Tag: Branded Links

How to disguise a link using a URL shortener?

Amna YawarKhadija Anwar
6 minutes

Link disguising is all about hiding a link so that it looks like another link. Though the term itself might sound dubious, it is very useful in the digital world. People generally mask links to shorten them and brand them.

Disguising a link means concealing the bad parts or random characters of the URL to make it look clean, and here’s where URL shorteners come in handy for turning these messy and random links into something meaningful and useful.

In this article, you’ll learn how to disguise a link effectively and how to rename a link with the help of tools like Replug. If you’re thinking about changing a URL to improve branding, user trust, or click-through rates, you’re in the right place.

What is a disguised link? 

A disguised link (also called a cloaked URL or masked URL) hides the original URL and redirects traffic to the original destination URL without damaging the user experience.

Advanced URL shorteners make disguising a URL easy and allow you to quickly create a customized URL (or vanity URL/branded link) that appears to the users when you share with them. 

Now the real question arises. Why do people use disguised links?

Why disguise a link? 

  • Creates a great first impression: A URL is something that people see at first sight when you share a profile, video link, company website, etc. So, if it looks suspicious, no one is going to click
  • Increases your sales: Disguising a link can significantly improve e-commerce sales, brand engagement, and user experience since users are more likely to click a link that looks branded and clean.
  • Tracks link performance: URL tracking tools not only disguise links but also allow track performance by creating custom links.
  • They are easy to create: With the right tools, learning how to disguise a link takes just a few steps. So, why not go for a branded URL rather than one that looks like a jumble of random characters?

Shorten your links, amplify your brand.

Create shareable, trackable and fully customizable branded urls. Get more clicks with absolute link management features such as Bio Links, retargeting, deep Links, CTA’s and more.

Learn More!
fully customizable bio link

Reasons to use disguised links

There are various reasons to disguise links. Below are the ones on top of the list:

Related: Benefits of using branded short links

Disguised links for affiliate marketing 

Affiliate marketers often rely on link disguising for a cleaner presentation and to protect their affiliate IDs from theft or malware. Using Replug or similar tools, they can:

Whether you’re promoting a product or campaign, changing a URL to match your brand can significantly boost trust and engagement.

Related: 13 best ways to share affiliate links

How do you disguise a link on a website?

A URL shortener is your secret weapon to transform any clunky link into a sleek, hidden gem. But that’s just the beginning. You can also track performance, analyze click data, and enhance your links with CTAs, bio links, retargeting pixels, and more!

Let’s say that you are promoting a new line of Columbia whole coffee beans that you just launched.

Here’s how you can use Replug to disguise your link:

Step 1: Sign in or create an account

Sign in to your Replug account. You will get a 14-day free trial if you’re a new user.

Replug sign in webpage

Step 2: Enter the URL you want to disguise

Disguise a link using Replug

Step 3: Disguise your URL

After you click on the blue next button, you’ll be led to a popup. From there, you can change the URL slug, thereby masking your URL so that it doesn’t look spammy.

From here you can also set additional parameters that you want for your campaign, such as customized favicon, deep linking, A/B testing, etc. You can also add a UTM parameter to track your links’ performance.

Replug short link

Now just type the slug (in our example “/columbia-whole-bean”) and click on the green tickmark icon to save your disguised URL.

Disguised link

Step 4: Enable link cloaking

Enable link cloaking in Replug to display only your custom, branded link in the browser’s address bar, thereby disguising the original URL. This keeps your link clean, professional, and more trustworthy.

Enable link cloaking

Step 5: Save and share!

Once done, just click on the “Save Shortened Link” button and share it with your audience, whenever, wherever!

Save shortened link

Branded Short Links

Create and track branded short links for your business for better conversions.

Brand Your Links Now!
Branded Short Links

Replug key features

Link management

Multiple link shortening tools are available in the market, but Replug is among the few best link shorteners that offers link disguising, tracking & optimization as well as a catchy calls to action.

Replug is an easy URL shortening and tracking platform that allows you to:

  • Create eye-catching branded URLs.
  • Generate social media bio links
  • Add URL tracking with custom URL UTM parameters, and tags
  • Add retargeting pixels with powerful analytics and branded links.

Link Management Made Easy

Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

Get Started for FREE!
link management made easy

Replug Chrome extension

Replug’s chrome extension makes it easier to create disguise links. You can download the Google Chrome extension and log into your Replug account by entering your login credentials.

Once completed, you’ll have full control of using Replug features in no time. 

Link analytics

Replug stands higher among all link management tools when it comes to link analytics. You can make a profitable brand strategy by keeping an eye on link analytics.

Below are some great click analytics you can track using Replug:

  • Click-through rate
  • Visitor by browser
  • Visitors by the operating system
  • Visitor by country
  • Visitor by source/referrer

Deep linking

Deep links let users go to the specific application rather than going through the hassle of visiting irrelevant web pages. These powerful links increase overall engagement and conversion rates.

Use deep links for seamless navigation

Trigger more clicks, conversions & app installations with fully customizable deep links.

Learn More!
fully customizable bio link

Link rotation

With the help of Replug’s link rotation (or traffic routing) feature, you can reach your target audience by setting multiple filters such as geography, browser, and device. You can also select the IP address, dates, and time. Hence, link rotation allows you to redirect users and deliver a unique experience on the base of these filters.

QR codes

Replug allows you to create custom, dynamic QR codes. After you you’ve disguised your URL, you can quickly create a branded QR code by changing the customizing the colours, adding a frame, and incorporating your logo. This allows for seamless sharing across all platforms, and also makes your link look cleaner and quicker to access. 

Retargeting pixels

Every branded URL can include retargeting pixels to help you retarget website visitors who bounced before buying. This is especially useful for e-commerce brands looking to reduce cart abandonment, re-engage lost leads, and improve return on ad spend. One clean link can bring customers back right when it matters most.

A/B testing

A/B testing features allow you to redirect links to several destinations. With Replug, you can efficiently distribute the weightage and start testing up to 10 links simultaneously. 

Final words

Using a URL shortener to disguise a link is not only for the people of the e-commerce world. In fact, URL shorteners are way much more than just a shortening tool.

You can create bio links, test landing pages via A/B testing, add CTA’s for special offers and discounts, route and redirect traffic etc. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Ready to disguise and hide your links like a pro? Try Replug today!

FAQs for how to disguise a link

What is a disguised link, and why is it useful?

A disguised link (or cloaked URL) hides the original URL, making it cleaner and more trustworthy. It improves click-through rates, builds trust, and is commonly used in affiliate marketing and e-commerce.

How can I track the performance of my disguised links?

Advanced link management tools provide metrics like click-through rates, locations, and conversions. You can also add UTM parameters to gain deeper insights.

How to disguise a link in text?

To disguise a link in text, hyperlink a word or phrase instead of displaying the full URL. For example, use anchor text like “read more” or “visit now”. This improves readability, builds trust, and boosts click-through rates. Use a URL shortener like Replug to create a clean, branded link before embedding it.

What is the best tool for disguising links?

One of the best tools for disguising links is Replug. It offers easy link customization, tracking, and branding features to enhance link performance.

Amna Yawar
Amna is a content marketer and storytelling enthusiast, dedicated to creating engaging, impactful content. She blends creativity with SEO strategies to help brands connect, inspire, and convert.
Khadija Anwar
I am Khadija Anwar, B2B Copywriter. I started my career as a freelance writer in 2019 and built a strong portfolio. I have crafted multiple blogs, website content, fashion magazines, news outlets, SEO content, and technical documentation. Last but not least, my favorite cartoon character is Dopey Dwarf, resembling my real-life character- calm, happy, and lively.

Vanity URL best practices & examples

ManahilAmna Yawar
7 minutes

Vanity URLs and non-vanity URLs are more than just a choice of characters. It’s a strategic decision that can define your content accessibility and appeal.

Vanity URL best practices

Considering the image above, which link would you prefer to click on?

Chances are, the second one, right? It’s clear, concise, and tells you exactly where you’re heading! This improves the click-through rate of your URL.

But here’s the thing: it’s not just about the clickability factor (although that’s definitely a big bonus). The real magic happens behind the scenes, where search engines are busy crawling and indexing web pages. 

You see, the above vanity URL is not only user-friendly but also sends a clear signal to search engines about the page’s content. 

On the flip side, the other URL might contain valuable content, but without any context in the URL itself, it’s like searching for a needle in a haystack. Who has the time for that?

But hey, don’t just take our word for it. Test it out for yourself and see the difference it makes. Who knows, you might be surprised at how a minor URL tweak can impact your brand’s performance!

For your help, we created this blog post, which shows some of the best vanity URL practices and benefits alongside examples to help you get started. Keep reading…

What is a vanity URL?

A vanity URL is a customized web address created to reflect a specific brand, product, or campaign.

Unlike generic URLs, which often contain a string of random characters, vanity URLs are carefully crafted to be memorable and align with the brand’s identity. 

Difference between a generic short link and vanity URLs

Here’s a table differentiating a generic short link and a vanity URL:

Generic short linkVanity URL
CompositionRandom sequence of characters/numbersCustomized to reflect brand or keyword
LengthShortened for simplicityCan vary in length
BrandingTypically lacks brandingReinforces brand identity
MemorabilityLess memorableMore memorable and recognizable
PersonalizationLimited to shortening URLsCustom-created to align with brand
PurposePractical for sharing long URLsEnhances brand visibility and recall
SEO ImpactMinimal impact on SEOCan improve search engine visibility

Shorten your links, amplify your brand.

Create shareable, trackable and fully customizable branded urls. Get more clicks with absolute link management features such as Bio Links, retargeting, deep Links, CTA’s and more.

Learn More!
fully customizable bio link

How can I create a vanity URL?

Consider using a link-shortening tool to make your links shorter and more manageable. We recommend trying out Replug because it’s easy to use and has many extra features that similar services might not have.

These features include managing your links efficiently, tracking how many people click on them, adding retargeting pixels, traffic routing, and more.

Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the steps in Replug to create vanity URLs for your link:

  1. Sign up for a Replug account

Head over to Replug’s website and create a free account if you don’t already have one.

Branded Short Links

Create and track branded short links for your business for better conversions.

Brand Your Links Now!
Branded Short Links
  1. Set up a custom domain

Before you start creating branded links, the first step is choosing a custom domain you’d like to use—if you haven’t already.

With Replug, you can connect your own domain to give your links a consistent, branded look. There are plenty of creative domain extensions to consider, such as:

  • .link
  • .xyz
  • .studio
  • .tv
  • .live

For example, instead of using a generic shortener, you could go for something unique like promo.xyz, soundbyte.live, or watchnow.tv. It all depends on your brand and audience.

  1. Connect your custom domain

Once you’ve picked and registered your custom domain, you can easily add it to your Replug account and start generating vanity URLs that build trust and visibility:

  • Navigate to Replug’s dashboard. Click on the gear icon (⚙️) on the top right corner > “Custom Domains
Custom domains
  • Click on “Add Domain
Add domain
  • Connect custom domain. Add your domain URL, 404 Redirect URL (if you don’t want users to land on a broken page), and your branded domain.
Connect custom domain

Don’t know how to configure DNS? Read this guide to learn how.

How to create a vanity URL in Replug?

Let’s move on to how to create a vanity URL in Replug. It’s simple and quick!

  1. Create new campaign
  • Select Campaigns from the navigation bar
  • Click “Create New”
Create new campaign
  • Enter your campaign details and save. Type the relevant details in the given fields and save the campaign.
Enter campaign details
  1. Shorten your link
  • Go to “Home” and enter your desired link in the bar under “Quickly Shorten your link”
Shorten your link
  1. Create your vanity URL. Select the campaign (in our example, “myshop”). Once done, Replug will generate a vanity URL automatically with your vanity domain at the backend of the URL. Replug might suggest a shortened URL, but you’ll have the option to customize it.
Vanity domain
Vanity URL
  1. Save your vanity URL. Click on “Save Shortened Link”. Your vanity URL is now ready to share across all platforms!
Save vanity URL

6 major benefits of using a vanity URL

Here are some of the major benefits of using a vanity URL.

  1. Improved user-experience 

Easy-to-remember links lead to a frustration-free user experience. No more struggling to decipher cryptic shortened links or wondering where they might lead.

  1. Click-through rates get a boost

Memorable, vanity URLs grab attention and boost clicks by sparking curiosity and encouraging engagement.

  1. SEO advantage

Adding relevant keywords to your vanity URL can give your SEO a small but meaningful boost, as search engines factor in URL content when ranking pages.

Related: How to create an SEO-friendly URL: Ultimate tips

  1. Cross-channel promotion

Vanity URLs help create a brand identity across channels; social media, email, or print. They make your content easier to find and reinforce your brand, boosting reach and engagement.

  1. Integrating a link retargeting tool

Adding a retargeting pixel to your vanity URLs lets you build custom audiences and show targeted ads to users who clicked your links—keeping your brand in front of them as they browse the web.

  1. Track your URLs

Vanity URLs make it easy to track link performance and understand user behavior. With a tool like URL tracking tool, you can monitor clicks, conversions, and more to measure your campaign’s impact

5 best practices to create a vanity URL

Best PracticesDescription
Try to keep it short and sweetAim for 3-5 words for maximum memorability. Longwinded vanity URLs defeat the purpose and become cumbersome to share.
Clarity countsUse keywords that accurately reflect the content the link leads to. Think about the search terms users might employ to find that specific information.
Brand it up
Incorporate your brand name or a relevant keyword to solidify brand recognition. This is a prime opportunity to embed your brand in the user’s mind with every share.
Simplicity is key 
Avoid special characters and complicated spelling. Imagine someone hearing the URL out loud, not just reading it. Steer clear of anything that might confuse when spoken.
Consistency is kingMaintain a consistent format for all your vanity URLs. This builds brand identity and user trust. Having a recognizable pattern for your vanity URLs makes them even more memorable and reinforces your brand image. 
Try not to add dashes or slashesIt’s best to avoid using dashes or slashes in your vanity URLs. While these characters might seem harmless, they can disrupt the flow and readability of the link. Instead, stick to using simple words separated by hyphens for clarity and ease of understanding.

Let’s have a look at some of the examples of vanity URLs

  1. Facebook 

Check out this custom vanity URL shared on Facebook by Treetop, a renowned juice brand in the USA. See how they crafted a URL specifically tailored to showcase the content of the link.

Example of vanity URL
  1. Instagram 

Another example comes from Instagram, where ContentStudio, a social media management tool, strategically placed a link in its bio next to its name. This simple yet effective approach ensures that visitors to their social media page immediately understand where they can find more information or engage further with the brand.

ContentStudio vanity URL

Conclusion

All in all, by crafting custom, keyword-rich vanity links that align with your brand identity and messaging, you can improve search engine visibility, enhance user engagement, and drive conversions. 

FAQs on vanity URL best practices

What is a vanity URL?

A vanity URL is a customized web address that reflects a specific brand, keyword, or campaign.

Are vanity URLs safe?

Yes, vanity URLs are generally safe to use as long as they are from reputable sources and don’t redirect to harmful sites.

Can vanity URLs be tracked?

Yes, vanity URLs can be tracked to monitor clicks, engagement, and other metrics using tracking tools.

Can vanity URLs expire?

Yes, vanity URLs can expire, depending on the service provider or settings, but they can often be renewed or reactivated.

Are vanity URLs only beneficial for large corporations?

Not at all! Vanity URLs can benefit businesses of all sizes by improving branding, SEO, and user engagement.

How do I create a vanity URL?

One can utilize a URL shortening tool such as Replug to custom-create vanity URLs. 

Can vanity URLs be changed after creation?

Yes, most vanity URL services allow users to edit or update their custom URLs as needed. However, it’s essential to maintain consistency to avoid confusion among users.

You may also like:

Manahil
Meet Manahil – A B2B & B2C writer with 4 + years of experience, known for turning insights into impactful content. Her words engage, inform, and drive real results.
Amna Yawar
Amna is a content marketer and storytelling enthusiast, dedicated to creating engaging, impactful content. She blends creativity with SEO strategies to help brands connect, inspire, and convert.

Top 5 paid URL shorteners worth paying for!

Amna Yawar
6 minutes

Free URL shorteners are great and all, but let’s be real: paid URL shorteners take things up a notch. 

When you’re paying for something, you expect to get more out of it, right? And with URL shorteners, that “more” includes some seriously cool features. But here’s the real question: 

Which paid URL shortener actually gives you the most value for your money?

Any URL shortener can clean up a long, clunky link. But the good ones? They let you brand and customize your links, turning that messy string of text into something sleek and professional. They also give you tracking insights to see who’s clicking your links and even help you figure out which marketing campaigns are actually working.

So, if you’re ready to upgrade your links, here are the top 5 paid URL shorteners that bring value, functionality, and style to the table.

What to look for in a paid URL shortener

When choosing a paid URL shortener, it’s important to consider the following features:

  • Custom branded domains: Make your links match your brand’s identity.
  • Detailed analytics: Track click data, including location, device, and referral source.
  • Retargeting and tracking: Re-engage users through targeted ads based on their interactions with your links.
  • Link rotation: Direct users to different destinations based on conditions.
  • Mobile compatibility: Ensure your links and campaigns are optimized for mobile users.
  • Team management: Allow multiple users to collaborate and streamline workflows.

You may also like: 5 powerful benefits of URL shorteners you should know

Shorten your links, amplify your brand.

Create shareable, trackable and fully customizable branded urls. Get more clicks with absolute link management features such as Bio Links, retargeting, deep Links, CTA’s and more.

Learn More!
fully customizable bio link

Pricing at a glance

Here’s a quick breakdown of each tool’s pricing plans to help you make an informed decision:

Tool
Free planBasicProAgency/Premium/Business
Replug14-day free trial with all advanced features across all plans$19/mo$49/moFrom $79/mo
RebrandlyYes, but with limited features$14/mo$39/mo$119/mo
BitlyYes, but with only 10 links and 100 clicks per month$8/mo (annual plan only)$35/mo$300/mo
Sniply14-day free trial with basic features across plans$9/month$29/mo$59/mo
Rocketlink10-day free trial but with limited features and volume$19/mo$29/mo$69/mo

Top 5 URL shorteners

1. Replug

Replug

Replug is a powerful link management tool that allows you to create unlimited short links, giving you the flexibility to streamline your link-sharing process. With in-depth analytics to track link performance, Replug offers valuable insights into your audience’s behavior and engagement.

What sets Replug apart is its all-in-one solution packed with advanced features like white-label solutions, custom CTA campaigns, deep linking, and more. Unlike other tools that provide only one or two of these features, Replug combines them all into a single, powerful platform. 

Replug features

With Replug, you get access to an all-in-one platform with powerful features. Here’s what’s in store:

  • Link management: Manage all your links through a simple and clean dashboard, whether you’re an agency, affiliate marketer, content creator, freelancer, or e-commerce business.
  • Link shortening: Shorten unlimited links, create vanity URLs, and customize link previews with branded links and favicons.
  • Link analytics: Access detailed analytics, including total and unique clicks segmented by location, referral, device, and browser.
  • Bio links: Create customizable bio link pages with social links, blocks, RSS feeds, and retargeting pixels.

Create bio links for Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn.

Create fully customizable bio link webpages to drive traffic from and to your social media channels, online store, website and much more.

Learn More!
fully customizable bio link
  • Call-to-action generation: Create eye-catching CTA campaigns for your links to boost converstions and sales.
  • White-label solution: Customize the dashboard, logos, domain, reports, and more, which is ideal for agencies wanting to brand their services.
  • Retargeting pixels: Add retargeting pixels to your links to track users and re-engage them with targeted ads on multiple digital platforms.
  • Deep linking: Direct users to specific pages within your app or website for a personalized, seamless experience.
  • A/B testing: Test up to 10 URLs simultaneously, with percentage-based traffic distribution to optimize link performance.
  • Link rotation: Set up to 10 traffic rules for short links, directing users to different destinations based on conditions. A default link ensures users are always redirected.
  • QR code generation: Generate customizable QR codes with trackable performance, editable colors, and PNG or SVG download options.
  • Team management: Collaborate efficiently by inviting team members and assigning roles, ensuring streamlined workflows for link management and campaigns.

Replug pricing:

  • Basic: $19/mo
  • Professional: $49/mo
  • Agency (Small): $79/mo
  • Agency (Medium): $149/mo
  • Agency (Large): $299/mo
  • Agency (Enterprise): $499/mo

Link Management Made Easy

Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

Get Started for FREE!
link management made easy

2. Rebrandly

Rebrandly

Rebrandly specializes in branded links, allowing you to customize URLs with your own domain. With powerful features like link tracking, custom slugs, and advanced analytics, Rebrandly is ideal for businesses that want to make a strong, professional impression with every link.

Top features: 

  • Custom domains & links: Create and manage branded links.
  • Advanced analytics: Track detailed link performance.
  • Traffic routing: Direct clicks to specific pages based on conditions.
  • Bio links (Link Gallery) & QR codes: Build bio link pages and generate trackable QR codes.

Pricing:

  • Essentials: $14/mo
  • Professional: $39/mo
  • Growth: $119/mo
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing

Related: What is a branded short domain and how do I get one?

3. Bitly

Bitly

Bitly is known for its simplicity and reliability. It offers features like branded links and basic analytics. However, to access its more advanced analytics, you’ll need to opt for a paid plan.

Top features: 

  • Branded links: Customize URLs with your domain.
  • Analytics & reporting: Track clicks, referrers, and geographic data.
  • Retargeting pixels: Add pixels to retarget users.
  • Integrations: Sync with tools like Zapier.

Pricing:

  • Core: $8/mo (annual plan only)
  • Growth: $35/month
  • Premium: $300/month

Related: Top 10 Bitly alternatives and competitors in 2025

4. Sniply

Sniply

Sniply is unique in that it allows you to add a custom call-to-action (CTA) overlay to your shared links. This can drive traffic back to your website or encourage specific actions while sharing valuable content.

Top features: 

  • CTA overlays: Add CTAs to any link you share.
  • Link analytics: Track clicks, conversions, and more.
  • Retargeting & A/B testing: Re-engage users and test different strategies.
  • Team management: Share link management with your team.

Pricing:

  • Basic: $9/month
  • Pro: $29/month
  • Business: $59/month
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing

5. RocketLink

Rocketlink

RocketLink is ideal for marketers who want to add retargeting pixels and CTAs to their links. It’s powerful, but when it comes to ease of use, flexibility, and features, Replug leads the way by offering a more comprehensive toolkit for link management and analytics.

Top features:

  • Branded Domains: Customize your short links.
  • Retargeting Pixels: Add pixels for ad retargeting.
  • Analytics: Track link performance and audience behavior.
  • Custom CTAs: Add custom CTAs to drive engagement.

Pricing:

  • Liftoff: $19/month
  • Space: $29/month
  • Galaxy: $69/month

Best use cases for paid URL shorteners

Paid URL shorteners are versatile tools that cater to diverse industries and professionals. Here’s how different types of users can benefit from them:

  • E-commerce: Track customer behavior with detailed analytics, use branded links for a polished, trustworthy shopping experience, and boost conversions with deep linking to specific product pages.
  • Content creators: Customize bio links for platforms like Instagram or TikTok, promote specific content with branded URLs, and monitor audience engagement to refine your strategy.
  • Affiliate marketers: Use A/B testing to experiment with different campaigns, retarget users who clicked your links, and analyze traffic performance to maximize commission opportunities.
  • Agencies: Leverage white-label solutions to add your branding, collaborate with team members on client accounts, and utilize advanced analytics to demonstrate campaign success to clients.
  • Freelancers: Create professional-looking links to promote your portfolio or services, use bio links to consolidate your online presence, and track link engagement to identify your most effective outreach strategies.
  • Event planners: Share event registration links, direct attendees to specific event pages, and track sign-up trends to plan better for future events.
  • Nonprofits and NGOs: Share donation links with branded URLs, track donor engagement, and run A/B tests on different campaigns to see what drives more contributions.
  • Music artists: Promote new releases, concert tickets, and merch with branded links, consolidate links to your streaming platforms and social media with bio links, and track fan engagement to identify your top-performing campaigns.
  • Social media managers: Optimize link performance for multiple social platforms, create branded short links that align with your brand identity, and analyze clicks to see which platforms drive the most engagement.
  • Mobile App developers: Use deep linking to guide users directly to specific app features, track user acquisition campaigns, and personalize experiences with advanced analytics.

By tailoring the use of paid URL shorteners to your niche, you’ll unlock new levels of efficiency and engagement in your marketing strategies.

Final verdict: Which is the best URL shortener?

At this point, you are familiar with the benefits of using link management tools. Moreover, we have also mentioned the top paid URL shorteners.

However, when it comes to which URL shortener is an all-rounder, Replug truly shines as the all-in-one, customizable, and scalable solution for marketers, agencies, and businesses looking to level up their link-sharing game. With features like branded URLs, detailed analytics, bio links, retargeting, and more, Replug has everything you need to create powerful, performance-driven links.

Investing in a paid URL shortener is more than just shortening your links—it’s about optimizing your marketing strategy and driving results. And when you choose Replug, you’re choosing a tool that gives you the power to truly take control of your links.

If you’re looking to make your links work harder for you, why not give Replug a try? With a 14-day free trial and advanced features, it’s the perfect way to see what paid URL shorteners can do for your business. Start your trial today!

Link Management Made Easy

Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

Get Started for FREE!
link management made easy
Amna Yawar
Amna is a content marketer and storytelling enthusiast, dedicated to creating engaging, impactful content. She blends creativity with SEO strategies to help brands connect, inspire, and convert.

How to create a custom link preview using Replug?

Amna Yawar
6 minutes

Sharing a link is easy. But making sure it grabs attention? That’s where a custom link preview steals the show, transforming ordinary URLs into mini advertisements. With the right preview, complete with a catchy title, a compelling description, and an eye-catching thumbnail, your link becomes an irresistible invitation for your audience to click.

But here’s the catch: relying on poor link management tools that only support auto-generated previews doesn’t always cut it. They often miss the mark, leaving your content underwhelming and overlooked.

So, to make things easy, we’ll teach you how to make your link that looks like this:

link-preview

To looking like this:

custom-link-preview

And guess what? It takes only a few minutes! So, without further wait, let’s begin.

What does link preview mean?

A link preview is a small, visual snippet that appears when you share a URL on platforms like social media, messaging apps, or even email. Think of it as a quick summary that helps users decide whether to click or scroll past. It typically includes:

  • A title: A short, bold statement that grabs attention.
  • A description: A brief overview of what the link is about.
  • A thumbnail image: A visual cue that adds context or intrigue.

Platforms automatically generate link previews using metadata from the webpage you’re sharing. While convenient, these default previews don’t always reflect the content’s full potential. 

That’s where customizing link previews using tools like a link preview checker becomes invaluable. It lets you control the link preview meta title and description, ensuring your content stands out in the sea of endless posts and messages.

How do I create a custom link preview?

Replug allows you to edit a link preview for your links within seconds. It gives you the option to:

  • Change the title of your link.
  • Edit the description of your link.
  • Add, remove, or replace the link preview image (thumbnail).

Here’s how you can do it in a few simple steps:

Step 1: Log in to your Replug account

Visit the Replug app and log in to your account.

replug-login

Also read: How to customize Twitter (X) link preview using Replug?

Step 2: Edit your link

Once on your main Replug dashboard, click on the three dots next to your link (on the right) and click “Edit”.

Shorten-link

Step 3: Customize link preview

Once you click on “Edit,” a popup will appear. Toggle the “Customize Link Preview” button. 

custom-link-preview

Now, you can customize the title, description, and thumbnail image.

custom-link-preview

Also read: How to customize the Facebook link preview using Replug?

Step 4: Save your link

The final step is to save your link:

save-custom-link-preview

Once saved, whenever you share the link on whichever digital platform you want. Whether it be Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, WhatsApp… the list never ends! 

Note: Every platform has a different algorithm for displaying link previews, so check the preview before sharing!

Also read: How to change a link name?

Benefits of using a custom link preview

Customizing link previews allows you to transform your links into engaging, trustworthy, and shareable assets that drive meaningful results.

1. Boost engagement
Link previews provide a quick glimpse of the content with a title, description, and thumbnail image. These visual cues make links more attractive and click-worthy, enticing users to engage and increasing interaction rates.

2. Build trust
A custom link preview helps users assess the legitimacy of a link before clicking. This reassurance builds trust while reducing the risk of clicking on harmful or misleading URLs.

3. Enhance context
Link previews summarize content and allow users to understand what the link offers quickly. This clarity improves the relevance of shared content, especially on social media.

4. Improve click-through rates (CTR)
A well-designed custom link preview with compelling visuals and text can significantly increase CTRs. Customizing previews ensures your content stands out in a crowded feed.

5. Amplify visual appeal
Custom link previews with attractive images and descriptions make your content more engaging and help it stand out from competitors.

6. Ensure consistency across platforms
Customizing link previews ensures a uniform presentation of your content across social media platforms, enhancing recognition and credibility.

7. Save time for users
Link previews provide enough context for users to decide whether to click, saving them time and improving their browsing experience.

8. Optimize SEO
Link previews encourage clicks and engagement, signaling search engines that the content is valuable. This can improve rankings and visibility in search results.

Also read: How to create an SEO-friendly URL: Ultimate tips

9. Increase shareability
An eye-catching custom link preview encourages users to share your content with their networks, amplifying its reach and impact.

10. Tailor for social media
Customizing previews for each platform optimizes performance. For example, high-quality visuals work best on Instagram, while concise text shines on Twitter.

How to check the link preview? 

Your links deserve the spotlight! With Replug’s free link preview generator, you can create engaging previews for platforms like X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Facebook, Google, and Pinterest. Plus, you can grab the metatag code to optimize previews directly on your website. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open Replug’s free link preview generator

Here’s how to find Replug’s free link generator:

  • Go to Replug’s website
  • Click on “Free Tools”
  • Click “See All”
  • Find “Link Preview Generator” under the “Link Management” category.

Step 2: Paste your link

Paste your URL into Replug’s link preview generator. It’s quick and easy, ensuring your links are ready for customization.

Replug-link-preview-generator

Step 3: Customize your preview for any platform

Tailor your link preview for the platform of your choice:

  • Google: Optimize your link with a meta title and meta description that improves search results and click-through rates.
  • X (formerly Twitter): Add a bold meta title and a scroll-stopping preview image to stand out in fast-moving feeds.
  • LinkedIn: Use a professional meta description to engage business audiences.
  • Facebook: Select a vibrant image and friendly description to spark conversations.
  • Pinterest: Choose an eye-catching image and description that encourage pinning and sharing.

Also read: How to customize the LinkedIn link preview using Replug?

Replug allows you to tweak the link preview image, meta title, and meta description for each platform to match your goals.

Step 4: Get the metatag code for Your Website

Replug takes it further with a metatag code generator. Once your preview is ready, copy and paste the code into your website’s <head> section. This ensures consistent and optimized previews whenever your link is shared.

Step 5: Share with confidence

Hit “Generate link preview” to create your stunning custom link previews. Your links are now ready to share!

Why Replug?

Replug offers advanced link management features to elevate your branding and user experience. Replug ensures full control over your links by setting link expiry dates and adding custom favicons to password protection and precise traffic routing

The tool makes it simple to edit link previews, create tailored content for multiple platforms, and improve your link performance without hassle. 

Link Management Made Easy

Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

Get Started for FREE!
link management made easy

Start customizing your link previews today and make every link count!

FAQs about custom link previews

Can I use other media instead of the link preview?

Yes! You can use other media, such as images, videos, or GIFs, instead of a custom link preview. While previews provide context, different media can add a personal touch and make your content visually engaging.

How to text a link with a preview?

To text a link with a preview:

  1. Paste the URL into your messaging app’s text field.
  2. Most apps generate a custom link preview automatically based on the webpage metadata.
  3. If the preview isn’t displaying as you’d like, use a tool like a link preview checker to ensure the meta tags (title, description, and image) are correctly set.

You can also manually customize previews before sharing to improve their appeal.

What is a custom URL link?

A custom URL link is a personalized version of a standard URL. It allows you to:

  • Replace default information with a customized link preview, including tailored titles, descriptions, and images.
  • Reinforce your branding and boost trust.

How do you send a link without a preview?

To send a link without generating a preview:

  1. Remove or edit the metadata, such as the link preview image and description.
  2. Turn off the auto-preview option in your messaging app (if available).
  3. Share the URL in plain text format.
Amna Yawar
Amna is a content marketer and storytelling enthusiast, dedicated to creating engaging, impactful content. She blends creativity with SEO strategies to help brands connect, inspire, and convert.

