Tag: branded short links

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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!

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.

Step 2: Add a new domain

• Click on “Add Domain” to begin setting up your custom short URL.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

Meet Arslan, a skilled website blog and content writer who combines creativity and expertise to deliver engaging and informative pieces that captivate audiences.

Ever felt frustrated by long, complicated website links? Imagine being able to take a long, ugly web address and turn it into a short, easy-to-share link. It’s not just about making it look better—it’s about making it easier to use and more effective.

Link shortening is a digital necessity that can transform the way you communicate online. It saves you precious characters in a tweet and makes your content cleaner and more clickable. It’s a must-have for anyone who wants to be effective online.

So, let’s get started on learning how to shorten a website link for a more streamlined and impactful online experience.

What is link shortening?

Link shortening is the process of converting a long URL into a shorter one. This is often done for convenience, as long URLs can be difficult to type or remember. Link shortening can also be used to track the number of clicks on a link, or to prevent spam.

To use a link-shortening service, simply enter the long URL into the service’s website and it will generate a shorter URL for you. You can then use this shorter URL to share the link with others.

Link shortening can be useful in a number of situations. For example, if you are sharing a link on social media, a shorter URL will take up less space and be easier for people to click on. Additionally, if you are tracking the number of clicks on a link, a shorter URL will make it easier to track the data. 

How to shorten a website link using Replug?

Here’s how to shorten a website link using Replug. Follow the steps below!

Step 1: Sign in to Replug or create an account for free. 

Step 2: After logging in, go to your Replug dashboard and select a campaign or create a new one if you are a new user.

Note: Creating a campaign in Replug is a simple and straightforward process. Here’s how to create a new campaign. 

Step 3: Paste your long website link in the “URL to shorten” section and simply click the “Create” button. 

Step 4: Your link will be shortened. You can now customize your shortened URL’s slug to make it more visually appealing and meaningful. 

Note: Replug also offers a custom domain feature. This feature not only enhances your online branding but also fosters trust, consistency, and professionalism in your digital presence. Here’s how to create a custom domain using Replug.  

Step 4: Once you have customized your website link, click the “Update” button to make it ready to share on any platform.

Step 5: You can also download your link as a QR code, which you can then easily integrate into various marketing materials or physical assets such as business cards and posters. This will ensure that your audience can easily access your online content while also simplifying your offline marketing efforts.

After shortening your website link with Replug, you can:

• Share the shortened link on social media, in emails, and on your website.
• Monitor click-through rates, geographic locations of your audience, and other important metrics to fine-tune your marketing strategies.
• Use Replug’s other features, such as adding call-to-actions, link retargeting, link rotation, tracking conversions, and more. 

Branded Short Links

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

Brand Your Links Now!

What are the benefits of using Replug to manage your links?

Replug is a comprehensive marketing platform that provides a variety of tools and features to help businesses and individuals maximize their online presence and engagement. Whether you are a marketer, entrepreneur, blogger, or content creator, Replug offers a suite of powerful solutions designed to boost your online marketing efforts. 

Here are some reasons why you might want to use Replug:

URL shortening and branding:

Replug allows you to shorten and customize your URLs, making them more visually appealing and brand-friendly. Customized short links not only look professional but also help in building trust with your audience.

Call-to-action (CTA) widgets:

With Replug’s CTA widgets, you can create engaging call-to-action messages and banners to place on your website or content. These widgets can help you drive user actions, such as subscribing, downloading, or purchasing.

Link retargeting:

Replug offers link retargeting capabilities, which enable you to add retargeting pixels to your short links. This means you can capture valuable data about your audience’s behavior and retarget them with specific ads and messages.

Bio links:

With Replug’s Bio Links feature, you can create a single, comprehensive landing page that houses multiple links, making it a powerful tool for showcasing your various online destinations in one place. This feature is ideal for social media profiles, where you can direct your audience to your website, blog, social accounts, and more from a single, user-friendly page.

