Tag: best link 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.

Are you looking to change the destination URL of a published page, blog post, or web link?

We’ve all been there. You publish a page or blog post, only to realise the destination link needs a change. Maybe it’s not quite right, or the content has moved. For instance, you share an important announcement, but the link you used now points to the wrong page. Instead of retracing your steps and updating it everywhere manually, wouldn’t it be easier to update the link once and be done? 

With a few simple steps, you can quickly create a new, short URL that redirects smoothly, saving you time and keeping everything on track. Here’s how:

6 simple steps to change a URL

Replug is an all-in-one link management tool for creating custom URLs, embedding call-to-actions, and making social media bio links. You can change the URL of a website in seconds by following these simple steps with Replug:

Step 1: Go to the Replug app

First things first, you need to go to the Replug app. Simply type in the URL of the app in your search bar.

Step 2: Sign in to your account

Sign in to your Replug account or create one if you don’t already have one:

Step 3: Shorten your desired link

Once you sign up or log in, you’ll be directed to the main dashboard. All you have to do now is paste the URL you want to shorten in the “Enter URL to shorten” bar:

Step 4: Click the “right arrow” button

Once you have pasted the long URL, click the “right arrow” button to proceed further:

Step 5: Edit your URL

Click on the edit icon and type the slug you want for your newly created URL. 

Once you have done that, click on the green tick to save the URL.

Step 6: Save the shortened link

The final step is to click on the “Save Shortened Link” button and you’re done!

FAQs on changing website URL

Can I shorten any website links?

You can easily shorten any website link using URL-shortening tools such as Replug. These not only allow you to shorten your link but also let you share it with your audience and track its performance.

Can I edit my domain name?

Your custom domain is a top-level domain you own and use to share your links. Tools like Replug allow you to edit your domain name easily, allowing you to maintain your brand identity and reputation.

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Now and then we get to see URLs that are either too long or carries random characters. However, URL shorteners is the magical way to not only shorten a long URL but also to change the URL name and to use the URL as a powerful marketing tool.

Link shorteners do way more than disguising a link, as times have changed, and so does product marketing. Long URL shortener is a reliable tool to change URL length, edit characters, add a call to action, and much more. We can also track and analyze how links perform across all social channels. 

For example, global businesses are now thoroughly based on online marketing and URL sharing. However, with a nasty URL, it is hard to describe what it is about. Unknown and random characters in the URL are suspicious enough not to stray away the receiver from clicking on it.

Hence, custom URL shorteners come in to play. 

Long URL shortener: Use cases and examples 

A good URL shortener will help in two main objectives, simplifying the link with fewer characters and measuring analytics for it. Anyone with internet availability can use a link shortener, from product marketers to small business owners, from Tiktokers to individuals. Everyone can use it anywhere!

Here are some reasons why a link shortener should be an important part of your marketing aspect.

#1: Tesla incorporating branded links

Any URL with your brand name will assure the link reader that it will lead to your page. Link shortening tools make URLs visually appealing and legitimate. 

It has been reported that branded links increase CTR so the companies that go with the changing trends and technologies are adapting.

Elon Musk’s multinational automotive company, Tesla, incorporates branded links when they run social media campaigns. 

Look at the example below.

#2: Fail Army promoting video content

Fail Army is a popular Youtube channel known for curating funny videos. They also have a massive Instagram following. Their strategy is to use bio links to promote their latest content. These links directly take the user to their promoted content.

#3: Pewdiepie’s merchandize marketing

Here’s an example of how Youtubers are utilizing bio links to promote other content on their socials.

Famous Youtuber Pewdiepie, has a massive social following on Youtube and Instagram. He has monetized his Instagram following by promoting its merchandize store through Instagram bio links.

When any one clicks the bio link it takes them to his online store.  He also share pictures of himself wearing his latest clothing to promote on Instagram.

Related: How To Add Instagram Link In Bio?

#4: G Fuel’s bio link strategy

Gfuel is a famous energy drink and often collaborates with Ninja and Pewdiepie. It is also the official drink of Esports. If you visit their Instagram, they have multiple pictures of their products. Every product description says, “link in the bio.” 

Here is the bio link of Gfuel. 

If you click the link, you will go to the landing page showing exact pictures as on Instagram. You further tap on your target product picture and land on the purchase page. 