How to shorten Zoom links: Step-by-step guide

Arslan Jadoon
4 minutes

Zoom has become a staple for virtual meetings, webinars, and online events. However, the default Zoom links are often long and complicated, making them less ideal for sharing via email, social media, or promotional materials. Shortening your Zoom links makes them more manageable and aesthetically pleasing, and enhances the user experience by providing cleaner, simpler, and more memorable URLs.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to shorten your Zoom links to make sharing meetings and events easier without the hassle of sharing long URLs. Let’s dive in and simplify your Zoom link-sharing process!

What is a Zoom link shortener?

A Zoom link shortener is a tool that condenses lengthy Zoom meeting URLs into shorter, more manageable links. These shortened links are easier to share and remember, making them particularly useful for invitations, social media posts, and promotional materials. 

By using a link shortener, you can transform a long, complex URL into a neat and concise one, enhancing the overall user experience and improving the aesthetics of your communications.

Link shorteners not only simplify URLs but also offer additional benefits, such as tracking link clicks, customizing the link with branded domains, and ensuring secure sharing. 

Branded Short Links

Create and track branded short links for your business for better conversions.

Brand Your Links Now!
Branded Short Links

Why shorten Zoom links: Top 5 reasons

Shortening Zoom links offers several advantages, making it a practical choice for anyone who frequently shares meeting invites. Here are some key reasons to shorten your Zoom links:

1. Enhanced aesthetics and professionalism

Long Zoom links can look cluttered and unprofessional, especially when shared in emails, social media posts, or printed materials. Shortened links are cleaner and more visually appealing, enhancing the overall look of your communications.

2. Easier to share and remember

Shortened links are easier to share and remember, making them more user-friendly. This is particularly useful when sharing links verbally, over the phone, or in presentations.

3. Improved click-through rates

Neater and more concise links can lead to higher click-through rates. Users are more likely to click on a short, clear link compared to a long, complex URL that might appear suspicious or confusing.

4. Better tracking and analytics

Many link-shortening services offer tracking and analytics features, allowing you to monitor how many times your link has been clicked, where the clicks are coming from, and other valuable insights. This data can help you measure the effectiveness of your communication and marketing efforts.

5. Customization and branding

With our link shortener, you can customize your shortened URLs to include your brand name or a relevant keyword. This not only reinforces your brand identity but also makes the link more meaningful and memorable.

Branded Short Links

Create and track branded short links for your business for better conversions.

Brand Your Links Now!
Branded Short Links

How to shorten Zoom links using Replug?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you shorten your Zoom links effectively:

Step 1: First, you need to have your Zoom meeting link ready. Copy the full URL of your Zoom meeting. This link usually looks something like this:

Long Zoom link

Step 2: Now, sign in to your Replug account. You can create one for free if you don’t have an account.

Replug Sign up

Step 3: Paste your zoom link under the “Quickly shorten your link” and click on the blue arrow button:

Shorten Zoom link

Also read: How to shorten Google Drive link: Step-by-step guide

Step 4: Next, you’ll see a popup with an auto-generated Replug short link:

Replug short link

Pro tip: Create a branded short link using Replug by simply customizing your URL slug!

Branded short link

Also read: How to shorten a hyperlink: Step-by-step guide

Step 6: Once you’ve customized your URL, click on “Save Shortened Link,” and your short Zoom link is ready to be shared!

Save shortened link

Track your links’ performance

Replug offers powerful link-tracking capabilities. Monitor your link’s click-through rates, geographic data, and other metrics to optimize your marketing strategies effectively.

By using Replug to shorten your Zoom links, you can create professional, easy-to-share URLs while gaining valuable insights into your link performance.

Replug Analytics

Also read: How to Send a Tracking Link in 7 Simple Steps?

Additional tips

Use branded links: If you’re using a service that allows branded links (like Replug’s custom domain), take advantage of this feature to reinforce your brand identity.

Check security options: Replug offers additional security features, such as link expiration dates and password protection, which can be useful for sensitive meetings.

Branded Short Links

Create and track branded short links for your business for better conversions.

Brand Your Links Now!
Branded Short Links

FAQs for how to shorten a Zoom link

Is it safe to use a Zoom link shortener?

Yes, using a reputable Zoom link shortener like Replug is safe. It can even enhance security by allowing you to track and manage your links effectively.

Can I track the performance of my shortened Zoom links?

Yes, many link shorteners, including Replug, offer tracking features that allow you to monitor click-through rates, geographic data, and other performance metrics.

Do shortened Zoom links expire?

It depends on the link shortener service. Some services allow you to set expiration dates for links, while others keep them active indefinitely.

Can I shorten Zoom links for free?

Yes, many link-shortening services offer free plans with basic features. Replug provides a free 14-day trial that includes essential link-shortening capabilities.

Arslan Jadoon
Arslan is a SaaS content marketer who crafts clear, engaging content that drives results. He simplifies complex ideas into easily understandable blog posts, landing pages, and emails, helping SaaS companies connect with their audience and grow.

9 best alternatives of Rebrandly for agencies 

Manahil
6 minutes

Rebrandly has been a popular choice for many. 

But at the same time, it’s expensive and offers fewer features and other link-shortening tools. 

If you’re facing the same problem and seeking alternatives to Rebrandly, you’re in the right place. 

This article will explore the best alternatives to help you level up your branding game and enhance your online reach.

Best toolsKey – featureAgency/ Premium plan Limitations
ReplugComplete link management solutionStarts $79 /moNo freemium pan available
BitlyFree URL shortener
branded QR codes
$300/moNo retargeting
No traffic routing
No Custom CTAs
TinyURLURL shortener
campaign Tracking
Starts $129/moLow value for money
No additional features
BL. INKBranded short links
QR-codes
$599/moExpensive
Limited features
LinklyLink tracking and retargeting$499/moNo bio-links
Expensive
Cutt.lyLink tracking$149 /moComplex interface
No CTA
Short.ioBranded link shortener
Link tracking and management
$148 /moNo bio-links
No CTA
SniplyCall to actions$59 /moNo deep links
No QR codes
ShorbyLink tracking & analytics$99 /moLimited features

What is Rebrandly?

Rebrandly is a user-friendly tool for creating custom-branded short links, as well as shorter and more visually appealing versions of long URLs.

It’s commonly used in digital marketing to share links on social media and email campaigns.

Moreover, Rebrandly also offers detailed link tracking and analytics, helping users understand how their links are performing and where their audience is coming from.

Why consider Rebrandly alternatives?

Before we dive into the alternatives, let’s briefly touch on why agencies might be looking beyond Rebrandly. While Rebrandly offers solid link-management capabilities, it may fall short in some areas:

  1. Feature limitations: Some agencies require more advanced features that Rebrandly doesn’t offer.
  2. No hidden fees: Some Rebrandly alternatives might offer clearer, more transparent pricing with no surprise charges.
  3. Integration needs: Certain agencies require seamless integration with specific tools that Rebrandly doesn’t support.
  4. Faster support response: Some alternatives provide quicker and more efficient customer service, helping you resolve issues without delay.

Considering these factors, let’s explore the top alternatives that address these concerns and offer unique agency advantages.

Best Rebrandly alternatives: Pros, cons, and key features

1. Replug

Why Replug: Our top choice as the best Rebrandly alternative is Replug. This tool offers a comprehensive link management suite with link shortening, tracking, and retargeting features.

Link Management Made Easy

Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

Get Started for FREE!
link management made easy

Also, Replug stands out for features like white-label, A/B testing, deep linking, and analytics. Overall, it’s a powerful tool for marketing campaigns.

Replug-Link Management tool. Best URL shortner

Explore Replug’s features in-depth

Pros:

Cons:

  • Currently, no freemium plan is available.

2. Bitly

Why Bitly: Bitly is a household name in link shortening, known for its simplicity and analytics. Bitly as an alternative to Rebrandly can be a great choice because it offers high-end link tracking performance which helps in enhancing user engagement.

Bitly-customize your links and make them a little bit shorter

Pros:

  • Simplicity and user-friendly interface
  • Powerful link tracking and analytics
  • Easy-to-use browser extension
  • Customizable short links

Cons:

  • Limited features in the free version
  • Advanced analytics require a premium subscription
  • No link retargeting, CTAs, and A/B testing.

3. TinyURL

tinyurl

Why TinyURL: TinyURL is your friend if you need a no-fuss solution. It’s straightforward and user-friendly, ideal for quick link shortening.

Pros:

  • Straightforward and no-fuss link shortening
  • Quick and easy to use
  • No registration required

Cons:

  • Lacks advanced features
  • Limited link-tracking capabilities

Shorten your links, amplify your brand.

Create shareable, trackable and fully customizable branded urls. Get more clicks with absolute link management features such as Bio Links, retargeting, deep Links, CTA’s and more.

Learn More!
fully customizable bio link

4. BL. INK

Why BL.INK: BL.INK is a versatile URL shortener with advanced features like QR code generation and analytics. Perfect for marketing and tracking campaigns.

BL.INK - Link shotener-QR code generator and analytics

Pros:

  • All-round URL shortener
  • QR code generation
  • Analytics for link tracking
  • Custom branded domains

Cons:

  • Pricing may not suit budget-conscious users
  • Lacks many features, such as link retargeting and bio links that Rebrandly offers

Also read: Uses of QR Codes: Marketing, Sustainability & Convenience

5. Linkly

linkly

Why Linkly: It’s a powerful link management tool that helps you optimize your online presence and marketing strategies. It allows you to create, customize, and track links, providing in-depth insights into audience engagement.

Pros:

  • Link customization
  • UTM parameters
  • Scheduled links
  • Password protection

Cons:

  • Learning curve (for new users)
  • Premium features may be pricey for some

6. Cutt.ly

Why Cutt.ly: It’s an advanced link management tool specializing in link shortening and tracking. It simplifies creating custom-branded short links and offers comprehensive analytics to help you understand link performance.

Cutt.ly- user friendly link tracking and link shortening tool

Pros:

Cons:

  • Limited customization options for free users.
  • Analytics not as robust as some competitors

7. Short.io

short.io

Why Short.io: Short.io offers custom-branded links and link tracking, making it an excellent choice for businesses and marketers.

Pros:

  • Custom-branded links
  • Link tracking and analytics
  • User-friendly interface

Cons:

  • Some users report occasional reliability issues

8. Sniply

Why Sniply: Sniply combines link shortening with lead generation. It allows you to add call-to-actions to shared links, making it a powerful tool for marketers.

sinply- link shortening and lead generation tool

Pros:

Cons:

  • Lacks in several important features.
  • Some features are reserved for premium users

9. Shorby

Why Shorby: Shorby focuses on enhancing social media profiles through link shortening and online branding. If you’re active on social media, it’s worth a look.

Pros:

Cons:

  • May not be suitable for users with broader link management needs
  • Some features are specific to social media management

Also read: Best Link Management Tools

Why choose Replug over Rebrandly?

It’s a valid question. Replug offers features that set it apart from Rebrandly:

  1. Link retargeting: Replug allows you to add retargeting pixels to short links, helping you reach users who have engaged with your links before.
  2. A/B testing: Test different versions of your links to determine which performs better, ensuring optimal user engagement.
  3. Custom branded domains: Create links that match your brand for a consistent and professional appearance.
  4. White-label branding: Take complete control of your agency’s branding by adding your branded custom domain, logos, interface, and more.
  1. Comprehensive analytics: Gain insights into your link performance, making data-driven decisions for your campaigns.
  2. Call-to-action (CTA): Include call-to-action messages on shared links, driving user action and lead generation.

Create compelling Call-to-Actions to boost conversions

Improve your click through rate by creating catchy CTAs for your marketing campaigns.

Get Started For Free!
compelling Call-to-Actions

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of link management offers a wide array of alternatives to Rebrandly. Each of these Rebrandly alternatives has pros and cons, catering to diverse needs. 

Whether you’re looking for simplicity, analytics, branding, or lead generation, consider the options mentioned here and choose the one that aligns with your specific goals and preferences. 

Happy link management!

FAQs on Rebrandly alternatives

Why Look for Rebrandly Alternatives?

Rebrandly has been a popular choice for link shortening and management, but it’s essential to have options that suit your unique needs. Whether you want more features, a different pricing structure, or a fresh interface, these Rebrandly alternatives are something for everyone.

Which Rebrandly alternative is best for marketing campaigns?

Replug is an excellent choice for marketing campaigns, offering various features for link management and user engagement.

Are these alternatives suitable for businesses and marketers?

Yes, many of these alternatives, such as Replug and BL.INK, offers advanced features and analytics, making them excellent choices for businesses and marketers.

Which link-shortening tool is similar to Rebrandly?

Replug is a link management tool similar to Rebrandly, offering custom-branded short links and robust analytics.

You may also like:

Manahil
Meet Manahil – A B2B & B2C writer with 4 + years of experience, known for turning insights into impactful content. Her words engage, inform, and drive real results.

How to put a link in TikTok bio without business account? 

Manahil
6 minutes

TikTok, one of the leading platforms of 2024, has certain limitations when adding links to your bio without a business account. Users with personal accounts are typically restricted to including links in their bio section. 

For individuals and creators needing clarification on How to put a link in TikTok bio without a business account? Here are some alternative solutions:

  • Create a short URL: Use a URL shortener to generate a short and memorable link. This makes it easier for your followers to manually enter the URL into their browser.
  • Use a link aggregator. Services like Replug allow you to combine multiple links into a single, easy-to-share bio link. 

However, If you’re still unsure about how to use the TikTok bio link effectively, our quick guide will provide the clarity you need. We’ve outlined step-by-step instructions and tips to help you maximize this feature. Let’s get you started.

What is a TikTok bio link?

A TikTok bio link is the URL you can include in the biography section of your TikTok profile. It’s a way to direct your followers to an external site or resource. This link can be used to promote your website, a specific landing page, your other social media accounts, or any other content you want to highlight.

Create bio links for Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn.

Create fully customizable bio link webpages to drive traffic from and to your social media channels, online store, website and much more.

Learn More!
fully customizable bio link

Who can add a link to their TikTok bio?

To add a clickable link to your TikTok bio, you need to meet the following criteria:

  • TikTok business account: You must have switched your account from a personal to a business account.   
  • 1,000 Followers: Your account needs to have at least 1,000 followers.   

How to put a link in your TikTok bio without a business account?

You can add text in the “Bio” section that includes your link. However, TikTok doesn’t allow clickable links in the bio for personal accounts. Instead, you’ll need to use a workaround.

Shorten the link: Use a URL shortening service to create a shorter link that’s easier for followers to type or paste. We recommend users utilize Replug, an all-in-one link management tool for agencies and marketing pros with cost-effective pricing. 

Key features:

  • Link shortening: Create branded, custom short links for easy sharing.
  • Retargeting pixels: Integrate tracking pixels to build targeted audiences.
  • Social media bio-links: Manage multiple links in one place for a clean social media profile.
  • Advanced analytics: Track link performance, conversions, and audience demographics.

Besides that the tool also offers, A/B testing of links, bulk creation of links, creating deep links, custom CTAs, and much more. 

How to create a short link with Replug?

Step no 01: Sign in to Replug or create an account.

Sign-in to Replug

Step no 02: On the main Home page, Spot the ‘Quickly shorten your URL” section.

Step no 03: Enter the link in the “URL to shorten” section.

add utm

Note: You can also add UTM parameters to your link to track its performance. Using UTM parameters can help you better understand which links are driving the most traffic and conversions for your website.

Step no 04: Your link will be shortened. Click the edit icon and type the URL slug you want to use in the link.

edit slug

Step no 05: Copy the new link, hit the “Save your shortened link” button, and you’re done. 

save your url

Link Management Made Easy

Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

Get Started for FREE!
link management made easy

To update your TikTok profile with a new URL, follow these steps:

  1. Open your TikTok app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner.
TikTok profile page
  1. Select “Edit Profile” or the “Add bio” section.
Click on edit profile
  1. You’ll be taken to this section: Click on the “Bio” tab.
How to put a link in bio?
  1. Paste your shortened URL into the bio field and hit “Save.”
Add updated bio

And you’re done. Simply go back to your profile, and you’ll see the edited URL in the bio section. 

Shortened TikTok link in bio

Although the link won’t be clickable, your followers can copy and paste it into their browser to access all your important content.

Also read: A step-by-step guide on Tiktok retargeting using Replug

Shorten your links, amplify your brand.

Create shareable, trackable and fully customizable branded urls. Get more clicks with absolute link management features such as Bio Links, retargeting, deep Links, CTA’s and more.

Learn More!
fully customizable bio link

Additional tips to maximize your Tiktok link in bio

  • Make your bio informative: Include a brief and engaging description of what the link leads to. This can encourage more people to visit it.
  • Stay within character limits: TikTok bios have a character limit, so ensure your link and description fit within this limit.
  • Update your bio link regularly: If you only need to promote one link at a time, consider updating the URL in your bio to direct your followers to your latest content, special promotions, or important announcements. 
  • Utilize your other social media platforms: Promote your TikTok profile on other social media platforms where you can include clickable links. Encourage your followers to visit the link in your TikTok bio by directing them from these platforms, where you can provide more context and details.
  • Direct followers via content: In your TikTok videos and captions, guide your followers to visit the link in your bio and explain what they can find there. 
  • Use calls-to-action: Include a clear call to action in your bio or video captions to encourage viewers to click the link.

Using these steps, you can share links effectively with your TikTok audience even if you don’t have a business account.

Conclusion 

All in all, that wraps up our guide on how to put a link in a TikTok bio without a business account. We’ve explored various strategies to help you make the most of the links you can include, from using link aggregators and URL shorteners to keeping your followers engaged.

While the limitations of a personal account may pose some challenges, these techniques offer effective ways to share important content.

FAQs on TikTok link in bio 

Can I add a link to my TikTok bio?

Yes, you can add a link to your TikTok bio. However, the ability to have a clickable link depends on the type of account you have.

What types of accounts can have clickable links in their bio?

Clickable links in bios are available for business and creator accounts. Personal accounts only allow for a non-clickable URL that followers need to copy and paste.

How do I add a link to my TikTok bio?

To add a link to your bio, go to your TikTok profile, tap “Edit profile,” and then enter your URL in the “Website” field under the bio section.

Can I use a URL shortener for the link in my bio?

For personal accounts, using a URL shortener can help create a shorter, more manageable URL. However, the link itself will still be non-clickable, so followers will need to copy and paste it into their browser.

How can I promote multiple links if I have a personal account?

You can use a link aggregator like Replug to consolidate multiple links into a single URL. Although the URL in your bio won’t be clickable, followers can copy and paste it to access various links.

Can I customize the short URL for my TikTok bio link?

If you use a URL shortener or link aggregator, many services allow you to customize the short URL or add a branded slug to better represent your content.

Manahil
Meet Manahil – A B2B & B2C writer with 4 + years of experience, known for turning insights into impactful content. Her words engage, inform, and drive real results.

How do I get my Instagram link on Desktop and Mobile?

Arslan Jadoon
3 minutes

Social networks like Instagram are mobile-friendly. However, because Instagram is mobile-first, tracking down your Instagram URL can sometimes be tricky because it works differently than a traditional website.

This guide will show you how to quickly grab URLs on both mobile and computer devices, including your Instagram links, in just a few simple steps.

Let’s get searching!

How to get an Instagram link on a computer device:

Step 1: Go to Instagram and type in your login credentials.

Login to Instagram

Step 2: Click on your username at the top-right of the screen.

click username

Alternatively, you can click the profile icon in the left menu.

click profile

Step 3: Your Instagram link will appear in the search bar. Copy the link, and you’ll have a ready-to-use Instagram link.

copy url

How to get an Instagram link on a mobile device:

Step 1: Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android and log in. 

Step 2: Tap on your profile in the bottom right-hand corner of the menu.

tap profile

Step 3: You will find your Instagram username at the top of your profile page. 

Note: Instagram URLs consist of two components: Instagram’s website address and your Instagram username. The URL format is generally instagram.com/username. So, the Instagram username for the case is aarsal.k. To get this link, just type Instagram.com/aarsal.k. You can do the same for your iPhone or Android device.

Your Instagram link is now ready to go!

note username

 

How to change Instagram URL using Replug?

You can easily change your Instagram URL in seconds by following these simple and easy steps. 

Step 1: Follow the above steps to get your Instagram link on mobile or desktop.

Step 2: Go to any browser on your desktop and type app.replug.io. You will be redirected to the login page, where you can sign in or create an account if you don’t already have one.

Step 3: You will see the Replug dashboard once you are signed in.

Step 4: Paste or type your Instagram URL in the box under “Quick Shorten your link” to customize it:

 Step 5: Now you have your updated URL, which will look like the one below in the picture. 

You can customize the URL slug to let people know exactly what you’re sharing. Click the edit button at the end of the URL bar and type the URL slug you want.

For example:

Now save your shortened link and get sharing! It’s that easy.

Related: Instagram Short URL: How to Shorten Instagram Links

Note: Find your newly created Instagram link by going to Main Dashboard > Manage > Replug links. 

Related topics:

Instagram URL Shortener Tools To Elevate Your Marketing!

How to see who clicks on your Instagram link?

How to change a link name?

How to see who clicks on your Instagram link?

 

 

 

 

Arslan Jadoon
Arslan is a SaaS content marketer who crafts clear, engaging content that drives results. He simplifies complex ideas into easily understandable blog posts, landing pages, and emails, helping SaaS companies connect with their audience and grow.

How to change Facebook URL on mobile and desktop?

Arslan JadoonManahil
5 minutes

Changing your Facebook URL can be a great way to make your profile more memorable and easier to find. It can also add a personal touch to your profile and make it easier for people to find you if they are searching for you on search engines.

Additionally, it can help to prevent confusion if you have multiple accounts with similar usernames. Finally, it can also help to ensure that your profile remains secure since anyone with your username can access it.

Here’s how to change your Facebook URL on mobile and desktop using a Facebook URL shortener.

How to change Facebook URL on your mobile?

You can easily change your Facebook URL through the Facebook Messenger app on your phone.

Follow these steps:

Step no 01: Open the Facebook messenger app from your phone.

open messenger

Step no 02: Tap on the three-lined menu icon in the top left corner.

tap menu icon

Step no 03: Now tap on the setting icon near the top right corner. 

tap setting icon

Step no 04: Look for the “Username” section and tap on it. 

tap user name

Step no 05: Now tap the “Edit Username” section. 

tap edit username

Step no 06: Type your new user name.

Note: Only available usernames can be selected. Try typing an alternate user name if your intended one is not available. 

write new user name

Step no 07: Tap save, and you’ll have your new user name, which will also be your new URL.

tap save

That’s it! Your Facebook URL has been successfully updated.

Increase your CTR with a Branded Link Now!

Replug Branded CTA

Related topic: How to unlink Facebook and Instagram?

How to change Facebook URL on your desktop?

You can change your Facebook URL from your computer by following these steps:

Step no 01: Log in to Facebook from your desktop.’

log in to fb

Step no 02: Click the profile icon at the top right corner.

click profile icon

Step no 03: Click setting & privacy from the drop-down menu. 

setting&privacy

Step no 04: Now click settings, which will take you to the general profile setting page. 

click setting

Step no 05: Click on Edit in the user name field.

click edit

Step no 06: Type your new user name, which will also be your new URL

type new username

Note: You must check whether your chosen user name is available while typing. Try typing another option if your desired user name is not available.

Step no 07: Click the save changes button, and you’ll have your new URL. 

click save changes

Related Topic: A Complete Guide to Using the Facebook Pixel

Using Replug to change Facebook URLs

Replug makes it easy to shorten and customize your Facebook page URL while providing powerful features like link tracking and performance analytics. 

With Replug, you can also apply custom branding to your links, offering a personalized touch that helps reinforce your brand identity. Here’s how to use Replug to update your Facebook page URL:

Step no 01: Log in to your existing Replug account. If you don’t have an account yet, create one—it’s quick and easy!

log in to replug

Step no 02: On the homepage, locate the “Quickly shorten your link” bar. Paste your Facebook URL into the field provided.

paste the facebook url

Step no 03: Click the edit button at the end of the URL bar. Enter the desired URL slug to personalize the link.

edit the slug

Step no 04: Click the “Save Shortened Link” button at the bottom. Once saved, your new, customized Facebook URL is ready to be shared with your audience!

save shortened link

By following these simple steps, you can enhance your Facebook page’s visibility and track how it performs using Replug’s robust tools.

FAQs on Facebook URLs

Why can’t I change my Facebook URL after following all the steps? 

It may be because you have already changed your Facebook URL. Facebook only allows you to change your URL once, so if you changed it before, you would not be able to change it again.

What is a Facebook URL?

A Facebook URL is the unique web address used to access a specific Facebook profile, page, or post. It usually starts with www.facebook.com/ followed by the username, page name, or post ID.

How do I share my Facebook page URL?

Go to your Facebook page, copy the URL from the browser’s address bar, and share it directly on social media, in messages, or through email.

Why is my Facebook URL not working?

Your Facebook URL might not work if:

  • The page or profile is deleted or deactivated.
  • The username or page name has been changed.
  • There’s a typo in the URL.

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Arslan Jadoon
Arslan is a SaaS content marketer who crafts clear, engaging content that drives results. He simplifies complex ideas into easily understandable blog posts, landing pages, and emails, helping SaaS companies connect with their audience and grow.
Manahil
Meet Manahil – A B2B & B2C writer with 4 + years of experience, known for turning insights into impactful content. Her words engage, inform, and drive real results.

How do URL shorteners work – The technical aspects of URL shorteners

ManahilHassaan Khan
12 minutes

It’s no surprise that marketers, influencers, and bloggers use all sorts of tools, software, and plugins that improve their content reach, engagement, and conversion.

One such essential tool is a URL shortener that trims down long URLs into small, sweet URLs. Undoubtedly, short URLs have quickly become a crucial part of the modern-day digital marketing ecosystem.

The purpose of a URL shortener is to shorten the URL to make it easier for the user to share, publish, and analyze. However, if you’re a tad curious about how URL shorteners work, then this piece is going to uncover some answers for you.

Before we discuss the technical aspects of a URL shortener, let’s briefly discuss its history. Then, we’ll move on to the implementation, challenges, and technological aspects.

History of URL shorteners

Short URLs have a rather interesting history. The concept of short URLs was created with a simple need to solve a personal problem. 

In 2002, Kevin Gilbertson, an active participant in unicycling newsgroups, was frustrated with the long and unwieldy URLs that were difficult to share.

To make his life easier, he created TinyURL, the first known URL-shortening service. It’s interesting to find out that the concept of short URLs wasn’t the result of a well-organized effort in the grand scheme of things. All Gilbertson wanted to enhance his user experience by creating something that worked better for his specific needs.

The idea that started as a solution to solve a long URL-sharing problem turned into something bigger. The concept of shortening URLs soon expanded beyond individual users, capturing the attention of a broader online audience.

Gilbertson’s simple idea to solve a personal problem ultimately evolved into a key piece of internet infrastructure. URL shorteners are now indispensable for sharing content, tracking clicks, and analyzing user behavior, thanks to an entrepreneurial effort by a creative web developer seeking a more streamlined web experience.

The technology behind URL shortening

Before we dive deep into the technical aspects of URL shorteners, it’s important to understand the URL structure of a shortened URL. For instance, here’s a link

Enter Link name to shorten

The first half of the short URL (replug.link) is the default short domain. Later, we’ll discuss how brands can use their custom, short domain with their URL shortener.

Changed Link Name

 

The next part in the short URL is the slug that works as a unique identifier and is known as a token.

Tokens are alphanumeric strings that identify long URLs. They can be 6 to 9 characters long.

Two aspects of URL shortening are worth knowing in order to understand how they work fully.

1. Short URL generation

It’s a process where a long URL is provided to the system, which then creates and returns a shortened version. If the system has already generated a short URL for that long URL in the past, the same one is returned. However, a new one is generated and provided if the existing short URL has expired.

2. URL redirection

This describes how the system responds when a user clicks on a short URL. The system first receives the request and then directs the user to the original, full-length URL associated with that short link.

Implementing URL shortening in web development

This is considered one of the most common yet practical technical aspects of URL shorteners. Implementing URL shortening in your well-built web application can enhance user experience, improve click-through rates, and provide valuable analytics.

Here are a few steps on how to integrate URL shortening into your web development projects.

Choosing the right API: Consider factors like features, pricing, and ease of integration when selecting a URL-shortening API for your project.

Setting up the development environment: Once you’ve chosen your API, make sure you have the necessary tools and libraries installed. Most APIs will require you to sign up for an API key for authentication.

Integrating the API: Implement the API by following its documentation to connect your application, allowing users to shorten URLs seamlessly. The effectiveness of these integrations heavily depends on proper API design that ensures reliability and scalability.

Handling redirects: When a user clicks on a shortened link, it should redirect them to the original URL. 

Analytics and tracking: One of the primary advantages of URL shortening is tracking links. Use the analytics features provided by your chosen API to monitor clicks, geographical data, and referral sources. 

Testing and deployment: Before going live, thoroughly test your URL shortening feature. Ensure that:

  • Shortened links redirect correctly.
  • Analytics are being tracked accurately.
  • The user interface is intuitive and responsive.

Once you’re satisfied with the performance, deploy your application to a production environment.

By following the steps outlined above, you can implement this feature effectively and leverage it to improve your digital marketing efforts. 

Top 4 APIs for URL shortening 

URL shorteners have quickly become an inevitable resource for creating, managing, and analyzing digital marketing campaigns. 

SAAS developers and marketing tools utilize URL shortener APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to flawlessly add link-shortening capabilities into their tools and software.

Here are the most popular APIs for URL shorteners:

1. Replug

Replug is a powerful URL shortener API that not only allows you to create short links but also provides advanced features for managing and analyzing those links. 

Branded Short Links

Create and track branded short links for your business for better conversions.

Brand Your Links Now!
Branded Short Links

With Replug, developers can easily integrate link-shortening capabilities into their applications, making it a popular choice for digital marketers, agencies, and SaaS developers alike.

2. Shorten.rest

Shorten.rest is a URL shortener API developed by API LADS. It’s available on RapidAPI for developers and SAAS companies to create customized URL-shortening tools.

3. Bitly

Bitly is a well-known URL shortening service. It also has a URL shortener API for developers and agencies wanting to create branded URL shorteners.

4. Yourls

Yourls is an open-source tool for setting up a URL-shortening tool. It needs to be installed on the server and usually requires a software engineer to install and run.

These are some of the URL shortener APIs to watch when developing a URL shortener tool or integrating a link shortening service into an existing social media management tool.

Other ways brands implement URL shortening 

Some of the other common and effective technical aspects of URL shorteners.

1. Short URL integration in social media scheduling tools 

Integrating social media scheduling tools that automatically shorten links when scheduling or publishing posts. It allows users to make their URLs more concise, shorter, and trackable.

2. Blog post short links for sharing

Some blog owners want to ensure that their readers can easily share their blog posts on social media. Undoubtedly, short links for blog posts make content sharing across different platforms easier and faster. These links are typically created either manually or through automation when a blog post is published.

Custom short URLs

3. Custom short URLs in affiliate dashboards

Affiliate networks provide affiliate marketers with multiple dashboard features to generate affiliate links, promote products, and track conversions effectively. One feature of the affiliate dashboard is the ability to shorten affiliate product links.

4. WordPress plugins for affiliate product links

WordPress plugins can automatically generate short, user-friendly URLs for product links. These plugins allow you to manage multiple affiliate links from a central point in the dashboard.

Also Read: How to Redirect a URL in WordPress – Ultimate Guide

6 challenges with URL shortener reliability

URL shortening is an advanced link management technique adopted by top brands, influencers, and marketers worldwide. However, some hiccups when using short URLs at scale are worth knowing.

Let’s crack this open and find out more about the challenges users might face with URL shortener reliability:

1. Potential loss of user trust

A major challenge of using URL shorteners is the risk of diminishing trust. Since shortened URLs hide the actual destination, users may be hesitant to click on them, particularly if they’ve experienced scams, phishing, or another malicious phishing incident before.

Verifying both the origin and the destination of shortened links is essential to avoid potential security breaches. It’s also recommended to click on the short URLs from trusted sources only.

Also Read: How to use shortened URLs for marketing : 13 smart ways to leverage short URLs

2. SEO impact of URL shortening

SEO experts haven’t been huge fans of URL shorteners, especially when pursuing search engine optimization (SEO) campaigns for their brand or a client. It’s a popular opinion that URL shorteners can negatively impact SEO.

By using a shortened link, the original domain’s SEO value may not transfer, which could result in missed opportunities for improving visibility on search engines.

Link Management Made Easy

Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

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link management made easy

3. Fewer link previews on social media

There are some social media platforms where users get frustrated to see that link previews aren’t showing up properly, making it difficult for users to assess whether the link is reliable or relevant before clicking.

