> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://shortpen.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

> Learn best practices for ShortPen links and fix common issues with slugs, QR codes, and event tracking in minutes.

# Best Practices and Troubleshooting for ShortPen links

## Before you start

* You know the [basic parts of a Shortpen Link](/link-management/links/link-components): **destination URL**, **domain**, **slug**, **title**.
* You can [create](/getting-started/create-first-link) and [edit](/link-management/links/link-editing) links in the **Links** area.
* If you’ll track conversions, first install the [ShortPen Pixel](/key-concepts/pixel-overview) and create [events](/getting-started/create-first-event).

## Naming best practices (slugs, folders, tags)

### 1. Slugs: short, readable, pronounceable

Prefer `brand.com/campaign-offer` over random strings or special characters. It’s easier to share in email, social, and spoken contexts.

Keep slugs stable once printed on QR assets (see QR note below).

### 2. One convention, everywhere

Pick a single pattern (e.g., `q3-launch-2025` or `2025-q3_launch`) and stick to it across slugs, folder names, and tags. It keeps filters, bulk edits, and analytics clean.

### 3. Plan UTMs up front

Align on lowercase keys/values (e.g., `utm_source=newsletter`) and a small, approved list of sources/mediums/campaigns.

<Info>
  **Learn more**: [UTMs in ShortPen: What they are and why they matter](/link-management/links-settings/utm-overview)
</Info>

### 4. Organize with folders + tags (together)

Put each link in **one** [folder](/link-management/links-organization/folders) for ownership/context.

Add **multiple** [tags](/link-management/links-organization/tags) for cross-cutting views (channel, audience, objective).

## QR Codes: What to remember

**A QR encodes the link (domain + slug). If you later change slug or domain, the previous link will no longer work. Re-download and replace everywhere.**

<Info>
  **Learn more**: [What happens to a QR Code after changing a link?](/link-management/qr-code/qr-after-link-change)
</Info>

Keep **high contrast**, **don’t crop the quiet zone**, and test on **multiple phones** before big print runs.

<Info>
  **Learn more**: [Best practices for QR Codes in offline campaigns](/link-management/qr-code/qr-best-practices)
</Info>

## Troubleshooting common link issues

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="“This slug is already in use”">
    **Why it happens:** Slugs must be unique per domain.

    **Fix:** In **Basic settings → URL**, pick a different slug or choose another connected domain.

    <Info>
      **Learn more**: [How to resolve a slug conflict in ShortPen](/link-management/troubleshooting/slug-conflict)
    </Info>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="“My QR doesn’t open the right page”">
    **Likely cause:** You changed slug or domain after generating the QR.

    **Fix:** Open the link, go to **QR Code**, confirm the preview shows the current URL, then download a fresh QR and replace the old asset.

    <Info>
      **Learn more**: [What happens to a QR Code after changing a link?](/link-management/qr-code/qr-after-link-change)
    </Info>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="“Events aren’t recording on this link”">
    **Quick checklist:**

    1. In **Basic settings**, confirm [Enable Event Tracking](/link-management/links-settings/enabling-event-tracking) is **ON** for the link.
    2. Confirm the event exists and is **enabled**.
    3. [Verify the ShortPen Pixel](/event-tracking/shortpen-pixel/pixel-verification) is installed and the **allowed domain** matches the destination.
    4. Remember: events track **from creation onward** (no backfill).

    <Info>
      **Learn more**: [How to create your first event in ShortPen](/getting-started/create-first-event)
    </Info>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="“The social preview didn’t update”">
    **Cause:** Platforms cache OG data.

    **Fix:** After editing **Custom share preview**, rescrape with Facebook Sharing Debugger, LinkedIn Post Inspector, and X Card Validator. Allow some time to propagate.

    <Info>
      **Learn more**: [How to customize Social Share Previews in ShortPen](/link-management/links-settings/social-share-previews)
    </Info>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="“Analytics look mixed after a big destination change”">
    **Why:** Changing destination doesn’t reset analytics. The link object continues collecting data.

    **Fix:** For major pivots, [duplicate](/link-management/links/link-duplication) the link and use the new URL there to keep reporting clean.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Do I lose analytics if I edit a link?">
    No. Changing the destination keeps analytics on the same link object. Consider duplicating for big pivots.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if I changed my QR design colors or logo. Do I need to reprint?">
    If only the design changed (not the URL), the old codes still scan. Reprint only for branding consistency.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related links

* [Components of a ShortPen link](/link-management/links/link-components)
* [How to create a link in ShortPen](/getting-started/create-first-link)
* [How to edit an existing link in ShortPen](/link-management/links/link-editing)
* [How to use QR Codes in ShortPen](/key-concepts/qr-codes-overview)
* [UTMs in ShortPen: What they are and why they matter](/link-management/links-settings/utm-overview)
* [How to enable Event Tracking on a ShortPen Link](/link-management/links-settings/enabling-event-tracking)
* [Understanding ShortPen Analytics](/key-concepts/analytics-overview)