Deep links:

Replug allows you to create deep links, which direct users to specific pages or content within a mobile app. This feature is essential for app developers and marketers looking to drive engagement within their applications.

Link rotation:

Link rotation is a dynamic feature that enables you to share multiple URLs in a single shortened link. Replug will automatically rotate through the provided links, evenly distributing traffic. It’s a valuable tool for A/B testing, distributing traffic to different offers, or for affiliate marketers looking to optimize their promotions.

White label solution:

For those seeking a seamless and branded experience, Replug offers white-labeling options. With this feature, you can replace Replug’s branding with your own, ensuring that your audience interacts with a cohesive and consistent brand identity throughout their journey.

Link tracking and analytics:

Stay informed about how your links are performing with Replug’s detailed analytics. Monitor click-through rates, geographic locations of your audience, and other important metrics to fine-tune your marketing strategies.

Team collaboration:

Collaborate with team members and manage your marketing campaigns efficiently using Replug’s team collaboration features. Streamline your workflow and stay organized.

Integration:

Replug seamlessly integrates with popular marketing platforms, such as Mailchimp, HubSpot, Google Analytics, and more, to ensure your marketing efforts are cohesive and data-driven.

Affiliate marketing:

If you’re involved in affiliate marketing, Replug can help you manage and track your affiliate links, making it easier to monitor your commissions and optimize your strategies.

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!

FAQs

What is link shortening?

Link shortening is the process of converting a long, complex URL into a shorter, more manageable link. It makes web addresses easier to share and remember.

Why would I want to shorten a website link?

Shortened links are more user-friendly, take up less space, and are visually cleaner, making them ideal for sharing on social media, in emails, or on printed materials.

Is there a difference between different URL shortening services?

Yes, various services may offer different features such as link customization, analytics, and branding. Choose a service that best fits your needs.

How can I track the performance of my shortened links?

Many URL shortening services offer built-in analytics that tracks the number of clicks, geographic location of users, and other metrics for your shortened links.

Arslan Jadoon

Meet Arslan, a skilled website blog and content writer who combines creativity and expertise to deliver engaging and informative pieces that captivate audiences.

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!

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.

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.”

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.

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!

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

Meet Arslan, a skilled website blog and content writer who combines creativity and expertise to deliver engaging and informative pieces that captivate audiences.

Instagram has made it easier than ever to share valuable resources and information with your followers. You can now add links to your Instagram Stories, regardless of your account size. Whether you’re a business, creator, or an individual, this feature empowers you to connect with your audience in new ways. 

In this guide, we’ll show you how to add a link to your Instagram story, enabling you to share what matters most to you. Let’s get started.

Why do you need to add a link to your Instagram story?

Adding a link to your Instagram story serves several important purposes:

1. Share resources: You can direct your followers to external websites, articles, or resources related to the content of your story. This is valuable for sharing information, promoting products or services, or providing additional context.
2. Drive traffic: If you have a website, blog, or online store, adding a link to your story can help drive traffic to your site. This is essential for businesses and content creators looking to expand their online presence.
3. Enhance engagement: Links in stories can prompt user interaction. When viewers tap on the link, it provides a way for them to engage further with your content, whether it’s to learn more, shop, or explore related content.
4. Promote events: If you’re hosting an event, webinar, or live stream, you can use links in stories to invite your audience and provide event details or registration links.
5. Support causes: Advocates and change-makers can use links to share information about social causes, fundraisers, or petitions, helping raise awareness and drive action.
6. Connect with your audience: Adding links enables you to offer your followers valuable resources, making your content more relevant and engaging.

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!

How to add a link to your Instagram story?

Here’s how to add a link to your Instagram story:

Step 1: Open Instagram

Ensure you have the Instagram app installed on your mobile device. Log in to your Instagram account if you’re not already logged in.

Step 2: Access your story creator

Tap your profile picture or swipe right from your home feed to access the story creator.

Step 3: Capture or upload content

At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see options to capture a photo or record a video using your device’s camera. Alternatively, you can swipe up or tap on the gallery icon to upload existing content from your camera roll. Choose the content you want to add to your story.

