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Overview

This guide provides an overview of the advanced features in the Apptrove iOS SDK, designed to enhance user engagement, attribution, and analytics for iOS apps. These tools enable developers to track campaign performance, deliver personalized experiences, and ensure accurate attribution while maintaining privacy compliance.

Prerequisites​

  • iOS 10.0 or later and Xcode 12.0 or later
  • Access to the Trackier Panel for campaign configuration
  • Basic knowledge of Swift and iOS development

Advanced Features​

1. Deep Linking​

What It Does​

Uses Universal Links (e.g., https://yourbrand.u9ilnk.me) to direct users to specific in-app content, such as a product page or user profile.

Benefits​

  • Improves user experience by enabling seamless navigation from external sources (e.g., ads, emails) to targeted app content.
  • Boosts engagement and conversions through personalized in-app journeys.

Use Case​

Route users to a specific product page after clicking a promotional link in a marketing campaign.

2. Deferred Deep Linking​

What It Does​

Routes first-time users to specific in-app content after they install your app via a campaign link, preserving the original deep link through the App Store installation flow.

Benefits​

  • Seamless onboarding experience for new users from marketing campaigns.
  • Improved conversion rates by directing users to relevant content immediately after install.

Use Case​

New users clicking a promotional link install the app and are automatically directed to the promoted product or offer.

3. Uninstall Tracking (APNs)​

What It Does​

Monitors app uninstalls by leveraging Apple Push Notification Service (APNs) to detect when push notifications can no longer be delivered to a device.

Benefits​

  • Measure user retention and identify churn patterns.
  • Calculate true lifetime value (LTV) by factoring in uninstall rates.
  • Optimize user acquisition campaigns based on quality of installs vs. quick uninstalls.

Use Case​

Identify which marketing campaigns lead to quality long-term users versus those that result in quick uninstalls, helping refine acquisition strategies.

4. Apple Search Ads Attribution​

What It Does​

Tracks installs driven by Apple Search Ads using the AdServices framework, capturing attribution tokens for campaign analysis.

Benefits​

  • Provides precise insights into App Store ad performance.
  • Enables optimization of keyword bids and ad spend for better ROI.

Use Case​

Measure the effectiveness of search ad campaigns targeting specific keywords in the App Store.

What It Does​

Create and resolve short, shareable links that work across platforms and survive the app installation process.

Benefits​

  • Simplify link sharing and tracking across multiple channels.
  • Support both existing users (direct deep links) and new users (deferred deep links) with a single link.

Use Case​

Create shareable referral links for user invite campaigns that work whether the recipient has the app installed or not.

Best Practices​

  • Deep Linking: Configure Universal Links in your app and associated domains in the Trackier Panel to ensure seamless navigation.
  • Deferred Deep Linking: Test the complete install flow from click to first-launch deep link handling to ensure attribution data is properly passed.
  • Uninstall Tracking: Always request notification permissions and explain their value to users. Use Production SSL certificates for App Store builds and enable sandbox mode for TestFlight testing.
  • Apple Search Ads Attribution: Integrate the AdServices framework and test attribution in ENV_TESTING mode to verify data accuracy before production.
  • Test Thoroughly: Validate each feature in a development environment on physical devices to ensure proper implementation.

Troubleshooting​

  • Deep Linking Issues: Verify Universal Link configuration in your app's entitlements and the Trackier Panel.
  • Deferred Deep Linking Not Working: Ensure subscribeAttributionlink() is called after SDK initialization on iOS devices.
  • Uninstall Tracking Not Working: Confirm Push Notifications capability is enabled, APNs certificate is uploaded to Trackier panel, and user has granted notification permissions. Remember that iOS uninstalls take 9+ days to appear in reports.
  • Apple Search Ads Attribution Failure: Confirm the AdServices framework is integrated and the app is correctly configured for App Store attribution.

For further assistance, refer to the Trackier Documentation Portal or contact Trackier support at support@trackier.com.