Manage Redirect & Direct Links
📖 4 min read•Last updated: October 2024
hoo.be offers two powerful link management features: Direct Links and Page Redirects. Understanding when and how to use each can optimize your profile's performance.
Direct Links
Direct Links allow visitors to go straight to a destination without seeing your hoo.be profile first.
How Direct Links Work
Instead of: hoo.be/yourname → Profile → Click link → Destination
With Direct Links: hoo.be/yourname/directlink → Destination (instant)
Setting Up Direct Links
- Go to your link settings
- Select the link you want to make direct
- Enable "Direct Link"
- Create a custom slug (e.g., /shop, /youtube, /podcast)
- Your direct link will be: hoo.be/yourname/slug
When to Use Direct Links
- ✓ Sharing in Instagram Stories (swipe-up links)
- ✓ YouTube video descriptions
- ✓ Podcast show notes
- ✓ Email campaigns for specific products
- ✓ QR codes for events or locations
Direct Link Examples
- hoo.be/johnsmith/shop → Your online store
- hoo.be/johnsmith/youtube → Your YouTube channel
- hoo.be/johnsmith/book → Calendar booking page
- hoo.be/johnsmith/deal → Special promo page
Page Redirect
Page Redirect automatically sends all visitors from your main profile URL to a specific link.
How Page Redirect Works
When someone visits hoo.be/yourname, they're instantly redirected to your chosen destination—they never see your profile page.
Setting Up Page Redirect
- Go to Settings → Profile
- Enable "Page Redirect"
- Select which link to redirect to
- Save changes
When to Use Page Redirect
- ✓ Major product launch (send everyone to sales page)
- ✓ Event promotion (direct to ticket sales)
- ✓ Time-sensitive campaigns
- ✓ Contest or giveaway entries
- ✓ Seasonal promotions (Black Friday, etc.)
Direct Links vs Page Redirect
Direct Links:
- Multiple custom URLs per profile
- Profile page still accessible
- Great for content-specific sharing
- Analytics tracked per link
Page Redirect:
- One main redirect only
- Profile page not accessible
- Best for focused campaigns
- All traffic goes to one place
Analytics & Tracking
Both features provide detailed analytics:
- Click Count: Total clicks on direct links
- Traffic Sources: Where visitors came from
- Geographic Data: Visitor locations
- Device Types: Mobile vs desktop
- Conversion Tracking: Track actions after clicks
Best Practices
- Use memorable, short slugs for direct links
- Test links before sharing publicly
- Update redirects for time-sensitive campaigns
- Track performance to optimize strategy
- Don't change slug names frequently (breaks existing shares)
Troubleshooting
Direct Link Not Working?
- Ensure the slug is unique (can't duplicate existing slugs)
- Check that destination URL is valid
- Clear browser cache
- Verify link is enabled
Need to Disable Redirect?
- Go to Settings → Profile
- Toggle off "Page Redirect"
- Your profile will be accessible again