URL Redirect
  3. Enter the destination URL

When combined with other content, users see a brief loading screen before redirect.

Redirect Options​

Destination URL​

The URL where visitors will be sent:

  • Must be a valid URL (https:// or http://)
  • Can include query parameters
  • Can be a deep link to an app

Delay​

Set a redirect delay:

  • Instant (0 seconds) - Immediate redirect
  • 2 seconds - Brief pause, shows tagd-ai branding
  • 5 seconds - Longer pause, allows cancellation

Message​

Show a message during the delay:

  1. Click ⋮ → Add Message
  2. Enter text like "Redirecting to product page..."
  3. Displayed during the delay period

Advanced Features​

Conditional Redirects (Pro)​

Redirect to different URLs based on conditions:

By Device:

  • Send iOS users to App Store
  • Send Android users to Play Store
  • Send desktop users to website

By Location:

  • Different regional websites
  • Localized content

By Time:

  • Business hours vs. after-hours
  • Seasonal variations

URL Parameters​

Pass data through the redirect:

https://example.com/product?source=qr&tag_id={tag_id}

Available variables:

  • {tag_id} - The tagd-ai short ID
  • {timestamp} - Current timestamp
  • {scan_count} - Number of times scanned

UTM Tracking​

Add UTM parameters for analytics:

https://example.com/page?utm_source=tagd&utm_medium=qr&utm_campaign=summer2024

Track in Google Analytics or your analytics platform.

Use Cases​

Product Pages​

Link QR codes on packaging to:

  • Product detail pages
  • User manuals online
  • Registration forms
  • Support pages

Marketing Campaigns​

Create trackable QR codes that:

  • Point to campaign landing pages
  • Can be updated when campaigns change
  • Track scan analytics

Social Media​

Link to your profiles:

  • Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn
  • YouTube videos
  • TikTok profiles

App Downloads​

Smart app links:

  • App Store for iOS
  • Play Store for Android
  • Website for desktop

Menu / Catalog​

Restaurant or retail use:

  • Link to online menu
  • Digital catalog
  • Ordering system

Mixed Content Tags​

Combine redirects with content:

Redirect After Content​

  1. Add informational content first
  2. Add redirect block last
  3. User sees content, then redirects after reading

Optional Redirect​

  1. Add content with a call-to-action
  2. User can choose to follow the link
  3. Redirect block with delay allows cancellation

Tracking Redirects​

Monitor redirect performance:

  1. Open tag Analytics
  2. View Redirects section
  3. See:
    • Total redirects
    • Successful vs. failed
    • Destination click-through
    • Device breakdown
FeatureURL RedirectText Link
Automatic?YesUser clicks
Shows content?OptionalAlways shows tag first
AnalyticsDetailedBasic
Best forDirect linksIn-content references

Best Practices​

URL Selection​

  • Use stable, permanent URLs
  • Avoid URLs that might change
  • Use short URLs when possible
  • Test the destination before deploying

User Experience​

  • Add a brief delay for transparency
  • Show a message explaining the redirect
  • Ensure destination is mobile-friendly
  • Test on multiple devices

Maintenance​

  • Regularly check that URLs still work
  • Update redirects when destinations change
  • Monitor for 404 errors in analytics

Troubleshooting​

Redirect Not Working​

  1. Verify URL is valid (includes https://)
  2. Test the destination URL directly
  3. Check for typos
  4. Ensure tag is published/accessible

Slow Redirect​

  1. Destination site may be slow
  2. Reduce redirect delay
  3. Check internet connection
  4. Try a different destination URL

Redirect Loop​

  1. Don't redirect back to tagd-ai
  2. Check destination isn't redirecting back
  3. Avoid circular redirect chains

Analytics Not Tracking​

  1. Wait for data processing (up to 1 hour)
  2. Verify analytics are enabled
  3. Check tag permissions

Security​

URL Validation​

tagd-ai validates URLs to prevent:

  • JavaScript execution
  • Malicious redirects
  • Data URI abuse

User Trust​

  • Show redirect destination clearly
  • Use delay so users can verify
  • Don't use misleading QR codes

Blocked URLs​

tagd-ai blocks redirects to:

  • Known malicious sites
  • Phishing domains
  • Forbidden content

Next Steps​