Step 4: Access the sticker tool

After capturing or uploading your content, you can enhance your story with various stickers and features. To add a link to your story, tap the “Sticker” icon from the top navigation bar.

Also read: How to add YouTube links to Instagram story?

Step 5: Add the link sticker

In the sticker options, locate and tap on the “Link” sticker. This sticker is used to add the link you want to share with your followers.

Step 6: Enter your desired link

A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to enter the web link you want to share. Type or paste the URL into the provided space.

Step 7: Confirm and customize

After entering the link, tap “Done” to confirm. You can also customize the appearance of the Link sticker by tapping on it, which may allow you to choose from different color variations or styles, depending on Instagram’s features at the time.

Step 8: Place the sticker on your story

Now, you can place the Link sticker on your story. Simply drag and drop it onto your image or video, just like you would with other stickers.

Also read: How To Add A Instagram Link In Bio?

Step 9: Publish your story

Once you’re satisfied with how your story looks with the added link, you can proceed to share it with your followers. Tap the “Your Story” button at the bottom of the screen to post your story.

Step 10: Viewers interact with the link

When someone views your story and taps on the Link sticker, they will be redirected to the web page you’ve shared.

Important Note: Instagram has certain safety measures in place. New accounts and accounts that repeatedly share harmful content or violate community guidelines may not have access to the Link sticker feature. Be sure to follow Instagram’s guidelines and policies to maintain access to this and other features.

Replug: Simplify your social media link management

Managing links on social media platforms like Instagram can be a crucial part of your online strategy. Replug is a comprehensive link management and bio-link tool designed to simplify this process. 

With Replug, you can create shortened, trackable links that are perfect for Instagram bio links or sharing in your Stories. It provides valuable analytics to help you measure the performance of your links, including click-through rates and audience engagement data. 

Whether you’re a marketer, business owner, or content creator, Replug can enhance your social media marketing efforts by making link management effortless and effective.

Try Replug today and take control of your links to maximize your online presence.

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!

FAQs

Can I add links to any type of Instagram Story, including photos and videos?

Yes, you can add links to both photos and videos in your Instagram Stories.

Is there a limit to the number of links I can add to a single Instagram Story?

You can typically add one link per Instagram Story. If you want to share multiple links, consider creating multiple stories or using the link in the bio feature.

Who can add links to their Instagram Stories?

Instagram has expanded access to this feature, so now, users of all account sizes, including businesses, creators, and individuals, can add links to their stories.

Are there any restrictions on the types of links I can share in my Instagram Story?

Instagram has guidelines in place and links that violate their Community Guidelines may be restricted. It’s important to ensure your content adheres to Instagram’s policies.

Can I track how many people clicked on the link in my Instagram Story?

Yes, Instagram provides insights on the number of clicks your link receives. You can view this data by swiping up your story.

You may also like:

How to Track Clicks on a Link?

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

How To Change A URL Of Any Website?

Arslan Jadoon

Meet Arslan, a skilled website blog and content writer who combines creativity and expertise to deliver engaging and informative pieces that captivate audiences.

Ever wished for shorter, catchier, and on-brand links? Look no further. Branded Short Domains do just that. They take your long website links and turn them into compact, branded short links that pack a punch. 

In this guide, we’ll reveal the secrets behind branded domains – what they are, why they matter, and how you can effortlessly get started. Let’s dive in and revolutionize your online presence, one link at a time.

What is a branded short domain?

A branded short domain is a customized and concise web address created from your domain name, designed to strengthen your brand’s identity in online communications. 

Unlike generic shortening services that use platforms like bit.ly, a branded domain enables you to utilize your domain to generate shorter, more personalized links. This approach reinforces your brand, enhances link credibility, and maintains consistent branding throughout your digital interactions. 

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

For instance, if your brand’s website is “www.examplebrand.com,” a branded short domain could produce links like “ex.brand/promo” or “example.brand/sale,” making them both user-friendly and aligned with your brand’s identity.