This is an easy way of capturing leads to the product page and changing them into conversions.  

#5: Digital branding and marketing

Branded links increase trust and credibility of the URL. 

Below is an example of an unreliable link.

There are ways to make the links more appealing. Create short URLs, in return that can also bring more conversions. 

Instead, this is what you should do.

Editing random and untrustworthy links through shortening tools becomes more genuine and authentic. It is important to edit messy links, especially if you are running digital and social media marketing campaigns.

#6: Podcast marketing

Above image is an example of Jack Paxton’s account. He mentions his bio link, which will be redirected to a page filled with all podcast links. 

Like this: 

Bio links are the best strategy to take your Instagram audience to the podcast library. This is also helpful in collecting emails by adding the “email me” button. 

Use case #7: Amplify your music following

Another feature of the URL shortening tool is a deep link. Deep links redirect you from the URL to the specified screen page of a particular app.  

Spotify is a well-known audio streaming and media provider company. They recently tweeted about a new album and shared a customized link. If you click the link, you will directly go to wizkhalifa’s new album on Spotify.

#8: Myfix Cycles retargeting strategy to reduce cart abandonment 

Retargeting is a great feature that can bring back visitors that have bounced from your websites. Along with other great features, Replug also gives you the control to retarget visitors through retargeting pixels.

Retargeting has proved to be a great source of converting potential buyers to customers. Link retargeting allows users to target the people who have already visited your social or website.

Most of the eCommerce companies face cart abandonment issues where users leave without completing the purchase. With retargeting, users can remind customers through ads or emails to complete their purchase. Retargeting has proven to be a far more successful strategy to increase conversions.

Myfix Cycles uses retargeting smartly and resells their product that didn’t make the purchase the product the first time around. Below is the image of their retargeting.

Related: How To Utilize Replug for Facebook Retargeting Ads?

#9: A/B test your marketing campaigns

Link analytics plays a very important role when it comes to creating tracking URLs. One of the exclusive features of link shortening tools is A/B testing.

Imagine you are running a specific sales campaign and creating two or more special offer web pages to test which content performs well. 

A/B testing allows you to split traffic and compare performance of each URL on the base of weightages that you set. Finally, choose the page that performs well or optimize the content that underperforms. 

This feature is very handful for designers to test their designs, for content creators to evaluate their content and for every marketer as a whole package. 

Related: Conversion Rate Optimization Tips – 8 Easy Ways to Boost Sales

#10: Deep linking example of text marketing to increase conversion

Deep links in SMS marketing motivate users to install the app. Take the example of a shopping app. Use a deep link with a bonus point which will be rewarded after users install the application. Once the user clicks the deep link, it will launch the app on the relevant system. If it is not installed, a relevant store will be opened. When the user initiates the app, the product page and offer will appear. Without deep linking, these steps require manual processing.

Let’s say you are making an online shop and promoting a certain item; deep links help you direct visitors to relevant content. In case the app is not installed it will take you relevant play store

Deep links are very helpful when it comes to online user experience. Suppose, you are a seller on Amazon, Shopify or any other ecommerce platform and you want to direct the user to specific products rather than search the product on the app or web. With deep linking, no unnecessary steps will be required and you will directly land on the relevant content as shown in the below image.

You don’t need to advertise the app as a whole. Only the relevant content that you want to target and the user that clicks that link will reach the appropriate location without any hurdles. This not only increases the rate of conversions but also improves the overall experience.

Related: How to Use Short Links for SMS & SMS Marketing

#11: Short links are best for Tweets

You have only 280 character limits for tweets to express opinions, use captions, add captions, call out a person, and much more. You can do anything under Twitter’s specified character limit. Brands use URLs while announcing any update, sale, or mega deal. 

Generally, links are overly long, and they tend to cover all Twitter character space. Therefore, people tend to use URL shortening tools to change messy long URLs into branded URLs. 

Here are some brands that have used short & customized links in their tweets. 

Example: Disney

Disney is also making a new series announcement with a customized link in their tweet. 

Here is Disney’s example of using a short & customized links in their tweets. 

Disney is also making a new series announcement with a customized link in their tweet. 

Disney’s customized link is not short only but has the brand’s slogan in it. There are higher chances for the audience to visit links, check new promos, and subscribe to a streaming platform if they haven’t already.

