Migrate from Branch
Complete guide to migrating your Branch.io deep links to LinkForty with zero downtime.
Overview
Branch.io is a popular deep linking platform, but many teams are looking for more cost-effective and flexible alternatives. LinkForty provides the same core functionality with transparent pricing and no vendor lock-in.
Why Migrate?
| Feature | Branch | LinkForty Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $299+/month | $49/month |
| Self-Hosting | ❌ Not available | ✅ Free & open source |
| Data Ownership | Limited | Complete |
| Custom Domain | ✅ Enterprise | ✅ All plans |
Prerequisites
- Custom Domain - Using a custom domain with Branch (e.g.,
go.yourcompany.com) - Export Access - Can export Branch link data as CSV
- DNS Access - Can update CNAME records
Step 1: Export Links from Branch
From Branch Dashboard
- Log in to Branch dashboard
- Navigate to Links → All Links
- Click Export to download CSV
- Save the CSV file
Required CSV Format
shortCode,iosUrl,androidUrl,webUrl,campaign,channel,feature,tags
summer-sale,https://apps.apple.com/app/123,https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.example,https://example.com,summer2024,social,referral,"sale,promotion"
Branch-Specific Fields
Branch uses different parameter names:
| Branch Field | LinkForty Equivalent |
|---|---|
channel | utm_medium |
campaign | utm_campaign |
feature | utm_source |
stage | Metadata |
tags | Link tags |
$desktop_url | webUrl |
$ios_url | iosUrl |
$android_url | androidUrl |
Step 2: Import into LinkForty
Using Migration Wizard
- Go to Migration in LinkForty dashboard
- Select Branch as your platform
- Upload your CSV file
- Review imported links
- Choose conflict strategy
- Click Import
Using API
curl -X POST https://api.linkforty.com/migrations/import \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
-F "file=@branch-links.csv" \
-F "platform=branch"
Step 3: DNS Migration
Current Branch CNAME
Your current DNS setup likely looks like:
Type: CNAME
Name: go
Value: custom.bnc.lt
Update to LinkForty
Change to:
Type: CNAME
Name: go
Value: links.linkforty.app
Set TTL to 300 seconds 24-48 hours before migration for faster propagation.
Step 4: Verify Migration
Test Redirects
After DNS propagation (5-10 minutes with lowered TTL):
- Test iOS deep links
- Test Android App Links
- Verify web fallback
- Check analytics tracking
Verify Deep Link Data
Branch allows custom deep link data. While LinkForty doesn't have an exact equivalent, you can:
- Store deep link paths in the link URLs
- Use UTM parameters for attribution
- Store Branch-specific data in link metadata
Branch Feature Mapping
Deep Link Data
Branch:
{
"$deeplink_path": "/product/123",
"$desktop_url": "https://example.com/product/123",
"custom_data": "value"
}
LinkForty:
- Use query parameters:
?path=/product/123 - Or encode in destination URLs
- Store original data in
migration_metadata
Journeys (Web Banners)
Branch Journeys are not directly supported. Alternatives:
- Use your own web banner implementation
- Link directly to app stores with LinkForty links
- Consider third-party banner solutions
Email Deep Linking
Branch's email deep linking features work by:
- Using Branch's email partner integrations
- Converting email clicks to deep links
In LinkForty:
- Use standard links in emails
- Device detection handles routing
- Works with all email providers
Troubleshooting
Deep Links Not Opening App
Problem: Links open in browser instead of app
Solutions:
- Verify app is installed on device
- Check universal links / app links are configured
- Test with
linkforty.app/debug/[shortCode]to see routing
Custom Data Not Preserved
Problem: Branch custom parameters missing
Solutions:
- Re-encode as query parameters
- Update app to parse new parameter structure
- Use webhooks to send custom data to your backend
Advanced Migration
Migrating Branch SDKs
If you're using Branch SDK for attribution:
- Keep Branch SDK temporarily for historical data
- Integrate LinkForty SDK alongside
- Gradually migrate tracking to LinkForty
- Remove Branch SDK when confident
Historical Analytics
Branch analytics don't transfer automatically:
- Export historical data from Branch
- Store in your own database or data warehouse
- Use LinkForty for new analytics going forward
Cost Comparison
Typical savings when migrating from Branch to LinkForty:
| Usage Level | Branch Cost | LinkForty Cost | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Startup | $299/mo | $49/mo | $3,000/year |
| Growth | $799/mo | $99/mo | $8,400/year |
| Enterprise | $2,499/mo | $299/mo | $26,400/year |
Need Help?
- Email: support@linkforty.com
- Documentation: docs.linkforty.com
- Migration Support: Available for Enterprise customers