As a result, it leads to a need for more transparency, reducing user engagement and clickability on social media content.

link previews on social media

4. Decreased user experience due to redirects

The URL redirect mechanism is inherent in URL shorteners, and it can slow down page loading times, especially if multiple redirects are involved, or the web server quality is poor.

This delay can lead to frustration, negatively impact user engagement, and potentially drive users away from the website. Therefore, URL redirection could challenge the URL shortener’s reliability.

5. Reduced analytics and tracking for marketers

It’s quite evident that social media success is associated with audience engagement, interaction, and retention. However, URL shorteners can sometimes limit the ability to track link performance accurately.

In some cases, the shortened URLs can make it harder to gather data, hindering the ability to measure a social media marketing campaign’s success and effectively create future marketing strategies.

URL tracking

Also Read: Conversion tracking: Best tools, tips, and tricks

6. Data collection and privacy concerns

It’s always recommended to use high-quality, well-reputed URL shortening services. While most URL shorteners clearly state their policies regarding users’ privacy, some services may collect data from user clicks, including sensitive information like IP addresses and geographic locations, without users’ consent.

It’s also true that some URL shorteners offer privacy-focused features that distinguish them from the rest. The priority should be choosing link management platforms with transparent and clear policies on how user data is collected, stored, and used.

These are some of the challenges with URL shortener reliability that users must be aware of when opting for a URL shortening tool.

Best URL shortener in 2025

As we look into 2025, several URL shorteners stand out for their features, ease of use, and reliability. Here we will reveal the best URL shortener of 2025.

Meet Replug

Replug is gaining traction as a powerful URL shortener that combines link shortening with comprehensive link management and engagement features.

Shorten your links, amplify your brand.

Create shareable, trackable and fully customizable branded urls. Get more clicks with absolute link management features such as Bio Links, retargeting, deep Links, CTA’s and more.

Learn More!
fully customizable bio link

Here are some reasons to consider Replug:

  1. Customization: Replug provides robust customization options. You can use your custom domain to create branded short links that match your brand’s identity. This adds a professional touch to your links and enhances brand recognition.
  2. Powerful Analytics: Replug offers in-depth analytics to track the performance of your short links. You can monitor the number of clicks, geographic locations of users, referral sources, and more. This data is valuable for optimizing your marketing strategies.
Features of Replug
  1. UTM Parameters: Replug allows you to add UTM parameters to your short links, helping you track and analyze the effectiveness of different marketing campaigns.
  2. QR Codes: You can generate QR codes for your short links with Replug. QR codes make it easy for offline audiences to access your online content by simply scanning the code.
  3. Link Management: Replug provides a user-friendly dashboard for managing all your short links in one place. It’s easy to organize and categorize your links for efficient use.
  4. Team Collaboration: If you work with a team, Replug offers team collaboration features, allowing multiple users to manage and track links collectively.
  5. Privacy and Security: Replug takes privacy and security seriously, ensuring that your data and links are protected.

The platform also offers pricing plans suitable for different needs, from individuals to businesses, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Quick fixes for URL shortener security issues

Alonsgide the technical aspects of URL shorteners, Let’s take a look at some of the tips to improve URL shortener security concerns:

1. Reveal the full URL before clicking

Many URL shorteners offer preview features that allow users to view the original URL before clicking the shortened link, promoting trust and transparency.

Additionally, some services enable custom short links that include recognizable brand elements, enhancing user confidence.

Users can also utilize browser extensions that reveal the original URL by hovering over or clicking on a shortened link, further ensuring security. Advanced URL shorteners may display a tooltip with the full URL upon hovering, providing a user-friendly way to keep users informed.

2. Utilize a URL checker

URL checkers are yet another way to check the short URLs before accessing the link. It allows users to be 100% sure about the destination URL isn’t a scam or contains any malicious code. There are online tools or websites that let users check the short links, such as getlinkinfo.com and unshorten.it. 

Also Read: How to Shrink a Link: Step-by-Step Guide

3. Make your short URL more descriptive

One of the quick fixes for URL shorteners or short URLs could be creating more descriptive link text. It’s only possible if the URL shortener allows users to create a custom slug for the short URL.

Shorten your links, amplify your brand.

Create shareable, trackable and fully customizable branded urls. Get more clicks with absolute link management features such as Bio Links, retargeting, deep Links, CTA’s and more.

Learn More!
fully customizable bio link

4. Enable browser security features

Modern browsers come equipped with built-in security features to help protect against online threats. Keep these features, such as phishing protection and unsafe site warnings, activated and updated regularly to shield yourself from malicious links and websites.

5. Be alert to suspicious shortened URLs

While shortened URLs themselves aren’t inherently dangerous, cybercriminals can use them for malicious purposes. Be cautious if a shortened link comes with promises of deals, prizes, or requests for personal information, as these could be signs of phishing or fraud. Always research the link thoroughly before engaging.

Also Read: How to Fix “ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS” Error: Step-by-Step Guide

6. Strengthen protection with antivirus software

In addition to your browser’s security tools, use strong antivirus software to safeguard against potential threats from shortened links or harmful websites. Keep your antivirus up to date to ensure it can detect the latest vulnerabilities and provide maximum protection.

7. Create your own shortened URLs

Whenever possible, generate your own shortened links rather than relying on those from unknown sources. Many free URL shortening services allow you to create customized URLs while maintaining control over privacy and minimizing the risk of third-party manipulation.

Also Read: How to Rename Links Using Replug: 5 Simple Steps

8. Check the legitimacy of shortened links

Before clicking on any shortened URL, especially those received via messaging apps or emails, take a moment to verify its trustworthiness.

Consider the source—do you trust the person or platform sharing it? Hover over the link to ensure it aligns with the suggested destination, and if you’re unsure, investigate further or confirm with the sender.

So, these are some of the quick fixes for URL shortening security issues.

Regulation and legal issues surrounding URL shortening

Disclaimer: Be advised that this isn’t legal advice, so it shouldn’t taken as an expert opinion. Consult your lawyer or legal team for accurate information. 

URL shorteners convert long URLs into short, compact versions. These short URLs are generally legal and widely used by individuals and companies around the globe. However, there are legal concerns surrounding their use, primarily related to cybersecurity, intellectual property, and data privacy.

Since these services can obscure the destination URL, they may be exploited for phishing attacks, malware distribution, or illegal content sharing, raising concerns among regulators.

Some affiliate programs don’t allow affiliate marketers to use any URL shortener to trim down the long, clunky affiliate product link whatsoever.

Amazon Associates is the prime example of that; it’s against their terms and conditions to shorten the affiliate links.

From a legal standpoint, URL shorteners must comply with privacy laws like GDPR in the European Union and CCPA in California, particularly when they collect user data. 

The shortened links often track user behavior, so services handling personal data must ensure transparency and secure handling. Non-compliance can result in heavy fines.

Emerging technologies in URL shortening

Unsurprisingly, URL shortening has evolved significantly over the past few years. Moreover, URL shortening isn’t just about shortening a long and cumbersome URL. New technical aspects of URL shorteners have taken the marketing world by storm.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and take a look at some of the key emerging technologies in the URL shortening space:

1. Branded short links

Several URL shortening services now offer the ability to create branded short links using your domain name. It allows marketers and bloggers to create short, custom URLs that instantly remind the audience of the brand.

It is an emerging technology worth mentioning in the URL-shortening arena. Branded short links can improve click-through rates and build trust with users.

2. Dynamic link rotation

Some URL shortening platforms use intelligent link rotation to analyze user experience and response. 

 link rotation

It allows users to utilize a single link to direct the audience to the various landing pages, depending on factors like country, date, time, etc. As a result, the link management tool analyzes the performance and determines the best destination URL.

3. Link retargeting

Link retargeting allows marketers and influencers to show targeted ads to users who click on the short links. 

When a user clicks a retargeted short link, they are redirected to the destination URL while a cookie is placed on their device – the retargeting pixel. 

The job of a retargeting pixel is to help identify the user when a retargeting campaign is launched.

Link Management Made Easy

Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

Get Started for FREE!
link management made easy

4. Shortened URLs with QR codes

Thanks to innovative marketing techniques and emerging technologies, offline marketing has risen despite the attention shift toward online platforms. 

Shortened URLs with QR codes

Now, marketers can easily connect shortened URLs with QR codes to set up a powerful tool for offline marketing. 

Replug allows users to generate a QR code that points to a short URL, enabling social media followers and potential customers to access content from print ads, newspapers, posters, or business cards.

FAQs about URL shortening

Let’s take a look:

How do you shorten a URL? 

Pick a URL shortening tool like Replug; copy and paste the URL, and hit the button. The URL shortener will generate a short URL for the long, clunky URL.

What algorithm to shorten URLs? 

URL shorteners are built with different programming languages and APIs that empower these tools to effectively shorten long, funky URLs within a second.

Which URL shortener is popular? 

Replug, Bitly, TinyURL, and several others are quite popular URL shorteners on the market. However, there are a bunch of free and paid link management tools that offer URL-shortening services.

Do URL shorteners affect SEO?

URL shorteners could negatively affect SEO if they are aggressively used in content marketing and SEO campaigns. We discussed why and how URL shorteners could be bad for SEO earlier in the article.

Does Google prefer short URLs?

Google or any other search engine would prefer clean, simple, and accessible URLs whether they are short or long URLs. However, if long URLs are clunky and spammy, then it might not help a website in getting ranked higher in the SERP.

Manahil
Meet Manahil – A B2B & B2C writer with 4 + years of experience, known for turning insights into impactful content. Her words engage, inform, and drive real results.
Hassaan Khan
Hassaan Khan is a freelance writer for SAAS companies, e-commerce stores, and niche websites. He has contributed to SEMrush, ThriveGlobal, BloggingCage, AllBloggingTips, and several other publications. He builds niche websites, publishes e-books, and helps website investors with his done-for-you niche site-building service.

What is a branded short domain and how do I get one?

Arslan JadoonManahil
5 minutes

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.

In short, a branded domain is a way to transform long URLs into branded, memorable, and impactful short links that resonate with your audience.

Example

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.

Branded Short Links

Create and track branded short links for your business for better conversions.

Brand Your Links Now!
Branded Short Links

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 no 01: Access the Replug Home, navigate to “Settings,” and select “Custom Domains” from the dropdown menu.

custom domain

Step no 02: Click on “Add Domain” to add your custom domain for creating branded links.

add domain

Step no 03: 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.
add domain url

Step no 04: 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.

set-up-branded-short-domain

Step no 05: 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.

Link Management Made Easy

Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

Get Started for FREE!
link management made easy

Why do you need to use a branded short domain?

Using a branded short domain offers several valuable benefits for individuals and businesses alike:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. SEO benefits: Branded short domains may contribute to boosting overall domain authority. As these links are associated with your main domain, they can potentially provide a small SEO advantage.
  7. 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.

Also read: How to Shorten a Link for Instagram Bio: Step-by-Step Guide

FAQs on branded short domain

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.

Arslan Jadoon
Arslan is a SaaS content marketer who crafts clear, engaging content that drives results. He simplifies complex ideas into easily understandable blog posts, landing pages, and emails, helping SaaS companies connect with their audience and grow.
Manahil
Meet Manahil – A B2B & B2C writer with 4 + years of experience, known for turning insights into impactful content. Her words engage, inform, and drive real results.

How to change a link name?

Arslan Jadoon
4 minutes

Hyperlinks are created by using anchor tags in HTML code. The anchor tag defines the start and end of a hyperlink, and the text between the opening and closing tags is displayed as the link. To change the name of a hyperlink, you need to edit the text between the opening and closing anchor tags.

When you add a hyperlink to a message, the text displayed as the link is usually the URL of the webpage that the link points to. 

For example, if you add a link to

the link text may be displayed as

However, displaying a more descriptive and readable link text is often more user-friendly than the raw URL. 

For example, you could change the link text to “How to Change a Link Name: A Comprehensive Guide.” This makes it easier for users to understand the link and encourages them to click on it, especially if it’s in a promotional document like a product catalogue.

Read Now: Brand Consistency:  Build Brand Consistency Using Branded Links

Link Management Made Easy

Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

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link management made easy

How to change a link name in a text document?

To change the link name that uses a hyperlink, you must edit the text displayed as the link. Here is an example of how to change the name of a link with a hyperlink in a Microsoft Word document:

  1. Open the Word document containing the link that you want to change.
  2. Right-click on the link and select the option to edit the link.
  3. In the Edit Hyperlink window, delete the current text in the “Text to display” field and type in the new name you want to use for the link.
  4. Click the “OK” button to save the changes and close the Edit Hyperlink window.

How to change a link name with a hyperlink in an HTML webpage:

1. Open the HTML code for the webpage in a text editor. You can do this by right-clicking on the webpage and selecting the option to view the source code or opening the HTML file in a text editor such as Notepad, TextEdit, or an online html viewer. It can also increase click-through rates by making the link more appealing and trustworthy—just as choosing the right Magento Hosting provider ensures a reliable and optimized eCommerce experience.

2. Locate the anchor tag that represents the link. It will look something like this:

The anchor tag consists of the opening tag <a>, the destination URL

and the closing tag </a>. The text between the opening and closing tags is the link text, currently “Link Name.”

3. Change the text between the opening and closing anchor tags to the new name you want to use for the link.

4. Save the changes to the HTML code by going to the “File” menu and selecting the “Save” option.

5. Refresh the webpage by pressing the “F5” key or by clicking the Refresh button”.

How to change a link name using Replug?

Here’s how to change a link name using our URL shortener:

Step no 01: Sign in to Replug or create an account.

Sign-in to Replug

Step no 02: On the main Home page, Spot the ‘Quickly shorten your URL” section.

Step no 03: Enter the link in the “URL to shorten” section.

add utm

Note: You can also add UTM parameters to your link to track its performance. Using UTM parameters can help you better understand which links are driving the most traffic and conversions for your website.

Step no 04: Your link will be shortened. Click the edit icon and type the URL slug you want to use in the link.

Step no 05: Copy the new link, hit the “Save your shortened link” button, and you’re done. 

save your url

How to make your links more descriptive and user-friendly with Replug

Using Replug can help you make your links more descriptive and user-friendly in a few different ways:

  • Customizable link names: With Replug, you can choose the name of your link rather than using the default URL. This allows you to create a more descriptive and readable link that tells users about the link.
  • Link branding: Replug allows you to customize the appearance of your links by adding your branding. This can establish user trust and credibility and make your links more recognizable.
  • Link targeting: Replug allows you to redirect traffic to different URLs based on the device or location of the user. This can be useful if you have different web page versions or want to redirect users to the most relevant version of your website.
  • Link analytics: Replug provides detailed analytics about the clicks on your links, including the number of clicks, the location of the users, and the devices used. This can help you understand how your links are used and make data-driven decisions about your link strategy.

Branded Short Links

Create and track branded short links for your business for better conversions.

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Branded Short Links

Interesting Reads:

Content Marketing Best Practices For 2022

How to create a call to action using a URL shortener?

Benefits of Using Branded Short Links

How to Build Your Brand on YouTube &#8211; Branding on Youtube the Right Way!

Arslan Jadoon
Arslan is a SaaS content marketer who crafts clear, engaging content that drives results. He simplifies complex ideas into easily understandable blog posts, landing pages, and emails, helping SaaS companies connect with their audience and grow.

The importance of tracking click data in digital analytics

Manahil
6 minutes

Every time someone clicks on your website, social media post, or email, they give you hints about what they like and what catches their attention. 

But how do you figure out what really motivates those clicks?

The answer is simple: tracking click data. It helps you piece together those hints and understand what resonates with your audience. 

It’s not just about the analytics; it’s about shaping your strategy to connect more authentically with your audience.

Now, let’s address these big questions: why is click tracking essential in digital analytics? 

How do click analytics impact agencies and clients? 

We’ll tackle these questions and more throughout this blog. Ready? Let’s go!

What are clicks?

Simply put, a click occurs when a user interacts with a webpage, ad, email, or mobile app by tapping or clicking on a link, image, or button. 

Each click is a measurable action that indicates interest or intent. Whether a potential customer explores a product page or a newsletter reader clicks a CTA (Call-to-Action), clicks offer a window into how users engage with your content.

Link Management Made Easy

Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

Get Started for FREE!
link management made easy

07 reasons why tracking click data is important in digital analytics

Here are some of the most common reasons why you should keep an eye on click data.

1. Find out what your audience loves and what falls flat 

By tracking how many clicks your content pieces are generating—whether it’s blogs, newsletters, or product pages—you can assess what’s working and what’s not.

High click-through rates (CTR) mean your headlines are engaging and your content is relevant, while low CTRs may signal a disconnect between what users expect and what you’re delivering.

Link analytics

For instance, if you notice that a lot of users are clicking a specific link on your homepage but not proceeding to conversion, it may signal that your CTA is misleading or that there’s a roadblock in the funnel. 

2. Better conversion rates – Turn browsers into buyers

The ultimate goal of any business is to turn website visitors into customers. Tracking clicks across your marketing funnel helps identify drop-off points and friction areas. 

Are people clicking on your product page but abandoning the cart? Is there a specific stage where users hesitate to click further?

By tracking click data, you can optimize your website’s flow, streamline processes, and eliminate obstacles to conversions. In essence, you’re using click data as a blueprint to guide users seamlessly from curiosity to commitment.

3. Social media success starts here

We all know it’s the time of social media; every brand, big or small, needs a strong presence to drive conversions. 

For example, you added a bio landing page to your Instagram account, but you have no idea how it’s performing. 

Click data

How many people clicked on those buttons inside it? Are they engaging with your offers or simply scrolling past?

By utilizing a click tracking tool, you can see exactly how many users clicked on each button, which sections they found most interesting, and where they dropped off. This data allows you to make informed adjustments. 

Also Read: How to see who clicks on your Instagram link?

Convert your followers into customers with single bio link.

Uplift your conversion rates by connecting all of your social accounts and business pages with a single bio link.

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single Bio Links

4. Optimize your ad spend

Clicks from ads not only reflect engagement but also play a crucial role in optimizing SaaS PPC campaigns, directly influencing the cost and effectiveness of pay-per-click models. Tracking click data from ads helps you understand which keywords, visuals, and targeting strategies are driving the most interest. Utilizing a scraping API can automate the process of collecting and analyzing data from various advertising platforms.

Armed with this information, you can tweak your ads to lower costs and increase returns, ensuring that your budget is being spent efficiently.

5. Craft emails that get noticed

Crafting emails that grab attention starts with a compelling subject line—make it intriguing and relevant to pique interest. Use engaging visuals and clear calls to action to guide your readers seamlessly through your message. 

But what you really need to know is whether they are clicking on your main offer or are more interested in secondary links. Which type of content (e.g., articles, promotions, updates) gets the most attention?

With a little creativity and data-driven insights, your emails can become powerful tools for building relationships and driving conversions.

Also Read: How to track emails using UTM parameters?

6. Understand your app users better

If your business has a mobile app, tracking in-app clicks can provide a clear picture of user engagement. 

Are users interacting with certain features more than others? Are they frequently clicking through product recommendations or promotions?

Understanding these trends can help app developers and marketers enhance the app’s interface and content to better serve user needs. 

It also helps with troubleshooting areas where users are dropping off, enabling proactive fixes and updates.

7. Gaining insights for A/B testing

A/B testing is a powerful way to optimize your digital marketing efforts. Whether you’re testing different versions of a landing page, email subject line, or ad copy, tracking clicks is critical in determining which version performs better.

By monitoring which version of your test receives the most clicks, you can make data-driven decisions to improve the performance of future campaigns.

How to drive more clicks? Discover 10 best ways

Driving more clicks requires a thoughtful strategy that aligns with your audience’s needs. Here are some practical tips to boost your click rates:

1. Create branded URLs

Start by optimizing your links, as the first impression users get—whether it’s an affiliate link, SMS link, or social media link.

Customized, branded URLs enhance credibility and make links more memorable. Use a URL shortener to personalize your links, ensuring they reflect your brand and invite clicks.

Shorten your links, amplify your brand.

Create shareable, trackable and fully customizable branded urls. Get more clicks with absolute link management features such as Bio Links, retargeting, deep Links, CTA’s and more.

Learn More!
fully customizable bio link

2. Use a click-tracking tool

Start by utilizing a click-tracking tool like Replug– A link management tool that allows you to monitor key metrics such as conversion rates, click performance, visitor locations, referral sources, and much more.

3. Implement UTM presets

Don’t forget to add UTM presets to your campaigns. These tags help you track marketing campaigns which are genuinely bringing in traffic and valuable leads for your business.

4. Capture attention with link previews

Link previews can give users a sneak peek of what to expect, making them more likely to click. By providing engaging visuals and brief descriptions, you can capture their interest instantly.

5. Drive more clicks with smart retargeting

Once you have click data, you can easily retarget your relevant audience. One of the simplest ways to achieve this is by adding a retargeting pixel to your links. This pixel tracks user interactions, allowing you to reach out to individuals who have previously engaged with your content. 

Also Read: 9 ways to multiply your sales with eCommerce retargeting

By doing so, you can tailor your messaging and offers to resonate with their interests, ultimately driving them back to your site and increasing the likelihood of conversions.

6. Keep updating links

Regularly updating your links ensures that your content stays fresh and relevant. This practice not only boosts user engagement but also improves your site’s SEO performance.

7. Craft compelling CTAs

Your call to action must stand out and clearly tell users what to do. Try creating custom CTA’s by using action-oriented language like “Get Started” or “Learn More” to drive urgency.

Also Read: Top call-to-action tools – Proven CTA tips and tricks

Create compelling Call-to-Actions to boost conversions

Improve your click through rate by creating catchy CTAs for your marketing campaigns.

Get Started For Free!
compelling Call-to-Actions

8. Optimize for mobile

More people are browsing and clicking from their phones. To capture more clicks from mobile users, make sure your website or app is mobile-friendly.

9. Use a digital analytics tool

If you want extensively detailed analytics for your website or app, we suggest you use a digital analytics tool like Usermaven. This tool allows you to discover real-time user journeys and segment users based on that to create targeted marketing strategies.

Within minutes, you’ll be able to set conversion goals, identify looping behaviors, and spot unexpected drop-offs.

Also Read: 9 best product analytics tools

10. Improve page load time

Users won’t stick around if your site is slow. A fast-loading page not only improves user experience but also encourages users to click around more.

Final thoughts

Clicks are more than mere interactions—they’re clues to what your audience wants, how they behave, and what drives them to take action.

Ignoring this vital metric could mean missing out on opportunities to improve user experience, enhance content, and boost conversions. 

So, whether you’re running a blog, eCommerce store, or app, make sure you’re diligently tracking clicks to fine-tune your strategy for success.

Your clicks tell a story. Are you listening?

FAQ’s on tracking click data

Which tool is best for click tracking?

Replug is the best tool for link management and tracking, offering insights into click performance and audience engagement.

Why do clicks matter to clients?

Clicks matter to clients because they indicate user engagement and the effectiveness of their marketing strategies.

Why do clicks matter to agencies?

For agencies, clicks are crucial metrics that help evaluate campaign performance and optimize client strategies for better results.

What are clicks on social media?

Clicks on social media refer to the number of times users interact with posts, links, or ads, indicating interest and engagement.

What are clicks in SEO?

In SEO, clicks represent the number of users who click on a website link from search engine results, reflecting its visibility and appeal.

What is the purpose of a click?

The purpose of a click is to measure user interest and interaction with content, guiding businesses to improve their offerings and strategies.

Manahil
Meet Manahil – A B2B & B2C writer with 4 + years of experience, known for turning insights into impactful content. Her words engage, inform, and drive real results.

How to use shortened URLs for marketing : 13 smart ways to leverage short URLs

ManahilMustafa Niazi
12 minutes

Many people are understandably cautious about clicking links, whether due to irritating website pop-ups or emails from unknown sources. 

At the same time, this hesitation poses a challenge for marketers, as getting users to click on URLs is vital for engagement and conversions.

This is where short URLs come into play. These attractive and concise links have become ubiquitous as influencers, brands, marketers, and bloggers leverage them to enhance marketing efforts, engagement, and click-through rates across various platforms. 

Let’s explore the concept of shortened URLs and the possibilities of utilizing short, branded URLs to boost marketing campaigns.

What are short URLs?

Short URLs refer to shortened versions of long and clunky URLs that look spammy and suspicious, especially to new visitors.

Shortening URLs aims to improve marketing effectiveness by utilizing the available URL-shortening services.

To pull this off, brands, influencers, and experts use custom URL-shortening tools that convert long URLs containing multiple parameters and codes into short, sweet URLs.

We’d like to shed some light on some of the best URL shorteners on the market, but first, let’s discuss why short URLs are so important.

Why do short URLs matter?

As you probably know, SEO is a vital aspect of digital marketing, and it all comes down to URLs—whether we’re talking about backlinks or internal links. The way we structure our URLs has become a key topic in any SEO conversation.

According to Backlinko, the top Google result boasts an impressive click-through rate (CTR) of 27.6%. 

Optimizing your site’s URLs is essential if you want to rank on the first page. They serve as a direct pathway to your destination, and their effectiveness is closely tied to redirection, branding, and overall accessibility.

Shortened URLs simplify the redirection process and enhance branding and accessibility. That’s why digital marketers, social media influencers, and major brands use them whenever they share links in emails or on social media.

By making links cleaner and more user-friendly, they significantly boost their chances of attracting clicks and driving traffic.

Shorten your links, amplify your brand.

Create shareable, trackable and fully customizable branded urls. Get more clicks with absolute link management features such as Bio Links, retargeting, deep Links, CTA’s and more.

Learn More!
fully customizable bio link

Four basic elements of URL shortening

To understand why companies and experts use short URLs, one must understand the four basic elements of URL shortening:

1. Appearance

Visual appeal is real in marketing, no matter the industry. Domains must be relevant, easy to read, and brandable.

Similarly, short URLs have a clean, sophisticated look that helps brands and individuals establish trust with the audience. Long and clunky URLs look fishy anyway.

2. Optimization

URL optimzation

A fundamental element of using short URLs is optimization. Whether you’ve shortened the URLs for social media sharing or capitalized on a custom domain, the strategy is crucial in optimizing the URL structure.

Also Read: How to Shorten a link using a URL shortener?

3. Branding

Branding refers to highlighting the brand’s name, logo, colors, and URL everywhere the brand is mentioned.

Brands use relevant short domains for their social media marketing and email marketing campaigns; for instance, Replug allows users to add a custom domain to their accounts to create short, brandable URLs.

Also Read: Branded Links vs. Short Links: Which is Right for Your Brand?

4. Tracking

One of the most important elements of shortened URLs is trackability. Almost all major URL shorteners allow users to track the performance of short URLs, which enables users to understand the audience’s behavior toward their content.

These four elements explain why short URLs matter in marketing and why millions of brands, marketers, bloggers, and influencers prefer to shorten their URLs when sharing across different platforms.

13 smart ways to use shortened URLs to boost your marketing efforts

Short URLs are a great way to simplify marketing links. Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to boost marketing with shortened URLs:

1. Enhance branding with custom URLs

Branding is all about creating a strong identity for your business. This includes elements like your name, logo, color scheme, fonts, and design patterns. Companies and influencers carefully choose these aspects to ensure their marketing materials are consistent and recognizable, helping to boost brand awareness.

Enhance branding with custom URLs

URL shorteners allow you to customize your shortened links, making them align with your brand’s name or theme. This helps maintain a cohesive look across your online presence. Shorter URLs are also easier to share and remember, providing a smoother experience for your audience, which can lead to higher engagement rates.

Also Read: Top 24 personal branding tools to upscale your marketing efforts

2. Easily shareable on social media

Share shortened URLs on social platforms to save character space and improve click-through rates, while maintaining a clean look.

Sharing links to blog posts, landing pages, and other resources is inevitable for engagement and conversion. However, the character limit on every social media platform hinders users from expressing their opinions in detail.

X (formerly Twitter) has a 280-character limit for free users and a 25,000-character limit for X Basic, Premium, and Premium+ users. Similarly, Instagram’s character limit allows users to write up to 2,200 characters in a post caption.

This is where short URLs come in handy and allow users to freely add shortened URLs to social media posts across different platforms.

Easily shareable on social media

For example, ContentStudio automatically shortens every URL a user adds to the Post Composer while publishing or scheduling content.

3. Track your marketing campaigns

Effective URL tracking shows you key metrics such as click-through rates (CTR), impressions, and total clicks. This capability significantly enhances the management and evaluation of marketing campaigns.

Shortened URLs play a vital role by enabling the tracking of user interactions and behaviors through a comprehensive analytics dashboard. 

For instance, In email marketing, two critical engagement metrics are open rates and click-through rates. While most email marketing platforms provide analytics for these metrics, challenges can arise when multiple links are included in a single campaign.

Track your marketing campaigns

This is where a reliable URL shortener becomes an invaluable tool for marketers and brands. By shortening multiple URLs for an email campaign, senders can easily track the performance of each email link using the URL shortener’s analytics dashboard.

For example, users can leverage a third-party URL shortener to condense various links within their email campaigns, simplifying performance tracking and enhancing overall campaign effectiveness.

4. Use customized CTAs for maximum impact

When CTAs are paired with short URLs, their effectiveness increases even more. Using URL shortening tools with a built-in custom CTA option maximizes the impact of your links. It combines the visual appeal of short URLs with the persuasive power of a personalized CTA, driving higher click-through rates and improving conversion outcomes.

Create compelling Call-to-Actions to boost conversions

Improve your click through rate by creating catchy CTAs for your marketing campaigns.

Get Started For Free!
compelling Call-to-Actions

Call-to-actions (CTAs) direct visitors to the sales page or relevant pages. The idea is to provide the audience with the most relevant and appealing CTAs so that they become irresistible and encourage visitors to walk away without clicking on the link.

When perfect call-to-actions are mixed with short URLs, it gets even better. Since long URLs seem spammy and sluggish, visitors quickly act on short URLs. So, it’s safe to say that short URLs play a role in improving the efficiency of the call-to-actions. For added peace of mind, you can use a scam checker to evaluate suspicious short links or emails before clicking. Tools like Bitdefender Scamio help users spot scams in real-time.

Also Read: Boost Your ROI with Personalized Call to Action for a Website

5. Simplify offline campaigns

Offline marketing campaigns might seem like a thing of the past, but they remain a powerful tool for brands, organizations, and influencers to connect with audiences in the real world. Whether through branded merchandise, events, flyers, banners, or sponsorships, offline campaigns can leave a lasting impression.

download-QR-code

One of the best practices to enhance offline campaigns is by integrating QR code short links. These QR codes, when placed on T-shirts, flyers, or banners, allow people to scan and be instantly redirected to your online platform. Not only does this make it easier for potential customers to connect with your brand, but it also offers an efficient way to track engagement. By using a URL shortener with built-in QR code generation, you can create branded links and monitor how many people scanned the code. This helps in evaluating the performance of your offline marketing efforts.

Also Read: How to create a QR Code with short links?

6. Incorporate retargeting pixels

Use URL shortening tools that allow you to add retargeting pixels to your short links, enabling you to target users who click on your links with ads later.

Incorporating retargeting pixels into your URL shortening strategy is a game-changer for your marketing efforts. When you use URL shorteners that allow you to embed retargeting pixels, you can track user behavior after they click on your links. This means you can follow up with ads later, targeting those users who showed interest in your content but didn’t convert right away. By keeping your brand in their line of sight, you significantly increase the chances of bringing them back for a second look—and hopefully, a purchase!

dynamic-retargeting

Let’s say you run an online clothing store and you share a short link to a seasonal sale on social media. By adding a retargeting pixel to that link, you can identify users who clicked on it but didn’t make a purchase. After they leave your website, you can serve them targeted ads featuring the same items they browsed or similar products while they’re visiting other sites. This strategy not only keeps your brand top-of-mind but also provides a gentle nudge to encourage those potential customers to return and complete their purchase. By leveraging retargeting pixels in your short links, you enhance your ability to convert casual visitors into loyal customers, making your marketing efforts more effective overall.

7. Boost your online presence with bio links

Look for a URL shortening tool that comes with a bio link feature. Bio links are game-changers for anyone active on social media. They let you bundle all your important links into one tidy URL, making it super easy for your followers to find what they need. 

social media bio-links

Tools like Replug let you craft a personalized landing page that showcases everything from your website and product pages to your various social media profiles. This means your audience won’t have to waste time hunting for your content—they can access it all in one place. 

Convert your followers into customers with single bio link.

Uplift your conversion rates by connecting all of your social accounts and business pages with a single bio link.

