If you send out sales decks, marketing files, or sensitive docs, you know the pain: once you email a PDF, you lose control. Who opens it? Do they share it? Did they even look? Live send links in Seismic aim to fix that—giving you a way to share content securely, track engagement, and keep some control. This guide walks you through how to actually use them, what’s worth setting up, and what to skip.
This isn’t a fluff piece. If you want clear steps, gotchas, and honest advice, you’re in the right place.
What’s a Live Send Link (and Why Bother)?
A live send link is just a unique URL that points to content stored in Seismic. You send that link instead of the file itself. The person clicks, views (or downloads, if you let them), and you get stats on who did what.
Why use them? - Control: You can disable the link or update the file after sending. - Visibility: See exactly who’s viewed or shared your content. - Security: Limit access or set expiration dates—no more “did they forward my deck?” anxiety.
But let’s be real:
These links are only as secure as your settings. If you make the link public and don’t require sign-in, it’s only slightly better than sending an attachment. If you lock things down too tightly, people might not bother opening it at all. Striking the right balance matters.
Step 1: Prep Your Content in Seismic
Before you can share anything, your file needs to be in Seismic. Here’s how to get that sorted:
- Upload your file:
- Log into Seismic.
- Hit “Upload” and pick your file (PDF, PPTX, etc.).
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Give it a clear name and description—vague names make finding stuff a nightmare later.
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Set permissions (optional, but worth it):
- Decide who can see the file inside Seismic.
- If your company has strict rules, double-check with whoever manages your library.
Pro tip:
If you plan to update your file later (like swapping in a new version), keep the same file name/versioning in Seismic. That way, your live link always points to the latest.
Step 2: Create a Live Send Link
Here’s where the magic happens. Follow these steps to generate a link you can control:
- Find your file:
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Use Seismic’s search or browse to your content.
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Select “Share” or “LiveSend”:
- You’ll usually see a “Share” button or an option called “LiveSend.”
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Click it. Choose “LiveSend Link” (not just “send as attachment”—that’s the old way).
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Set link options:
- Audience:
- Anyone with the link? Or require email sign-in?
- The “email required” option gives you real tracking but adds a hoop for the recipient.
- Expiration:
- Set a date when the link dies. If you forget this, your stuff could float around forever.
- Download permissions:
- View-only is safest. Letting people download means losing control, but sometimes it’s necessary.
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Password protection (optional):
- Adds a layer, but let’s be honest—most people hate remembering passwords. Only use for highly sensitive stuff.
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Customize (optional):
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Some orgs let you brand the viewing page or add a message. Not critical, but if you want to look polished, go for it.
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Create and copy the link:
- Click “Create” or “Generate Link.”
- Copy the URL provided.
Reality check:
Don’t overthink the settings. If you’re sharing a case study, you probably don’t need max security. For a confidential contract, crank things up.
Step 3: Share the Link (The Right Way)
You’ve got your link—now what? Here’s what to know before blasting it out:
- Paste the link into your email or message.
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Don’t bury it in a wall of text. Make it obvious:
Here’s the latest proposal: [link] -
Set expectations.
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If you require sign-in or a password, let them know up front.
> “You’ll need to enter your email to view—this helps us track who’s seen it.” -
Don’t use company jargon.
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“Here’s the Q3 Synergy Enablement Asset” will just confuse people.
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Keep it direct and simple.
- “This is the latest deck. Let me know if you have trouble opening it.”
Heads-up:
Some firewalls or security tools block unknown links. If you’re sending to a big company, check if they’ve had issues with Seismic links before.
Step 4: Track Engagement (Without Being Creepy)
One of the best things about live send links is seeing who actually opens your stuff. Here’s how to make use of that without overdoing it:
- Check the analytics:
- In Seismic, go to “LiveSend” or “Shared Links” to see stats.
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You’ll see who opened the link, when, and sometimes even which page they spent time on.
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Look for signals, not perfection:
- If someone opens your deck four times in one day, they’re interested.
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If no one opens it, maybe your subject line stunk (or they just weren’t interested).
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Follow up smartly:
- Don’t say “I saw you opened the deck at 9:14am.”
- Instead, try: “Just checking in—any questions on the proposal?”
Don’t obsess:
Analytics are helpful, but they won’t close deals for you. Use them to inform your follow-ups, not to micromanage.
Step 5: Manage and Update Links
Let’s say you need to change something after sending the link. Here’s what you can (and can’t) do:
- Update the content:
- If you upload a new version of the file to the same spot in Seismic, the link often points to the updated version.
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Test it first—some orgs have weird settings that break this.
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Disable the link:
- In Seismic, go to “Shared Links,” find your link, and hit “Disable” or “Expire.”
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This is handy if someone leaves a company or you sent it to the wrong person.
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Change permissions:
- Some settings (like download permissions) can be tweaked after sending. Others can’t—you might need to create a new link.
Pro tip:
Don’t promise “live updates” unless you’re sure your workflow supports it. Some companies lock down version control, and your live send link might not always reflect the latest file.
What doesn’t work:
- Trying to make a file “disappear” after someone’s already downloaded it. If they saved it locally, it’s out of your hands.
- Using live send links for stuff people need to edit. This is for sharing, not collaborating.
What to Ignore (and What Actually Matters)
Ignore: - Overly complicated branding or customization. Recipients care about the content, not your logo. - “Advanced” analytics dashboards (unless you’re in marketing and actually need them).
Focus on: - Setting the right permissions for your audience. - Making sure the link works before sending. - Following up based on real engagement, not just sending and hoping.
Keep It Simple and Iterate
Live send links in Seismic are powerful, but don’t let all the options slow you down. Pick the right security for your use case, send your link, and pay attention to what actually helps you work smarter. If something’s not working, tweak your approach next time—don’t get bogged down in features you’ll never use.
Bottom line: You want to share content securely and know what happens next. That’s what live send links are for. Everything else is just noise.