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Link Expiration

Learn how to set automatic expiration dates for your links in linkutm.

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Overview

Link expiration allows you to automatically deactivate links after a specific date and time. This feature is perfect for time-sensitive campaigns, limited offers, event registrations, and any scenario where you need links to stop working after a certain period.

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Common Use Cases

Limited-Time Offers
  • Flash sales with specific end times
  • Early bird pricing deadlines
  • Seasonal promotions
  • Weekend-only deals
Event Management
  • Registration deadlines
  • RSVP cut-off dates
  • Ticket sales end dates
  • Pre-event access windows
Content Control
  • Temporary access to resources
  • Beta testing periods
  • Preview content windows
  • Embargo releases
Campaign Management
  • Quarter-end campaigns
  • Monthly promotions
  • Holiday marketing
  • Timed product launches
Security & Compliance
  • Sensitive information expiration
  • Temporary partner access
  • Limited review periods
  • Compliance requirements
  1. Create or edit a link
  2. Find Advanced Settings or Link Expiration section
  3. Toggle Set Expiration ON
  4. Configure expiration settings:
    • Expiration Date: Select end date
    • Expiration Time: Set specific time
    • Timezone: Confirm timezone
    • Redirect URL: (Optional) Where to send users after expiration
  5. Save your link
  1. Navigate to Links page
  2. Find the link
  3. Click Edit
  4. Enable Link Expiration
  5. Set date, time, and redirect
  6. Save changes

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Expiration Settings

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Date and Time

Selecting Date:
  • Use date picker for convenience
  • Can set expiration days, weeks, or months ahead
  • Consider your campaign timeline
Setting Time:
  • Specify exact hour and minute
  • Use 24-hour or 12-hour format
  • Set to campaign end time (e.g., 11:59 PM for “today only” offers)
Timezone Considerations:
  • Verify timezone setting
  • Match your target audience’s timezone
  • Common choice: Your business timezone
  • For global campaigns: Consider UTC
Examples: 
Flash Sale ending tonight:
Date: June 15, 2024
Time: 11:59 PM
Timezone: EST

Webinar registration closes:
Date: July 1, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM
Timezone: PST

Event ticket sales end:
Date: September 30, 2024
Time: 11:59 PM
Timezone: Local business timezone

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Redirect URL (After Expiration)

When link expires, redirect users to a specified URL instead of showing an error. Why Use Redirects:
  • Better user experience
  • Maintain brand image
  • Offer alternatives
  • Provide context about expiration
Redirect URL Options: 1. Homepage 
Redirect to: https://yoursite.com
Use for: General expired links
2. Similar Offer Page 
Redirect to: https://yoursite.com/current-promotions
Use for: Expired sales, show current offers
3. “Campaign Ended” Page 
Redirect to: https://yoursite.com/sale-ended
Use for: Specific explanation, email signup for future offers
4. Product Page 
Redirect to: https://yoursite.com/products
Use for: Expired promo, still show products at regular price
5. Waitlist or Notification Page 
Redirect to: https://yoursite.com/notify-me
Use for: Sold out or ended, capture interest for next time

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No Redirect (Error Page)

If no redirect URL is set:
  • Users see default expiration message
  • “This link has expired” or similar
  • May include your branding
  • Less ideal user experience
When to use:
  • Testing purposes
  • Internal links
  • When no alternative exists

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Viewing Expiration Status

On your links page, see expiration information:
  • ⏰ Expiration indicator: Icon or badge
  • Expiring soon: Warning for links expiring within 24-48 hours
  • Expired: Clear indicator for expired links
  • Days remaining: Countdown to expiration

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Extending Expiration

Need more time? Extend the expiration date:
  1. Edit the expired or soon-to-expire link
  2. Change expiration date to new date
  3. Optionally update time
  4. Save changes
  5. Link becomes active again (if it was expired)
Use Cases:
  • Campaign performing well, extend duration
  • Event postponed
  • Deadline extended
  • Testing period needs more time

