Create UTM Template

Learn how to create reusable UTM templates to streamline your link creation process.

Overview

Creating UTM templates allows you to save frequently-used parameter combinations and apply them instantly when creating new links. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step.

Before You Start

Plan Your Template

Consider:

Purpose: What type of campaign is this for?
Channel: Which marketing channel (email, social, paid search)?
Fixed Parameters: Which parameters stay the same?
Variable Parameters: Which parameters change per link?
Audience: Who will use this template?

Gather Information

Have ready:

Campaign naming convention
Standard parameter values
Any custom parameters needed
Template description/notes

Creating a Template: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Navigate to Templates

Log into your linkutm dashboard
Click Templates in the sidebar
Click Create Template or + New Template button

Step 2: Name Your Template

Template Name:

Enter a clear, descriptive name
Include channel and purpose
Make it easy to identify

Examples:

✅ “Email Newsletter - Weekly”
✅ “Facebook Ads - Lead Generation”
✅ “Google Ads - Brand Search”
❌ “Template 1” (too vague)

Best Practices:

Use consistent naming format
Include enough context
Keep it concise (50 characters or less)

Step 3: Add Description (Optional but Recommended)

What to Include:

When to use this template
What variable fields need
Example use cases
Any special instructions

Example Description:

Use for weekly email newsletters to subscribers.
- utm_campaign: Include week number (e.g., week_23_2024)
- utm_content: Specify featured article or CTA
Perfect for: Regular newsletter sends

Step 4: Configure UTM Parameters

utm_source (Required)

What it represents: The platform sending the traffic Examples by Channel:

Email: newsletter, promotional_email
Social: facebook, instagram, linkedin, twitter
Paid Search: google, bing
Organic: google_organic
Referral: partner_name, affiliate_name

For Templates:

Use specific value if always the same
Example: Email template always uses newsletter
Or leave variable if changes (e.g., multi-platform template)

utm_medium (Required)

What it represents: The marketing channel type Common Values:

email - Email campaigns
social - Organic social media
cpc - Paid advertising (cost-per-click)
display - Display advertising
referral - Referral traffic
organic - Organic search
affiliate - Affiliate marketing
print - Print advertising
qr - QR code campaigns

For Templates:

Usually fixed for channel-specific templates
Example: “Email Newsletter Template” always uses email

utm_campaign (Required)

What it represents: Specific campaign or promotion name Strategies for Templates: Option 1: Leave Variable

Template: Facebook Ads - General
utm_campaign: [To be filled per campaign]

Use case: Different campaigns on same channel

Option 2: Include Pattern

Template: Weekly Email Newsletter
utm_campaign: newsletter_week_[number]_2024

Use case: Recurring campaigns with consistent naming

Option 3: Fixed Value

Template: Product Launch 2024
utm_campaign: product_launch_q2_2024

Use case: Large campaign with multiple links

utm_term (Optional)

What it represents: Paid search keywords or audience targeting When to Include:

Paid search templates
Audience-segmented campaigns
A/B testing variations

Examples:

Keywords: running_shoes, blue_widgets
Audiences: lookalike_audience, retargeting_cart
Segments: cold_traffic, warm_leads

For Templates:

Leave blank if not applicable
Include default value if always used
Add note in description if variable

utm_content (Optional)

What it represents: Differentiates similar content/links When to Include:

A/B testing ads or emails
Multiple CTAs in same campaign
Different ad placements
Creative variations

Examples:

headline_a, headline_b
blue_button, red_button
header_cta, footer_cta
image_ad, video_ad

For Templates:

Leave blank for general use
Include if always applicable
Add examples in description

Step 5: Add Custom Parameters (Optional)

Why Add Custom Parameters:

Internal campaign IDs
Specific audience information
Additional tracking needs
Integration requirements

Common Custom Parameters:

campaign_id: Internal campaign identifier
audience: Target audience segment
ad_id: Specific ad identifier
creative: Creative type or version
placement: Ad placement location
device: Device targeting
offer: Specific offer or promotion

Adding Custom Parameters:

Click Add Custom Parameter
Enter parameter name (no spaces, use underscores)
Enter default value (or leave for variable)
Add multiple as needed

Step 6: Set Default Folder (Optional)

Assign a default folder where links from this template will be created:

Select from existing folders
Links automatically organized
Can be overridden during link creation

When Useful:

Channel-specific folders
Client-specific folders (for agencies)
Campaign-based organization

Step 7: Assign Default Tags (Optional)

Add default tags that will be applied to links created from this template:

Select tag colors
Multiple tags supported
Automatic categorization

Example:

Template: Facebook Ads - Lead Gen
Default Tags: 🔵 Blue (Social Media), 🟢 Green (Active)

Result: All links auto-tagged

Learn more about tags →

Step 8: Add Template Notes (Optional)

Internal Notes for Your Team:

Usage guidelines
Tips and best practices
Change log
Contact for questions

Example Notes:

Created: May 2024
Owner: Marketing Team
Best for: Weekly promotional emails
Update utm_campaign with week number
Use utm_content to specify featured product
Questions? Contact marketing@company.com

