Ever wished for shorter, catchier, and on-brand links? Look no further. Branded Short Domains do just that. They take your long website links and turn them into compact, branded short links that pack a punch.
In this guide, we’ll reveal the secrets behind branded domains – what they are, why they matter, and how you can effortlessly get started. Let’s dive in and revolutionize your online presence, one link at a time.
What is a branded short domain?
A branded short domain is a customized and concise web address created from your domain name, designed to strengthen your brand’s identity in online communications.
Unlike generic shortening services that use platforms like bit.ly, a branded domain enables you to utilize your domain to generate shorter, more personalized links. This approach reinforces your brand, enhances link credibility, and maintains consistent branding throughout your digital interactions.
In short, a branded domain is a way to transform long URLs into branded, memorable, and impactful short links that resonate with your audience.
For instance, if your brand’s website is “www.examplebrand.com,” a branded short domain could produce links like “ex.brand/promo” or “example.brand/sale,” making them both user-friendly and aligned with your brand’s identity.
Branded short link vs. branded short domain: What’s the difference?
Both branded short links and branded short domains provide more customized and memorable URLs compared to long, generic ones, the main distinction lies in whether you’re customizing the link portion only (branded short link) or also customizing the domain part (branded domain) to align with your brand’s identity.
Branded short domains offer a higher level of branding and control, but they require additional setup and configuration compared to branded short links.
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How to set up a branded short domain?
With Replug, you can now transform your URLs into branded short domains, seamlessly integrating your brand identity into every interaction. Say goodbye to generic links and hello to a more memorable and trustworthy online presence.
Let’s dive in and take your brand to the next level of link engagement.
Set up the branded short domain using Replug:
Step 1: Go to Custom Domains
Access the Replug dashboard, navigate to “Settings,” and select “Custom Domains” from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: New Domain
Click on “Add Domain” to add your custom domain for creating branded links.
Step 3: Create your Domain
Enter your Domain URL, set up Custom 404 redirection, and define the Branded Domain. Click “Connect” to proceed.
- Domain URL: Your branded or custom domain.
- 404 Redirect URL: Where users land on 404 pages.
- Branded Domain: Redirects users to the specified URL when they visit the root address of your brand’s domain.
Step 4: Configure DNS Records
To finalize the setup, you need to configure DNS records in your domain registrar’s settings. You have two options:
- CNAME (Canonical Name) Record: Point it to “rplg.co” and set HOST as “@” or “www.”
- A (Address) Record: Use the IP address “35.238.70.19” to point your root URL to the URL shortener.
For subdomains, such as “links.yourdomain.com” or “track.yourdomain.com,” use CNAME and A records accordingly.
Step 5: Check Connectivity and Actions
After connecting your domain, Replug shows its status. You can also edit or delete custom domains as needed.
For detailed DNS setup instructions, Replug provides links to various domain registrars’ documentation, including Amazon Web Services, Namecheap, Cloudflare, cPanel, and HostGator.
Feel free to reach out to Replug’s support team if you have any questions or need assistance.
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Why do you need to use a branded short domain?
Using a branded short domain offers several valuable benefits for individuals and businesses alike:
- Enhanced Brand Identity: Branded domains allow you to incorporate your brand name or a related keyword directly into your shortened links. This reinforces your brand identity with every link you share, making your content more recognizable and memorable to your audience.
- Increased Trust: Generic shortening services often use unfamiliar domains, which can raise concerns about link legitimacy and security. Branded short domains, on the other hand, leverage your own domain, instilling greater trust in your links among users who recognize your brand.
- Consistent Branding: Branded domains maintain a consistent brand presence across all online interactions. Whether it’s in social media posts, emails, or marketing campaigns, your audience sees your brand name prominently displayed in the links you share.
- Improved Click-Through Rates: Branded short domains are more visually appealing and professional-looking. This can lead to higher click-through rates as users are more likely to click on links that appear trustworthy and associated with a familiar brand.
- Analytics and Insights: Many branded short-domain services provide detailed analytics about link performance. You can gain insights into click rates, geographic locations of clicks, devices used, and more. This data helps you optimize your link-sharing strategies.
- Flexibility and Control: With a branded domain, you have the flexibility to customize your links based on different campaigns, promotions, or content types. You can also easily update or change the destination URLs without affecting the branding.
- SEO Benefits: Branded short domains may contribute to boosting your overall domain authority. As these links are associated with your main domain, they can potentially provide a small SEO advantage.
- Professionalism: Branded domains create a more professional image for your brand. Instead of using generic shortening services, you present your audience with tailored, branded links that reflect your commitment to quality.
- Effective Tracking: Branded short-domain services often include advanced tracking and analytics features. These insights help you understand audience behavior, refine your strategies, and measure the success of your campaigns.
- Competitive Advantage: Utilizing branded short domains can set you apart from competitors who are still using generic short links. It shows your audience that you pay attention to details and prioritize their experience.
Also read: How to Shorten a Link for Instagram Bio: Step-by-Step Guide
FAQs
Why should I use a branded short domain?
Using a branded short domain reinforces your brand identity, increases link trustworthiness, and maintains consistent branding in your online communications. It also improves click-through rates and provides analytics insights.
Do I need technical skills to set up a branded domain?
While some technical knowledge might be helpful, many branded short-domain services offer user-friendly setup processes. They typically provide instructions for configuring DNS records to link your domain with the shortening service.
Can I still use a short domain if I don’t have a website?
Yes, you can still use a branded short domain even if you don’t have a website. You can set up a subdomain for this purpose, such as “links.yourdomain.com,” and link it to the shortening service.
Can I track the performance of branded short links?
Yes, most branded short-domain services offer analytics and tracking features. You can monitor click rates, locations of clicks, devices used, and more to assess the effectiveness of your links.
Are there any SEO benefits to using a branded domain?
While the direct impact is limited, using branded short domains can potentially contribute to boosting your domain authority. The links are associated with your main domain, which could have a small positive effect on SEO.