Get Started For Free!
single Bio Links

Also Read: 10 Best Bio Link Tools For 2024| Reviews & Pricing

8. Test link peformance

Test various versions of your short URLs to see which ones generate higher engagement and conversions.

A/B testing is a method for comparing two or more cases to see which one performs better. Usually, it’s case A versus case B to find out which outperforms the other.

Boost A/B testing

Tools like Replug offer an A/B testing feature that helps marketers compare two or more URLs pointing to the same destination website to determine which gets more clicks and engagement.

Therefore, URLs can be shortened for A/B testing to see how the audience reacts to the short URLs compared to the original long URLs.

9. Transform user experience with deep links

Use deep links for seamless navigation

Trigger more clicks, conversions & app installations with fully customizable deep links.

Learn More!
fully customizable bio link

Advanced URL shorteners offer the feature of deep linking. Utilize short URLs with deep linking capabilities to direct users to specific pages within your app or website for a smoother user experience.

smart deep linking

Directing users to specific content and streamlining their experience, you can increase engagement, improve conversion rates, and foster long-term loyalty.

For example, a fashion retailer promoting a new line of shoes through social media ads can use a short deep link that takes users directly to the new shoes collection page.

Additionally, if users do not have the app installed, deep links can trigger an installation prompt that directs them to the app store first. Once the app is installed, users can be taken directly to the specific product page, seamlessly integrating the installation process with the shopping experience.

This targeted approach not only enhances user satisfaction but also boosts eCommerce sales by making it easier for potential customers to browse and purchase products directly from the app.

Related: Key Role of Mobile Deep Links in Marketing

10. Run limited-time offers via short links

Promoting limited-time offers through short links is a powerful way to enhance user engagement and grab your audience’s attention. Additionally, using temporary short URLs adds an exclusive touch to your promotions. These links can expire after a set period, emphasizing the urgency and encouraging faster decision-making from customers.

For example, offering a special discount for just 24 hours through a temporary short URL not only directs users to the deal but also reinforces the limited-time nature of the offer. This strategy effectively boosts engagement and conversions while allowing you to track the success of your campaign.

11. Simplify affiliate and influencer campaigns

Using short links in affiliate and influencer marketing is a smart way to streamline tracking and improve campaign management. With a simple, branded short URL, affiliates and influencers can easily share links with their audiences, increasing the chances of clicks.

These short links allow for precise tracking, enabling you to monitor referral traffic, conversions, and the effectiveness of each partner’s efforts while ensuring affiliates receive proper credit for their commissions. Additionally, URL shortening helps mask or disguise long affiliate links, and protect affiliates from commission theft.

12. Personalized targetting with dynamic short URLs

A quick way to enhance your marketing with URL shortening is by setting up dynamic short URLs that allow for link rotation and traffic routing. These URLs can automatically direct users to different destinations based on factors like location, device, or browser type.

This personalization ensures users are directed to content tailored specifically to them, increasing engagement and satisfaction.

Link rotation

For instance, you can create geo-targeted short URLs that redirect users to landing pages or offers customized for their region, making your promotions more relevant and appealing.

This ensures your promotions resonate with local audiences and users receive the most optimized experience for their location, improving the chances of conversion and making your campaigns more effective.

Routing traffic based on user location, device, or other factors, helps to optimize user experience and ensure the right traffic reaches the most suitable content, boosting conversion rates and campaign performance.

Related: Why & When To Rotate Links?

13. Promote discounts and special offers

Create and share short URLs that lead to promotional pages, making it easier for users to engage with your offers quickly. Moreover, promote contests, giveaways, or sweepstakes using short URLs to make it easy for users to participate.

These are just a few of the many effective strategies available to maximize the potential of shortened URLs across various marketing channels and boost engagement across different platforms.

Which is the best URL shortener for online marketing?

Replug is an all-in-one link management tool for brands, marketers, SEOs, and bloggers to create, manage, and analyze short URLs. It’s a complete URL shortening tool that offers several link management services to take your social media marketing to the next level.

Replug-Link management tool

Over 35,000 happy customers worldwide trust Replug. One reason for its success is that it offers much more than the average URL shortener on the market. 

Users find URL shortening, tracking, bio links, and much more under the same umbrella. It’s, without a doubt, the best URL shortener for social media marketers.

Moreover, Replug offers a 14-day free trial with no strings attached. Try it out—no credit card is required.

Link Management Made Easy

Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

Get Started for FREE!
link management made easy

Key features

  • URL shortening for shortening long URLs
  • Custom domain configuration for branded short URLs
  • Bio link tool to create social media bio links
  • Retargeting feature to facilitate retargeting on social media platforms
  • A/B testing URLs to compare URL performance
  • Link rotator to rotate links for testing purposes
  • White-labeling for large-scale organizations
  • URL analytics to track and monitor URL performance
  • QR code management for links
  • Customizable call-to-actions

Pricing

  • Basic: $19
  • Professional: $49
  • Agency: $79

Wrapping up

Short URLs have become an integral part of modern-day marketing campaigns. Brands, influencers, and marketers try to squeeze every opportunity to drive visitors, engage followers, and upsell existing customers.

The concept behind discussing different ways to boost marketing with short URLs is to give readers some perspective on the marketing opportunities available to everyone. However, most people are too lazy to try out new things.

Undoubtedly, brands, marketers, and influencers capitalize on short branded URLs on social media and other channels. It’s time to take short URLs seriously before it’s too late.

Get started with your URL shortening and start analyzing every click you get through social media, email marketing, or other marketing channel. Sign up for a free Replug account now!

FAQs about marketing with shortened URLs

Let’s take a look at some of the burning questions about short URLs:

What is a short URL used for?

A short URL can be used for different purposes, such as trimming a long, clunky URL and converting it into a short, sweet URL. Social media users can use a short link in their bio. Bloggers also shorten their affiliate links to make those links look good. Furthermore, a short URL can be used to track clicks. There are several uses of short URLs in the digital marketing field.

How do I shorten a URL?

All you need to do is sign up for a URL shortener and log in to your account. Paste the long URL in the shortener area, and the long, spammy-looking URL will be converted into a short, clean URL.

How to create a custom URL link?

To create a custom URL link, one must set up a custom domain in the URL shortener. Many URL shorteners don’t provide this facility. Replug is one of the best URL shorteners on the market; it allows users to add a custom domain to the account and create custom short URLs with case.

Where can you use shortened URLs?

Shortened URLs are used on different platforms. For instance, social media marketers use short links when publishing content on social media platforms; email marketers use short URLs in the email body to track clickability; influencers use sponsored content to track engagement, etc. So, there are multiple use cases of short URLs.

How do I know if a short URL is safe?

No right or wrong way of analyzing whether a short URL is safe exists. However, experts recommend clicking on short URLs from trusted sources. Spammers and hackers can also use popular URL-shortening services to send malicious content or initiate phishing activity.

Manahil
Meet Manahil – A B2B & B2C writer with 4 + years of experience, known for turning insights into impactful content. Her words engage, inform, and drive real results.
Mustafa Niazi
Mustafa Niazi is a blogging addict, a tech fanatic, and a SEO specialist.

All you need to know about SMS link previews

Hassaan Khan
10 minutes

Most marketers prioritize email, social, and ads when designing their digital marketing campaigns. They highly underestimate SMS marketing probably due to the advent of apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, Viber, Kik, BOTIM, and others.

However, the reality is that SMS marketing hasn’t become irrelevant at all. In fact, a study shows that 65% of global mobile subscribers communicate via text messages.

A core reason why SMS marketing, especially for text invitations, can turn things around for any brand or individual is the effective use of SMS link previews.

Find out what an SMS link preview is before your competitors take the edge over you.

Understanding SMS link previews

An SMS link preview is a preview snippet that pops up in the text message and showcases the featured image and topic of the article or web page right in the SMS, making it more appealing and clickable.

Simply put, it’s the enhanced version of a link sent in a text message that displays the link’s title, image, and (sometimes) the image.

It’s called SMS link preview because it provides a preview to the receiver before this person opens the link. Not only does it provide a sneak peek into the content, but it also adds curiosity to the receiver’s mind.

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What are the benefits of using SMS Link Previews?

SMS links are widely used in SMS marketing campaigns, but most marketers still take them for granted. 

So, here are some benefits of using SMS link previews as a reminder to make the most of your SMS marketing campaigns:

1. Helps drive website traffic through text messages

drive website traffic with SMS links

One reason brands and marketers send out links in text messages is to drive website traffic to their sales pages, blog posts, or other URLs. SMS link previews can entice SMS receivers to click through and visit the website.

Also Read: Key Role of Mobile Deep Links in Marketing

2. Makes SMS links more clickable

Clickable SMS Links

SMS marketing has become an integral part of digital marketing. Therefore, SMS links are crucial for the success of any SMS marketing campaign. SMS link previews make links more noticeable and clickable, enabling SMS marketing campaigns to achieve better results.

3. Gives a sneak peek into the content

A little peek into the content makes it easier for the receiver to check it out. Optimizing the website pages and blog posts to showcase SMS link previews makes a huge difference.

Also Read: Content Engagement: 9 Key Steps for Writing Engaging Content

4. Provides a clean, un-spammy look

Clean SMS link preview

Let’s be honest: a hyperlink with text in an SMS looks quite shady, even if a family member or friend sends it. One of the benefits of having SMS link previews is that the SMS links appear cleaner and less-spammy. Above all, the receivers can open them with some confidence.

You may also like: How to customize the LinkedIn link preview using Replug?

5. Adds credibility to the message

Indeed, sometimes short URLs don’t look trustworthy, especially if an unknown person sends them. Most marketers use short links in SMS and email marketing to track clickability, open rate, and reach. However, when an SMS link preview pops up, it adds credibility to the message.

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Can you curate the SMS link preview image and text?

When sharing links via SMS, having an eye-catching preview image and compelling text can significantly enhance engagement. 

To make it happen, one needs to utilize a link preview tool such as Replug. This link toolbox makes it easy to customize these previews, ensuring your messages stand out.

Here’s how you can create an effective SMS link preview using Replug.

Start by signing up for a Replug account or logging into your existing one.

Branded Short Links

Create and track branded short links for your business for better conversions.

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Branded Short Links

Step no 01

Go to Replug Home and locate the “Quickly shorten your link” bar. Paste the URL you want to share and press Enter.

Quickly shorten your SMS link

Step no 02

You’ll be redirected to a page where you can customize your SMS link preview. Here, you can password-protect your links, add expiry dates to them, add traffic routing rules to them, and much more.

Customize your SMS link

Step no 03

Once you input the link, Replug will automatically fetch the meta details, such as title, description, and thumbnail image. But if you want to customize the details even more, you can: 

SMS Link preview
  • Title: You can customize the title of your SMS link preview by simply typing in your preferred text in the “Title” field.
  • Description: Adjust the description by writing a more engaging or relevant summary of your link in the “Description” field.
  • Image: Upload a custom image to change the thumbnail. Make sure it’s eye-catching and relevant to your content.

You may also like: How to customize Twitter (X) link preview using Replug?

Step no 04

Replug automatically generates a shortened URL, making it SMS-friendly. Short links are easier to share and fit better in text messages.

Step no 05

Use the preview feature to see how your link will appear when shared via SMS. Ensure the image and text are displaying correctly. 

It’s a good idea to send yourself a test SMS to see how the link appears on different devices.

Step no 06

Once you are satisfied with the preview, click “Save.” Then, share the link through your preferred SMS platform. The enhanced preview will engage your audience and drive more clicks.

Best practices when creating SMS link previews

Before you hop on your favorite URL shortener for generating short URLs or optimizing your website URLs for SMS link previews, read the following best practices for using SMS link previews:

1. Keep it concise

SMS messages have character limits, so keep your link previews brief and to the point. Use clear, compelling language to entice users to click without overwhelming them with information.

2. Test across devices

Link previews can look different on various devices and messaging apps. Test how your previews appear on other platforms to ensure they maintain visual appeal and functionality, and adjust your metadata if necessary for optimal display.

3. Use high-quality, beautiful images in the content

Using colorful, high-resolution images in SMS link previews is essential for quickly capturing readers’ attention and creating a visually appealing experience. Choose images that convey the essence of your message, enticing recipients to click on the link. 

high-quality SMS Link preview images

An attractive, eye-catching image can significantly enhance engagement, making the preview more inviting and transforming the URL snippet in the SMS into an irresistible opportunity for the recipient.

Link Management Made Easy

Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

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Also read: How to Increase Click-Through Rate (CTR) using Branded Links?

4. Keep the optimal image sizes in mind when creating images

 Optimal image sizes

It’s essential to create images that are readable by the devices. The optimal image sizes should be considered when creating images for blog posts or landing pages. 

Not only does it allow images to display correctly across various devices and platforms, but it also impacts the SMS marketing campaign. Properly sized images help maintain the visual integrity of the link preview.

Difference Between Link Previews and OG Tags

When sharing links across social media, messaging apps, or websites, you may notice that certain details like images, titles, and descriptions automatically appear. These elements come together in what we call link previews.

However, what many may not realize is that the content displayed in these previews is controlled behind the scenes by something called OG tags (Open Graph tags).

Understanding the difference between link previews and OG tags can help website owners and marketers optimize how their content is shared online. Let’s break down these two concepts.

FeatureLink PreviewsOG Tags (Open Graph Tags)
DefinitionA visual snippet displayed when a URL is shared on social platforms or messaging apps.HTML meta tags that control what content appears in the link preview.
PurposeTo give users a quick overview of the content and entice them to click the link.To control and customize how content appears when shared on social media.
VisibilityVisible to users on social media and messaging platforms.Hidden in the website’s HTML code; only visible to social platforms.
Customiz-ationGenerated automatically based on webpage content. Limited customization without OG tags.Provides full control over title, image, description, and URL in the preview.
ControlPlatforms decide what content appears in the preview based on available metadata.Website owners can define exactly what content appears in the preview.
Common elementsTitle, description, image (if available), URL.Title, description, image, URL — all customizable via OG tags.
Role in SEOIndirect impact, as well-crafted previews can increase click-through rates (CTR).Can indirectly boost SEO by making links more appealing and clickable.
Impleme-ntationAutomatic; platforms extract information from the webpage.Requires adding specific OG meta tags to the HTML of the webpage.
Use caseWhen sharing URLs on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.Best for ensuring consistent branding and accurate display of content across platforms.

Leveraging open graph (OG) tags

OG tags are essential tools for controlling how the content is displayed when sent in a text message or shared on social media platforms.

The idea is to strategically implement these tags to ensure that the links turn out to be visually appealing and attractive to the recipient. Moreover, these effects can significantly improve click-through rates and engagement.

Let’s decode open graph tags and learn more about them:

The basic OG tags:

og:titleIt specifies the title of the content.
og:url It showcases the canonical URL of the page
og:imageIt defines the image that will appear with the shared link
og:typeIt clarifies the type of object being shared, such as website, article, etc.
og:descriptionIt provides a brief description of the page

How to leverage OG tags?

Digital marketers and conversion optimization experts strive to discover new ways to increase engagement, drive website traffic, improve click-through rates, and make more money.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a new trick to get new eyeballs around your content on social media or make your SMS preview links look more attractive.

Here are three ways to leverage OG tags:

1. Enhancing social media optimization

Social media content is vital to modern-day digital marketing. To maximize the impact of your OG tags on social media content performance, tailor them specifically for the social media platforms where your audience is most active.

Facebook, Twitter (X) and LinkedIn are the major social media platforms that rely on OG tags for link previews. Influencers and experts pay attention to OG tags to ensure that their article links generate previews when shared across social media.

By optimizing the OG tags for these platforms, social media users make sure that the content is presented in the best manner possible, which increases the chance of attracting more shares, comments, and likes.

Also read: Comprehensive Social Media Engagement Guide 

2. Reaping the SEO benefits

Have you ever heard of Google Discover? It’s a content discovery platform from Google that displays top news across multiple categories and is available to Android users. It’s accessed through the Chrome browser on the Android phones. Google Discovers picks up the content from the websites that are schema-optimized and publishes high-quality content.

Similarly, OG tags not only improve the visual appeal of your shared links but also contribute to better SEO performance. Search engines keep an eye out on the websites that are wildly popular on social media, and often end up rewarding them through SEO rankings.

It’s safe to assume that attractive and well-optimized previews are more likely to be clicked and shared, leading to increased traffic and visibility for your website.

Also read: How to create properly optimized URLs for SEO?

3. Fine-tuning the SMS link previews

Last but not least, it’s the effect on the SMS link previews. One of the best ways to leverage OG tags is to carve out a strategy for fine-tuning your SMS link preview.

Open Graph Protocol massively impacts the SMS link previews of the websites and blog URLs if implemented correctly. SMS is still a powerful communication medium despite the popularity of various chat apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, Viber, Kik, and others.

Optimizing your SMS link previews can trigger new opportunities no matter what industry you belong to. So, don’t shy away from putting together a solid strategy for optimizing your websites or blogs for SMS link previews.

So, these are three ways to leverage OG tags. The purpose of this strategy is to ensure that website titles, headlines, descriptions, and URLs pop up when shared across multiple devices and platforms.

Final thoughts

SMS link previews may not be the talk of the digital marketing world, but they’re still relevant to online marketing.

Since it directly impacts click-through rate, conversion, and engagement of text messages, the concept is gaining popularity day by day.

We tried to keep it simple yet meaningful for social media influencers, brands, bloggers, entrepreneurs, and publishers who haven’t had a chance to find out about the SMS link previews before.

The next time you send or receive a URL in the SMS, you’ll notice whether or not it generated the link preview – if you do, then all the effort that went into writing, editing, and publishing this piece of content is worth it.

FAQs about SMS link previews

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about SMS link previews:

What is an SMS short link? 

An SMS short link refers to the shortened URL that is used in text messages to avoid cluttering and spammy looks. Moreover, users can track clickability on the short, branded URLs. Check out this URL shortener for more information.

Can SMS have links? 

SMS messages can include links within their body. However, it is important to ensure that URLs contain “http://” or “https://” along with a valid domain extension, such as .com or .net, to function properly. Additionally, in some cases, placing the links at the beginning or end of the text message can enhance clickability.

What is a text link?

A text link is a hyperlinked text that is used to drive website visitors from one section/page to another. The text links are also used as the replacement for the image call-to-actions. However, in the SEO world, a text link can either be a backlink (pointing to another website) or an internal link (pointing to another page of the same website).

What are link previews in text messages?

The link previews are the link snippets that appear on social media platforms and messaging apps when a blog post link or a website URL is shared with the public or a friend in private. It mostly contains the image, title, description, and URL of the page.

How to create a link preview in your SMS message?

To create a link in your SMS message, one be sharing the website that has already been optimized for link previews. On the other hand, the receiver of the text message must be using any of the recently released phones. To make it work on older Android phones, the user must have a Google Message app installed that can create link previews. Moreover, iOS users must have iOS 10 or later versions to be able to enjoy the link previews.

Hassaan Khan
Hassaan Khan is a freelance writer for SAAS companies, e-commerce stores, and niche websites. He has contributed to SEMrush, ThriveGlobal, BloggingCage, AllBloggingTips, and several other publications. He builds niche websites, publishes e-books, and helps website investors with his done-for-you niche site-building service.

High ticket affiliate marketing: A guide for beginners

Manahil
12 minutes

Affiliate marketing is a method that allows content creators to promote products and receive commissions when the audience makes purchases through their referral links.

With a global market value of approximately $17 billion, affiliate marketing is a significant revenue stream for millions of content creators worldwide, whether they’re bloggers, podcasters, Instagrammers, or YouTubers.

It’s also true that some affiliate marketers give up sooner or later because they fail to make any money with affiliate marketing. At the same time, many affiliate marketers make a ton of money with affiliate products.

Are you reading about taking your tiny affiliate marketing business to the next level? If yes, then you better start learning about high-ticket affiliate marketing right now.

What is high-ticket affiliate marketing?

High-ticket affiliate marketing refers to promoting affiliate programs that offer high commission rates such as Replug affiliate program. There are hundreds of thousands of high-ticket affiliate marketing programs on the market that almost anyone who meets the requirements can join. However, the core reason why high-ticket affiliate programs are a big deal is that not everyone gets accepted, at least in most cases.

This doesn’t necessarily mean these affiliate programs are secret or invite-only—they’re out there, but many affiliates are unable to find them. 

It’s a common belief that these are the tier-1 affiliate programs that only allow well-known influencers, high-authority blogs, and large-scale publishers to join. However, it’s not always the case. A lot of companies have high-ticket affiliate programs that don’t have strict criteria for affiliates to join their program.

Also Read: Pinterest affiliate marketing for beginners

How much does a high-ticket affiliate marketing pay?

A high-ticket affiliate marketing commission can be anywhere between $100 to $2,500 per sale, depending on the product price. However, there may be luxurious products that pay more than that.

Top affiliate marketers, pro-bloggers, and social media influencers make a ton of money through various income streams. Affiliate marketing is surely one of their top income sources. These industry experts usually go for multiple high-ticket affiliate programs to make hundreds of thousands of dollars every month.

Jacky Chou is one of the popular bloggers in the SEO and affiliate marketing world. He makes a ton of money across different affiliate programs, such as Amazon Associates, and the Mediavine ad network.

You may also like: How to post Amazon affiliate links on Facebook?

23 best high-ticket affiliate marketing programs for beginners

Let us share some of the best high-ticket affiliate marketing programs for beginners to join in and start making money:

1. Replug

Replug- URL shortener

An all-in-one tool simplifies link management with shortening, tracking, and optimization features. Here’s what Replug offers:

  • Custom-branded URLs: Shorten links with your brand.
  • Retargeting pixels: Track and retarget visitors.
  • Link rotator: Rotate URLs for testing and distribution.
  • Bio-link pages: Merge multiple links into one page.
  • Link analytics: Track link performance.
  • White-label solution: Brand the tool as your own.
  • A/B testing: Find the best link versions.
  • QR codes: Create scannable links.
  • Customizable links: Enhance trust and appearance.
  • Click magnet: Maximize clicks and earnings.
  • Extras: Password protection, UTMs, bulk management.

Become a Replug affiliate and access your unique referral link through our dashboard to start earning!

Commission: 30% on every new customer that signs up

Affiliate platform: FirstPromoter

Cookie period: 30 days

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Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

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2. ContentStudio

ContentStudio

ContentStudio is a comprehensive platform designed to streamline content and social media management. Easily find and utilize trending content to keep your audience engaged and informed. Then, plan and schedule posts across multiple social media platforms from one place, saving you time and effort.

Besides all that, monitor the performance of your content with detailed analytics to understand what works and refine your strategy for better results.

Become a ContentStudio affiliate and earn a solid recurring commission for every customer you bring on board. The more creative you get in sharing its powers, the bigger your income stream grows.

Commission: 30% on every new customer that signs up

Affiliate platform: FirstPromoter

Cookie period: 30 days

3. Usermaven 

Usermaven

Usermaven is a lightweight, feature-rich, and user-friendly product and web analytics tool. Which helps you turn user behavior into actionable insights to help you increase product adoption and reduce churn.

Here are some of the most prominent features of Usermaven:

Become a Usermaven affiliate and earn 20% recurring commissions for referring to Usermaven’s amazing website and product analytics tool.

Commission: 20% on every new customer that signs up

Affiliate platform: FirstPromoter

Cookie period: 30 days

4. Teachable

Teachable

Teachable is yet another platform for creating online courses, coaching, and digital goods without relying on any third-party tools. It also has an affiliate program that pays well. If you’re in the online courses or coaching niche, then you might want to check this platform out.

Commission: Up to 30% (for a year)

Affiliate platform: Impact

Cookie period: 30 days

5. Authority Hacker

Authority Hacker

Authority Hacker is a well-established internet marketing platform that offers a paid course and community around building and growing a website. The Authority Hacker podcast is one of the most popular SEO and digital marketing podcasts in the industry. Above all, they have an attractive affiliate program that pays a hefty commission.

Commission: $1,979 per sale

Affiliate platform: In-house affiliate program

Cookie period: 60 days

6. Shopify

Shopify

Shopify is a top-tier e-commerce platform used by hundreds of thousands of merchants and retailers across the globe. This e-commerce giant runs a successful, high-ticket affiliate marketing program. It’s a great affiliate program for mentors, entrepreneurs, and experts who teach and preach the e-commerce business model.

Commission: $25 to $150

Affiliate platform: Impact

Cookie period: 30 days

Branded Short Links

Create and track branded short links for your business for better conversions.

Brand Your Links Now!
Branded Short Links

7. BigCommerce

BigCommerce

BigCommerce is one of the popular e-commerce platforms for setting up an e-commerce store. This e-commerce business offers a lucrative affiliate program that might interest affiliate marketers creating content around e-commerce niches.

Commission: 200% (per referral’s plan price)

Affiliate platform: Impact

Cookie period: 90 days

Also Read: Affiliate Link Tracking To Optimize Your Earnings

8. Luxury Card

LuxuryCard

Luxury Card is a reputable brand that issues premium credit cards. These premium-quality credit cards are made of fancy metals. This credit card issuer has one of the highest-paying affiliate programs in the finance industry.

Commission: $405 per sale

Affiliate platform: FlexOffers

Cookie period: 30 days

9. Semrush

Semrush

Semrush is a leading competitor analysis, keyword research, and website performance tracking tool in the digital marketing space. It’s widely used by content marketers, SEO experts, and pro-bloggers around the world. It offers a high-ticket affiliate marketing program that is worth checking.

Commission: $200 per sale

Affiliate platform: Impact

Cookie period: 120 days

10. Kinsta

Kinsta

Kinsta is a premium managed Web hosting service that offers high performance, reliability, and excellent customer support. It delivers blazing-fast and secure hosting solutions for businesses and developers. Kinsta’s affiliate program is highly rewarding, with competitive commissions and extended cookie duration.

Commission: 5% to 10%

Affiliate platform: In-house

Cookie period: 60 days

11. WP Engine

WPengine

WP Engine is a high-end managed WordPress hosting provider known for its speed, security, and reliable customer support. It’s a popular choice among SEOs, web developers, and digital marketing agencies looking to scale their WordPress sites. 

Commission: Starts from $200

Affiliate platform: ShareASale

Cookie period: 180 days

12. Bluehost

Bluehost

Bluehost is one of the largest and most reliable web hosting companies. It offers a range of services, including shared hosting, WordPress hosting, and VPS hosting. The Bluehost affiliate program is renowned for its high conversion rates and quick payouts.

Commission: 70% for each qualified sale

Affiliate platform: Impact

Cookie period: 30 days

13. Siteground

Siteground

Siteground is a popular website hosting service used and promoted by bloggers, affiliate marketers, and SEOs. They offer several hosting plans, such as shared, cloud, WordPress, and reseller. Siteground’s affiliate program is one of the best affiliate marketing programs for beginners.

Commission: $50 to $100 per sale

Affiliate platform: In-house

Cookie period: 60 days

14. ActiveCampaign

ActiveCamapign

ActiveCampaign is one of the leading players in the email marketing space. It offers a complete email marketing suite for businesses, agencies, and influencers to set up email campaigns. They have a generous affiliate marketing program for affiliate marketers that promotes email marketing software.

Commission: 20% to 30%

Affiliate platform: In-house

Cookie period: 90 days

15. GetResponse

Getresponse

GetResponse is an email marketing service that caters to medium and large-scale organizations and brands. They offer a bundle of online marketing and engagement tools that include email newsletters, automation, live chat, SMS marketing, push notifications, conversion funnels, and much more. Check out their high-ticket affiliate marketing program.

Commission: 33% (recurring)

Affiliate platform: In-house

Cookie period: 120 days

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16. Wix

WIX

Wix is a leading website builder that allows users to create websites, blogs, and e-commerce stores using drag-and-drop tools. It’s popular among small business owners, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals for its ease of use and flexibility. Wix offers an excellent affiliate program with a generous commission rate.

Commission: $100 per sale

Affiliate platform: In-house

Cookie period: 30 days

17. Lasso

Lasso

Lasso is an affiliate marketing WordPress plugin for bloggers and affiliate marketers to create, manage, and display affiliate product tables and boxes. Bloggers and affiliate marketers promote affiliate products to earn commissions on successful sales. Lasso has a high-ticket affiliate program that pays quite well.

Commission: 20% (recurring)

Affiliate platform: Tapfiliate

Cookie period: 30 days

18. ShareASale

ShareASales

ShareASale is a well-established affiliate marketing network that connects merchants and affiliates. It offers a wide variety of affiliate programs across multiple niches, making it a diversified platform for affiliate marketers. 

Commission: $150 per sale

Affiliate platform: In-house

Cookie period: 60 days

19. SellHealth

SellHealth

SellHealth is a key player in the health and wellness affiliate marketing industry. It provides a variety of affiliate programs in the health niche, fitness, skincare, and wellness niches. SellHealth provides access to several health affiliate programs that offer generous commissions.

Commission: 60% Commission

Affiliate platform: In-house

Cookie period: Not clarified

Also Read: 30+ great SaaS tools in the market today

20. Thinkific

Thinkific

Thinkific is a popular platform for creating courses, membership sites, and digital products. It has a lucrative affiliate program for digital marketers, bloggers, and affiliates who talk about creating courses, building membership sites, and developing digital products.

Commission: 30% (lifetime)

Affiliate platform: PartnerSnack

Cookie period: 90 days

21. Frontpoint

Frontpoint

Frontpoint is a major player in the home security niche, known for its advanced technology, easy installation, and exceptional customer service. It offers comprehensive security solutions for homes and offices. Frontpoint has an attractive affiliate program with a reasonable commission rate.

Commission: $175 per sale

Affiliate platform: In-house

Cookie period: 20 days

22. Empire Flippers

Empire Flippers

Empire Flippers is a website flipping marketplace that connects domains, websites, and other online real estate buyers and sellers. It’s one of the largest website and domain-buying platforms on the internet. They have a pretty decent affiliate program.

Commission: 20% (of EF’s commission)

Affiliate platform: In-house

Cookie period: 2 years

23. Flippa

Flippa

Flippa is one of the most popular marketplaces for buying and selling domains, websites, online businesses, software tool companies, and other businesses. Flippa has a lucrative affiliate program that attracts experts in the domains and website flipping space.

Commission: 20% (Referral fee)

Affiliate platform: Partnerstack

Cookie period: 12 months

How to get started with high-ticket affiliate marketing?

The internet is full of tips and tricks on how to get started with affiliate marketing. It boils down to a few basic steps that are as follows:

How Affiliate Marketing works

1. Pick a niche with a noticeable audience

Start by picking a niche you know about or you’re interested in. It’s so important to opt for something that fascinates you or you have an experience of doing it.

Entering into an alien territory with no prior experience in the niche might not be a good idea. The reason is that affiliate marketers make money by helping guide readers; they must know what they’re talking about.

So, be cautious while choosing your affiliate marketing or blogging niche, as it’s a stepping stone to building something worthwhile.

2. Choose high-ticket affiliate products

It’s essential to understand the concept of high-ticket affiliate marketing. It doesn’t mean you don’t need to match the product pricing with your audience’s money-spending power.

For instance, you can’t sell private jet rides to mountain bike lovers. On the other hand, that the audience might be interested in buying gear and spare parts for the mountain bike.

Keep in mind that you’re picking the high-ticket items to promote on your blog no matter what niche you’re in. Go through two to three affiliate networks and try to find the best possible affiliate products to promote.

Also Read: How to sign up for the Replug affiliate program?

3. Create valuable content that helps readers

Choosing a great niche and finding the right affiliate products to promote will put you on the right path, but nothing will matter if your content sucks.

Your content, whether it’s articles, videos, or podcasts, must be top-notch so that it becomes irresistible for the audience. Try to deliver as much value as possible to create a connection with readers. In fact, always try to overdeliver value in your content, and it will turn things around for you.

4. Infuse affiliate products where it makes sense

While useful and helpful content creates a hook to keep the audience engaged, it’s also important to add affiliate products to your content to create conversions.

Shorten your links, amplify your brand.

Create shareable, trackable and fully customizable branded urls. Get more clicks with absolute link management features such as Bio Links, retargeting, deep Links, CTA’s and more.

Learn More!
fully customizable bio link

We recommend using URL shorteners to create clean, clickable links for your affiliate products. Replug is a great option for this—try it for free and track your link clicks!

Replug

You’ll notice increased clicks and conversions once you start integrating affiliate products through product boxes, in-text links, and banners. It all comes together when your strategy is on point.

Discover why Replug is the ultimate tool for affiliate marketers!

5. Keep track of your affiliate links

Keeping tabs on your affiliate links is key to boosting your earnings. By tracking how your links perform, you can see what’s working and make adjustments where needed. Replug makes this super simple, letting you shorten links and get insights on clicks and engagement. It’s like having a cheat code for your affiliate strategy. Use it to stay on top of things, and watch those commissions start rolling in!