Branded short link vs. branded short domain: What’s the difference?

Both branded short links and branded short domains provide more customized and memorable URLs compared to long, generic ones, the main distinction lies in whether you’re customizing the link portion only (branded short link) or also customizing the domain part (branded domain) to align with your brand’s identity. 

Branded short domains offer a higher level of branding and control, but they require additional setup and configuration compared to branded short links.

Branded Short Links

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

Brand Your Links Now!

How to set up a branded short domain?

With Replug, you can now transform your URLs into branded short domains, seamlessly integrating your brand identity into every interaction. Say goodbye to generic links and hello to a more memorable and trustworthy online presence. 

Let’s dive in and take your brand to the next level of link engagement.

Set up the branded short domain using Replug:

Step 1: Go to Custom Domains

Access the Replug dashboard, navigate to “Settings,” and select “Custom Domains” from the dropdown menu.

Step 2: New Domain

Click on “Add Domain” to add your custom domain for creating branded links.

Step 3: Create your Domain

Enter your Domain URL, set up Custom 404 redirection, and define the Branded Domain. Click “Connect” to proceed.

• Domain URL: Your branded or custom domain.
• 404 Redirect URL: Where users land on 404 pages.
• Branded Domain: Redirects users to the specified URL when they visit the root address of your brand’s domain.

Step 4: Configure DNS Records

To finalize the setup, you need to configure DNS records in your domain registrar’s settings. You have two options:

• CNAME (Canonical Name) Record: Point it to “rplg.co” and set HOST as “@” or “www.”
• A (Address) Record: Use the IP address “35.238.70.19” to point your root URL to the URL shortener.

For subdomains, such as “links.yourdomain.com” or “track.yourdomain.com,” use CNAME and A records accordingly.

Step 5: Check Connectivity and Actions

After connecting your domain, Replug shows its status. You can also edit or delete custom domains as needed.

For detailed DNS setup instructions, Replug provides links to various domain registrars’ documentation, including Amazon Web Services, Namecheap, Cloudflare, cPanel, and HostGator.

Feel free to reach out to Replug’s support team if you have any questions or need assistance.

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!

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. Increased Trust: Generic shortening services often use unfamiliar domains, which can raise concerns about link legitimacy and security. Branded short domains, on the other hand, leverage your own domain, instilling greater trust in your links among users who recognize your brand.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. SEO Benefits: Branded short domains may contribute to boosting your overall domain authority. As these links are associated with your main domain, they can potentially provide a small SEO advantage.
8. 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.
9. Effective Tracking: Branded short-domain services often include advanced tracking and analytics features. These insights help you understand audience behavior, refine your strategies, and measure the success of your campaigns.
10. Competitive Advantage: Utilizing branded short domains can set you apart from competitors who are still using generic short links. It shows your audience that you pay attention to details and prioritize their experience.

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

FAQs

Why should I use a branded short domain?

Using a branded short domain reinforces your brand identity, increases link trustworthiness, and maintains consistent branding in your online communications. It also improves click-through rates and provides analytics insights.

Do I need technical skills to set up a branded domain?

While some technical knowledge might be helpful, many branded short-domain services offer user-friendly setup processes. They typically provide instructions for configuring DNS records to link your domain with the shortening service.

Can I still use a short domain if I don’t have a website?

Yes, you can still use a branded short domain even if you don’t have a website. You can set up a subdomain for this purpose, such as “links.yourdomain.com,” and link it to the shortening service.

Can I track the performance of branded short links?

Yes, most branded short-domain services offer analytics and tracking features. You can monitor click rates, locations of clicks, devices used, and more to assess the effectiveness of your links.

Are there any SEO benefits to using a branded domain?

While the direct impact is limited, using branded short domains can potentially contribute to boosting your domain authority. The links are associated with your main domain, which could have a small positive effect on SEO.

