Smart links route people to a destination
A smart app-store link checks a visitor's platform and redirects them to the relevant store listing or fallback page. It works in a browser and does not require changes to the mobile app. This is the job appqr.io focuses on.
Deep links open a location inside an installed app
An in-app deep link can direct a user who already has the app to a particular product, article, or screen. It normally requires mobile configuration such as Universal Links on iOS or Android App Links, plus handling inside the app.
Deferred deep links continue after installation
A deferred deep link aims to retain a destination through an install, then open the app at that destination on first launch. This is a different capability from routing someone to an app store and usually needs SDK and attribution-platform evaluation.
Attribution measures a campaign outcome
Attribution attempts to connect a click or ad interaction with an install or later event. Click analytics alone cannot prove an install. If campaign measurement is required, choose a dedicated measurement solution and confirm its platform and privacy requirements.
Which link do you need?
Use a smart link to send visitors to a store. Use a deep link to open a screen in an installed app. If you need to preserve a destination through installation or measure installs, check deferred-linking and attribution support for each platform.
For the store-routing workflow, see one link for App Store and Google Play.