Top 4 benefits of high-ticket affiliate marketing

  1. The high-ticket affiliate products bring higher commissions. Therefore, the affiliate marketer earns more with high-ticket affiliate marketing.
  2. One doesn’t have to make a ton of sales to make a handsome amount. A few high-ticket sales would do the job.
  3. The high-ticket affiliate niches usually have high PPC and CPM rates, which means one can earn extra income with display ads, such as AdSense or Ezoic.
  4. There is always less competition in such niches because most bloggers can’t find high-ticket products to promote, or most affiliate marketers run after the low to mid-range but popular products.

However, remember that most affiliate marketers find it tiresome to hunt for high-ticket affiliate products, not to mention create high-quality affiliate content for the audience.

What are the high-ticket affiliate items? 

Let us share a list of several high-ticket affiliate items that could turn things around for you. In fact, these affiliate products might as well give you some idea on picking a profitable niche for affiliate marketing. Here we go:

  1. Life/Car Insurance
  2. Mortgage
  3. Legal advice/lawyers
  4. Personal Finance
  5. SAAS products
  6. Credit cards
  7. Gardening
  8. Automotive
  9. Online courses
  10. E-commerce
  11. Web hosting
  12. Travel
  13. Car rentals
  14. Hotels and restaurants
  15. Lifestyle
  16. Fashion
  17. Home n decor

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What is the future of affiliate marketing?

Affiliate marketing has been a well-paid monetization strategy for bloggers, affiliate marketers, influencers, and YouTubers.

However, every affiliate marketer has a different approach to earning money with affiliate marketing. While some use email marketing to generate traffic, a lot of them stick to SEO, whereas others pivot toward social media traffic.

All of them have a common goal: to bring people on board, engage them with content, and push them to purchase the affiliate product via an affiliate link.

The reason why a lot of people are skeptical about the future of affiliate marketing is that Google seems to be targeting most content websites regardless of their quality unless they’re a huge publication like Forbes, Entrepreneur, Vice, or Huffington Post, etc.

Therefore, doubts are arising in the minds of bloggers and affiliate marketers who believe that bread and better are tied to SEO and affiliate marketing.

Some bloggers and affiliate marketers believe adding multiple traffic sources, such as social, email, and paid ads, is the way forward. However, the majority of internet marketers, bloggers, YouTubers, and social media influencers are still trying to maneuver and make something happen through SEO.

FAQs about high-ticket affiliate marketing

Let’s shed some light on the commonly asked questions about high-ticket affiliate marketing:

Which is better, high-ticket affiliate marketing vs. low-affiliation programs? 

High-ticket affiliate marketing is way better than low-ticket affiliate programs, hands-down, unless you don’t know what you’re doing. However, there are no guarantees for every affiliate marketer who chooses high-ticket affiliate products to win at this. It all comes down to experience, exposure, and talent.

What is a high ticket affiliate marketing salary?

It’s hard to predict a salary in any type of affiliate marketing because there are various factors involved. But as far as the commission rates for high-ticket affiliate marketing are concerned, they can be anywhere between $200 to $2,000 per sale. Using a paystubs generator can help affiliates easily track and organize their earnings.

What is an example of high-ticket affiliate marketing? 

There are various examples of high-ticket affiliate marketing programs mentioned earlier in the article, such as Replug, Authority Hackers, Thinkable, Teachable, Semrush, and others.

What are the 5 most popular high-ticket affiliate marketing programs? 

The five most popular high-ticket affiliate marketing programs include Lasso, ShareaSale, SellHealth, Empire Flippers, and Flippa. However, there are several others mentioned earlier in the article.

Manahil
Meet Manahil – A B2B & B2C writer with 4 + years of experience, known for turning insights into impactful content. Her words engage, inform, and drive real results.

What is lead tracking : A complete guide

Manahil
15 minutes

Marketers, bloggers, and SEOs strive to get the readers’ attention through different means. 50% of the marketers consider lead generation a top priority when running marketing campaigns.

One of the key indicators of readers’ interest in the content is lead generation.

This can be seen through actions such as clicks on CTAs, downloads of opt-in incentives, or sign-ups for a free trial.

However, the challenge that occurs is how to track those leads. 

Without leads tracking, it’s impossible to determine where these leads are coming from or what’s working best for the campaign.

In fact, 61% of marketers consider generating traffic and leads to be their biggest challenge.

Let’s explore the idea of lead tracking and try to comprehend the processes behind tracking leads effectively.

What is lead tracking?

Lead tracking is a process of monitoring the stage of the leads during their conversion journey, understanding where they are in the funnel, and ensuring a smooth transition for the conversion.

Most prospects don’t convert right away; they take some time before they press the buy button. 

Therefore, companies come up with a system to follow up with potential customers regularly until the deal is closed.

Simply put, it’s about understanding the behavior of potential customers and keeping an organized record of their engagements, requests, and actions.

Link Management Made Easy

Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

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link management made easy

Why is it important to track leads?

A well-designed leads tracking mechanism helps marketers and brands analyze the effectiveness of their lead generation funnel. 

Sometimes, a potential customer is willing to buy the product but can’t figure out something tiny – it could hinder the transactional part of the purchase. The lead tracking system can identify where the prospect is stuck and fix what’s stopping the potential customer from converting. 

Therefore, lead tracking activity can provide a sense of understanding to the seller what these potential customers might want to know or what might be the appropriate action to take right now.

Also Read: Funnel analysis 101: Your path to higher conversion rates

5 Benefits of tracking marketing leads

To truly understand the importance of tracking marketing leads, it’s vital to go through its benefits to comprehend the effectiveness of this course fully:

1. Improved conversion rates 

The first and foremost benefit of tracking leads is the improved conversion rate. By monitoring prospects or lead behaviors, marketers can identify which strategies and touchpoints are most effective in converting leads to customers. 

Such an action assists marketers in understanding the situation, allowing optimization of sales efforts and improving the conversion funnel.

Lead funnel

Also Read: How to increase sales on Amazon: Understanding A10

2. Enhanced sales forecasts

Lead tracking helps brands come up with valuable data that allows brands to predict future sales trends with more precision. 

Tracking leads assists sellers in understanding the journey of leads through the sales funnel and provides an opportunity for businesses to make informed decisions on resource allocation and strategy adjustments.

3. Customer insights 

Marketers are keen to know where the potential customers stand after inquiring about the product clicking on the ad or filling up the sign-up form. Lead tracking provides a whole heap of useful data about potential customers’ preferences, behaviors, and pain points. 

These insights can help brands and marketers create tailor-made offers to meet the customers’ expectations and eliminate the ambiguities in the customers’ minds.

4. Streamline sales system

One of the benefits of lead tracking is that it helps businesses identify and eliminate bottlenecks and streamline sales processes, ensuring a smoother journey from lead to customer. 

Once the sales process is streamlined, the sales cycle is faster and more efficient.

Lead conversion

5. Data-driven targeting

Lead tracking revitalizes lead conversion by implementing effective engagement techniques. A significant advantage of tracking such campaigns is that it enables marketers to segment leads based on demographics, behavior, and their stage in the buyer’s journey. This segmentation allows for the creation of more personalized and targeted marketing campaigns, leading to improved results.

Campaign tracking, therefore, is essential for brands and marketers to optimize their lead generation funnel and enhance overall lead conversion. These are just some of the many benefits of lead tracking that marketers should leverage to drive better outcomes.

How does lead tracking work?

Lead tracking is an integral tool in digital marketing that helps companies gather the necessary information to close deals and boost revenue. It involves identifying the sources and locations of potential customers and taking every step necessary.

A crucial aspect of lead tracking is data collection, where marketers gather useful information on the leads. The data enables digital marketers and conversion experts to improve their campaigns, customize offers, expand their customer base, and eventually drive more sales.

One of the significant advantages of lead tracking is the ability to provide a detailed picture of marketing campaign outcomes. According to Neil Patel, 76% of marketers struggle to estimate campaign ROI.

UTM

More importantly, lead tracking allows marketers to go deep into the sales and marketing insights and capture useful information that otherwise would have been kept in the box. Businesses and marketers can use this crucial information to increase marketing campaigns and organizational efficiency.

It’s safe to say that by implementing an efficient lead-tracking system, businesses can improve customer retention, evaluate the effectiveness of their marketing tactics, and optimize their customer acquisition process.

5 Steps of lead tracking process

Take a look at the essential steps involved in tracking leads:

  1. Plan the campaign: First things first, map out the plan of the lead tracking process. Determine what you want to achieve and why it’s important for success.  
  2. Identify a “good” lead: Before diving deep into the process, be clear on the concept of a good lead. Every lead is different, so try to optimize the process to generate high-quality leads.  
  3. Pick a lead-tracking software: Opt for an affordable, easy-to-use CRM tool that offers lead-tracking service. There are several types of lead tracking softwares that differently, but the idea is the same. 
  4. Capture and nurture leads: Once the lead generation process starts to capture leads, build strategies to nurture leads. Don’t bombard your leads with offers to convert – give them some time. Free courses, tutorials, and workshops often help push the leads convert into customers.   
  5. Track leads conversion: Finally, step up to track leads conversion using the lead tracking tool. Conversion tracking would give you an inside-out report on the effectiveness of the lead tracking process. 

6 Elements of lead tracking

Here are the essential lead-tracking elements that one should be tracking:

  1. Name: The names of the leads help marketers or brands identify, communicate, and sort them through if needed. Without a unique name, it might not be possible to manage and organize the leads.
  2. Company name: The company name is the workplace where this person works. Stating the company name ensures that the marketer or brand can find out about the employment status.
  3. Job role: A job role tells about the designation and the job description of the lead. It’ll be useful to know what role this person plays at a company.
  4. Phone number: The phone number ensures that the marketer or brand can reach out to this person via telephone.
  5. Email address: The email addresses of the leads help marketers send out necessary emails, such as discount offers, follow-up emails, and order confirmations.
  6. Postal address: A postal address is mandatory if the business is selling a physical address. Without a postal or mailing address, the brand might not be able to mail stuff.

So, this is the list of data items to track when setting up a lead-tracking campaign.

6 Best ways to track leads

Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to track leads:

1. Capitalize on UTM parameters

UTM parameters are a great way to track and analyze link performance based on different engagement metrics. It’s a set of codes that appear next to the URL slug. These parameters are extremely efficient in tracking clicks, conversion, and CTR.

By incorporating UTM parameters in your URLs, you can identify which marketing campaigns are driving the most traffic and conversions. Thus, detailed tracking allows for precise adjustments in strategy, enhancing overall marketing effectiveness.

The following are the best tools to add UTM parameters to a link:

Replug

Replug allows you to effortlessly create UTM parameters for your links, enabling detailed tracking of your marketing campaigns. The good part is that the tool offers both Free and paid version. The advance version allows you to monitor clicks, conversions, and other key metrics to optimize your strategy.

Usermaven: Free UTM Builder

Usermaven’s free UTM builder is another powerful tool that helps you generate UTM parameters quickly and efficiently. 

2. Use a powerful CRM tool

A CRM tool refers to a customer relationship management tool – it’s a dashboard that administers the engagement, collaboration, and communication between a company and the customer. Using an efficient and reliable CRM tool can come in handy in tracking leads.

Moreover, a robust CRM system, with the expertise of Dynamics CRM consultants, not only tracks interactions but also integrates with other tools and platforms, offering a broader experience of all customer activities.This integration aids in identifying potential leads and nurturing them through personalized communication and targeted marketing efforts.

Try the following CRM tools to help start customer engagement:

3. Utilize an analytics tool

Digital analytics tools are crucial to keeping track of business performance. It’s vital for a business to keep track of every bit of detail about its prospects and customers. An analytics tool assists with monitoring and tracking different engagement and conversion metrics. It sure is one of the best ways to track leads.

Analytics tools offer insights into user behavior, helping businesses understand what works and what doesn’t. By digging deeper into the data, such as page views, session duration, and bounce rates, companies can refine their strategies to improve lead generation and conversion rates.

These are two of the best analytics tools on the market:

Also Read: 9 best product analytics tools

4. Set up promo codes

Promo codes are given to the customers by merchants to avail of a special discount offer – usually, such discount offers are for a limited period. It turns out, promo codes can also track leads and conversion.

All merchants have to do is track the specific promo code and fetch all the transactions that happened using the promo code. As a result, businesses can determine the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns.

This tracking method also helps in identifying which customer segments are most responsive to promotional offers, enabling opportunities for more accurate and targeted campaigns in the future.

Here are two promo code tools to try out:

  • Coupon X
  • Reveal Button

5. Follow-up in person

Follow-up in person is a common way to track leads. Marketers and sales representatives often follow up with prospects who inquire about the product or use the trial version. 

A sales representative can reach out to the prospect and inquire about the plan for converting into a paid customer.

In-person follow-ups create a more direct and meaningful connection with potential customers. Not only does it help in gathering feedback but also in addressing any concerns or objections the prospect might have, increasing the likelihood of conversion.

Here are two ways to track leads in person:

  • Email 
  • Text message

6. Setup custom CTAs & shortened links

Leads tracking has never been this fun and exciting. Now marketers and bloggers can create short URLs or custom call-to-actions and track leads. 

Replug is our go-to link management tool that does it all. All you need is to sign up for an account and try it for yourself. To track leads, one must know how to create the specific campaign accordingly. 

Replug allows users to track leads using CTAs and short URLs. Let’s learn how you can do this: 

Create compelling Call-to-Actions to boost conversions

Improve your click through rate by creating catchy CTAs for your marketing campaigns.

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compelling Call-to-Actions

How to track leads using custom CTAs?

Lead tracking comes in different shapes and forms. 

One of the ways to track leads is by using custom call-to-action.

 Let’s find out how users can create custom CTAs and track leads using a powerful URL-tracking tool called Replug:

Step #1: Sign up for a Replug account 

Start with signing up for a Replug account – it has a 14-day free trial with no strings attached.

After the successful sign-up, log in to your Replug account using your login credentials.

Sign-up on Replug

The Replug dashboard, which is the main window, will appear. Users can navigate to various sections from here.

Step #2: Create a new brand and campaign

We’re assuming you’re just getting started on Replug. So, you should set up your brand and campaign to get started with tracking leads.

However, it’s best to start analyzing or accessing the analytics section after at least a couple of weeks for results.

Create Brand

Anyway, click on the Manage button from the top menu bar and select the Brands option. 

Add New Brand

This is where you create a Brand. All you have to do is fill out the form and provide the brand details, and you’re good to go.

Add relevant details

Head over to the Manage section from the top menu, and now click on the Campaigns option from the drop-down menu.

Generate New camoaign

It’s time to create a new campaign. Click on the New Campaign button on the Campaigns page.

Click on "New Campaign"

Just remember to choose the brand name you just created for this campaign.

Select your Brand

The next up is the Select Campaign Type section where you enter the campaign name, select the custom domain if available, and select the campaign’s type.

Choose Campaign type

Choose the Call-to-Action option from the Widgets section.

As soon as you choose the Call-to-Action from the widgets, a CTA will pop up.

Add Button, link or Form in your CTA

Press the next button and go to the CTA Style area. This is the area where you can choose the CTA type, such as button, link, or form, select the CTA style, and upload the image.

Choose Form

Since you’re tracking leads using Replug, select the Form option and choose the email service provider you have already integrated with your Replug account.

Select your email service provider

Once done, hit the next button.

The next section is called the Call-to-Action Message section, where you can add a headline, message body, CTA button text, and the destination URL.

Go ahead and press the next button. You’ll now land on the Call-to-Action Customization section, where you can choose the call-to-action text and button colors.

In the end, there is the setting for the call-to-actions popping up; choose the number of seconds after it should appear or select the exit intent to ensure that the pop-up appears when the visitor is leaving the website. Now, save the CTA campaign.

Step #3: Track leads using the Replug analytics

After several weeks, when you’re ready to track leads, log in to your Replug account and get ready to analyze the leads.

Track leads using Replug

Go to the Measure section from the top menu bar on the dashboard and choose the Analytics option.

Filter by time or campaign Type

Start by adjusting the analytics view. You can choose either the List View or the Detailed View. It’s better to choose the detailed view, though.

Now, adjust the parameters, such as the brand, campaign, and form, to retrieve the required lead tracking data.

Now, you’ll be able to see the leads generated through Replug.

Create compelling Call-to-Actions to boost conversions

Improve your click through rate by creating catchy CTAs for your marketing campaigns.

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compelling Call-to-Actions

Track leads using digital analytics tools

Digital analytics tools refers to any website and app statistics tools that reports on the performance metrics, such as page views, unique visitors, unique clicks, conversion rate, referrals, etc. These analytics tools can be used to track leads now. 

Usermaven is a state-of-the-art website and app analytics tool that provides a handful of engagement and conversion statistics. It’s a complete analytics toolkit for tracking unique hits, page views, events, conversions, etc.

Here’s how you can track leads using the Usermaven tool:

Step #1: Log in to your Usermaven account

First things first, sign up for a Usermaven account if you still need to do so. Once you’ve signed up, you’re all set to log in to your account.

Usermaven-Digital analytics tool

Use your login credentials to sign in.

Step #2: Create a conversion goal

Now, go to the Attributes section from the sidebar and look out for the conversion goal feature.

Go to attributes

You’ll land on the conversion goals page – click the Create Conversion Goal button to start creating your first conversion goal.

Generate conversion Goal

The conversion goal creation page will appear now.

Choose a conversion goal name and select the event. For instance, In this case, where you’re tracking leads for a request submission form, you can choose the Page URL option. 

The next bit is very important: you can simply add the condition “is” and provide the “Successful submission” page URL.

What it means is that the conversion is recorded when a visitor lands on the “Successful submission” page – the visitors are supposed to visit the “Successful submission” page only after submitting the request form.

Therefore, the conversion goal would be completed.

Fill up the form and finish creating the event.

Step #3: Track conversion goal 

Give your conversion goal a good few weeks before hopping on the analytics section.

Access the Usermaven account for at least three to four weeks.

Analytics section

Once logged in, go to the Website Analytics section and look out for the conversion goal section – you’ll see the conversion goal data.

So, that’s how you can track leads using Usermaven.

Also Read: 15 Important Conversion Metrics for Digital Marketers to Track in 2024

Lead tracking best practices

Here are some of the best lead-tracking best practices:

  • Fine-tune your lead sources to generate more leads by focusing on the channels that yield high-quality prospects. Avoid spreading your efforts thin across every possible channel, especially if your target audience doesn’t frequent those channels. 
  • Set crystal clear goals to steer your marketing and sales strategies. Your approach will be shaped by whether you aim for more customers, higher sales per customer, or sales of higher-margin products. 
  • Map out your process, even if it seems informal. Whether you use sticky notes, email folders, old spreadsheets, or rely on someone with an excellent memory, recognizing and organizing your current process is crucial.
  • Prepare a tailored message for the targeted audience. Understand the needs of leads at various stages to develop a relevant strategy. Simply sending a monthly email blast won’t effectively nurture your prospects toward a purchase. 
Lead tracking
  • Create customer segments to benefit marketing, sales, and customer service teams. Create content and messaging tailored to each segment’s needs to enhance engagement and effectiveness.
  • Nurture your captured leads effectively by tracking their position in your pipeline and sending content that matches their current needs. Keep leads engaged with personalized emails that guide them toward a purchase, such as cart abandonment reminders or sales demo offers.

5 best lead tracking tools

Let’s take a quick look at some of the best lead-tracking tools:

Best lead tracking toolsDescriptions
ReplugA powerful link management tool that offers several URL management features including URL shortening, advance tracking, CTA’s, lead tracking, deep linking, and more.It’s an all-in-one solution for generating, managing, and tracking short, branded URLs. It allows users to create and track short URLs for social media, PPC ads, email marketing, and other marketing campaign.  
UsermavenUsermaven is an advanced website and app analytics tool that assists SAAS and online businesses in monitoring their website or app statistics and data.A powerful analytics tool gives an inside-out report on the keywords, rankings, page views, unique hits, and other essential website tracking metrics. 
HubspotHubspot is a powerful CRM tool that offers a complete suite for customer management. It has a lead-tracking system that allows businesses, agencies, and entrepreneurs to track leads.
PipedrivePipedrive is a comprehensive lead management tool that keeps track of the leads using its advanced CRM products.
FreshworksFreshworks is an AI-powered, user-friendly CRM tool that serves thousands of businesses in the lead generation and tracking areas.

Mistakes to avoid when tracking leads

Here are some of the common mistakes when tracking leads:

  • The lack of categorization in lead generation often causes confusion and inefficiency in follow-ups and tracking.
  • Keeping the recorded lead data is crucial to the follow-ups. Failing to update lead information regularly can result in outdated and inaccurate data, which could hinder the lead-tracking process.
  • Lead tracking sources are vital to the whole process. Overlooking lead source tracking makes it difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
  • Every lead is different than the other. Ignoring inactive leads instead of nurturing them can lead to missed opportunities.

Also Read: From likes to leads: Enhancing ROI of social media

  • A huge mistake beginner marketers make is that don’t set reminders for the follow-ups, which can result in lost leads due to delayed responses.
  • Utilizing effective lead generation and tracking software gets the job done quite well. Relying solely on manual tracking increases the risk of human error and data loss.
  • It’s necessary to prioritize the leads based on their potential. Failing to prioritize leads based on their potential value can waste time on low-value prospects.
  • CRM integration helps the lead-tracking process. Unable to configure the lead tracking campaign with a CRM system can lead to fragmented and incomplete data.

Branded Short Links

Create and track branded short links for your business for better conversions.

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Branded Short Links

Get started with lead tracking

SAAS companies, software houses, online website-based tools, and Shopify plugin developers should pay close attention to lead tracking.

One of the reasons why these businesses should adopt lead tracking is that their competitors might already be doing it. As a general rule of thumb, if your competitors are doing something, you shouldn’t ignore it either.

Are you ready to get started with lead tracking? We hope this piece of content will help you step on the right foot.

FAQs about lead tracking

Allow us to answer some of the frequently asked questions about the lead track:

What is the best way to track leads?

There are numerous ways to track leads that are quite effective in most niches, such as CRM-based tracking, UTM tracking, and setting up promo codes.

What is the cost per lead tracking?

The cost per tracked lead depends on the total cost of the campaign and the number of total leads tracked. All you need is to divide the total cost by the number of leads tracked.

What is CRM lead tracking?

It’s a lead-tracking system that utilizes the power of a CRM tool. Most CRMs offer a complete marketing and engagement toolkit and lead tracking is one of the tools available in the CRM.

How do you track lead quality?

The quality of the tracked lead depends on the tactics and strategies used to find and bring it into the funnel. The next up is to nurture the quality leads. If a tracked lead is unresponsive and doesn’t respond, then it’s a red flag.

Manahil
Meet Manahil – A B2B & B2C writer with 4 + years of experience, known for turning insights into impactful content. Her words engage, inform, and drive real results.

Best Linktree alternatives to try in 2024

Manahil
8 minutes

Linktree is the market leader and go-to bio link tool with a user base of 22 million and growing.

But is it the only option for adding multiple links to your social media bio?

Absolutely not! Like every link in bio tool, this well-known tool also comes with make or break points.  

Now, note that there’s a whole forest of Linktree alternatives out there, each offering unique features to supercharge your brand visibility.

This guide simplifies your search by comparing top contenders. We’ll break down what they do best, their limitations, and how much they cost. We’ll even help you decide which one fits your needs perfectly. 

Let’s get started,

About Linktree?

Linktree

Linktree is a popular link in bio tool that allows users can create a single landing page with multiple links, allowing them to efficiently direct their audience to various online destinations such as websites, blogs, social media profiles, products, and more.

Related: What does link in bio mean?

Limitations 

  • Limited customization options overall.
  • Dependence on a third-party service poses risks.
  • Only allows for a single landing page. 
  • Analytics features fall short compared to competitors.

Quick look over the pricing plan

StarterProPremium
$5USD/month, billed monthly$9 USD per month after, billed monthly$24USD/month, billed monthly

Related: Use link in bio to drive engagement

Top Linktree alternatives

1. Replug

Best Linktree alternative

Our top Linktree alternative is none other than Replug – a feature-rich link management tool offering advanced features such as bio-link, white-label solutions, deep-link, retargeting pixels, link analytics, custom CTA’s, and so much more…

Moreover, Replug allows for greater customization options within the micropage,  so brands can match their branding and style preferences. It’s considered the best Linktree alternative for content creators as it allows you to turn visitors into customers using cross-channel retargeting to those who interact with your bio links. Besides that, you can set up and personalize bio links in no time using the drag-and-drop tool.

Create bio links for Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn.

Create fully customizable bio link webpages to drive traffic from and to your social media channels, online store, website and much more.

Learn More!
fully customizable bio link

The best part about Replug is that it is easy to use, affordable for businesses of all scissors, and offers top-notch customer support, alongside a 14-day free trial so you can try and test out its high-end features before proceeding to the next step. 

Best features

Replug- Best Linktree Alternative
  • Create custom bio link pages with advanced options
  • Get insights into user behavior with detailed analytics.
  • Allows you to add link retargeting pixels.
  • Add RSS feed block in your bio links pages
  • Create QR codes for your bio links.
  • Offers traffic routing to streamline traffic flow.
  • Create white-label boards for personalized branding.
  • Generate custom CTAs that match your brand identity.

Drawbacks

  • No freemium plan is available because of advanced features and bulk customization options.

Reviews & ratings

“User of 3 years, I approve of it!”

Raymond P. (CEO)

“Handy Link Management Tool with URL shortener and more”

Alan N. (Strategic Advisor and Business Coach)

Pricing plan

BasicProfessionalAgency
$19/ month$49/ month$79/ month

2. Linkin.bio

Another top Linktree alternative is Linkin.bio by Later – a tool specifically tailored for Instagram and TikTok users, enabling them to create a clickable landing page for their bio link. 

Linkin.bio by Later

Moreover, it streamlines the eCommerce journey by enabling customers to shop directly from your posts. Although customization options are somewhat restricted, its alignment with Instagram’s design is ideal for enhancing your Instagram marketing strategy.

Related: Guide to add a link in TikTok bio

Best features

  • Offers basic analytics to track link clicks and performance.
  • Schedule links to appear or disappear at specific times.
  • Easily integrates with various social media platforms.
  • Offers collab tools for creators and brands.

Drawbacks

  • The pricing seems steep considering the available features.
  • Primarily designed for Instagram, functionalities could be a problem for users active on other social media platforms.
  • Customer support needs to be improved. 

Reviews and ratings

“Later is a good scheduling tool, but still has a few limitations.”

Scott B. (Founder / CEO)

Pricing plan

Starter Growth Advanced Agency 
25USD/month45USD/month80USD/month200USD/month

3. Milkshake

Milkshake is a user-friendly platform that allows individuals to create stunning microsites directly from their mobile devices. It caters to influencers, bloggers, and small businesses looking to establish an online presence without putting in much effort.

Milkshake- Linktree Alternative

Best features

  • Enjoy mobile-optimized templates.
  • Multiple pre-designed templates for quick and easy page creation.
  • Easily integrate your social media profiles with your landing page.
  • Offers the quick drag-and-drop functionality. 

Drawbacks

  • As Milkshake focuses on mobile-first design, desktop users might experience some limitations in functionality and layout.
  • Fewer customization options.

Reviews & ratings

“It’s just a landing page. I thought when it said “sell more” you could add shoppable features – but no. Just links to other sites. It’s pretty. Not a lot of options like advertised, but it is pretty.

Megan Goos (App user)

Pricing plan

Milkshake is your free Linktree alternative, making it an attractive option for individuals on a budget or those looking to test the platform before committing to a paid plan.

Convert your followers into customers with single bio link.

Uplift your conversion rates by connecting all of your social accounts and business pages with a single bio link.

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single Bio Links

4. Shorby

Shorby stands out as one of the most advanced yet user-friendly link-in-bio tools available. This Linktree alternative offers a SmartPage builder, which is particularly noteworthy, enabling users to effortlessly craft personalized landing pages

Shorby- Linktree Alternative

Best features

  • Easily create one-page microsites with custom CSS and HTML for personalized content.
  • Utilize link retargeting features to engage with targeted audience segments effectively.
  • Enable seamless collaboration among multiple users for managing and optimizing bio links.

Drawbacks

  • Lack of ready-made templates to speed up the process of page creation.
  • Limited analytics data is available, concentrating solely on click-related information.
  • The pricing tier may be higher when considering the feature set.

Reviews & ratings

“Create Short Bio – Simple to Use”

Mazlan A.- CEO

Pricing plan

Rocket Pro Agency 
$15/ month $29/ month $99/ month 

Pallyy

Pally offers exceptional value with its array of features. It enables users to create two unique types of links: one mirroring their Instagram page and another hosting essential URLs relevant to their brand. 

Additionally, Pally provides analytical tools to refine your Instagram marketing approach, establishing it as an essential tool for optimizing your social media presence.

Pally- Linktree alternative

Best features

  • Offers basic social media scheduling
  • Detailed competitor analysis feature

Drawbacks

  • Allows very limited integration
  • Lacks some advanced scheduling functionality
  • More of an Instagram-centric tool

Reviews & ratings

“The clever social media tool”

(Sue C.-Digital & Communications Manager)

Pricing plan

Premium 
$18 per month

Campsite.bio

Campsite. bio is another top-notch link tree alternative on our shortlist. It lets you consolidate various links  – to your website, social media profiles, portfolio, or online store – into a centralized, mobile-friendly location. Brands can easily personalize the look and feel of your landing page with various themes, fonts, and colors to match your brand identity.

Linktree alternative- Campsite.bio

Best features

  • Easily integrates with CRMs, e-commerce platforms, and email marketing apps.
  • Provides detailed reporting and analytics for thorough performance assessment.
  • Unlimited link creation capability to meet all marketing requirements.
  • Offers extensive customization options with a variety of templates and design choice

Reviews & ratings

I love using Campsite for my blog and social channels, I’ve tried some other services but they just didn’t give me the features that I was looking for. Being able to brand my links and add photos is huge. Good stuff!

Becca Tetzlaff – Product user

Pricing plan

Pro Pro +
$24 USD per month
1 profile 
$7 USD per month
1 profile 

ShortStack

ShortStack- Linktree Alternative

ShortStack is a marketing tool that helps you run engaging contests and promotions. It offers easy creation of landing pages with interactive elements like quizzes or sweepstakes.  ShortStack helps collect leads and grow your audience through social media integration and data management.

Best features

  • Helps you collect user-generated content 
  • Offers e-commerce platform integration
  • Allows advance analytics

Drawbacks

  • Costly pricing plans 
  • Has a rough learning curve

Reviews & ratings

“Overall good, east to manage contests and winners”

Cassie G. (Senior Technical Product Manager)

Pricing plan

ProBusiness
$249/month$99/month

Taplink

Taplink

Taplink is another amazing Linktree alternative, offering a modern landing page builder for social media. Its powerful customization options, combined with 20 unique content blocks, make Taplink particularly useful for creators, influencers, and small business owners who are looking to stand out and monetize their content.

Taplink is also the only tool on the list that has an AI feature allowing users to create custom landing pages in seconds.

Best features

  • Provides a library of 300+ pre-designed themes and professional templates.
  • Allows to customize every aspect of a landing page: colors, fonts, shapes, etc.
  • Has an AI feature that generates a custom landing page from a business description.
  • Lets you add 20 different content blocks, including images, videos, forms, timers, maps, etc.
  • Includes a built-in option to sell digital products directly on a Taplink page.
  • Supports 50+ payment providers to sell products or collect tips from around the world—without extra fees.

Drawbacks

  • Most advanced features are only available in the paid plans.
  • No 1-month plan is available, you can only subscribe for 3, 6, or 12 months.

Reviews & ratings

“The perfect landing page solution for my small business.”
Marcos A. (Business owner)

Pricing plan

BasicProBusiness
Free$3/month$6/month

Which is the best Linktree alternative?

Choosing the best Linktree alternative depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution with advanced bio link or overall link management features, Replug is the simple answer for you.

Replug – A complete link management solution for everyone

Branded links, clear calls to action, and beautiful landing pages – Replug makes it easy for anyone to get more out of their links.

  • Content creators? Showcase your portfolio on a sleek landing page. Or Turn visitors into customers by cross-channel retargeting for those engaging with your bio links.
  • Marketers? Track clicks and understand your audience. Or run A/B tests on different link variations:
  • Business owners? Make a great first impression and boost sales. Or capture leads and grow your email list
Replug BIO LINK TOOL

What else can you do with Replug?

