Link Expiration

Set expiration dates for temporary links

The Link Expiration feature in Linkkit allows you to automatically deactivate a short link based on rules you define — such as a specific date, time, or usage limit.

Instead of manually checking whether a promotion has ended or worrying about outdated links still being shared, you can set clear expiration conditions in advance. Once those conditions are met, the link automatically stops redirecting to its original destination.

This ensures your links always reflect the current status of your campaigns — without requiring constant monitoring.

Why Link Expiration Matters

In digital marketing, timing is critical.

If a link continues working after:

  • A sale has ended

  • Registration has closed

  • A discount code has expired

  • A limited-access offer has reached capacity

It can create confusion, frustration, and even damage trust.

Link Expiration prevents this by giving you automated control over how long a link remains active.

Instead of reacting to problems, you proactively manage them.

What You Can Control

With Link Expiration, you can define:

1. Date-Based Expiration

Set an exact date and time when the link should stop working.

Example:

  • A flash sale ending at midnight

  • Webinar registration closing one hour before the event

  • A holiday campaign ending on a specific day

Once that moment arrives, the link automatically expires.

2. Usage-Based Expiration (Click Limits)

Set a maximum number of allowed clicks.

Example:

  • Only the first 100 users can access an exclusive offer

  • Limited early-bird registrations

  • VIP access capped at a specific number

When the click limit is reached, the link automatically becomes inactive.

3. Post-Expiration Behavior

Control what users see after the link expires.

Instead of sending visitors to a broken page, you can:

  • Redirect them to a general landing page

  • Show a “Campaign Ended” message

  • Send them to a waitlist form

  • Offer an alternative promotion

This ensures users are guided — not confused.

When to Use Link Expiration

Link Expiration is especially valuable for:

  • Limited-Time Promotions: Ensure discounts and offers stop working exactly when intended.

  • Event Registrations: Automatically close sign-ups when registration ends.

  • Flash Sales: Control short-term campaigns without manual updates.

  • Early-Bird Offers: Limit special pricing to a defined timeframe or user count.

  • Private or Exclusive Content: Provide temporary access to gated material.

  • Seasonal Campaigns: End holiday or seasonal promotions automatically.

Without expiration rules, old links can continue circulating on social media, emails, or shared messages — long after a campaign ends.

That can lead to:

  • Customer complaints

  • Missed expectations

  • Support tickets

  • Brand credibility issues

Link Expiration eliminates these risks by ensuring your links stay aligned with your campaign timeline.

You decide when access starts.
You decide when access ends.
Linkkit enforces it automatically.

How It Works

Link expiration allows you to define when a link should stop working.

You can set:

  • A specific expiration date and time

  • A maximum number of clicks (if supported)

  • Custom behavior after expiration

Once the expiration condition is met:

  • The link automatically becomes inactive

  • Visitors will no longer reach the original destination

  • You can redirect them to an alternative page if configured

This automation protects your campaigns and prevents outdated content from being accessed.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Create or Open a Link

You can apply expiration settings to:

  • A newly created link

  • An existing link

To begin:

  1. Log into your Linkkit dashboard.

  2. Go to the Links section.

  3. Either create a new link or select an existing one to edit.

Step 2: Locate the Expiration Settings

Inside the link settings panel:

  1. Scroll to the Expiration section.

  2. Enable the Link Expiration option.

Once enabled, additional configuration options will appear.

Step 3: Choose the Expiration Type

You may see one or more of the following options:

Option A: Expire on a Specific Date & Time

  1. Select Set Expiration Date.

  2. Choose the desired date.

  3. Set the exact time (including time zone if applicable).

This is ideal for:

  • Flash sales ending at midnight

  • Webinar registrations closing before start time

  • Holiday campaigns

Once the selected date and time are reached, the link automatically expires.

Option B: Expire After a Certain Number of Clicks (If Available)

  1. Enable Click Limit Expiration.

  2. Enter the maximum number of allowed clicks.

Example:
If you set a limit of 100 clicks, the link will expire once it reaches 100 visits.

This works well for:

  • Limited-access offers

  • VIP-only promotions

  • Controlled distribution campaigns

Step 4: Set Expiration Behavior

After a link expires, you can define what happens next.

Common options include:

Redirect to Another URL

Send users to:

  • A general landing page

  • A “Campaign Ended” page

  • A waitlist or alternative offer

This ensures visitors are guided instead of facing a broken link.

Display a Custom Expired Message

Inform visitors that:

  • The promotion has ended

  • The event registration is closed

  • The link is no longer active

Providing clarity improves user experience.

Step 5: Save Your Settings

After configuring expiration:

  1. Review all settings carefully.

  2. Click Save or Update Link.

  3. Confirm changes.

Your link will now follow the defined expiration rules automatically.

Managing Expired Links

You maintain full control even after expiration.

You can:

  • Extend the expiration date

  • Remove expiration entirely

  • Reactivate the link

  • Change the destination

Expired links remain visible in your dashboard with their analytics intact.

No data is lost.