---
title: Migrate to smart links
slug: migrate-to-smart-links
description: Upgrade your program from Roster's legacy referral links to Smart Links for better tracking and analytics, without breaking existing links.
docTags: 
createdAt: 2024-12-16T23:13:49.833Z
---

This guide walks you through the process of upgrading your program from Roster’s legacy referral links to Smart Links. Smart Links provide enhanced tracking and analytics capabilities without breaking existing referral links. Even if ambassadors continue using their legacy links, they will remain functional, ensuring a smooth transition for everyone.

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## Step-by-step instructions

Before we jump into the instructions, it's important to note that your ambassadors' existing referral links (aka legacy referral links) will continue to work even after smart links are enabled. For context, legacy referral links are structured with your full domain and the Roster tracking code. For example:

- Legacy format: `https://brand.com/?rstr=referral-id`
- Smart link format: `https://rstr.co/brand/referral-id`

Both the legacy referral links and the smart links will continue to work, allowing you to move forward with the benefits of smart links while being backwards compatible with your ambassadors legacy referral links 

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### Enable Smart Links for a program

1. **Navigate to program settings: **Go to the `Referrals` tab within your program settings.
2. **Add a Smart Link**:
   - Click `Add Smart Link`.
   - Leave the `Destination URL` and `Link Appearance` unchanged for now.
   - (Optional)Add a customer discount.
3. **Save the settings**:
   - Click `Save`.
   - A notification will appear, prompting you to notify ambassadors about their updated referral links.
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### Notify ambassadors of their updated links

1. **Review the email template**: The notification email includes a parameter for the ambassador’s new Smart Link. Customize the message as needed.
2. **Send notifications**:
   - Click `Confirm and Send Email` to notify ambassadors and finalize Smart Link settings.
   - Alternatively, uncheck the notification option if you plan to notify ambassadors later.
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### Verify the new smart links

1. **Wait for processing**: Allow a few minutes for Roster to generate Smart Links and update ambassador accounts.
2. **Check an ambassador's link**:
   - Navigate to an ambassador’s profile to verify their new Smart Link in the Discounts & Links section of their profile.
   - Note that the smart link is concise, branded, and hides any UTM parameters.
   - Copy the smart link and paste it into an incognito window in the browser. Note that the link redirects to the destination URL and includes any URL parameters that you set up in the Smart Link settings.
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## Next steps

- [Add leakproof codes to smart links (Shopify)](docId\:J-mbkK2ngpBAE53E0PDva) to give a discount to customers.
- [Smart link FAQs](docId\:fEjnMn6QyVtiqGGobU-yZ) for common questions and advanced features.

***

## Need help?

If you have any questions or concerns, contact our customer success team at [cs@getroster.com](mailto\:cs@getroster.com). We’re here to ensure a smooth migration to Smart Links for your program!