Replug is the best Linktree alternative for business because of its diverse feature set:

  • Instead of generic shortened URLs, Replug allows you to create branded links that include your brand name. 
  • Add CTAs to your shortened links, prompting users to take a specific action after clicking, such as visiting your website, signing up for a newsletter, or making a purchase.
  • Effectively distribute traffic across various marketing channels using the link-rotator. Segment the audience based on country, device, browser, OS, IP address, date, and day of the week.
  • Utilize advanced analytics features for campaign tracking and optimization to maximize your ROI.
Replug-Best Link tracking tool
  • Offers social media retargeting to reach and retarget your audience across platforms.
  • Explore the white-label solution to take full control of your agency’s branding by adding your branded custom domain, logos, interface, and more.
  • A/B testing allows you to compare different versions of something (like a shortened link with a CTA or without) to see which performs better.

Conclusion

That was it in today’s article. From Replug’s advanced link management capabilities to Milkshake’s mobile-friendly microsites, there’s a solution to fit every need and budget. Whether you prioritize customization, analytics, or integration with other platforms, there’s a Linktree alternative waiting for you.

FAQs

Why look for a Linktree alternative?

Linktree might limit your design options and free features. Consider alternatives if you need more customization, advanced features, or a platform tailored to your specific needs.

Which is the best Linktree alternative for musicians?

The best Linktree alternative for musicians depends on factors like desired features, budget, and overall goals. A platform like Replug would be the perfect option because of its features tailored to musicians’ needs, such as seamless integration with music streaming services or customizable landing pages for album releases.

Can I customize the appearance of my bio link page?

You can change how your bio link page looks by picking colors, and layouts, and adding pictures or logos.

Manahil
Meet Manahil – A B2B & B2C writer with 4 + years of experience, known for turning insights into impactful content. Her words engage, inform, and drive real results.

Dynamic URLs vs. Static URLs

Mustafa NiaziHassaan Khan
11 minutes

URLs are crucial to both SEO strategy and social media marketing. URL shortening isn’t just for on-page SEO and social media content sharing.

A clean, decent URL structure is one of the essentials of branding. Not only does a tidy URL structure look appealing, but it also sets your website up for success.

No wonder expert digital marketers, social media influencers, and pro-bloggers keep their URLs short and organized.

To fully comprehend the idea of utilizing short URLs for brand awareness and reputation, one must get a good grip on the fundamentals of URLs. One of these basic concepts is understanding the difference between a dynamic and static URL.

Let’s stop beating around the bush and dive deep into the topic.

What’s a dynamic URL?

SEO Friendly URL

A dynamic URL is a dynamically generated web page URL containing several URL parameters in the URL. These URL parameters are used to identify a data request and help retrieve data from the database.

Dynamic URLs include unique identifiers (IDs) that distinguish one piece of content from another. These IDs help the website’s server identify and retrieve specific information, such as individual products in an online store or articles on a news website.

Each URL parameter represents a specific action and performs the task assigned to it. It also assists in reporting to the analytics system in place.

Now what are these unique identifiers in a dynamic URL?

Unique identifiers in a dynamic URL are special codes or numbers used to distinguish one piece of content from another. These identifiers are typically generated dynamically and assigned to specific items, such as products in an online store, articles on a news website, or user profiles in a social media platform.

Specific URL parameters in a dynamic URL can vary depending on the website or application’s functionality. However, some common examples of specific URL parameters include:

  1. Product IDs: Identifiers for specific products in an e-commerce store.
  2. Search Queries: Keywords or phrases entered by users to search for specific content.
  3. Sorting Options: Parameters that determine how content is sorted or displayed, such as by price, relevance, or popularity.
  4. Filters: Criteria used to narrow down search results or refine content, such as category, brand, size, color, etc.
  5. Session IDs: Unique identifiers assigned to user sessions or interactions on the website.
  6. Page Numbers: Parameters indicating which page of paginated content is being accessed.
  7. Tracking Codes: Parameters used for analytics and tracking purposes, such as UTM tags to track marketing campaigns.

Usually, a dynamic URL is long and hefty as compared to static URLs.Most SAAS tools, e-commerce stores, and web-based apps have dynamic URLs. However, any long URL can be shortened to make them look clean and sophisticated.

If that was too technical for you, let me explain in it in simpler terms.

Dynamic URLs include unique product IDs as parameters in the URL structure. When a customer interacts with the website, such as searching for a product or navigating to a specific category, the website’s server dynamically generates the URL based on the customer’s actions and preferences.

For example:

  • In an e-commerce website, each product may have a unique product ID included in its dynamic URL.
  • On a news website, articles may be identified by unique article IDs.
  • In a social media platform, user profiles may have unique user IDs appended to their profile URLs.

These unique identifiers help the website’s server retrieve and display the correct content when a dynamic URL is accessed, ensuring that users are directed to the intended webpage or resource.

You may also like: URL branding

What is a static URL?

A static URL is a fixed web address that does not change unless manually modified by the website owner. These URLs typically consist of straightforward paths that directly point to specific web pages or resources

A static URL represents a static website page that doesn’t involve any database or any other data source to retrieve the information. Moreover, a key aspect of a static URL is that it doesn’t change or alter any URL parameters.

A fine example of a static URL could be any page on a company’s website, such as About Us or Services.

For instance, you’re browsing an online store with different categories like Clothing, Electronics, and Home Decor. In a store with static URLs, each category would have its own fixed web address. For example, the URL for the Clothing section could be https: // storeexample.com/clothing. This URL always takes you to the Clothing section, no matter what specific items are available.

Difference between Dynamic & static URLs

Static URLs are SEO Friendly

Here’s a comparison table of dynamic and static URLs:

Static URLsDynamic URLs
Static URLs are associated with website pages with content that doesn’t change automatically or upon user’s activityDynamic URLs represent website pages that contains content that may change depending on the user request or other parameters, such as date, timing, version, model, etc.
These URLs don’t change when a user requests the server to open static pages, neither do the content on the pageThese dynamic URLs may change upon the end user’s query, especially when the data is successfully fetched
The static URLs represent website pages that don’t have a retrievability feature, which means visitors can retrieve any data through searchSometimes, dynamic URLs represent websites that have retrievability function built in them. Thus, the data retrieval process may alter the page’s URL.
Most static websites contain static pages and URLs that are individually built and managed. As a result, the content on the static pages don’t automatically change or updated unless they’re done by the adminThe majority sections of the dynamic website pages remain the same across all pages. However, the data derived from the search are programmatically fetched and displayed for the specific visitor. These pages aren’t built or managed individually.
One of the perks of a static URL is that it doesn’t contain URL parameters that make URLs look clunky and spammyMost dynamic websites have long, clunky URLs as these URLs contain several URL parameters to identity page, data, category, and other credentials being requested by the user

You may also like: Branded links vs short links

Which is better for SEO: Static or dynamic URLs?

SEO friendly url

It’s a common belief that only static URLs can be optimized for search engines – it’s not entirely true. The dynamic URLs can be made SEO-friendly by tweaking the URL strategy. However, it depends on the platform’s capabilities, SEO awareness, and customization options.

A lot of e-commerce stores optimize their product and category page URLs for SEO using SEO plugins and on-page SEO techniques.

While both static and dynamic URLs serve different purposes, it’s difficult to make a verdict without understanding the context. Undoubtedly, static URLs provide more control over customization making them easier to optimize. On the other hand, dynamic URLs usually contain parameters that might be slightly difficult to optimize, but it’s still doable.

For more clarity, let’s suppose you’re launching a quick 3-page website for some reason, then you can have three HTML-based static pages with optimized URLs. You don’t have to use a complex CMS to create just three pages.

Similarly, a well-developed Shopify e-commerce store with thousands of pages can have optimized URLs for better link management and SEO friendliness.

It comes down to how the dynamic URLs are being generated, populated, and shared across the platform.

It’s understandable that most dynamic websites don’t have a clear roadmap to optimize their URLs for search engines. Thus, these dynamic web portals end up losing ranking in the SERP to their competitors.

Branded Short Links

Create and track branded short links for your business for better conversions.

Brand Your Links Now!
Branded Short Links

Why are dynamic URLs important?

Dynamic URLs are a diversified phenomenon in the digital marketing realm. They play a key role in URL management, performance tracking, conversion analysis, and data recording.

Here are four of the many reasons why dynamic URLs are important:

1. Assist in identifying the data request

Dynamic URLs contain multiple parameters that provide servers assistance in identifying the specific data requested by users. For instance, in an e-commerce website, a dynamic URL might include parameters such as product ID, category, or discount offer – users can find the specific product while searching with ease.

2. Help retrieve data from the records

These types of URLs serve as pointers to retrieve data from records stored in databases or other data sources. Once a user request is sent to a specific resource through a dynamic URL, the server analyzes the parameters embedded in the URL and fetches the corresponding information from the database. Hence, it ensures that the data retrieval is tailored to each user’s request, enhancing the overall user experience.

3. Carry useful URL parameters for understanding

Dynamic URLs always contain parameters that record and provide valuable insights into user behavior and preferences. These parameters can include search keywords, filters, session IDs, or user-specific identifiers. Website owners get insightful information when dig deeper into their analytics. It helps website owners and managers understand user behavior, allowing them to optimize content, personalize recommendations, and improve conversion rates.

4. Enhance website functionality and user interaction

One of the reasons why dynamic URLs are important is that they contribute to enhancing website functionality and user interaction by facilitating the implementation of various features such as sorting, filtering, pagination, and session management. Most e-commerce stores have search filters that allow users to refine search results based on criteria like price range, brand, or product specifications dynamically. As a result, users can tailor their browsing experience as per their preferences, leading to improving engagement, conversion, and satisfaction.

So, don’t sleep on the opportunities that dynamic URLs have to offer in digital marketing and conversion optimization campaigns.

Link Management Made Easy

Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

Get Started for FREE!
link management made easy

How to write SEO-friendly dynamic URLs?

Well, SEO-friendly URLs simply mean the URLs that are optimized, clean, and relevant.

While it’s true that adding fluff for the sake of keyword stuffing or infusing unnecessary filters to retrieve data doesn’t help the cause, dynamic websites are a different ball game.

Always keep in mind that SEO for dynamic websites may need the same strategies as static sites, but they’re approached differently.

Let’s take a look at some of the fundamental SEO techniques that are crucial to writing SEO-friendly dynamic URLs:

1. Minimize URL parameters in the URLs

Dynamic URLs contain URL parameters depending on the actions being taken on the front end. Most dynamic websites are linked with databases and when visitors seek the information, the system retrieves the data from the database.

Dynamic URL

URL parameters add clunky codes and values that not only make the URLs look bad but also make the URLs longer than usual. SEO-friendly URLs are short and contain only relevant keywords.

Minimizing URL parameters is vital for writing SEO-optimized URLs whether they’re static or dynamic. Some SEO plugins/modules help write better SEO-friendly dynamic URLs that play a vital role in the overall SEO.

You may also like: A Simple but Complete Guide to URL Redirects

2. Create SEO-friendly URL slugs for pages

URL slug is the URL section that comes after the domain name and extension. The URL slugs are crucial for on-page SEO regardless of the website’s nature.

Not only do they matter in the SEO, but they also help in making an impact from a branding standpoint. A website with a decent link management strategy always has short and precise URLs for blog posts and pages as compared to a website that doesn’t have a URL management plan.

Dynamic-URL-Example

Most e-commerce websites and other dynamic websites try to improve their product pages’ URL slugs to make them relevant, accurate, and short.

You may also like: URL shortener for E-commerce

3. Install an SEO module that optimizes URLs

URLs are an essential SEO element. No wonder every SEO expert emphasizes keeping the URLs short and user-friendly. Long and clunky URLs are a no-go.

One of the best ways to make your URLs SEO-friendly is to install the SEO plugins/modules on the website and allow the tool to rate the URL structure. URL structure has a role in the SEO score and on-page SEO. So try to improve URLs with whatever means necessary.

In fact, WordPress has a permalink feature that provides several URL slug models to the users.

Permalinks-Dynamic URL

Most SEO geeks suggest opting for the “post-name” slug model for WordPress blogs and websites. Moreover, WordPress also allows the creation of a slug for the categories.

You may also like: Diverse application of personal urls

4. Ensure to insert keywords in the URL slugs

Most SEO enthusiasts believe that inserting keywords into the article’s body or page’s copy is enough. However, technical SEO strategy requires adding keywords to several sections including the URL.

Dynamic URL-SEO Friendly

Undoubtedly, keywords are important when it comes to SEO. Adding keywords to the URL slugs is crucial to the on-page SEO. Make sure that you have added the most relevant yet effective keywords to the URL slug.

Shorten your links, amplify your brand.

Create shareable, trackable and fully customizable branded urls. Get more clicks with absolute link management features such as Bio Links, retargeting, deep Links, CTA’s and more.

Learn More!
fully customizable bio link

5. Cut off characters, signs, and numbers

Relevancy is the key to SEO no matter what you’re doing – it comes in handy when selecting keywords, inserting keywords, choosing topics, and writing a page’s copy.

One of the strategies to adopt for making website pages and blog posts SEO-friendly is to avoid adding characters, signs, and numbers from the URL slug. It’d eventually improve the relevancy of the URL.

Dynamic URL-Example

In fact, SEO experts advise to avoid using prepositions, punctuation, and unnecessary words in the URL. Remove all the clutter and fluff to make your URLs SEO-optimized.

FAQs about static & dynamic URLs

Let’s shed some light on the commonly asked questions about static and dynamic URLs:

Static website vs dynamic website?

A static website is a simple website that doesn’t change data on the user’s request and always has a limited number of pages. On the other hand, a dynamic website retrieves the data on the user’s request and has a different URL structure as compared to static websites.

What are the dynamic parameters in URLs?

Dynamic URLs contain multiple URL parameters that seamlessly work together and help the website owner in achieving the purpose behind them. The dynamic parameters consist of several UTM parameters that are used to identify, track, and analyze URL performance or user activity on the page.

How do I use dynamic URLs?

The dynamic URLs are used just about any other URL. These URLs can be the URLs of product pages, category pages, checkout pages, or thank you pages. One can share on social media, send them to your newsletter subscribers, or even promote them via paid ad campaigns. Just make sure that you’re not making a mistake when internally linking these URLs on the website.

Are dynamic URLs bad for SEO?

While static URLs seem more SEO-friendly and clear when it comes to search engine optimization, it’s not necessary that one can’t optimize a dynamically created website page just because the URL structure is different from the static page. Most search engines now read and understand the dynamic URLs, so it shouldn’t be a major issue in SEO.

What are the pros of a dynamic URL?

Dynamic URLs allow users to dynamically retrieve or generate content based on the information or data source behind their website property. An e-commerce store runs on a database and a CMS blog retrieves data from the database – dynamic URLs are inevitable for these types of websites. So, there are several perks of using dynamic URLs in digital marketing.

What are the cons of a dynamic URL?

The URL structure seems bad, clunky, and long, in most cases. However, this can be fixed to some extent by optimizing the URLs. Moreover, longer URLs are difficult to handle, especially when you’re doing internal linking, backlink creation, and on-page SEO. On the other hand, static URLs are short, clear, and user-friendly.

Should I replace the dynamic URLs with static ones?

There is no need to replace the dynamic URLs with static ones whatsoever. Google has clarified this myth a long time ago. Read this blog post from the search engine giant. However, you can replace it if you want to. Anyway, you shouldn’t worry about replacing dynamic URLs with static URLs unless there is a compulsion for some other reason.

Popular posts:

Mustafa Niazi
Mustafa Niazi is a blogging addict, a tech fanatic, and a SEO specialist.
Hassaan Khan
Hassaan Khan is a freelance writer for SAAS companies, e-commerce stores, and niche websites. He has contributed to SEMrush, ThriveGlobal, BloggingCage, AllBloggingTips, and several other publications. He builds niche websites, publishes e-books, and helps website investors with his done-for-you niche site-building service.

How to Rename Links Using Replug: 5 Simple Steps

Arslan Jadoon
4 minutes

Are you looking to enhance the effectiveness and branding of your shared links? 

Learn how to make your links more descriptive, memorable, and on-brand to boost engagement and drive results. Whether you’re a marketer aiming to boost click-through rates or a content creator seeking to strengthen your online presence, using Replug to change the link name can transform your digital strategy.

Let’s find out how to rename links in no time!

Rename your link: What does it mean?

“Rename your link” refers to the action of changing the default or original URL of a webpage to a more personalized and descriptive one. This process involves customizing the link’s text to better reflect its content, purpose, or target audience. 

By renaming a link, you make it more informative, engaging, and relevant to those who come across it. This can lead to higher click-through rates, improved user experience, and enhanced branding for your content or website. 

In essence, renaming your link is about optimizing its visibility and impact in the digital landscape.

How to rename links using Replug?

Replug is a comprehensive link management and tracking platform designed to empower marketers, content creators, and businesses to maximize the effectiveness of their shared links. With Replug, you can create, customize, and track the performance of your links across various channels.

Here’s how to rename links using Replug:

Step 1: Sign in to Replug if you already have an account, or create one if you’re new to Replug.

replug-1

Step 2: Select the campaign you want to associate your link with or create a new campaign if needed.

Step 3: Enter the link in the “URL to shorten” section below “Select your campaign” and click “Create”. Optionally, add UTM parameters to track link performance.

how-to-rename-links

Also read: How to Shrink a Link: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 4: Your link will be shortened. Click the edit icon and type the URL slug you want to use in the link.

how-to-rename-links

Step 5: Once you’ve customized the link, copy the new shortened URL and click “Update”. Your renamed link is now ready to be shared.

Link Management Made Easy

Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

Get Started for FREE!
link management made easy

Also read: How to Shorten a Website Link: Step-by-Step Guide

How to rename links in Google Docs?

Step 1: To begin, open your document and navigate to the link you want to rename. Simply click on the link to reveal the link options.

Step 2: After clicking on the link, a menu with options such as Copy link, Edit link, and Remove link will appear, along with a preview of the linked webpage or document. To rename the link, locate and click on the “Pencil” icon.

how-to-rename-links

Step 3: In the editing menu, you’ll see three fields: the text field, the URL field, and the clickable URL. Click on the “Text” field to access the text editing mode.

how-to-rename-links

Step 4: Once you’ve clicked on the “Text” field, you can edit the text of the link. Use the backspace key to delete the existing text and type in the new text to rename the link according to your preference.

Step 5: After you’ve renamed the link, click on the “Apply” button to confirm the changes. Your link will now be updated with the new text, and the changes will take effect in your Google Docs document.

how-to-rename-links

Also read: How to edit URL links with Replug?

Use Replug to manage your links:

Using Replug to manage your links offers several advantages:

  • Link optimization: Replug provides tools to customize and optimize your links, including link shortening, branding, and tracking features. This helps to make your links more visually appealing, recognizable, and effective in driving engagement.
  • Branding: With Replug, you can create custom-branded links that reflect your brand identity, increasing brand visibility and credibility when sharing content across different channels.
  • Performance tracking: Replug offers detailed analytics and insights into link performance, allowing you to monitor metrics such as click-through rates, geographic location of clicks, and conversion rates. This data enables you to assess the effectiveness of your link-sharing efforts and make informed decisions to optimize your strategy.
  • Call-to-action integration: Replug allows you to add customizable call-to-action overlays to your shared links, directing traffic to specific actions or landing pages. This feature enhances the effectiveness of your links in driving conversions and achieving your marketing goals.
  • Link rotation: Replug’s link rotation feature distributes traffic evenly among multiple destination URLs, enabling you to conduct A/B testing or distribute traffic to different landing pages based on predefined rules.

Link Management Made Easy

Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

Get Started for FREE!
link management made easy

FAQs 

Why should I rename my links?

Renaming links can make them more descriptive, memorable, and aligned with your brand. This can improve click-through rates, enhance branding, and provide a better user experience.

Can I track the performance of renamed links?

Yes, Replug provides detailed analytics and insights into the performance of your renamed links, including click-through rates, geographic location of clicks, and more.

Can I use Replug to rename links in bulk?

Yes, Replug offers features for bulk link management, including renaming multiple links simultaneously, making it efficient for larger-scale projects or campaigns.

Arslan Jadoon
Arslan is a SaaS content marketer who crafts clear, engaging content that drives results. He simplifies complex ideas into easily understandable blog posts, landing pages, and emails, helping SaaS companies connect with their audience and grow.

URL Branding: Enhance Digital Brand Marketing with Replug

Hassaan Khan
11 minutes

What is URL branding?

URL branding is a custom short URL that brands use across different digital marketing avenues instead of their main URL. In simple words, it’s a short and sweet version of the domains that are easy to write, send, and remember.

Businesses, influencers, and entrepreneurs strive to dominate the digital marketing space and branding turns out to be an important part of the marketing arsenal.

Branding is everything a brand creates to get recognized in the market or stand out from the competition. It’s a combination of multiple things, such as logos, fonts, color schemes, design patterns, slogans, etc.

So, when a brand creates a custom brandable domain for marketing, engagement, or clickability, it’s called URL branding.

pepsi branded link

Brands create short and branded URLs for social media, email marketing, and online advertising. The reason why companies opt for URL branding is that it’s short, brandable, and memorable, which makes marketing and engagement easier than ever.

Thus, it makes it convenient for companies and marketers to distribute, track, and analyze their short links.

Does it sound interesting to you?

Let’s dig deeper into this!

Why is URL branding important?

branded short links

The competition is fierce in most online marketing areas, regardless of the industry. The pressure to build, establish, and grow a business is inevitable. So, business owners look out for any competitive edge that helps them ignite their business growth.

Branding, in any shape or form, does wonders for brands if done right. URL branding is a digital marketing strategy businesses adopt to shorten their long and clunky website URLs and use the short versions for print and digital marketing. The short URL redirects the visitors to the main URL, anyway.

To better understand “why” URL branding is important, it’s vital to look at the benefits it provides, what impact it adds to the digital marketing strategy, and why it’s better than unbranded URLs.

Let’s get into it.

Branded vs. Unbranded URL

Branded URLs are comparatively better than unbranded URLs. When brands use unbranded URLs, it means they’re using random URL shorteners or long and clunky URLs.

As a result, it doesn’t make much impact. These brands lose some engagement opportunities when they use unbranded URLs.

On the flip side, companies and influencers that use branded URLs cash in on the branding opportunities. The reason is that branded URLs are the short versions of their main domains, which does help in building brand recognition.

Most businesses opt for unbranded URLs because they don’t want any additional cost, so they rely on free URL shorteners or default long URLs.

All in all, branded URLs have several perks that make them better than unbranded URLs. However, for branded URLs, a brand needs to register a short domain and buy a link management tool’s subscription to create branded URLs.

5 key reasons to use branded URLs

Branded Links in Replug

There are numerous reasons to use branded URLs. Take a look at some of them:

1. Showcases brand authority

Branding authority means brand reputation. It’s a multi-dimensional element that brands earn over time with their strategies, commitment, policies, and quality.

Branded URLs may seem like an ordinary digital branding strategy, but it does have implications beyond the digital marketing campaign. It creates an impact when a company or influencer uses a short, branded URL on social media, email newsletter, or print media.

So, a brand, a short domain helps contribute to establishing brand authority for businesses and individuals.

2. Adds trustworthiness

One of the benefits of a branded URL is that it provides companies and entrepreneurs an opportunity to earn trust in the digital marketing space. The reason is that every brand out there doesn’t go above and beyond to build an impactful brand image.

Creating branded URLs for social media and email marketing campaigns showcases that a business takes every part of the process seriously. That’s why they have put the work into coming up with branded URLs.

3. Helps in brand positioning

Brand positioning is how a brand creates its perception in the prospects and customers’ minds. Since branded URLs bring authority and trustworthiness to the brand’s campaign, they help businesses position their brands better.

Creating a positive perception of a business is an essential part of the branding strategy. A branded URL does help companies in positioning their brands in the eyes of their target audiences.

4. Drives traffic from print and digital sources

Website visitors mean business for most SAAS businesses and e-commerce stores. Since website traffic is the bread and butter of such businesses, they try to capitalize on every opportunity to drive visitors to their websites.

An important aspect of branded URLs is that they can drive website traffic rather easily. Brands and influencers come up with short, branded URLs for print media such as business cards, letterheads, pamphlets, and digital mediums like email, social media, etc.

5. Makes the URL memorable

Branding is essentially a process of creating perception and brand identity. Therefore, the website URL does have its role in making that brand identity.

One of the benefits of branded URLs is that they’re easy to remember, which helps brands and influencers in driving website traffic without putting out the main URL.

Importance of URLs as a digital strategy

SEO Optimized Vanity URL

Do URLs matter? You might want to know what this fuss is all about. Well, URLs are important for every digital marketing campaign. And, if you’re focusing on optimizing, fixing, and managing URLs, then digital marketing strategy is at stake.

Let’s jump into the importance of URLs in digital strategy and understand why URLs matter so much.

1. On-page SEO optimization

SEO is an integral part of any digital marketing campaign, and on-page SEO optimization is always incomplete without creating an SEO-friendly URL structure.

On-page SEO refers to the website page optimization process that takes place on the website page instead of outside the website. It includes URL refining, content optimization, keyword insertion, image optimization, page loading speed improvement, and fixing the website copy.

The reason why on-page SEO optimization is crucial to a digital strategy is that a brand can’t dominate the SERP or beat the competition in the search engines if its website isn’t optimized from the search engine standpoint.

Ultimately, URLs should be short, sweet, and relevant to improve the SEO performance of a website. Make sure that there are no broken links, the sitemap is up and running, and the website is hosted on a reputable web host to ensure that everything is going in the right direction.

2. URL redirection setup

SEO experts might be able to write multiple chapters on the importance of URLs in their SEO books, meaning URLs are vital to the SEO game. A well-developed URL structure can drive an SEO strategy to new heights, which takes the brand’s digital strategy to the next level.

URL redirection is a process of directing website visitors from one page to another using URL redirection codes or plugins. In simple words, when a redirection is set up, the visitor automatically moves to the new page when landing on the older page.

URL redirection is key in several cases, for instance, you have deleted older blog posts and redirected the visitors to the newer versions of the blog posts or a company has rebranded into a different brand name and redirected the traffic to the new domain.

So, the importance of URL management is pretty clear in the URL redirection process, and most brands on the internet have to deal with URLs in their digital marketing campaign.

3. Driving social media traffic

One of the aspects of URLs that can’t be ignored is that they provide a roadmap to the website traffic to land on the website pages no matter the traffic source.

Besides the organic visitors from search engines, social media traffic also lands on the website pages using the URLs. Similarly, email marketing also drives website visitors to the landing page or blog posts – all of these traffic sources use URLs to drive traffic.

Clunky or dysfunctional URLs may create hurdles in driving both free and paid traffic to the website. Therefore, it’s essential to keep the URL structure clean and optimized to keep the flow of website traffic from social media and other sources smooth and effective.

3. Improving click-through rate

URLs are the medium of driving website traffic to the website pages regardless of the traffic source. Understanding the importance of URLs and implementing optimization techniques steer the digital strategy of a brand in the right direction.

Click-through rate (CTR) is a clickability metric that showcases the performance of a specific page URL or the overall website URL. In other words, it tells us the number of clicks the page or website has gotten from a specific source, such as Google or Facebook ads. To get the CTR, divide the total clicks by the total impressions.

Moreover, URL optimization is vital to improving the ranking and click-through rate in the SERP. It essentially contributes to the overall search engine optimization of the website.

CTR analysis and other link management operations may not be possible if URLs aren’t a part of the digital strategy of the brand.

4. URL tracking and reporting

URL tracking and reporting means taking a look at the URLs’ performance in the website analytics tool’s dashboard, such as Google Search Console or Usermaven.

Tracking URL wouldn’t have been possible without comprehending the importance of URLs while establishing an effective digital marketing strategy.

So, don’t sleep on the opportunities to analyze the website page’s performance as part of your digital marketing and branding strategy.

The above-mentioned points explain the importance of URLs in the wake of building a powerful digital strategy for a brand.

5 Examples of a URL branding

Here are five examples of the brands that incorporate URL branding:

1. ContentStudio

URL branding-Content Studio Example

ContentStudio is an all-in-one social media management dashboard for publishing, scheduling, analyzing, and managing social media content.

This social media management tool uses its short domain (cstu.io) when shortening the URLs for the users while they post or schedule social media posts using this tool.

2. Squarex

SquareX- branded URL

Squarex is a secure browsing tool that has taken the disposable web browsing experience to the next level. This company uses a short domain called sqrx.io across all its social media platforms.

3. Bet. me

Bet.me URL branding example

Bet. me is a UK-based betting exchange that provides insights on online betting. This brand runs both bet. me and b.et sites simultaneously.

4. Ubisoft

Ubi Soft- branded URL

Ubisoft is a well-known name in the game development industry. They use ubi.li as a short, custom domain for sharing content on social media.

5. Xbox

Xbox-URL branding example

Xbox is a popular gaming console from Microsoft. They use xbx.lv as their short, branded domain for sharing Xbox-related news, updates, and other content.

These were five of the many examples of brands that use short, branded URLs.

How do I create a branded URL?

Are you wondering how to create a custom short URL or integrate your branded URL with your URL shortening tool?

Well, it’s not rocket science. All you need is to follow the below-mentioned steps and you’ll be all set to create your short, branded URLs within no time. Let’s cut to the chase and see how you can set a branded URL:

Here are the steps involved in creating a branded URL:

Get a domain for branded URLs

Already have branded domain then move on to the next step.

If not then….

Start with buying domain. It’ll be the first step in the process regardless of the URL shortening tool you use for setting your branded URL. Once registered, move on to the next step.

Connect your domain to your URL shortener

You’ll need a URL shortener to connect your domain to generate branded short URLs.

Since Replug is my favorite link management tool, I’ll be using this tool to showcase how you can create branded URLs for social media, paid ads, and email marketing.

Before you head over to the Replug dashboard, you must first connect your domain to the URL shortener.

Keep in mind that it’s a two-step process that involves configuring the DNS records and adding the custom domain to the Replug account.

DNS-Record-

Go to your domain registrar account and access the DNS record for your domain.

Click-Add- A- New- Record

Look out for the option named “Add New Record” to configure the DNS settings.

CNAME-record

You might want to choose the CNAME record in your domain setting to configure it with your Replug account. To do so, click on the “Add New Record” option to include a new record.

Here are the exact DNS settings you should be adding to the DNS record:

Record Type CNAME
Hostname@ or www
Point to (Address)Short domain (URL)

Make sure that the DNS settings are properly added. Once it’s done, head over to your Replug account to complete the process.

Add your domain to your Replug account

Once you have created the Replug account, log in to it to continue setting up the branded URL.

custom-domain

Now, head over to the custom domain configuration in your Replug account. To access the custom domain section, just click on your Replug profile icon inside the dashboard.

A drop-down menu will pop up, click on “Custom Domains” to access the custom domains section. This is the area where you would add a custom domain to your Replug account.

Add-a-Cutsom-Domain

Click on the “Add Domain” button to add your short domain to your Replug account. A form would pop up, so fill up the form.

Add-custom-domain-1

You’ll need to provide your branded URL, custom 404 redirection page URL, and main root URL for setting the short domain in your Replug account.

Create a brand & Campaign to get started with URL branding

Once the short domain is properly configured in your Replug account, you can create a brand and set up link management campaigns.

Note: It’s essential to create a separate brand. Otherwise, the shortened URLs will be assigned to a previously created brand in your account.

Brands

To create a new brand in the Replug account, go to the “Manage” section from the Replug dashboard and click on the “Brands” option from the drop-down menu.

Once you’ve landed on the brand’s page, click on the “New Brand” option to create one.

create-brand

Once you click on the “New Brand” button, a pop-up menu will appear. Provide all the necessary details about the brand, such as the brand name and the website URL.

Once you’re done with it, press the “Save” button to proceed. That’s how you can create a new brand in the Replug account.

The next up is creating a new campaign using the brand you just added to your Replug account.

Go to the “Manage” section from the top menu, and access the “Campaigns” section.

new campaign

To create the campaign, click on the “New Campaign” button on the page.

brand and next

Now, select the newly created brand for this very campaign.

Campaign-type-1

The next step is to enter your campaign name, your domain and campaign type.

Once you complete the above, then “Save Campaign”.

Branded Short URL

URL Branding with Replug

A short URL slug will be generated for your domain. You can edit the slug of your domain as shown in the example above, and start sharing and tracking your branded URLs.

FAQs about URL branding

Let’s take a look at some of the commonly asked questions about URL branding:

How much does it cost to own a URL?

Domain registration cost is approx. $10 to $40 across different domain extensions. However, from a URL branding standpoint, you may have to invest in a link management tool like Replug and find a suitable domain extension such as .io, .se, .co, or others.