Arslan Jadoon

Meet Arslan, a skilled website blog and content writer who combines creativity and expertise to deliver engaging and informative pieces that captivate audiences.

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.

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”. 

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.

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. 

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

Meet Arslan, a skilled website blog and content writer who combines creativity and expertise to deliver engaging and informative pieces that captivate audiences.

Link tracking is essential for businesses looking to improve their marketing efforts and understand their audience’s engagement. By monitoring clicks on specific links within a marketing campaign, businesses can gather valuable data and make informed decisions that lead to increased conversions and a better return on investment.

For example, imagine a business has created a landing page, an email marketing campaign, or a newsletter to promote its product or service. These marketing efforts require links that redirect the audience to the offered product or service. To ensure the success of future marketing communications and interactions, the business needs to know which links are being clicked by the audience.

This information is valuable for businesses as it reveals engagement statistics and helps evaluate the marketing campaign’s success. By tracking clicks on specific links, businesses can gather data on the number of clicks, the location of clicks, and the time of clicks, which can then be used to improve future marketing efforts and increase conversions.

Also Read: How to Create a perfect Call-To-Action (CTA) For Maximum Conversion

How to Create a Tracking Link with Replug: Step-by-Step Process

Shortening URLs for link tracking with Replug is a quick and simple process. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Sign in to Replug or create an account for free. 

Step 2: Select the desired campaign on the main dashboard or create a new one in a few seconds. 

Note: To create a new tracking link, you must create a campaign or select an existing one.

Step 3: Paste the link you want to track in the “URL to shorten” section below the “select your campaign” section. 

Note: You can also add the UTM parameters to your link. Learn how to add UTM parameters. 

Step 4: Click the create button to create your shortened URL. 

Step 5: Now, you have the shortened version of your link. Click the edit icon to customize your link.

Step 6: Click the update button after editing the link, and you’ve your tracking URL ready. 

Increase your CTR with a Branded Link Now!

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Check the tracking parameters:

Step 7: Go to the main dashboard, click manage and select replug links from the drop-down menu. 

Step 8: You’ll find your newly created link in the replug links section. Click the three dots at the opposite side of the link, then click view stats. 

Step 9: You can view the tracking parameters, which include clicks, unique clicks, conversion, and conversion rate. 

Note: You can also view the detailed stats on this page by scrolling down. For clarification, watch the video below.

Also Read: What Is A Vanity URL & How To Track It?

FAQs 

What is a tracking URL?

A tracking URL is a hyperlink that tracks clicks on a specific link. It usually contains additional parameters and codes used by tracking software to track the clicks’ source, location, and behavior. The information collected through tracking URLs can be used for various purposes, such as website analytics, marketing campaigns, and conversion tracking. 

How do tracking links work?

Tracking links work by redirecting clicks from the original link to a tracking link that contains additional parameters. When a user clicks on the tracking link, the tracking software records the information about the click, such as the source, location, and behavior of the user. 

The tracking software then sends the user to the original link while keeping a record of the information gathered through the tracking link. This information can then be analyzed to improve marketing strategies, track conversions, and gather insights into user behavior. The tracking process is typically transparent to the user and occurs in the background without affecting the user experience.

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Arslan Jadoon

Meet Arslan, a skilled website blog and content writer who combines creativity and expertise to deliver engaging and informative pieces that captivate audiences.

In today’s digital age, where attention spans are short and competition is fierce, standing out from the crowd is crucial. Using branded short links can help you do just that. By incorporating your brand name or a relevant keyword into your links, you can reinforce your brand identity and make it easier for people to remember and recognize your content.

But that’s not all. Branded short links also offer a number of practical benefits, such as improved tracking and analytics, increased click-through rates, and enhanced security. Whether you’re a blogger, social media influencer, or business owner, using branded short links can help you streamline your online presence and achieve your goals.

So, if you’re looking to elevate your online presence and make a lasting impression on your audience, consider incorporating branded links into your digital strategy. In this blog post, we’ll explore the many benefits of using branded short links and provide tips for how to create and implement them effectively. Let’s dive in!

