How to shorten link using a URL shortener?

Long and messy URLs not only look unprofessional but are also hard to share. On platforms like Twitter (X), Instagram, or SMS campaigns, every character counts, and bulky links can reduce engagement.

That’s where a URL shortener comes in handy. It helps you create clean, trackable, and branded links that are easy to share and manage. Plus, advanced tools like Replug go beyond shortening, offering analytics, CTAs, and retargeting features.

Let’s explore what URL shortening is, how it works, its benefits, and a step-by-step guide to shortening a link using Replug.

What is URL shortening and why is it important?

URL shortening is the practice of taking a long URL and transforming it into a shorter, cleaner version. Instead of sharing a link filled with random characters and numbers, a link shortener gives you a polished, easy-to-read URL that looks professional and is far more shareable.

But it’s not just about looks. Shortened links save space on platforms with strict character limits, make your content easier to promote across emails and social media, and increase the chances of people clicking through.

Key benefits of URL shortening

• Professional appearance: Short, branded links look polished on resumes, business cards, and social media.
• Higher engagement: Clean links are more clickable and less likely to be ignored or skipped.
• Space-saving: Essential for platforms with strict character limits like X, SMS, or WhatsApp.
• Consistent branding: Custom slugs and domains reinforce your brand identity.
• Actionable insights: Track clicks, devices, and geolocation data to refine campaigns.
• Flexibility: Update or redirect shortened links anytime without breaking the original share.

Replug – The best URL shortener to simplify and track links

Replug is a reliable all-in-one link management tool built for marketers, agencies, and businesses. It goes beyond basic shortening by letting you create branded URLs, run A/B tests, add custom CTAs, set up white-label dashboards, and manage bio-links, all from a single platform.

How to shorten a link using Replug in 5 simple steps

Shortening a link with Replug is quick and beginner-friendly. Whether you’re creating a branded URL or just cleaning up a long, messy link, the process takes only a few clicks. 

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Log in to Replug

Sign in to Replug or create an account for free. 

Step 2: Paste your link

Paste your long URL in the bar under “Quickly Shorten your link”

Step 3: Generate short URL

Click on the blue next arrow. Replug will automatically generate a short link for your long URL:

Note: Here, you can also add UTM parameters to your link to track the performance of that link. 

Step 4: Customize slug

You can also change your link name using Replug. All you need to do is change the slug of your short link.

Step 5: Save and share

Save your shortened link. Now your link is ready to share anywhere, whether you need to shorten a link to share on Instagram, Discord, or in an email campaign.

Note: You can add some amazing Replug features to your link. You can customize your link preview, add custom favicons, A/B test your links, and more! You can also add retargeting pixels or custom CTAs to your link-shortening campaigns.

How to shorten a link in Word?

If you’re working on a document and want to make long URLs look neat, you can turn them into clickable text.

1. Open your Word document.
2. Highlight the text where you want the link to appear (e.g., Click here).
3. Right-click and select Link (or press Ctrl + K).
4. Paste your long URL in the box and hit OK.

Now, your document shows clean text instead of a messy URL.

How to shorten a link in Excel?

Excel also allows you to hide long URLs behind clean text or labels.

1. Select the cell where you want the link.
2. Right-click and choose Link (or press Ctrl + K).
3. Enter the text you want displayed (e.g., Product Page) in the Text to display field.
4. Paste your long URL into the Address field and click OK.

This way, your spreadsheet stays clean and professional while still linking to the right page.

Another option is to use a URL shortener.

1. Go to Replug and sign up for a free plan.
2. Paste your long URL into the box under “Quickly Shorten your link.”
3. Click Enter, and your link will be shortened instantly.
4. Copy the shortened link and return to your Word or Excel document. Use the same Insert Hyperlink feature (as explained earlier) to add the clean, shortened URL.

Is link shortening for you?

It’s time to find out. Here are some powerful use cases to give you a clear picture.

Shorten social media URLs

Shortened links help maintain clean and concise posts on platforms like X (Twitter) and Instagram, where character limits are strict. They improve readability and encourage more engagement from followers.

Mask affiliate & e-commerce links

By shortening affiliate links and e-commerce URLs, marketers can hide complex links, making them more appealing and trustworthy to users. This practice also helps maintain brand integrity across different channels.

Shorten links for SMS campaigns

Shortened URLs are crucial in SMS marketing, where space is limited. Shorten Amazon URLs to enhance campaign effectiveness. Or offer promotions, surveys, or special offers without exceeding character restrictions. 

Create QR codes for your offline audience

Create shortened links and instantly generate and download QR codes for it. This way, you can connect customers of every genre, such as tourism, retail, e-commerce, sports, etc., to your digital space.

Related: Uses of QR Codes: Marketing, Sustainability & Convenience

Run advanced retargeting campaigns

Shortened URLs can be used to retarget users who have clicked on specific links. By embedding retargeting pixels within shortened links, marketers can track user interactions and deliver personalized ads based on their browsing behavior, thus maximizing conversions.

Track campaign performance

Most shorteners provide real-time analytics, allowing you to measure clicks, referral sources, and audience geography. This makes it easier to optimize ads, social campaigns, and influencer collaborations.

Manage multiple marketing campaigns

For agencies and teams, link shorteners double as link management hubs. You can organize, update, or disable links anytime without breaking them, perfect for dynamic campaigns.

Final words

We’ve walked through everything you need to know about shortening links, its benefits, and even how to make your links look clean in Word and Excel. From tidying up long URLs to powering social media campaigns, affiliate promotions, SMS marketing, and even QR codes, link shortening is a small step that makes a big difference.

And if you want more than just shorter links, Replug has you covered. Start shortening your links with Replug today and take full control of your clicks.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best URL shortener?

Replug is among the best thanks to its analytics, branding, and affordability. A great alternative to Bitly and Rebrandly.

Does Google have a URL shortener?

No, Google shut it down in 2019. Replug is a top Google URL shortener alternative.

Is it safe to use a URL shortener?

Yes, URL shorteners are safe when used through trusted services like Replug. While risks such as hidden destinations or link rot exist, using branded domains, HTTPS encryption, and link previews ensures both security and trust.

How do I edit a hyperlink to make it shorter?

You can edit hyperlinks in tools like Word or Excel by replacing long URLs with clean display text (e.g., “Click here”). Alternatively, use a URL shortener like Replug to create a concise link, then insert it using the hyperlink feature.

How do I shorten a Google Form link?

Copy your Google Form link and paste it into a URL shortener like Replug. It will generate a shorter, more shareable version of your form link, which you can customize with your brand name or keywords.