Can a URL be copyrighted?

A URL is associated with brand names or trademarks, and registering or using someone else’s brand name in the website URL could lead to legal issues. It’s best to consult your lawyer for accurate information on this matter.

Can I sell a URL?

Domains are purchased and sold by domain investors across different domain platforms such as Sedo, Afternic, Dan, Epik, and several others. So, yes, you can sell a URL.

Can you patent a website?

It’s best to consult your lawyer for all the information regarding patents, trademarks, and copyright issues. The reason is that regulations and laws vary from state to state and country to country.

Can you use a brand name in the URL?

You can use a brand name in the main URL of a website only if you own the brand name or you have been granted permission by the brand to do so.

Hassaan Khan
Hassaan Khan is a freelance writer for SAAS companies, e-commerce stores, and niche websites. He has contributed to SEMrush, ThriveGlobal, BloggingCage, AllBloggingTips, and several other publications. He builds niche websites, publishes e-books, and helps website investors with his done-for-you niche site-building service.

How to Measure Social Media Engagement: 12 Crucial Metrics

Arslan Jadoon
5 minutes

Understanding how to measure engagement on social media is important in today’s dynamic world in which every click, share, and comment shapes your brand’s online presence.

This guide is critical for those interested in tracking social media engagement. It will highlight essential metrics and introduce the capabilities of Replug in this context. So, let’s get started!

Why tracking social media engagement matter?

Social media platforms are not just virtual spaces; they serve as storefronts, customer service hubs, and stages for your brand’s performance. The engagement levels indicate whether your brand’s narrative resonates and if your virtual audience is genuinely interested.

Choosing the right metrics is crucial to avoid misleading data. The right metrics provide both quantitative data and qualitative insights, offering a comprehensive understanding of audience interaction. Regular social media reporting helps track these metrics effectively and make data-driven decisions for future strategies

12 essential social media engagement metrics:

Let’s break down the 12 social media engagement metrics and provide explanations for each.

  1. Likes, comments, reactions, shares, etc.

Likes:

Indicates how well your audience receives your content. The more likes, the higher the positive reception.

Comments:

Reflects deeper engagement. Comments often signify that your content has sparked curiosity, agreement, or even disagreement.

Shares:

Equivalent to a digital word-of-mouth recommendation. When users share your content, it demonstrates that they find it compelling and worth sharing with their circles.

  1. Brand Mentions

Captures instances where users talk about your brand, providing insights into brand sentiment, context, and organic reach.

  1. Video views and video completion rate

Video views:

Indicates the reach and initial interest in your video content. Platforms like Facebook count a view when a user watches for more than three seconds.

Video completion rate:

Measures the percentage of viewers who watched the video till the end. A high completion rate indicates engaging content.

  1. Engagement rate

Offers a holistic view of content performance by combining likes, comments, and shares. It helps understand engagement relative to the number of followers.

how-to-measure-social-media-engagement
  1. Amplification rate

Reflects how share-worthy your audience finds your content. It is determined by the ratio of shares per post to the total number of followers.

how-to-measure-social-media-engagement

Also read: Top 10 Social Media Hacks to 3X Your Brand Growth

Brand awareness metrics

  1. Reach

Represents the total number of people who have seen your post. It focuses on how many people have been exposed to your content.

  1. Impressions

Total number of times your content has been shown on someone’s screen, regardless of clicks. It indicates how often your content is being seen.

  1. Share of voice (SOV)

Measures how much attention your brand gets compared to competitors. A high SOV means your brand is dominating the conversation in the industry.

social-media-engagement-metrics
  1. Audience growth rate

Measures how fast a brand’s following increases over a specific period. It reflects the brand’s popularity and appeal.

measure-social-media-engagement

Conversion metrics

  1. Click-through rate (CTR)

Represents the percentage of users who click on a link in your post. It measures how effective your content is in compelling users to take the next step.

measure-social-media-engagement

Also read: Click Tracking: What It Is and How It Works?

  1. Referral traffic

Pertains to visitors landing on your website through direct links from social networks. It reveals how well social media channels drive users to your main platform.

  1. Conversion rate

Measures the percentage of users who take a desired action after interacting with your content, such as signing up or making a purchase.

social-media-engagement-metrics

Link Management Made Easy

Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

Get Started for FREE!
link management made easy

Replug: Your toolkit for social media engagement

Enter Replug, a powerful link management tool designed for comprehensive social media performance metrics. Beyond URL shortening, Replug offers a range of features:

  • Deep dive analytics: 

Replug’s analytics transcend mere click tracking. Gain a comprehensive view of user interactions, including their origin, the timing of clicks, and the devices used. This detailed insight empowers brands to refine their social media marketing strategy based on the specific moments when their audience is most engaged.

  • Branded links: 

Move beyond generic short links. Replug empowers brands to create customized, branded links. These not only enhance brand recognition but also boost click-through rates, as users are more inclined to click on links they trust.

  • Link-in-bio tool: 

Maximizes engagement opportunities within a single trackable link, perfect for platforms like Instagram.

  • Real-time data: 

Things move fast in the digital realm, and Replug ensures you stay ahead. Real-time analytics allow brands to pivot on the fly. If a particular post is gaining traction, you’ll know instantly, enabling you to allocate resources strategically and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Link Management Made Easy

Your go to link management tool for CTAs, branded and bio links, QR Codes, tracking and retargeting.

Get Started for FREE!
link management made easy

Conclusion:

Understanding and measuring these metrics empowers you to assess the impact of your social media efforts, refine your strategy, and build genuine connections with your audience. Each metric plays a unique role in providing insights into different aspects of your social media engagement.

Effective measurement of social media engagement is simplified with Replug’s intuitive features. Beyond mere numbers, Replug provides insights that ensure your connection with your audience is genuine, informed, and impactful.

FAQs 

What is social media engagement?

Social media engagement refers to the interaction and participation of users with your content on social platforms. This includes likes, comments, shares, and other actions that indicate audience interest and involvement.

Why is social engagement important?

Social engagement is crucial for building brand awareness, fostering customer loyalty, and driving online visibility. It enhances your connection with the audience, influencing how your brand is perceived in the digital space.

With a staggering 5.04 billion users worldwide, social media has become an omnipresent force, shaping the way individuals connect, share, and engage in the digital era.

What makes URL-shortening tools effective for social media?

URL-shortening tools enhance the user experience by creating concise links and improving aesthetic appeal and character usage. They are particularly effective on platforms with character limits, ensuring a clean and user-friendly presentation.

Why use branded links to improve click-through rates?

Branded links build trust and recognition, encouraging users to click. They convey authenticity and are more likely to be clicked compared to generic links, ultimately boosting click-through rates and enhancing overall engagement.

Is Replug suitable for businesses of all sizes?

Yes, Replug is designed to cater to businesses of all sizes. Its versatile features and scalability make it adaptable to the needs of small businesses, startups, and large enterprises alike, offering a comprehensive solution for social media engagement.

You may also like:

How To Boost Social Media Conversion: 10 Proven Tricks

From Likes to Love: Comprehensive Social Media Engagement Guide

Call To Action For Social Media : 15 Best Examples

Arslan Jadoon
Arslan is a SaaS content marketer who crafts clear, engaging content that drives results. He simplifies complex ideas into easily understandable blog posts, landing pages, and emails, helping SaaS companies connect with their audience and grow.

Branded Links vs. Short Links: Which is Right for Your Brand?

Arslan Jadoon
6 minutes

Have you ever shared an interesting post, recommended a funny video, or perhaps even critiqued an article that missed the mark? We’ve all been there. But what you might not realize is that the way you share these online treasures can significantly impact your brand.

If you’ve been using plain, generic short links to share content, it’s time to take a closer look. By doing so, you could inadvertently be promoting other brands instead of your own.

We’re going to cut through the noise and discuss the difference between branded vs. short links. We’ll help you understand the implications of your choice and how it can affect your brand’s online identity. So, let’s get straight to it! 

What is a short link?

A short link, also known as a short URL, is a compressed version of a long web address or URL. Short links are created to simplify lengthy URLs, making them easier to share, remember, and use, especially in contexts where character limits are a concern, such as social media or printed materials.

Short links typically redirect users to the original, longer URL when clicked. They are especially useful for sharing links on platforms like Twitter, where character limits for a single tweet are in place. Instead of using a long and cumbersome URL, you can generate a short link that directs users to the intended web page.

What is a branded link?

A branded link, also known as a custom short link or a vanity URL, is a type of shortened URL that includes a brand’s or organization’s name or a custom keyword as part of the link. Unlike generic short links that use a random combination of characters and numbers, branded links are customized to reflect the brand’s identity, making them more recognizable and trustworthy to users.

Branded links are a fantastic choice for businesses and individuals looking to enhance their online branding, improve user engagement, and create a polished and trustworthy online presence. 

Short vs. branded links: Which is better?

Branded links can indeed offer several advantages, especially when it comes to strengthening your brand identity and increasing user trust. They are valuable for businesses and individuals looking to create a cohesive online presence and improve user engagement. 

The choice between branded links and short links eventually depends on your specific goals and the context in which you plan to use them. Let’s explore the benefits of each:

Branded links:

  • Strong brand identity: Branded links reinforce your brand identity, incorporating your brand name or a custom keyword. This can boost brand recognition and user trust.
  • Higher click-through rates: Branded links often have higher click-through rates as they appear more trustworthy and relevant to users.
  • Enhanced user experience: They offer a user-friendly and memorable link, making it easier to recognize and share.
  • Consistency: Branded links maintain a consistent brand image across different online platforms.
  • Analytics: You can track the performance of branded links and gain valuable insights into user engagement.

Short links:

  • Conciseness: Short links are compact and ideal for contexts with character limits like social media or text messages.
  • Space-saving: They save space in printed materials, enhancing aesthetics and usability.
  • Universal use: Short links are versatile and can be used for various types of content.

The choice depends on your priorities:

Branded Links: If strengthening your brand identity, increasing trust, and improving user recognition are important to you, branded links are an excellent choice. They excel in marketing campaigns and content sharing where branding matters.

Short Links: If brevity and saving space are paramount, short links are suitable, especially in platforms with character constraints. They shine when the focus is on the content rather than the link.

Popular brands are using branded links:

Let’s take a look at how some of the most popular brands use branded links to their advantage:

  1. The New York Times – nyti.ms

The renowned newspaper, The New York Times, simplifies sharing long article URLs on social media and beyond by using the branded link nyti.ms. This branded link not only shortens the URL but also reinforces the brand’s identity with every click.

branded links
  1. Nike – swoo.sh

When it comes to sports and lifestyle, Nike is a household name. They utilize the branded link swoo.sh to create a memorable link for their products and promotions. This reinforces the Nike brand with every shared link.

branded links
  1. Amazon – amzn.to

E-commerce giant Amazon opts for the branded link amzn.to to shorten product URLs. This not only saves space in printed materials but also keeps the focus on their products rather than the URL itself.

branded links
  1. Coca-Cola – cokeurl.com

Coca-Cola, a global beverage icon, maintains brand consistency by using branded links like cokeurl.com. This approach ensures that every link shared aligns with their brand image.

branded links
  1. Starbucks – sbux.co

Coffee giant Starbucks utilizes branded links with the domain sbux.co to simplify the sharing of promotional content. This reinforces their brand identity and keeps their links looking clean and professional.

branded links

Shorten your links, amplify your brand.

Create shareable, trackable and fully customizable branded urls. Get more clicks with absolute link management features such as Bio Links, retargeting, deep Links, CTA’s and more.

Learn More!
fully customizable bio link

How to create short branded links?

Are you ready to start using branded links for your own brand? Replug, a powerful URL shortening and branding tool, simplifies the process of creating custom short branded links. Let’s walk through the steps to create these links and amplify your brand’s reach.

Adding your custom domain

The first step in creating branded links with Replug is to incorporate your custom domain. While Replug provides a default shortener domain (rplg.co), using your custom domain strengthens your brand identity and reputation. 

Also read: What is a Branded Short Domain and How Do I Get One?

Follow these steps to add your custom domain:

Step 1: Access custom domains

  • Open your Replug dashboard and navigate to “Settings.”
  • Select “Custom Domains” from the dropdown menu.
custom-branded-links

Step 2: Add a new domain

  • Click on “Add Domain” to begin setting up your custom short URL.
custom-branded-links

Step 3: Connect the custom domain

  • On the next screen, provide essential details, including your custom domain and settings like the 404 redirect URL and branded domain.
  • Click “Connect” to add your custom domain to your Replug account.
custom-branded-links

Step 4: Manage your custom domain

  • After successfully connecting your custom domain, you can manage it within your Replug account. Check connectivity status, edit domain settings, or delete domains as needed.

Note: To complete the domain setup, don’t forget to point the CNAME in your domain registrar’s DNS. Depending on your registrar, you might need to use “@” or “www” as the HOST value.

With your custom domain integrated into Replug, you’re now ready to create your custom-branded link. Here’s how:

Step 5: Add a new link

  • Once logged into your Replug dashboard, select “Select your campaign” to start a new campaign.
  • You’ll find the custom domain you just created within your campaigns.
  • Paste the original link you want to shorten in the “URL to shorten” section.
  • Click “Create” to generate a custom shortened URL.
Custom link

Also read: How to Create a Short URL: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 6: Customize your shortened URL

  • Enjoy the flexibility to customize your shortened URL. Select an alias or keyword to incorporate into the link, making it memorable and aligned with your brand.
  • Click “Update” to generate your custom shortened URL.
custom-branded-links

Step 7: Share and monitor

  • Utilize your custom-shortened URL in marketing materials, social media posts, emails, or any content where you want to promote your link.
  • Monitor the performance of your custom shortened URLs using Replug’s comprehensive analytics and tracking features, which provide insights into clicks, user location, referrals, and more.

Branded Short Links

Create and track branded short links for your business for better conversions.

Brand Your Links Now!
Branded Short Links

FAQs 

What is the difference between a branded link and a short link?

A branded link includes your brand name or a custom keyword, making it more recognizable and trustworthy. Short links, on the other hand, are simply shortened versions of long URLs, often generated randomly.

Why should I consider using branded links for my brand or business?

Branded links enhance your brand identity, boost user trust, and increase brand recognition. They also offer a more user-friendly and memorable link for sharing.

Are branded links more trustworthy than short links?

Branded links tend to be perceived as more trustworthy by users because they include a recognizable brand name, which can reduce suspicions of spam or phishing.

Can I track the performance of branded links, and how can I do that?

Yes, you can track branded link performance. Most branded link services offer analytics and tracking features to monitor clicks, geographic data, and more.

Arslan Jadoon
Arslan is a SaaS content marketer who crafts clear, engaging content that drives results. He simplifies complex ideas into easily understandable blog posts, landing pages, and emails, helping SaaS companies connect with their audience and grow.

How to Create a Custom Short URL?

Arslan Jadoon
5 minutes

Do you want to create your own custom short URL for your website links? Just like we use “rplg.co” for our own branded short URLs, you can do the same for yours.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the straightforward process of crafting your custom short URLs. 

Elevate your blog’s accessibility, streamline your links, and make sharing content a breeze with personalized web addresses that resonate with your audience.

What is a custom short URL?

A custom short URL, also known as a branded or vanity URL, is a shorter and customized version of a longer web address (URL). It’s designed to be easy to remember, share, and recognize. 

Custom short URLs typically incorporate a brand’s name, a relevant keyword, or any other chosen text to create a web address that is more user-friendly and aligned with the entity’s identity.

Prominent brands and organizations leverage custom short URLs for streamlined online engagement. The New York Times employs “nyti.ms,” Coca-Cola opts for “cokeurl.com,” WWF uses “wwf.to,” the United Nations relies on “un.org,” and HubSpot chooses “hubs.ly.” These concise links enhance branding and simplify sharing across digital platforms.

Custom short URLs offer several benefits:

  • Memorability: They are easier to remember, making it simple for users to type or recall the link.
  • Branding: Custom short URLs reinforce brand identity and can include brand names or keywords.
  • User Experience: Shorter URLs improve the user experience by reducing clutter and enhancing readability.
  • Tracking: URL shortening services offer analytics, allowing you to track click-through rates and user engagement.
  • Social Media: On platforms with character limits, like Twitter, custom short URLs save space for your message.

How to create a custom short URL using Replug?

Replug is a URL shortener and branding tool that simplifies link management. It allows users to create custom short URLs, reinforcing brand identity and optimizing online marketing. With user-friendly domain customization and strong connectivity features, Replug streamlines the process of enhancing your online presence and sharing branded links.

To create a custom short URL using Replug, first add your custom domain:

Important note: By default, Replug generates links using our default shortener domain, rplg.co. 

However, you have the option to enhance your branding and domain reputation by incorporating a custom domain. This allows you to use branded domains in your ads, social link-tracking campaigns, and email communications.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Access custom domains

  • Open your Replug dashboard.
  • Navigate to “Settings” and select “Custom Domains” from the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Add a new domain

  • Click on “Add Domain” to initiate the process of creating your custom short URL.

Step 3: Connect the custom domain

On the next screen, provide the following details:

  • Domain URL: This is your branded or custom domain.
  • 404 redirect URL: Specify where users should be directed if they land on a 404 error page.
  • Branded domain: This redirects users to the designated URL when they visit the root address of your brand’s domain.

Afterward, click the “Connect” button as shown on the screen.

Note: Once you have added your domain to the platform, the next step is to point CNAME in your domain registrar’s DNS.  If you would like to redirect your root domain, please try adding @ or www. Some of the registrars do not allow the @ option, for that, you will have to add www as a HOST value. 

Step 4: Manage your custom domain

After clicking “Connect,” your custom domain will be successfully added to your Replug account.

You can check the connectivity status, edit domain settings, or delete domains as needed.

Read our help document for additional information on setting up a custom domain in Replug. 

Once you’ve added your custom domain to Replug, its time to create a custom short URL.

Shorten your links, amplify your brand.

Create shareable, trackable and fully customizable branded urls. Get more clicks with absolute link management features such as Bio Links, retargeting, deep Links, CTA’s and more.

Learn More!
fully customizable bio link

Create a custom short URL: 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to create a custom short URL in Replug:

Step 1: Add a new link

Once you’re logged into your Replug dashboard, select “Select your campaign” to initiate a new campaign. 

Note: In campaigns, you’ll find the custom domain you just created. 

Paste the original link you want to shorten into the “URL to shorten” section. This link can point to a specific webpage, product, or content you wish to share. Click the blue “Create” button to generate a custom shortened URL.

Custom link

Step 2: Customize your shortened URL

Replug offers the flexibility to customize your shortened URL. This means you can select a specific alias or keyword to incorporate into the shortened link. For instance, you can create a custom shortened URL like “replug.link/myproduct.”

customize-link

Step 3: Configure link settings

Depending on your requirements, you can adjust additional settings for your custom URL link. These settings may include link expiration, tracking options, A/B testing, and more. Customize these settings according to your preferences and click the “Update” button to generate your custom shortened URL.

Step 7: Share your custom shortened URL

Utilize your custom-shortened URL in your marketing materials, social media posts, emails, or any content where you want to promote your link. Custom-shortened URLs are ideal for making lengthy and complex links more user-friendly.

Step 8: Monitor performance

Replug provides comprehensive analytics and tracking features, enabling you to monitor the performance of your custom shortened URLs. You can track the number of clicks, the geographic location of users, referral sources, and more.

Replug-Click-Analytics

End note:

Replug offers numerous benefits for branding, tracking, and enhancing the user experience. By shortening and customizing your URLs, you can make them more memorable and suitable for various marketing and promotional efforts. 

With the ability to track performance and user interactions, Replug empowers users to optimize their online presence and marketing campaigns effectively. 

Whether you’re promoting products, sharing content, or strengthening your brand identity, custom URL links created through Replug can play a vital role in your online strategy.

Branded Short Links

Create and track branded short links for your business for better conversions.

Brand Your Links Now!
Branded Short Links

FAQs

Can I use my own domain for custom short URLs?

Yes, many URL shortening services, including Replug, allow you to use your custom domain for creating custom short URLs. This ensures that your brand is prominently featured in the links you share.

How do I track the performance of short URLs?

Most URL shortening services offer tracking and analytics tools that allow you to monitor the performance of your custom short URLs. You can track click-through rates, geographic location of users, and more to assess link effectiveness.

Are custom short URLs secure?

Custom short URLs are as secure as regular long URLs. However, like any link, they should be used with caution. Avoid clicking on unfamiliar custom short URLs, as they could potentially lead to malicious websites.

Also read:

How URL Shortener Works: A Quick Guide

How to Add a Link to Your Instagram Story?

How to put YouTube link in Instagram bio?

How to Create a Custom URL: Step-By-Step Guide

Arslan Jadoon
Arslan is a SaaS content marketer who crafts clear, engaging content that drives results. He simplifies complex ideas into easily understandable blog posts, landing pages, and emails, helping SaaS companies connect with their audience and grow.

Learn the Art of Branding: 5 Best Branding Examples

Mustafa Niazi
7 minutes

Brand marketing examples showcase the power of effective strategies and creative execution in building successful brands.

From captivating ad campaigns and engaging social media presence to memorable brand experiences, these branding examples demonstrate how businesses have leveraged storytelling, differentiation, and consumer insights to create strong brand identities that resonate with their target audiences.

Before moving on to branding examples, let’s see what key elements make brand marketing successful.

10 Key elements of brand strategy

  1. Brand purpose: Defining a clear and meaningful purpose that aligns with the values and aspirations of the target audience.
  2. Brand positioning: Identifying and establishing a unique and compelling position in the market that sets the brand apart from competitors.
  3. Target audience: Understanding the target audience’s specific demographics, psychographics, and needs to effectively tailor brand messaging and experiences.
  4. Brand identity: Developing a cohesive and distinctive visual and verbal identity, including logo, typography, color palette, and brand voice.
  5. Brand messaging: Crafting compelling and consistent messaging that communicates the brand’s values, benefits, and unique selling propositions to the target audience.
  6. Brand storytelling: Creating a compelling narrative around the brand that connects emotionally with the target audience and builds a strong brand image.
  7. Brand experience: Designing and delivering consistent and exceptional experiences at every touch point, including physical locations, online platforms, customer service, and product quality.
  8. Brand differentiation: Identifying and communicating key points of differentiation that set the brand apart from competitors, emphasizing unique features, benefits, or values.
  9. Brand consistency: Ensuring consistent messaging, visuals, and experiences across all brand touchpoints to build recognition, trust, and loyalty among customers.
  10. Brand monitoring and adaptation: Continuously monitoring brand performance, market trends, and customer feedback to adapt and evolve the brand strategy as needed, staying relevant and competitive in the market.

Related: Top 22 Personal Branding Tools To Upscale Your Marketing

From strategy to success: 5 Powerful examples of branding

Here are a few branding examples for stronger brand marketing:

1. TOMS “One For One” brand marketing strategy

TOMS’ brand marketing strategy revolves around its unique “One for One” concept. For every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS donates a pair to a person in need. This strategy emphasizes social responsibility, creating a powerful connection between the brand and customers who want to make a positive impact.

Additionally, TOMS utilizes storytelling and powerful visuals to communicate its mission, inspiring customers to buy its products and support its charitable initiatives. Through this strategy, TOMS has successfully differentiated itself in the market and built a loyal customer base that aligns with its purpose-driven approach.

2. Starbucks’ “It Starts with You” campaign

Starbucks’ branding example shows why creating a welcoming and personalized experience is important. Their iconic green logo, cozy store ambiance, and seasonal promotions establish a sense of familiarity and indulgence, making Starbucks a beloved global coffee brand.

Starbucks’ “It Starts with You” campaign was a successful initiative that highlighted the positive impact individuals can make in their communities.

Starbucks encouraged acts of kindness and community engagement, positioning itself as a brand that cares about making a difference.

The campaign resonated with customers, fostering a sense of connection and inspiring them to take action.

In the branding example, Starbucks creates a premium and aspirational image, enticing customers to spend more. Through visually appealing displays, seasonal promotions, and a customer rewards program, Starbucks encourages repeat visits and larger purchases.

This unwavering loyalty is a testament to Starbucks’ ability to create a unique and meaningful experience that resonates with its customers on a deeper level.

3. Patagonia’s “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign

Patagonia, an outdoor apparel company, has built a strong brand relationship with its customers through its commitment to environmental sustainability and activism.

Patagonia’s “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign aimed to raise awareness about overconsumption and encourage responsible consumer behavior. It taught a valuable lesson about the importance of sustainability and conscious purchasing choices.

By aligning its brand values with its target audience, Patagonia has created a loyal community of customers who share their passion for the outdoors and environmental preservation.

Related: Brand Consistency:  Build Brand Consistency Using Branded Links

4. Nike from “Just Do It” to “Believe in Something”

Nike’s branding example can be seen in its iconic “Just Do It” campaign. “Just Do It” encapsulates Nike’s brand ethos, inspiring individuals to push their limits, overcome obstacles, and achieve greatness in sports and life.

Nike’s ability to navigate controversy and position itself as a champion of social change has proven to be a successful marketing tactic, driving both financial success and a positive brand image.

Nike turns controversy into dollars through its marketing by strategically embracing social issues and aligning with controversial figures. Nike generates significant media attention and sparks conversations worldwide by taking a bold stance on divisive topics.

This heightened visibility helps increase brand awareness and exposure. While the company may face initial backlash from some segments of the population, Nike’s marketing strategy appeals to its target audience, which includes socially conscious individuals who value progressive values and inclusivity.

This approach fosters a strong emotional connection and loyalty among these consumers, leading to increased sales and revenue for the brand.

Best Branding Example: Nike’s Colin Kaepernick ad

Nike’s Colin Kaepernick ad was a resounding success. Released in 2018, the ad featured the controversial football player and activist kneeling during the national anthem, accompanied by the powerful message: “Believe in something.” Even if it means sacrificing everything.”

The ad sparked widespread conversation and polarizing reactions, but it ultimately reinforced Nike’s commitment to social issues and resonated with its target audience. Despite the backlash, the campaign garnered significant attention, boosting brand awareness and sales.

Nike’s bold stance and alignment with Kaepernick’s activism tapped into the cultural zeitgeist, praising their willingness to take a stand on divisive social issues and inspiring a new wave of brand loyalty among consumers who shared similar values.

Related: Branding on Youtube the Right Way!

5. Apple “Think Different”

Apple’s brand marketing exemplifies innovation, simplicity, and elegance. Their iconic “Think Different” campaign and product launches build anticipation and create a strong emotional connection with consumers.

Apple’s meticulously planned product launches generate excitement and drive sales. Their strategy showcases the power of building anticipation, creating a buzz, and cultivating a strong brand community.

Apple has established a strong and distinctive brand identity through various campaigns that resonate with consumers worldwide. Apple’s campaigns highlight its ability to create compelling narratives, evoke emotions, and showcase the unique features of its products.

Here take a look at their interesting data privacy campaign.

Related: Social Media Risks For Brands

Neuroscience of branding


The neuroscience of branding explores how our brains respond to different aspects of a brand. Scientists use brain imaging techniques to understand how things like logos, colors, and associations with a brand affect our thoughts and feelings.

They’ve found that branding can make us feel logical and emotional, so companies must create positive and memorable experiences.

By understanding how our brains react to branding, businesses can make smart choices to create a strong connection with customers and make them more likely to choose and stick with their brand.

Related: 9 Trending techniques to expand your Businesses via Social Media

Online branding with Branded Link Management Tool

URL shorteners can play a role in branding by providing concise and memorable links that promote a brand’s online presence. Having a branded domain is a smart branding strategy that offers a cleaner and more professional appearance, increasing trust and click-through rates.

Additionally, branded short links can be tracked and analyzed, providing valuable insights into user engagement and marketing campaigns.

Replug URL shortener infographic

Replug is an excellent URL shortener that offers several link management tools for brands and marketers. It’s a complete toolkit to manage short, branded URLs for brand marketing and digital media campaigns.

In the bid to improve brand marketing, Replug could be useful in many ways. No wonder thousands of brands and marketers use Replug to manage their short URLs.

Here are some prominent Replug features has to offer to upscale your branding efforts.

Branded domain and custom URLs

It’s been learned that branded URLs could significantly improve audience trust and user clickability. Many brands, entrepreneurs, and digital marketers use branded domains for social media sharing and email marketing.

Here’s an online branding example

michael-hyatt-branded-url-shortener

You can also retarget audiences using branded links. Implement this marketing strategy on your branded links to retarget the website visitors who have clicked on your short links.

retargeting-infographic

You just need to add pixel codes to Replug from your famous social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Quora, then reach out to them through social media ads.

Bio links for Social Media

Bio links are in trend these days. The purpose behind bio-links is to have all of your content, from links to audio-visual content, on a single custom webpage.

The webpage is easy to create with drag-and-drop functionality. You can set up your bio link webpage in just a few clicks.

Now anyone can use this one-link solution to create social media bio links and connect all your social media profiles, such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, with this link.

Branded CTA

Replug allows you to customize and place CTA’s to your short links. Creating branded CTAs encourage immediate action and reinforce brand identity and messaging.

Aligning CTAs with a brand’s tone, values, and visual elements can strengthen your brand’s recognition and drive higher conversions.

QR Code Marketing

QR codes offer a unique opportunity for branding by providing a versatile and interactive marketing tool.

Incorporate branded QR codes into their promotional materials to create seamless offline and online experiences.

Businesses can reinforce their visual identity and increase brand recognition enhancing the overall brand experience.

FAQs

What is brand marketing with example?

Brand marketing is promoting a brand to create awareness, build a strong reputation, and establish a connection with consumers. Example: Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign.

What is an example of brand preference?

An example of brand preference is when a consumer consistently chooses a particular brand over its competitors based on personal preference or loyalty. For instance, a person always purchases Nike shoes over other sports shoe brands due to their perceived quality, style, and alignment with personal values.

What is the best example of a branding strategy?

Apple’s branding strategy revolves around simplicity, innovation, and a focus on user experience. They have consistently communicated their brand values through sleek design, intuitive interfaces, and cutting-edge technology. This strategy has helped them create a strong emotional connection with customers.

You may also like:

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Mustafa Niazi
Mustafa Niazi is a blogging addict, a tech fanatic, and a SEO specialist.

A Complete Guide to Building a Brand Marketing Strategy

Hassaan Khan
13 minutes

Brand marketing and online branding have become critical elements for conquering the digital landscape.

Designing a strategic marketing road map has become necessary to understand the fundamental idea of branding.

Multiple brands have successfully demonstrated effective brand building and brand marketing strategies.

apple-branding

Apple stands out with its sleek design, innovative products, and consistent messaging that evokes sophistication and forward-thinking.

Coke_branding

Coca-Cola’s timeless branding focuses on fostering emotional connections and spreading happiness through their refreshing beverages.

Let’s elaborate on the basic concepts and then we’ll move forward to the details.

What is a brand?

 Brand Marketing Concept

A brand is a business or company that sells a product or service and has positioned itself into a well-reputed business in the niche or market segment.

Plus, the brand identity and positioning in the users’ minds play a vital role in the establishment of any brand.

Brand Attributes

Brand attributes are the traits that reassure the brand values by implementing the core values of the brand.

Here are the most common brand attributes that shape brands’ perceptions:

  • Relevancy: Brand relevancy means how relevant a brand’s approach is toward prospective customers. The target audience is key to getting noticed by the market segment.
  • Consistency: Stick with your publishing or marketing regime, especially if it’s working out for you because consistency takes you ahead of your competition.
  • Credibility: Credibility revolves around how a brand is perceived by people. Brands put a lot of effort into building brand reputation because being in the audience’s good books is essential for repeat clients.
  • Positioning: Brand positioning is an attribute that showcases how a brand shapes its image in the customers’ and prospects’ minds.

Interesting read: Revamp Your Online Branding with Branded Short Links 

Types of Brand Attributes

Brand attributes can be divided into two types:

i. Hard brand attributes: These are the properties involving visual appearance and tangible qualities. It includes logos, brand names, slogans, sign boards, mascots, etc.

ii. Soft brand attributes: These are the characteristic values of a brand in the customers’ minds. It includes uniqueness, trustworthiness, innovation, convenience, etc.

What is branding and why is it important?

What is branding?

Branding is a marketing buzzword widely used in the sales, marketing, and public relations departments.

Branding is a strategy to build a company’s identity and carve out an image in the end-users’ minds.

The purpose of branding is to create awareness and spread the word about the brand.

For instance, Nike is an American brand known for manufacturing athletic shoes, apparel, and sports equipment. Plus, they sponsor sports celebs and sporting events across the globe.

The reason we all recognize the “Nike” logo is that they have spent billions of dollars over the years on building their brand’s identity.