Also Read: How to Strengthen Your Social Media Presence Using Replug and ContentStudio

What are branded short links?

Branded short links, also known as custom short URLs, are shortened URLs that contain a brand name or a custom keyword, making them easily identifiable and memorable. These links can be used to promote your brand, track your marketing efforts, and improve your overall online presence.

A branded short link can be created by using a URL shortener tool like our own Replug, which allows you to create a custom URL that redirects to a longer, more complex URL.

By using a branded link, you can provide your audience with a link that is easy to remember and recognizable, which can lead to increased engagement and click-through rates.

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

Tracking links you care about is easy:

Branded short links can also be used to track the performance of your marketing campaigns. By creating a unique short link for each campaign, you can easily track the number of clicks, the geographic location of the clicks, and the time of day the clicks occurred. This information can be used to refine your marketing efforts and improve your overall ROI.

Here’s an example:

Let’s look at an example that will make the amazing technique clearer to you.

For example, you want to shorten a URL as seen below

Damn! That’s an awful URL.!!!

However, the best URL shortener can turn this ugly link into an attractive and exciting one. Now let’s see the magic of a URL shortener in the below image.

Now let’s dive into something even more amazing!

Also Read: Top 5 Paid URL Shorteners Worth Paying For!

5 Game-changing benefits of branded short links

You’re ready to take your online marketing efforts to the next level, aren’t you? 

Utilize these game-changing benefits of branded links to improve the online presence of your brand.

• Increased brand recognition

Branded short links are a great way to promote your brand and increase brand recognition. For example, your brand name is “ABC Clothing”, and by using a branded short link like “abcclothing.link”, you can reinforce your brand name and message every time someone sees your link. 

This can help build brand awareness and customer loyalty over time. In fact, according to a study, branded links can increase brand recognition by up to 39%.

Also Read: How To Build Brand Recognition using Short Links

• Improved click-through rates

Branded short links can also help improve your click-through rates (CTR) by making your links more visually appealing and trustworthy. For example, let’s say you are sending an email marketing campaign promoting a new product. If you use a long, generic link like “https://www.example.com/products/new-product-123”, it might look suspicious to some recipients and deter them from clicking on it. 

However, if you use a branded short link like “yourbrand.link/newproduct”, it looks more professional and trustworthy. This can lead to higher CTRs and more conversions.

• Better tracking and analytics

Branded link services like Replug offer detailed analytics that allows you to track clicks, engagement, and other key metrics. This can help you measure the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns and make data-driven decisions to improve your ROI. 

For example, if you use a branded short link in a social media post, you can track how many clicks, likes, shares, and comments it received. This can help you identify what content is resonating with your audience and what isn’t.

Also Read: How to Build a Custom Audience through URL Tracking

• Enhanced social media presence

Branded short links can also help enhance your social media presence by making your links more visually appealing and shareable. For example, let’s say you are promoting a blog post on Twitter. If you use a long, generic link like 

“https://www.example.com/blog/why-branded-short-links-are-important”

It takes up valuable character space and looks unprofessional. However, if you use a branded short link like 

“yourbrand.link/brandedlink” 

It looks more concise and visually appealing. This can lead to more engagement and shares, which can help increase your reach and followers.

• Increased security and trust

Branded short links can also help increase security and trust, as they provide protection against spam and phishing.

The way malicious links harm your PC or laptop, for which you may need some ideas to remove malware from your system. Similary, a Uhttp://www.cleanmymac.com/blog/new-mac-slowRL shortener can allow you to redirect 404 links to the right destinations. Thus, adding a layer of security. 

For example, you receive an email from an unknown sender with a link to a website. If the link is long and unbranded, it might look suspicious and deter you from clicking on it. 

However, if the link is short and branded, it looks more trustworthy and legitimate. This can help reduce the risk of clicking on malicious links and protect your personal information.

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

Do Link Shorteners Really Hurt SEO? No, They Do Not!

