Glossary/Webhook

Webhook

An HTTP callback that automatically sends data to a specified URL when an event occurs. Also called a "reverse API" — instead of you requesting data, the data is pushed to you in real time.

Extended Definition

Webhooks enable real-time communication between systems without constant polling. When a specific event happens (a click, a conversion, a link creation), the source system sends an HTTP POST request to a URL you specify, containing a JSON payload with the event details.

Event occurs → Source system sends HTTP POST → Your endpoint receives data

POST https://your-server.com/webhook
Content-Type: application/json
X-Signature: sha256=a1b2c3...

{
  "event": "click",
  "timestamp": "2026-02-25T10:30:00Z",
  "data": { "link_id": 42, "country": "US", "device": "mobile" }
}

Webhooks vs API Polling

FactorWebhooksAPI Polling
LatencyReal-time (seconds)Depends on poll interval
Resource usageLow (only fires on events)High (constant requests)
ComplexityNeed an endpoint to receiveSimple GET requests
ReliabilityNeeds retry logicInherently retryable
Best forReal-time reactionsBatch data retrieval

Common Webhook Use Cases

  • Slack alerts — Get notified when a link receives its first click or a conversion fires
  • Google Sheets logging — Append every click to a spreadsheet for custom reporting
  • CRM updates — Update lead records when conversions occur
  • Zapier/Make automation — Trigger multi-step workflows from link events
  • Custom dashboards — Build real-time monitoring with your own frontend

Security: HMAC Signatures

Webhooks should be verified to ensure they come from the expected source. GeoRedir signs every webhook payload with HMAC-SHA256 using your webhook secret. Always validate the X-Signature header before processing the payload to prevent spoofed events.

How GeoRedir Handles Webhooks

GeoRedir supports webhooks on Business plans and above with 6 event types: link.created, link.updated, link.deleted, click, conversion, and alert.triggered. All payloads are HMAC-SHA256 signed. Failed deliveries retry up to 5 times with exponential backoff. Webhooks auto-disable after 10 consecutive failures. Full setup in the Webhooks Guide.

Related Terms

Get real-time event notifications

GeoRedir webhooks push click, conversion, and alert events to your endpoints in real time with HMAC signing.

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