Branding encapsulates everything from creating the identity of a brand to shaping the perception through several tactics, such as:

  • Choosing a brand name
  • Creating a logo
  • Making the branded stationery
  • Designing the official merchandise
  • Putting up the sign boards
  • Printing the pamphlets

Benefits of branding

Here are some key benefits of branding to remember:

  • Builds trustworthiness: Branding is crucial to building trust between a brand and the consumer base. A brand’s logo, name, slogan, and colors help develop recognition among the masses.
  • Establishes brand positioning: Brand positioning is the image of a brand in the customers’ minds. Often brands’ are known for their high-quality products or low prices and such perks help shape their position in the end-users’ minds.
  • Infuses brand loyalty: Branding sparks brand association that pulls the loyal customers and fan base toward their favorite brands. Brands understand the psychology of brand loyalty so they use branding to leverage that brand association in their marketing campaigns.
  • Helps customer acquisition: Branding works as a channel to communicate, attract, and engage both existing and potential customers. Companies use all sorts of channels to promote their branding, for instance, giveaways, charity events, sponsorship, etc.
  • Inspires purchase decisions: Since branding is all about creating awareness about a brand with direct and indirect brand promotion, it excites potential buyers and loyal fans to make a decision who are on the fence.

What is brand marketing?

Brand marketing is a process of establishing a connection between a brand and its users.

Brand marketing focuses on highlighting the effectiveness of a brand and how the entirety of the brand is important to the customers’ survival in the market.

Brand marketing doesn’t emphasize selling the product or service directly. Instead, it paves the way for building and growing a strong relationship with the end users.

Most brands opt for the traditional route and use digital marketing mediums like ads, email, and social media for product marketing. As a result, their goal gets tied with the transactional part of the communication.

pepsi branded link

Pepsi’s brand marketing strategy revolves around capturing the spirit of youth and pop culture. Pepsi’s online brand marketing efforts are a testament to their ability to connect with consumers in the digital sphere.

Pepsi employs branded URLs strategy to reinforce brand recognition and simplify online experiences. By using customized short links featuring their brand name, Pepsi ensures consistent branding across digital channels

What’s the difference between branding and marketing, and which comes first?

The main difference between branding and marketing is that branding brings recognition, identity, and positioning. Whereas, marketing gets brand attention, eyeballs, and engagement.

The branding vs. marketing debate isn’t worth it because both are essential from publicity and sales standpoints.

However, if you’re wondering which one comes first, it’s pretty clear that branding comes first.

For instance, if you launch an SEO agency, you’d start with a brand name, logo, domain, and website instead of hopping on Facebook to run Facebook ads.

What are the types of brand marketing?

There are several types of brand marketing, the below-mentioned three are the popular types of brand marketing:

i. Corporate brand marketing: It revolves around companies’ strategies to develop their reputation and build a connection with the audience through different means. These corporations often communicate their brand values through a mission statement, promotional offers, and press releases.

ii. Personal brand marketing: Personal brands are individuals who have managed to hone in on certain areas and dominate a small segment of the market. Social media influencers cash in on their personal brands. They use content distribution by leveraging social media platforms and amassing an audience which wants to listen to them.

iii. Product brand marketing: Product brand marketing is a process of branding a specific product by pouring all energies into it. In product brand marketing, brands often pick their best-performing product and try to put it on a pedestal to win the attention of the end users.

4 things to keep in mind when developing a brand marketing strategy

A branding marketing strategy doesn’t build on a whim – it always takes some time to put together a strong brand marketing plan.

Here are a few key elements to consider when developing a brand marketing strategy:

  1. Brand marketing is a long-term strategy. Don’t rush it. Otherwise, you might end up frustrated within a few weeks. It’s about building a brand’s identity based on the available resources, relationships, and communications.
  2. It takes time to reap the fruit. It’s not a short-term marketing strategy like an ads campaign that shows results at the end of the week, month or quarter.
  3. It is ongoing and can take many forms. It doesn’t only revolve around choosing a brand name, opting for a nice logo, and designing the brand’s stationery. In fact, brand marketing encompasses everything you do to establish your brand’s identity through collaborations, partnerships, sponsorship, giveaways, etc.
  4. The overarching goal of brand marketing is to grow the business, whether it’s done through building relationships with new prospects, attending seminars or industry meetups, or launching a content marketing plan to attract, engage, and convert the audience.
  5. An effective brand marketing strategy involves understanding different market attributes, including brand positioning, which is a critical aspect that helps shape how a brand is recognized. In Cincinnati, diverse techniques are blended to leverage brand presence and reach an amplified audience base. This modern approach includes collaboration with a leading Cincinnati marketing agency that inspires local and international brands by marrying traditional concepts with contemporary technology and creative executions.

How to build a strong brand marketing strategy?

Brands with strong business positioning in their industry often are the ones that build a branding strategy and follow it. Remember, it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme; branding is a real deal.

Here are 9 tips that can help you can build a strong brand marketing strategy:

1. Identify your brand marketing goals and vision

The first and foremost thing to do when building a strong brand marketing strategy is to identify the brand’s marketing goals. Every brand sets eyes on certain targets to achieve.

In order to build a powerful brand marketing strategy, start by envisioning the future. It doesn’t matter whether it’s gaining a significant market share or entering into a monopolistic market. Collaborating with a specialized marketing agency can provide valuable insights and expertise in reaching your branding goals.

Once the brand marketing goals have been set, it gets easier for the team to execute marketing and branding plans.

2. Develop your brand identity

The brand identity means what this brand stands for or is known for. These brands try to develop their brand identity to attract potential customers and social media audiences.

Interesting read: 8 Best Retargeting Platforms To Retarget Your Potential Audience

3. Raise brand awareness

Brand Awareness - replug

When brands educate the audience about their belief system, they basically share what they believe in to spread brand awareness. Almost every brand tries to position itself as culturally diverse, with no tolerance for racism, and gender equality.

4. Build brand loyalty

To create a strong brand marketing structure, it’s vital to have brand loyalty on the customers’ part. Brands pay close attention to the ideas that help them earn brand loyalty from customers.

Once these things sort out, building a brand identity seems like a piece of cake.

5. Research target market

Understanding the target market and the challenges that might arise is crucial to establishing a solid brand marketing strategy.

Researching the target market means analyzing the market segment you’re about to enter to help bring clarity to the process.

Brands often turn a blind eye to the competition, which is a big mistake. There may have been a couple of reasons: the first is that they overrate themselves right at the beginning of the journey and the second is that they think competitors won’t notice them, so they don’t consider their competitors a threat just yet. Understanding your target market also helps shape your content, SEO, and advertising strategies to match customer expectations. For businesses looking to scale without building an in-house team, partnering with the best white label SEO service can streamline audience targeting and ensure consistent, high-quality search visibility.

There are two factors to consider when considering research on the target market for building a brand marketing plan:

  • Narrow in on the target audience: Zooming in on the right segment of the audience would take you closer to the target audience. This is exactly what every brand dreams of when entering the market.
  • Know your competition: Always keep an eye on the competition. Every brand that is crushing on social media or SEO always knows about its competition. They closely follow their content strategy, social media content distribution, SEO tactics, and more. So don’t sleep on this opportunity either.

The target market research would take you ahead of many competitors who don’t care much about understanding the competition or haven’t had a chance to learn more on this topic.

Interesting read: A Quick Guide to Building Custom Audiences through URL Tracking

6. Determine your brand marketing tactics

One of the important steps when building a brand marketing strategy is to determine what route to take to get to the destination. The decisions such as color schemes, blog content style, social media content strategies, and other strategies fall into this category.

Clarifying the brand marketing tactics would provide the team with a roadmap to follow and help develop a system to save time in the future.

However, there are always some inside secrets that only team members know and these secrets aren’t supposed to get out. The reason is that competitors spy on you the way you keep an eye on them.

The keys to remember when determining the brand marketing tactics are:

  • Develop brand marketing collateral: Branding marketing requires a set of tools and resources. Developing an arsenal whether it’s a PDF outline or a list of online tool subscriptions – this would come in handy for the team.
  • Outline a messaging strategy: The message-driven content always does better than vague and pointless content. Make sure that the content is sending out a clear, concise message to the chosen audience.
  • Define messaging and positioning: It’s necessary to communicate to see that everyone is on the same page. The team must be crystal clear about the brand position. Don’t shy away from explaining the brand message to the team to ensure that every individual team member knows about it.

7. Rollout a timeline

Rolling out a timeline means allocating a time window to a specific project or campaign. Brands always set a timeline whether they’re hiring a new freelancer or opting for a new URL shortener.

It’s best to set a timeline for a campaign to analyze its performance and effectiveness at the end. Brands usually choose monthly, quarterly, biannual, and annual timelines for their campaigns.

When you’re building a brand marketing strategy, don’t hesitate to choose a time frame for the strategy. The reason why it matters is that it helps brands measure the performance of the campaign afterward.

8. Create a consistent brand image

One of the goals of establishing a strong brand marketing strategy is to come up with a consistent brand image. A brand image means building a positive brand reputation among customers.

brand reputation risks

Burger King UK faced backlash for tweeting ‘Women belong in the kitchen’ on International Women’s Day. The tweet was criticized for its insensitive and derogatory language, which undermined the significance of the day and perpetuated harmful stereotypes about women. Many people expressed their disappointment and called out the fast-food chain for the inappropriate message. Burger King later issued an apology and acknowledged the need to deliver a more respectful and inclusive message.

This example shows why it is crucial for companies to recognize the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment both online and offline. Small gestures, like providing personalized office items such as custom paperweights, can also contribute to creating a more welcoming and cohesive workspace.

brand user experience

The brand position or image doesn’t establish overnight; it takes forever to establish a brand in the eyes of the audience. It requires continuous effort and a dedicated plan to pull this off.

Brands that successfully establish their reputation and goodwill try to continue that momentum and live up to the customers’ expectations. No wonder they build this brand position and image over the course of several years.

Therefore, it’s vital to make efforts to create a consistent brand image through actions, offerings, customer support, high-quality products/services, and pricing to build and maintain a strong brand reputation.

9. Measure the success of your brand

social media meme

No one wants their successful strategies to go unnoticed because otherwise they wouldn’t realize what worked for them and might as well try something new.

Therefore, the success measurement of the brand marketing campaign is crucial to the whole process.

In order to get disciplined about measuring the success of the branding strategies, keep the following tactics in mind:

  • Create brand guidelines: Don’t sleep on setting the ground rules for everyone to follow. It could be anything from choosing the best time to post on TikTok to using a specific font for social media image copies.
  • Make sure your product delivers on your promise: The product or service has to be top-notch to fulfill the promise. Otherwise, your marketing tactics would fall flat.

The question you might ask is how someone could measure the success of their brand marketing strategy.

Well, there are several indicators that might give you an idea of how well or badly your brand marketing campaign has performed over the course of the campaign, such as:

  • The number of email inquiries received
  • The number of social media followers increased
  • The percentage of social media engagement increased
  • The percentage of website bounce rate decreased
  • The change in the digital marketing ROI

These indicators may vary from brand to brand. I won’t be surprised if some brand would go further down the rabbit hole and analyze numerous other factors to measure the success of their branding campaign.

Interesting read:15 Proven Facebook SEO Techniques To Increase Brand Visibility

How to use social media to market your brand successfully?

social media meme

Social media has become an important part of the marketing arsenal. No individual or brand could think of marketing a brand without using social media.

The reason why social media is inevitable in marketing is because it has the attention of the masses. Now social media platforms have over 1 billion monthly active users.

So, you might wonder how you can use social media to market your brand without breaking the bank. Well, I have a handful of tips that would help you cash in on the social media real estate:

  • Create a community of like-minded people: Don’t shy away from starting something from scratch. Build a community of true fans or like-minded people using a Facebook group discord channel or any other similar tool.
  • Put out compelling, helpful content: Publishing high-quality, effective, and useful content is your ticket to engagement, attention, and eyeballs. Social media ads won’t cut it for most people, so use content marketing as a great alternative to advertising.
  • Build a strong relationship with the audience: Building a healthy, strong relationship with your audience means you care what they want to know or learn. Provide them with efficient customer support and help them out by going out of the way – it will make a difference in the long term.
  • Show up consistently on social media platforms: One of the best strategies to market a brand on social media is to consistently show up on social media platforms. You could always use a social media scheduling tool like ContentStudio to schedule your posts for the future.
  • Use promotional strategies to spice things up: Most brands only focus on once-a-year discounts. However, if you’re a B2C company, then use giveaways, discounts, and promotional offers throughout the year to strengthen the relationship with the audience. Don’t shy away from giving away free brand merch or arranging meet-ups with customers or fans.

FAQs

Let’s answer some of the burning questions about brand marketing:

i. What is the marketing of a brand?

Marketing a brand means putting the brand in front of the prospective audience and establishing an image of the brand.

ii. What are the four branding strategies?

Here are four of the essential branding strategies to follow”

1) Start with finding your brand’s mission.

2) Identify the target market to enter.

3) Build your brand’s image.

4) Measure the outcome of the branding campaign.

iii. What are the benefits of using a marketing strategy for a brand?

  • Provides clear direction
  • Targets the audience
  • Increases brand awareness
  • Establishes brand recognition
  • Defines a unique brand identity
  • Engages and fosters customer loyalty
  • Maximizes ROI
  • Drives business growth

iv. Which is better: marketing or advertising for brands?

There is no right or wrong answer for this one. It depends on the industry, company’s type, growth hacks being followed, and tactics that have worked – most brands tend to use both and put more energy into whatever works for them.

v. When is brand marketing most successful?

Brand marketing is most successful when it effectively communicates a compelling brand story, resonates with the target audience, and drives positive brand perception, loyalty, and engagement.

vi. What should be included in a good marketing plan for my brand?

The common tactics for establishing a solid marketing plan must include clarity of the brand’s offering, effective communication, and a powerful analytical mechanism to measure the outcome.

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Hassaan Khan
Hassaan Khan is a freelance writer for SAAS companies, e-commerce stores, and niche websites. He has contributed to SEMrush, ThriveGlobal, BloggingCage, AllBloggingTips, and several other publications. He builds niche websites, publishes e-books, and helps website investors with his done-for-you niche site-building service.

How to Create a Short Link With Ease: A Step-by-Step Guide

Arslan Jadoon
4 minutes

Are you tired of dealing with long and complicated web addresses? Do you wish there was an easier way to share URLs without all the extra baggage? Well, look no further! 

In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating short links. No more fussing with lengthy links that clutter up your messages and confuse your audience. 

Say goodbye to the days of overwhelming web addresses, and say hello to the simplicity of short links. Let’s dive in and unlock the power of shortened URLs!

Why do you need a short URL link?

The modern digital world is fast-paced, attention spans are short, and information overload is a constant issue. Having a short link has several advantages. Here are a few reasons why you might need a short link:

Also read: How to Shorten a link using a URL shortener?

1. Simplify and Streamline: 

Long, complex URLs can be difficult to remember and share. Shortening them makes them more manageable and easier to type or copy/paste, saving time and effort for both you and your audience.

2. Enhance Sharability: 

Short links are perfect for social media platforms like Twitter, where character limitations can be restrictive. By using a concise link, you can convey your message effectively while still including the essential information.

3. Improve Aesthetics: 

A shorter URL looks cleaner and more visually appealing. It can enhance the overall presentation of your content, whether you’re sharing it in an email, presentation, or any other medium.

Also read: How to make a call to action using a link shortener?

4. Track and Analyze: 

Many URL shortening services provide analytics tools that allow you to track and analyze the performance of your links. You can gain valuable insights into the number of clicks, geographical distribution, and even the devices used to access your content.

5. Maintain Brand Consistency: 

Short links can incorporate your brand or company name, reinforcing brand recognition and consistency across various online channels.

Ultimately, a short link offers convenience, improved engagement, and a more professional appearance. It’s a simple yet effective tool to optimize your online presence and make the most out of your digital communications.

Also read: Revamp Your Online Branding with Branded Short Links 

How to create a short link using Replug?

Creating a short link using a URL shortener like Replug is an easy and straightforward process. Here’s how to create a short link, customized URL:

Step 1: Log in or create an account

Sign in to Replug or create an account for free. 

Step 2: Set up a Campaign

Click on “Select your Campaign” on the main dashboard page. If you want to create a new campaign go to “Manage” > “Campaigns”.  

Give your campaign a name that represents the purpose or content of the URL you want to shorten.

how-to-create-a-short-url

Step 3:  Add the Original URL

Once created or selected a campaign paste the long URL you wish to shorten into the “URL to shorten” field and click “Create”. 

how-to-create-a-short-url

Step 4: Customize the Short link

Replug allows you to customize the short URL to reflect your brand or campaign. You can add a custom URL slug in this step.  

Note: You can also edit the domain or select a custom path to represent your brand and content. This can be accomplished by creating a custom domain campaign. Learn more about setting up a custom domain here.

how-to-create-a-short-url

Step 5:  Add extra features to your URL

Replug offers additional features like customizable call-to-action overlays and retargeting pixels, allowing you to optimize your shortened URLs for increased conversions and audience engagement. If you want to track and analyze your shortened URL’s performance, you can add UTM parameters. 

how-to-create-a-short-url

Step 6: Copy and Share: 

Copy the shortened URL and click the “update” button. Share your URL across your desired platforms, such as social media, emails, or any other communication channels.

Also read: How to mask a URL link using a URL shortener?

FAQs

How do short URLs work?

Short URLs work by redirecting users from a shorter link to the original, longer URL, making it easier to share and remember.

Can I customize the short link generated by Replug?

Yes, with Replug, you can customize the short URL to reflect your brand or campaign by using your own domain or subdomain.

Can I track the performance of my short URLs?

Yes, Replug provides analytics and tracking features to monitor the performance of your short links, including click-through rates, geographical data, and other valuable insights.

Are short URLs safe to use?

Short URLs are generally safe to use. However, it’s essential to exercise caution and ensure that the shortening service you use is trustworthy and reputable to avoid potential security risks or link spam.

How long do short URLs created with Replug remain active?

Short URLs created with Replug remain active indefinitely unless you choose to deactivate or delete them manually.

Can I use Replug for social media sharing and tracking engagement?

Absolutely! Replug is designed to be compatible with social media platforms, making it easy to share shortened URLs and track engagement metrics across different social media channels.

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Arslan Jadoon
Arslan is a SaaS content marketer who crafts clear, engaging content that drives results. He simplifies complex ideas into easily understandable blog posts, landing pages, and emails, helping SaaS companies connect with their audience and grow.

How to hide a link using a URL shortener?

Arslan Jadoon
3 minutes

Long links can be unattractive and difficult to share, especially on social media platforms with a character limit. What if I tell you that you can hide these long links with branded short links?
Shortened links are easier to include in emails, text messages, or social media posts, especially with a character limit.

Additionally, many URL shorteners have built-in tracking features for measuring the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns and, secondly, for understanding how users interact with a website.

Let’s choose a URL shortener service that meets your needs and show you how to hide a link. 

How to hide a link with Replug?

Step 1: Sign in to Replug or create an account. 

signin or create account

Step 2: Choose a campaign from the main dashboard or create one.  

Note: Here’s how to create a campaign in a few seconds.  

Choose campaign

Step 3: Paste the link you want to hide in the “URL to shorten” section below “Select your campaign” and click create.

Note: In this step, you can also add UTM parameters to your link to track its performance. 

paste url

Step 4: Your newly created link will appear. Click the edit icon and rename the URL slug to whatever you prefer.

new link click edit icon

Step 6: Click the Update button once you’ve entered your new link, and you’re done.

click update button

Note: Navigate to the Manage section on the main dashboard and click Replug Links to access your disguised link.

It’s worth noting that many URL shortening services allow you to customize the shortened link to make it more aesthetically pleasing or memorable. But, Replug also provides tracking features that allow you to see how many clicks the link has received.

FAQs

What is cloaking a link?

Link cloaking is a technique to redirect a website visitor to a different page than the one they clicked on. This can be done for various reasons, such as tracking clicks, shortening long URLs, or hiding the link’s destination from the user. The link the user clicks on is called the “cloaked” link, and it redirects to the actual destination of the link, called the “real” link. When link cloaking is used, the user is usually unaware that they have been redirected, and the real link remains hidden.

What are password-protected links?

Password-protected links require users to enter a password before accessing the link’s content. These links can restrict access to certain content or pages on a website to only those with the password.

Read the easiest method to password-protect a link!

Trending Topics:

Why Your Business Needs a Custom URL Shortener?

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UTM Tracking Through Replug

Arslan Jadoon
Arslan is a SaaS content marketer who crafts clear, engaging content that drives results. He simplifies complex ideas into easily understandable blog posts, landing pages, and emails, helping SaaS companies connect with their audience and grow.

Using Vanity URLs for Social Brand Awareness

Wasiq Naeem
10 minutes

Are you seeking to strengthen your branding efforts? Building brand authority using vanity URLs for brand awareness is the best way to do it. Having a vanity URL makes your brand unique, trustworthy, and easy to interact with the digital community. However, if you want to boost engagement and create more awareness for your brand, complex URLs are not the way to go. 

Online users are less likely to engage with URLs that look suspicious. Hence, your branding efforts can go in vain. 86% of online users take brand authenticity as a significant factor in choosing a brand. 

However, a vanity URL for brand awareness can be your savior as it allows you to create short branded links that bring trustworthiness and credibility.

What is a URL Address?

Replug URL Structure

URL refers to a universal resource locator and is a unique address for your website. The URL structure of a website includes several components, i.e.

  • The protocol e.g. (HTTP and HTTPS)
  • The domain name
  • Top-level domain
  • The path.

What is the Purpose of a Vanity URL?

The prime purpose of using a vanity URL is branding and marketing as it is easy to remember, use and share. 

Besides improving user experiences and engagement, intelligent marketers use vanity URLs to share content and track them. It allows users to evaluate performance as people engage with them. Custom URLs can track the actions of a visitor, which is quite handy when you need to determine the performance of your ads as they are brilliant in data gathering.

Reasons to Use Vanity URLs

Now that we have understood the concept, here are a few noteworthy advantages of using them in our social accounts.

Easy to Use and Share

redbull URL example

Nowadays, there is an increase in the usage of vanity URLs. They are shorter, easier to remember, and more trustworthy. They comprise proper and meaningful words rather than random numbers shared even verbally. The image above is a perfect example of how easily comprehendible the URL is.

The ease of sharing comes in handy on a platform that limits the number of words you can share, e.g., Twitter. Of course, it would be best if you edited longer and more cumbersome URLs. However, people are not reluctant to share short URLs.

Easier to Remember

Consider the scenario where someone tells you a website and you do not note it down, and later when you need it, you can’t seem to remember it. Similarly, sometimes we are lost for words to type into search engines to find things of interest. Easy to remember web addresses, it is highly probable to leave a long-lasting impression.

Vanity URLs are also easy on the eyes. Twisted or scrambled web addresses that make little sense are ugly to look at, not to mention difficult as hell to remember.

The other thing you can do is create open-source social networks.

Builds User Trust

The other great thing about branded shortened links is that they increase brand recognition. Sharing engaging and relevant content with your branded domain associated with it will increase brand visibility and improve brand recognition.

A branded link instills trust, which in return increases your CTR. In addition, being willing to share your brand name with your link guarantees you are leading them to the destination suggested in your link.

Related: 9 Ways Brands can use Replug to ascend their Brand Recognition

How Do I Create Vanity URL?

Creating a vanity URL is easy. You need a high-level domain, along with a branded domain name, webpage relevant keyword and SSL certificate for that domain. Using URL Shorteners like “Replug” it’s easy to create custom Vanity URLs.

For example, if data shows that your sales page is the most visited page on your entire website, you can create a vanity URL for brand awareness and share it across your social media platforms.

Vanity URLs

Three simple steps to create a vanity URL for brand awareness are elaborated below.

Branded Domain Name:

The first step is to incorporate your business name into the domain. The domain name should be incoherence with your business to reflect your brand identity. Include the exact name of your business in the domain for brand recognition.

High-Level Domain:

The next step is to choose the high-level domain type. So it could be an educational site, a news page or a blog. etc using the suffix to domain name (such as .link, .click, .lol, .news, .blog, and so on).

Keyword:

The keyword or phrase used after backslash signifies the nature of the landing page. This brings clarity to the visitor’s mind about the type of page.

Here is another example of converting complex irregular URLs to simple and beautiful branded ones that are much easier to remember.

Vanity URLs Example

Do not confuse Vanity URL with a vanity domain as vanity domains are named after the owner’s name. e.g., https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/ or https://neilpatel.com/

Guidelines for Using Vanity URLs for Brand Awareness

Brand Awareness is the familiarity of consumers with a brand to such an extent that the brand name becomes the household name. Every brand owner dreams of their brand name becoming a real word; this concept is called proprietary eponym.

Vanity URLs are a perfect way to achieve brand awareness and marketing goals. But they have to be used in a certain way to extract their maximum potential. Here are a few recommendations on using them in the best way.

Vanity URLs are a great way to promote your brand. Each link you share is an opportunity to market your brand. Using a branded link enough times makes your audience get used to it and teaches brand awareness. Below are guidelines for using vanity URLs for brand awareness.

1. Create Branded URLs

Brand clarity means nothing else than that your brand works. Every aspect of your brand, from your design to your strategy to your brand experience, should be aligned. Unfortunately, nowhere does this concept truly apply while creating vanity URLs.

It is imperative to display your brand’s name in full words. The redirection should also be in the URL to which the visitor will land once they click on it. The keyword used after the backslash can achieve this. There are a few words to play with, so you have to be clear and concise.

2. Avoid Creating Unnecessary Vanity Links

The purpose is to create branded links, but it’s unnecessary to stuff them everywhere. For example, if a link you want to share is already compact and delivers the message, there is no need to create a vanity URL in this case.

However, if you use a link shortener like Replug for analytics or link management, it’s better to edit the link.

3. Create SEO-Friendly URLs

Are Vanity URLs bad for SEO?

Short answer, No. There’s a common misconception that redirecting a link in this way can hurt your SEO. Vanity URLs are used for sharing a clean, tidy and branded link that brings visitors to a less appealing URL. According to several ranking specialists, using URL shorteners doesn’t negatively impact your SEO. Search engines consider vanity URLs as regular 301 redirections.

When searching for a particular brand on Google, the search results often include the social media channels of that brand, coincidence? Not really. By having SEO-friendly URLs to your brand on multiple web properties, you should be able to dominate your SERP with your marketing message. There is a strong connection between SEO and URLs as a short and optimized with relevant keywords in the URL positively impacts user experience and SEO.

Here’s an example of a URL that is not optimized for better understanding.

Not SEO Optimized URL

Now have a look at a vanity URL in the image below.

SEO Optimized Vanity URL

4. Run Social Media Brand Awareness Campaigns

Social media is a great platform to boost your brand awareness efforts. Many social media websites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter offer users and brands the option to customize their profile URLs. Below are some examples of using vanity URLs to instill brand trust in their visitors.

Instagram

Instagram has emerged as a heavyweight social media network reaching 1 billion subscribers. So it is no surprise that it has attracted so many marketers. Vanity URLs are ideal for making a place with so many eyes to see the content you share.

Instagram demands clean and clear posting as images and links. Using link shortening services such as with Replug, you can create neat custom short links, infuse your brand name in it and share with your audience. Replug also gives you the option to create Instagram bio links.

Here’s an example of Instagram vanity URLs.

Instagram Vanity URL

Related: 30 Hacks Boost Your Instagram Engagement

LinkedIn

For the B2B community, marketers should capitalize on the LinkedIn market, which has most business and corporate professionals. Grow your brand by keeping your audience engaged with unique LinkedIn post ideas as it’s rated as the most trustable social media platform.

Twitter

Similar to Instagram, Twitter is another popular platform that can spur your brand awareness goals. Majority (59%) of the social media users rely on Twitter to get news. It’s well known that Twitter gives you a few characters to post a tweet. Therefore, when posting a tweet along with a URL, ensure you use a branded short URL. Otherwise, you are wasting characters and you might not deliver your message in the right way.

Here’s an example of Amazon’s campaign using vanity URL on Twitter.

Amazon Vanity URL Example

TikTok

 TikTok is another emerging platform that is becoming more popular day by day. As of January 2022, TikTok has 1 billion active users and is increasing. Latching on to the new trends and trending platforms effectively accomplishes your brand awareness objectives.

link-in-bio-on-tiktok

5. Boost Conversion from Social Media

Boost Conversions Using Replug Analytics

Social media marketing and ads revenue have skyrocketed in the past seven years and it is here to stay. The crucial thing about social media ads is knowing your audience to create customized ads for each group. Likewise, some social networks offer demographically based ads displaying which helps the cause. But, you might think, where do all these branded URLs fit in?

If you use vanity URLs for social media ads, you can track every click and where it came from. The control of the appearance and text flow is a great reason to use, but analytics (link tracking, sources, etc.) is the most valuable reason to use vanity URLs and shortened links. The image above is one example of using Replug to track, monitor, and convert visitors.

Related: How to Quickly Increase Social Media Conversions in 2022?

6. Integrate Link Retargeting and UTM Tools

Can you track a vanity URL?

The great thing about vanity URLs is that you can track performance. This means gaining data such as clicks, unique clicks, conversion, etc. This allows you to evaluate the links you share and then tweak them to enhance performance. The second part of this activity is to add the people who clicked on the vanity URL in the retargeting list. So even if the link was redirecting to a third-party website, someone was still interested in it to click on it. This technique has proven to increase top-funnel traffic considerably.

Add UTM to URL links you share as they help in tracking, attributing, and accounting for your marketing efforts. Build intelligent UTM parameters and add them to the links you share. Further, boost your LinkedIn retargetingFacebook retargeting strategies and more with Replug retargeting pixels.

7. Promote Special Campaigns

Replug Campaigns

Some apps let you create specialized campaigns for each type of promotion using vanity URLs for brand awareness. Replug campaigns enable you to segregate ads and associated data in a separate folder.

Amplify your online marketing strategies by creating various campaigns using Replug features such as deep links, traffic routing, A/B testing and much more. For example, let’s say your company wants to promote a new product and is starting a paid social media ad campaign for it. You can create custom URLs specifically for this product and monitor its performance separate from other links you share.

8. Printed Marketing Promotional Materials

Anywhere your brand or website could show up, you create a call-to-action to get people engaged in your social media efforts. So it is time to think out of the box. Many companies distribute merchandise on marketing and promotional events to visitors and potential clients to help them remember the brand. The more people you can create talking, interacting, and sharing your brand, the greater are the chances of your word getting out.

If you have vanity URLs for your brand, you can have them printed on the merchandise and utilize this medium for marketing. The lack of space makes them ideal for printing.

URL branding on merchandize

QR code marketing is another way to improve your brand awareness efforts. You can also use your brand’s imprinted QR codes on products to sell like cups, cards, clothing, etc. Here’s an example of imprinted QR codes on disposable cups. Customers can scan the QR code and redirect to a vanity URL.

QR Code Branding

9. Create Vanity Links that You can Share Verbally

Electronic media such as TV and radio are still the preferred choice of marketers. But, imagine you get air time and the host asks you to describe what you do. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could verbally convey your social channels right there and then?
Many singers, DJ’s, and RJ’s have their social accounts with vanity URLs. This helps them to convey the web address of their official channels verbally. It would be otherwise impossible to say the irregular web address.

The presentation of your brand to the audience should be as frictionless as possible. People are more inclined towards engaging if there is less clutter to what they see. After all, many customers would have converted not through your website but social media.

10. Engage in Comments and Email

EmailMarketing Using Vanity URLs

People love you and share their opinion on viral videos and news. The comment section is filled with informative and sometimes hilarious comments. This is where most of the community comes to interact. Marketers can take advantage of this congregation and present their cases in a well-formatted way.

Share vanity URLs in the comment section of relevant posts, well-presented to attract potential clients. Branded URLs are a great candidate for this type of promotion as they are short, organized, and contain the brand name to encourage people to click on them.

The same concept applies to email marketing. Email marketing is a tricky business where first you have to establish trust for people to recognize you. Then, they have to be confident enough to click on the promotional link you send in the email. You can achieve this using vanity links.

Start Channelling Your Brand to Masses Using Vanity Links

Increase your CTR with a Branded Link Now!

Replug Branded CTA

Vanity URLs have the multipurpose functionality of pleasing the eye and creating brand trust. In addition, you can use it for social media branding, email marketing and link tracking.
Try using them today so that your business keeps appearing in the right place at the right time.

Wasiq Naeem
Wasiq Naeem is a content and digital marketing veteran who is passionate about his writing. Extensive research and producing high-quality content is just another day at the office for him.

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