Shortened URLs can allow spammers to insert harmful links. 301 redirects, which can occur for very reasonable reasons, can cause indexing issues. This causes a lot of problems and relays a bad name for link shorteners.

Adding to the above, research by Jin Mun & Li in 2017, revealed that using URL shorteners can make a webpage easy to access for your target audience. Whereas, a long URL that has random characters does not reach the intended audience and cannot engage the user. Secondly, shortening the URL can protect you from phishing attacks as they can detect the original URL source.

Social networking websites usually put a ‘NoFollow’ tag in the links. This is done as a safety precaution. URL shorteners potentially benefit SEO, as the URL shorteners typically ignore no follow attributes. This proves to be a huge bonus for people who use social media as part of their marketing campaigns, or who just use them to share content.

According to several ranking specialists, using URL shorteners doesn’t lead to any negative impact on your SEO. As a matter of fact, Search Engines consider short URLs as any regular 301 redirects and they will thus act upon it.

Also Read: How to Create a SEO Friendly URL: Ultimate Tips

However, there are other positive impacts of URL shorteners on SEO. The key is to utilize the tools effectively.

• You can brand your links with the focus keyword in the URL.
• Secondly, a URL shortener can help in eliminating unnecessary elements such as stop words and punctuation from your links.
• It allows you to keep your URL and page titles consistent which positively impacts SEO.

Also Read: What Does HTTP 302 Code Mean For URL Shorteners?

Link Management With Replug

There are a lot of link-shortening tools available in the market today. However, Replug is one URL shortener that actually offers great value for money.

First and foremost, Replug is a link-shortening & tracking platform that allows you to create eye-catching custom URLs. Replug offers several other features you can also create social media Bio Links, URL tracking through custom URLs, QR Code generator, UTM, Tags, and much more. With Replug you can shorten links, and track and optimize them with catchy call-to-actions. It also provides the ability to add retargeting pixels paired with branded links and powerful analytics. There are several new features added to Replug that are briefly explained below.

Also Read: How to get to the link in the bio on Instagram?

Deep Linking

Deep linking allow users to instantly go to specific applications rather than wasting their time searching for themselves on the webpage. When it comes to mobile users, deep links increase overall engagement and conversion rates.
Also Read: A Quick Guide To Deep Linking & Its Benefits

Traffic Routing

Using the traffic routing feature, you can now target your audience with several filters such as location, device, browser, etc. You can also choose the IP address, time, and dates as well. Thus, allowing you to redirect users from various locations to your link.

Also Read: 5 Top Link Rotators: Convert More With Traffic Routing & A/B Testing

A/B Testing

A/B testing feature allows you to redirect a link to multiple destinations. Easily distribute the weightage and start testing up to 10 branded links at a time.

There are several other features that we have listed that you can learn more about.

If you are looking for a branded URL shortener with great value for money, then Replug is just for you.

Branded Links

With Replug, you can easily create branded links. Just put the brand name in front of the domain and tell the readers what the domain is actually about. Having your own short URL built around your brand identity can help increase conversion rates.

But how to manage these links? Don’t worry, Replug also helps you with that as it has a solution for branded link management.

Related: 9 Ways Brands can use Replug to ascend their Brand Recognition

Branded Link Management

The goal of creating a short branded URL is to engage more users with your brand. Ultimately, converting these users into customers.

But how to analyze these campaigns?

Branded Link Management is a solution that lets users manage their branded links easily with Replug URL shortener.  Whether it’s a social profile or a website, track their performance easily. You can also create campaigns for multiple brands and analyze the progress of each campaign. Thus, making it easy to analyze and retarget ads.

How to Create Branded Short URL Links with Replug?

Creating branded short links using Replug is as simple as it can be. Login to your Replug account or sign up if you do not already have one.

The first thing you need to do is to create a brand. What is a brand you may ask? A brand is a unique identity for your call-to-action widget. To put it in simpler words, let’s say you have 5 websites, they are 5 unique identities for you, so these 5 unique identities are brands in Replug.