#12: Turning USP realizes the power of bio links for brands

Link shortening tool can change a single link into a beautiful, mobile-friendly, flexible landing page. You can offer the services you want. Pre-designed layouts are available to create a landing page. 

Moreover, you can add videos, images, text etc. to showcase your brand. Drag and drop editor can make everything easy and efficient. 

Here is an example of Turing USP that mentioned their bio link in the Instagram bio. 

#13: Engage more in QR code marketing

QR codes are new scannable marketing sources. You can generate a new smart QR code with every branded link you customize with a link shortening platform. 

Download it and use it in your every visual content, such as visiting cards, flyers, or discount codes, as a marketing opportunity to build brand authority. QR codes are a powerful way of amplifying your brand’s slogan.

QR codes promote engagement and interaction. This type of business strategy enables businesses to share information with users.

The calamities like the pandemic and global warming initiatives have pushed us more towards creating a contactless and paperless green environment. While QR Codes are playing a vital and supportive role towards it yet they are also proving to be a great tool for marketing.

From banking payments to promotion or any information and material, it is proving a useful tool for analytics aswell as to improve user experience. 

Here are some ways how you can maximize QR codes to monitor the performance of your marketing campaigns properly. 

• Lands customers directly on the website
• Dial your business number
• Send message/ email
• View business locations
• Download app
• Direct customers to social media pages

#14: Make your social links count!

Similarly length is important for all your social links. A domain name adds more plus points. They provide a clean look. 

Any URL with your brand name will assure the link reader that it will lead to your page. Link management tools make URLs visually appealing and legitimate. 

Look at Gary Vee’s bio link

He uses the bio link to drive users towards his Apple podcast.

Similarly, you can share your favorite content with friends without the installation of a particular app. Let’s say if somebody shared a TikTok video link with you, and you don’t have a TikTok account, you can click the URL and still watch it without installing TikTok. This is the power of deep links. 

You can share your favorite content with friends without the installation of a particular app. Let’s say if somebody shared a TikTok video link with you, and you don’t have a TikTok account, you can click the URL and still watch it without installing TikTok. This is the power of deep links. 

Related: How To Get More TikTok Views?

#15: Perfect Call to Action buttons

Every Marketer’s end goal is to earn high revenue. It gets possible when your product reaches the right audience. It improves your impression and ad rank. 

High CTR means more people seeing, clicking, and engaging with your services. It is all possible with link shortening URL platforms. You can create, edit, and advertise links that have a custom domain name or brand’s slogan. They will be considered authentic and genuine and will attract the right customer. 

#16: Example of media companies using Vanity URLs

Several major media companies and publications use vanity URLs when sharing links:

• Netflix = movi.es
• Time = ti.me
• TechCrunch = tcrn.ch
• Engadget = engt.co
• Huffington Post = huffp.st
• Economist= econ.st
• New York Times = nyti.ms

Related: What is a Vanity URL and How to Track it?

#17: Track, analyze & convert

URL shortening tools empower to make informed decisions by providing vital data points. You can track what content is working best for you and what needs to improvise. 

URLs are trackable and give insights about clicks and engagements. You can also retarget your prospected clients who have already shown interest in your content. 

Campaign analytics help you optimize your marketing efforts. It helps you understand your audience better. You can observe which social media channels drive maximum traffic and design strategies accordingly.

How do I shorten a URL length?

It is a pretty simple process to shorten your links using a URL shortener.

Step 1
Login to your Replug account

Step 2
Navigate to “create quick Replug link”. Enter the campaign and the long URL to shorten. 

1. Now click “Create”

Step 3
In the next step, you can edit the link or change the slug. You can add or remove existing tags. Click the update button and you are done.

FAQs for long URL

What is a long URL?

A long URL is a long and nasty address to a particular document or file. They are difficult to remember. Sometimes they are long enough that after copying them on social channels, you don’t have any space left to write details. 

What is too long for a URL?

A URL is considered too long if it has above 100 characters. An overly long URL causes search engine and usability issues. It may also lead to lower CTR (click-through rate). 

Long URL doesn’t display better on the web. An extra-long URL might have symbols and characters. Google doesn’t support an overly long URL with random characters. 

Is it okay to have a long URL?

It doesn’t matter how long the URL length is.  However, with respect to marketing and SEO, the leading brands try to keep them shorter than 100 characters. It makes monitoring easy.