Removing the go2 URL link

[Mitangi_Parekh]

Hello all,

We're noticing that when we add any hyperlinks to our email, the link preview we see when we hover over it is: http://go2.example.com (See below).

We have two problems with this: a) when users click on this link, Chrome shows it as Not Secure (which is problematic since we are a cybersecurity company) and b) when you hover over the link, it looks like a scam.

How can we remove that link preview so if people hover, they see the correct URL?

Thank you

[SanfordWhiteman · Accepted solution]

This is how all link tracking works, not just in Marketo. Nothing here should be surprising.

We have two problems with this: a) when users click on this link, Chrome shows it as Not Secure (which is problematic since we are a cybersecurity company)

Add SSL to your Marketo subscription. This is an add-on.

b) when you hover over the link, it looks like a scam.

No it doesn't, it looks like a tracked link. "Scam" is not useful terminology.

if people hover, they see the correct URL?

They are currently seeing the correct URL, because the link goes to Marketo's tracking server.

If you don't want to track links, turn off link tracking, then the correct URL will be the original target URL. But of course you will not get Clicked Link in Email activities.

[Mitangi_Parekh]

Hey Sanford,

Thanks for your reply - with regards to link tracking, we are aware that tracking tokens are always applied but in our experience from Mailchimp, we are used to seeing only the full destination URL when we hover over the link. When we click on the link and the page loads, that's when we see the full tracking token.

You're right - scam isn't useful terminology but for users not acquainted with how Marketo functions, "http://go2.example.com/21dfgsgsd2112342" (for instance) doesn't seem legit if they're expecting to be taken to the Twitter page. Several people in our org who tested our emails raised the same concern.

Marketo may be showing the correct URL since it goes to the tracking server but the layperson doesn't know that.

But you're correct, we can't solve this issue since we need to keep link tracking on.

Thanks again

[SanfordWhiteman]

Thanks for your reply - with regards to link tracking, we are aware that tracking tokens are always applied but in our experience from Mailchimp, we are used to seeing only the full destination URL when we hover over the link.

The link must be personalized for the email recipient if it's going to be tracked. The personalized link is what you're seeing when you hover because that's the actual, non-deceptive href of the <a>.

Marketo may be showing the correct URL since it goes to the tracking server but the layperson doesn't know that.

Laypeople don't understand how HTTP works, but this is how link tracking has to work and always does.