Build a UTM tool in Zapier

If you’ve ever had to build out links with UTM parameters you now how tedious it can be. 

‍

Messy spreadsheets, a huge list of misspelled parameters, and data that’s scattered.

‍

Utm.io solved the problem.

‍

But with a hefty price tag. 

‍

Want custom parameters? That’ll be $69/mo.

Want a Zapier integration? That’ll be $159/mo.

Want a better solution? 

‍

Good news. You can rebuild UTM.io in Zapier with unlimited custom parameters and a Zapier integration (cause… it’s Zapier) easily for $19.99/month. 

‍

Today, I’m going to show you how to build a UTM link creator for your team in Zapier and save you $139 every month. 

‍

Steal the UTM Builder template if you want to follow along in your own Zapier account.

‍

Let’s build!

‍

UTM.io app breakdown

Let’s break apart UTM.io using my Bones-Skin-Brain framework.

‍

‍

UTM.io is really just a table with some logic built in. It’s a perfect candidate for a rebuild in Zapier.

‍

Bones are built with Tables, skin is built with Interfaces, and a brain is built with Zaps. Here’s what we’ll need:

‍

• Bones (Tables): links, UTM parameters with a list of options, users
• Skin (Interfaces): UTM builder, generated URL view
• Brain (Zaps): URL generation, shortening,

‍

Let’s start with Zapier Tables.

‍

Build the table

Is this too easy? It should feel easy.

‍

Match the table from UTM.io. Here are the fields:

‍

• Created by
• Created date
• Shortened URL
• Full URL
• Campaign Name
• Campaign Medium
• Campaign Source
• Campaign Term
• Campaign Content
• Checkbox field to archive a link
• +any custom parameters you want

‍

This table will also serve as the “admin interface.” In other words, if you need to add more campaign sources you would just go into Tables and edit the dropdown options.

‍

Build the interface

There are two main things someone will need to do:

• Build new URLs through a form
• View the shortened result in a table

‍

First up, build out the form and connect it to the table you just built with all the necessary fields.

‍

‍

After that, scroll down and add a table component showing the main URL table. Drag the shortened URL field to the front.

‍

‍

Build the Zap

UTM.io only offers a Zapier integration on their premium plan at $159 per month. WOW. That’s a lot just to access to Zapier.

‍

If you build this all in Zapier, you could use the free versions of Interfaces and Tables and only pay $19/mo for Zaps.

‍

You need one 9-step Zap. It only uses 1 task for shortening the URL. All other steps are free every time this thing runs. 

‍

‍

The Zap URL encodes each input to ensure it’s formatted correctly for the URL. Then it shortens the URL and adds it back into the table so you can grab the result.

‍

‍

Hello, money back in your pocket.

‍

More features you could build

UTM.io has other features that you may want to re-build in your Zapier version. 

‍

Templates

Creating UTM templates, for instance. 

‍

Templates are possible using Interfaces URL params. It’s a technical term that really just means adding some things to a URL to pre-populate forms. It would allow you to create templates.

‍

Rules

UTM.io also has rules you could set up like prohibited values or max characters. While you can’t enforce things like rules directly on an Interfaces form, you can add a filter step to the Zap that stops should a rule be broken. It could then send a message to the teammate telling them how to fix the problem.

‍

Bit.ly (or other 3rd party app integration)

UTM.io has some built-in integrations. Well, with Zapier, you have 7,500+ integrations so there’s really no comparison here.

‍

Chrome Extension

UTM.io gives you a Chrome Extension. Well, with Zapier Central you can set up a behavior to easily create links on the fly. 

‍

The list goes on… but you’ll be hard pressed to find something you truly can’t build with Zapier.

‍

With a little upfront building, you could save your team $1,668 per year using Zapier instead of UTM.io and have room to build other tools. 

If you are builder, now’s your chance to show your value.

‍

To recap:

• Save $139/mo using Zapier (here’s a template) instead of other UTM builder tools
• Using the Bones-Skin-Brain framework, breaking down UTM.io shows how simple it is
• As a builder, show your value by saving you, your team, and your clients money

‍

That’s all for this week!

‍

Happy Building,

Bryce