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Removing Expiration

Make a temporary link permanent:
  1. Edit the link
  2. Toggle Link Expiration OFF
  3. Save changes
  4. Link no longer has expiration
Use Cases:
  • Evergreen content
  • Ongoing campaigns
  • Permanent resources
  • No longer time-sensitive
Option 1: Extend Date
  • Edit link
  • Set new future expiration date
  • Link reactivates immediately
Option 2: Remove Expiration
  • Edit link
  • Disable expiration
  • Link becomes permanent
Option 3: Duplicate
  • Duplicate expired link
  • Set new expiration date
  • Keeps old link archived

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Expiration + Password Protection

Double Security:
  1. Require password to access
  2. Automatically expire after date
  3. Perfect for pre-launch + time-limited access
Example: 
Beta testing link
- Password: BetaTester2024
- Expires: End of beta period
- Redirect: Public product page

Workflow:
1. Beta testers access with password
2. Beta ends automatically on date
3. Public redirected to launch page
Learn about password protection →

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Expiration + Click Limits

Dual Limiting:
  1. Link expires on date OR after X clicks
  2. Whichever comes first
  3. Great for limited inventory
Example: 
Limited offer link
- Click Limit: 500 (inventory count)
- Expiration: End of month
- Redirect: Waitlist page

Result: Stops at 500 clicks or month end
Learn about click limits → Professional Time-Limited Links:
  1. Create short, branded link
  2. Set expiration
  3. Share easy-to-remember URL
  4. Auto-deactivates on schedule
Example: 
Flash sale short link
- Short URL: https://brand.link/flash24
- Expires: Tonight at midnight
- Redirect: Tomorrow's sale page
Learn about link shortening →

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Expiration + QR Codes

Time-Limited QR Codes:
  1. Generate QR code for link
  2. Set expiration
  3. Use in print/offline marketing
  4. QR becomes inactive automatically
Example: 
Event QR code on flyers
- Expires: Day before event
- Redirect: Event info page (non-registration)

Prevents late registrations automatically
Learn about QR codes →

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Real-World Examples

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Example 1: 24-Hour Flash Sale

Campaign: Flash sale ending tonight

Link Setup:
- Destination: https://shop.example.com/flash-sale
- Expiration Date: Today
- Expiration Time: 11:59 PM EST
- Redirect URL: https://shop.example.com/new-arrivals
- Short Link: https://brand.link/flash24
- Tag: Red (Urgent)

Customer Experience:
- Before 11:59 PM: Access flash sale page
- After 11:59 PM: Redirected to new arrivals
- Clear, automated cutoff

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Example 2: Webinar Registration

Campaign: Live webinar on May 15

Link Setup:
- Destination: https://events.example.com/webinar-signup
- Expiration Date: May 15, 2024
- Expiration Time: 2:00 PM EST (webinar start time)
- Redirect URL: https://events.example.com/webinar-replay-waitlist
- Password: EarlyBird (for VIP early access)
- Remove password: 7 days before
- Tag: Purple (Event)

Customer Experience:
- VIPs: Early registration with password
- Public: Registration opens 7 days before
- Registration closes at webinar start
- Late arrivals: Join replay waitlist

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Example 3: Seasonal Campaign

Campaign: Summer sale (June-August)

Link Setup:
- Destination: https://shop.example.com/summer-collection
- Expiration Date: August 31, 2024
- Expiration Time: 11:59 PM PST
- Redirect URL: https://shop.example.com/fall-collection
- Folder: Summer 2024
- Tag: Purple (Seasonal)

Workflow:
- Summer: Active summer collection sale
- September 1: Automatically switches to fall collection
- Seamless seasonal transition

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Example 4: Early Bird Tickets

Campaign: Conference early bird pricing

Link Setup:
- Destination: https://conference.example.com/register?tier=early-bird
- Expiration Date: March 31, 2024
- Expiration Time: 11:59 PM
- Redirect URL: https://conference.example.com/register?tier=regular
- Click Limit: 500 (early bird capacity)
- Tag: Green (Active)

