What is deep linking and how to use it for promoting Mini Apps

Telegram Mini Apps are a powerful tool for businesses, enabling them to create fully functional web applications within the messenger. However, attracting users and boosting conversion rates requires effective marketing strategies. One of the key tools in achieving this goal is deep linking, which allows you to guide your audience directly to the desired section of the application, bypassing unnecessary steps.
In this article, we will explore what deep linking is, how it works in Mini Apps, and how to make your advertising links interactive and user-friendly.

What is deep linking

Deep linking is a technology that enables users to be directed not just to an application itself, but straight to a specific section or action within it.

In the context of Telegram Mini Apps, deep linking allows you to:

• Launch a Mini App directly from chats, channels, and promotional messages.
  
• Redirect users to specific screens inside the app (e.g., product pages, order forms, or special offers sections).
  
• Pass parameters into the Mini App, thus personalizing the content for each individual user.
  

How deep linking works in Telegram Mini Apps

Deep linking in Telegram is implemented through links in the following format:
https://t.me/{bot}?startapp=payload, where payload represents the transmitted parameters.

Example of a link:
https://t.me/my_shop_bot?startapp=product_12345

This link will open the Mini App of the bot my_shop_bot and immediately redirect the user to the product page with ID 12345.

How to use deep linking for Mini Apps promotion

Personalized advertising links

With deep linking, you can customize your advertising for specific users. For example, when running ad campaigns on Instagram or Google Ads, you can create unique links with UTM tags that automatically pass traffic source information.

Example:
https://t.me/my_shop_bot?startapp=promo&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=spring_sale

This link opens the Mini App to the promotions section and tracks that the user came from Facebook.

Direct links to products and services

If your Mini App sells products, deep linking allows you to showcase the desired product page immediately. Instead of sending users to the catalog, you can lead them straight to the item they are interested in:

https://t.me/my_shop_bot?startapp=product_67890

This shortens the customer journey and significantly increases conversion rates.

Referral program integration

Deep linking also makes it easy to set up referral programs, allowing you to track which user brought in a new customer. For example, if user @alex123 invites a friend, his referral link could look like this:

https://t.me/my_shop_bot?startapp=welcome&ref=alex123

When the Mini App opens, the system detects the referral code and associates the new user with the referrer.

How to make advertising links interactive and convenient

For deep linking to deliver maximum results, it is important not only to implement it technically but also to design links properly:
✔ Use short and clear links. For example, you can use URL shortening services like Telegram’s t.me to make links more user-friendly.
✔ Add buttons in Telegram posts. Instead of posting a plain text link, present it as an interactive button:
[🔥 Get a Discount](https://t.me/my_shop_bot?startapp=promo)

This format looks more attractive and encourages more clicks.
✔ Provide context. Always explain what users will see after clicking the link. For example:
“The new collection is already available in our Mini App! Tap below to pick your style 👇”
✔ Use inline buttons in chatbots. If your Mini App operates through a bot, embed deep linking buttons into the conversation scripts.

Deep linking in Telegram Mini Apps is a powerful tool for personalized marketing, improving conversion rates, and enhancing user experience.
By using interactive advertising links, you can make accessing your Mini Apps simple and intuitive, which will positively impact engagement and sales.
By applying the strategies described above, you will be able to leverage deep linking to its full potential and attract more high-quality users!