Step 9: Review and Save

Final Checklist:

✅ Template name is clear and descriptive
✅ Required parameters (source, medium, campaign) filled appropriately
✅ Optional parameters configured as needed
✅ Custom parameters added if necessary
✅ Description explains when/how to use
✅ Default folder assigned (if desired)
✅ Default tags selected (if applicable)

Save Your Template:

Click Save Template or Create
Template appears in your templates list
Ready to use immediately

After Creating Your Template

Test the Template

Create a test link using your new template
Verify all parameters fill correctly
Check if defaults are appropriate
Ensure variable fields are clear

Inform team of new template availability
Provide usage guidelines
Explain when to use
Gather feedback

Document Usage

Add to your team documentation:

Template purpose
When to use
Example links
Best practices

Template Examples

Template Name: Email Newsletter - Weekly Digest

UTM Parameters:
- utm_source: newsletter
- utm_medium: email
- utm_campaign: [Variable - enter week_XX_2024]
- utm_content: [Variable - enter featured_article_topic]

Description:
Use for all weekly email newsletters sent to subscribers.
Campaign format: week_23_2024, week_24_2024, etc.
Content: Specify main featured content.

Default Folder: Email Campaigns
Default Tags: 🟡 Yellow (Email)

Notes:
- Send every Monday at 9 AM
- Track featured article clicks
- Update campaign with week number

Example 2: Facebook Ads - Lead Generation Template

Template Name: Facebook Ads - Lead Gen

UTM Parameters:
- utm_source: facebook
- utm_medium: cpc
- utm_campaign: [Variable - enter campaign_name]
- utm_term: [Variable - enter audience_segment]
- utm_content: [Variable - enter ad_creative_type]

Custom Parameters:
- ad_id: [Variable]
- audience: [Variable]

Description:
For all Facebook lead generation ad campaigns.
Use utm_term for audience (e.g., lookalike, retargeting).
Use utm_content for creative type (e.g., video, carousel).

Default Folder: Social Media Ads > Facebook
Default Tags: 🔵 Blue (Facebook), 🟢 Green (Active)

Notes:
- Add Facebook Ad ID in custom parameter
- Track audience performance in utm_term
- Update creative variations in utm_content

Example 3: Google Ads - Brand Search Template

Template Name: Google Ads - Brand Keywords

UTM Parameters:
- utm_source: google
- utm_medium: cpc
- utm_campaign: brand_search
- utm_term: [Variable - enter keyword]
- utm_content: [Variable - enter ad_variation]

Custom Parameters:
- campaign_id: [Variable - Google Ads campaign ID]

Description:
Use for all Google Ads brand keyword campaigns.
utm_term: Specific brand keyword triggering ad
utm_content: Ad headline/description variation

Default Folder: Paid Search > Google Ads
Default Tags: 🔴 Red (Paid), 🟢 Green (Active)

Notes:
- Brand keywords only (competitor keywords use different template)
- Match type doesn't need to be in UTM
- Track in Google Ads campaign_id for reconciliation

Example 4: Product Launch - Multi-Channel Template

Template Name: Q2 Product Launch 2024

UTM Parameters:
- utm_source: [Variable - enter channel]
- utm_medium: [Variable - enter medium]
- utm_campaign: product_launch_q2_2024
- utm_content: [Variable - enter placement]

Custom Parameters:
- product: new_widget_pro
- launch_phase: pre_launch / launch / post_launch

Description:
Use for all Q2 2024 product launch marketing across channels.
Campaign is fixed: product_launch_q2_2024
Update source and medium per channel.
Track launch phase in custom parameter.

Default Folder: Product Launches > Q2 2024
Default Tags: 🟣 Purple (Product Launch), 🔴 Red (High Priority)

Notes:
- All launch-related links use this template
- Ensures consistent campaign tracking
- Update launch_phase as campaign progresses

Example 5: Partner Referral Template

Template Name: Partner Referrals

UTM Parameters:
- utm_source: partner_[partner_name]
- utm_medium: referral
- utm_campaign: partnership_2024
- utm_content: [Variable - enter placement]

Custom Parameters:
- partner_id: [Partner internal ID]
- commission_tier: [A/B/C]

Description:
Use for all partner referral links.
Replace [partner_name] with actual partner name.
Track partner ID for commission attribution.