Result:
- First 500 registrants OR March 31 deadline
- Automatic switch to regular pricing
- No manual intervention needed

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Example 5: Product Launch Preview

Campaign: New product pre-launch access

Link Setup:
- Destination: https://brand.example.com/new-product-preview
- Password: LaunchTeam2024
- Expiration Date: Launch day
- Expiration Time: 9:00 AM
- Redirect URL: https://brand.example.com/new-product (public)
- Tag: Blue (Product Launch)

Workflow:
- Pre-launch: Team and stakeholders preview with password
- Launch day 9 AM: Password requirement removed, link expires
- Public redirected to live product page

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Best Practices

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Timing Strategy

Give Appropriate Notice:
  • ✅ Announce expiration clearly in marketing
  • ✅ Send reminders as deadline approaches
  • ✅ Consider timezone of target audience
  • ✅ Set time to end of business day when appropriate
Avoid:
  • ❌ Surprise expirations without warning
  • ❌ Confusing timezone mismatches
  • ❌ Expiring during peak traffic times (unless intentional)

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Redirect Planning

Always Provide a Redirect:
  • ✅ Never leave users at error page
  • ✅ Offer relevant alternative
  • ✅ Maintain brand experience
  • ✅ Consider next logical step
Redirect Destination Ideas:
  • Similar current offer
  • Product catalog
  • Email signup for next promotion
  • Company homepage
  • “Thank you for your interest” page

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Communication

Tell Users About Expiration:
  • Display countdown on landing page
  • Include in link text/copy (“Ends midnight tonight!”)
  • Email reminders before expiration
  • Social media updates
Example Messaging: 
Email: "Last Chance! Sale ends tonight at midnight"
Social: "⏰ 6 hours left! Get 50% off: [link]"
Landing Page: Banner with countdown timer

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Testing

Before Launch:
  • ✅ Verify expiration date and time are correct
  • ✅ Double-check timezone setting
  • ✅ Test redirect URL works
  • ✅ Confirm expiration actually triggers
  • ✅ Test from user perspective
During Campaign:
  • Monitor performance
  • Check analytics
  • Be ready to extend if needed
  • Watch for support questions
Track Expiring Links:
  • Use folders for time-based campaigns
  • Tag with expiration info
  • Regular review of upcoming expirations
  • Calendar reminders for key expirations

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Troubleshooting

Problem: Link expired at wrong time Possible Causes:
  • Incorrect timezone setting
  • Wrong date/time entered
  • System clock discrepancy
Prevention:
  • Always verify timezone
  • Use 24-hour format to avoid AM/PM confusion
  • Test with near-future expiration first
  • Set expiration with buffer time

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Redirect Not Working

Problem: Expired link shows error instead of redirecting Solutions:
  • Verify redirect URL is correct and accessible
  • Check for typos in redirect URL
  • Ensure redirect URL includes https://
  • Test redirect URL independently
  • Save changes after editing
Problem: Link already expired, need to reactivate Solution:
  • Edit the link
  • Set new future expiration date
  • Or remove expiration entirely
  • Save and test
  • Link reactivates immediately
Problem: Link expired but campaign is still running Solutions:
  • Check expiration date/time setting
  • Extend expiration if needed
  • Verify timezone is correct
  • Update marketing materials if expiration changed
  • Send update to users if necessary

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Tracking Performance

Metrics to Review:
  • Total clicks before expiration
  • Clicks by day (see if urgency drove end-of-campaign spike)
  • Conversions within expiration window
  • Redirect clicks after expiration
Insights:
  • Did urgency create last-minute rush?
  • Should expiration window be longer/shorter?
  • How many tried to access after expiration?
  • Effectiveness of redirect destination
Learn more about analytics →

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Post-Campaign Analysis

After link expires:
  • Review full campaign performance
  • Compare to similar campaigns
  • Analyze timing effectiveness
  • Optimize for future time-limited campaigns

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Need Help?

For questions about link expiration or time-limited campaigns, contact our support team.