Default Folder: Partner Marketing
Default Tags: 🟤 Brown (Partner)

Notes:
- One template per partner or use variable
- Commission tier for internal tracking
- Reconcile with partner_id for payments

Advanced Template Features

Template Inheritance (If Available)

Create template hierarchies:

Parent Template: Social Media Base
- utm_medium: social

Child Template: Facebook Social
- Inherits: utm_medium: social
- Adds: utm_source: facebook

Child Template: LinkedIn Social
- Inherits: utm_medium: social
- Adds: utm_source: linkedin

Conditional Parameters (If Available)

Set parameters based on conditions:

If utm_medium = email:
  Then utm_source = newsletter
If utm_medium = cpc:
  Then require utm_term

Template Variables with Prompts (If Available)

Create prompts when using template:

Template: Webinar Campaign
On use, prompt for:
- Webinar Topic: [text input]
- Webinar Date: [date picker]
- Target Audience: [dropdown]

Automatically fills:
- utm_campaign: webinar_[topic]_[date]
- utm_term: [audience]

Best Practices

Template Naming

DO:

✅ Include channel in name
✅ Specify purpose clearly
✅ Use consistent format
✅ Keep concise but descriptive

DON’T:

❌ Use generic names
❌ Use abbreviations only
❌ Forget context
❌ Make too long (over 60 chars)

Parameter Strategy

DO:

✅ Fix parameters that never change
✅ Document variable parameters
✅ Use consistent values
✅ Follow your naming conventions

DON’T:

❌ Leave all parameters variable
❌ Use inconsistent formatting
❌ Forget to document usage
❌ Over-complicate with too many parameters

Description Writing

DO:

✅ Explain when to use
✅ List variable fields
✅ Provide examples
✅ Include special instructions

DON’T:

❌ Leave description blank
❌ Be too vague
❌ Assume knowledge
❌ Forget to update when template changes

Template Maintenance

DO:

✅ Review quarterly
✅ Update as needed
✅ Archive outdated templates
✅ Gather team feedback

DON’T:

❌ Create and forget
❌ Let templates become stale
❌ Ignore usage data
❌ Skip documentation

Troubleshooting

Template Not Appearing in List

Possible Issues:

Not saved properly
Filter applied
Wrong project/workspace
Permissions issue

Solutions:

Check save confirmation
Clear any filters
Verify correct workspace
Check user permissions

Parameters Not Auto-Filling

Possible Issues:

Template not fully configured
Browser cache issue
System bug

Solutions:

Edit template, verify all fields saved
Refresh browser
Try different browser
Contact support

Team Can’t See Template

Possible Issues:

Permission settings
Not shared with team
Wrong workspace

Solutions:

Check sharing settings
Verify template is project-level
Ensure team members in correct workspace

Need Help?

For questions about creating UTM templates, contact our support team or explore our comprehensive guides.

Get Started

Link Management

UTM Templates

UTM Parameters

Link Shortening

Analytics

UTM Rules

Organization & Workspaces

Team Collaboration

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Documentation Index

​Create UTM Template

​Overview

​Before You Start

​Plan Your Template

​Gather Information

​Creating a Template: Step-by-Step

​Step 1: Navigate to Templates

​Step 2: Name Your Template

​Step 3: Add Description (Optional but Recommended)

​Step 4: Configure UTM Parameters

​utm_source (Required)

​utm_medium (Required)

​utm_campaign (Required)

​utm_term (Optional)

​utm_content (Optional)

​Step 5: Add Custom Parameters (Optional)

​Step 6: Set Default Folder (Optional)

​Step 7: Assign Default Tags (Optional)

​Step 8: Add Template Notes (Optional)

​Step 9: Review and Save

​After Creating Your Template

​Test the Template

​Share with Team

​Document Usage

​Template Examples

​Example 1: Email Newsletter Template

​Example 2: Facebook Ads - Lead Generation Template

​Example 3: Google Ads - Brand Search Template

​Example 4: Product Launch - Multi-Channel Template

​Example 5: Partner Referral Template

​Advanced Template Features

​Template Inheritance (If Available)

​Conditional Parameters (If Available)

​Template Variables with Prompts (If Available)

​Best Practices

​Template Naming

​Parameter Strategy

​Description Writing

​Template Maintenance

​Troubleshooting

​Template Not Appearing in List

​Parameters Not Auto-Filling

​Team Can’t See Template

​Related Documentation

​Need Help?

Create UTM Template

Overview

Before You Start

Plan Your Template

Gather Information

Creating a Template: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Navigate to Templates

Step 2: Name Your Template

Step 3: Add Description (Optional but Recommended)

Step 4: Configure UTM Parameters

utm_source (Required)

utm_medium (Required)

utm_campaign (Required)

utm_term (Optional)

utm_content (Optional)

Step 5: Add Custom Parameters (Optional)

Step 6: Set Default Folder (Optional)

Step 7: Assign Default Tags (Optional)

Step 8: Add Template Notes (Optional)

Step 9: Review and Save

After Creating Your Template

Test the Template

Share with Team

Document Usage

Template Examples

Example 1: Email Newsletter Template

Example 2: Facebook Ads - Lead Generation Template

Example 3: Google Ads - Brand Search Template

Example 4: Product Launch - Multi-Channel Template

Example 5: Partner Referral Template

Advanced Template Features

Template Inheritance (If Available)

Conditional Parameters (If Available)

Template Variables with Prompts (If Available)

Best Practices

Template Naming

Parameter Strategy

Description Writing

Template Maintenance

Troubleshooting

Template Not Appearing in List

Parameters Not Auto-Filling

Team Can’t See Template

Related Documentation

Need Help?