Get started by putting your website logo or your profile picture as a brand to convey your message effectively.

Also Read: Brand New Replug UI. Let Us Amaze You!!!

Steps to Follow To Create a Branded URL

Creating and using branded short Links was never this easy. It just takes a few simple and easy steps to create one.

Step 1

Log in to your account and navigate to the dashboard. Select your desired campaign and enter the URL that you want to optimize (you can add any UTM as well). Then click on create.

Step 2

Completed the above step… That’s great!

After clicking on creating a new screen will appear. Click the edit button where you can start customizing the URL link into a branded URL link.

Add tags and set other parameters that you want for your campaign. Now click on update and your branded link is live to share.

Register with Replug and start creating your own short links. Don’t worry! Replug offers a 14-day free trial. You can also schedule a meeting with our representative to learn more.

Now let’s recap again what we have learned.

Other Notable Link Management Tools

• Bitly

With Bitly, you can create a short domain name for custom link shortening and forward it on Twitter or Facebook.

• T.LY

Customize or personalize any link using T.LY. Get statistics on how many times your links have been viewed online by shortening URLs.

• Clkim

Clkim allows you to use your branded domain, retarget on click, and monetize with custom, responsive, full-page interstitial ads.

• Rebrandly

Use your own domain name to create branded, memorable, and pronounceable custom short links.

• Droplr

It is used to share ads and market them on a custom domain name directly from your Mac storage.No need to write long emails anymore. With Dropler you can show complicated, processes using screencasts and transfer files with a customized short link.

• Tinycc

Tinny CC is a URL shortener platform that allows you to plug in your own short domain and then manage your whole brand from social media to product packaging.

• Geniuslink

Genius Link makes localizing, tracking, and managing smart links dead simple so you can earn more without added work.

• Short.io

It allows you to create your own branded short Links on your domain. You can easily manage links and view click statistics. If you need short links for different websites, you can manage many domains in your account. It provides an API for developers and a Google Chrome extension for a better experience.

• T2M

We can use t2M as a URL shortener with  Twitter, Facebook URL Shortener, and YouTube URLs Shortener. You will get a powerful dashboard that will make your work easier.

• Polr

If you have programming skills and have an interest in running your own shortening service. Then get Polr, as you can run your own URL shortening service with this free open-source software.

• Foxly.in

Foxly provides URL-shortening services to marketers, advertisers, and brands. The purpose of Foxly is to help users achieve growth goals on their social websites across all marketing channels. Increase subscribers with short URLs for YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.

• Toinsh

Transform your long URLs into short and concise links with Toinsh. It also allows you to create landing pages with multiple links and gather valuable data insights. Other features of these tools include UTM Generator, Social Audit, and Hashtag analyzer.

• Sniply

Sniply is another URL-shortening tool that allows to the creation of short URLs, CTA, and tracking. Share links using Sniply on your social media channels, articles, newsletters, and much more. When it comes to the price, its price value is a bit high.

• Yourls

Yourls is an acronym for ‘your own URL shortener’. Similarly to Polr, it’s also an open-source link shortener. It allows the creation of links and provides analytics, Bookmarklets, etc.

• Tiny.ie

Tiny.ie is a simple URL shortening tool for link shortening, branded domain, custom short links, real-time analytics, etc. It helps users short ugly URLs into attractive short links.

Also Read: 12 Best Bio Link Tools To Amp Up Your Marketing In 2023

FAQs

Which short link is best?

The best short link really depends on your specific needs and preferences. When choosing a short link service, you should consider factors such as ease of use, reliability, customization options, analytics, and pricing. 

You should also ensure that the service you choose provides adequate security measures to protect your links from being misused or redirected to malicious websites. Some of the most popular short-link services include Replug, Bitly, and Rebrandly.

What is better than Bitly?

We recommend Replug, a tool that lets you create short, branded links with custom domains, track clicks, and conversions, and add call-to-action overlays. This can help increase click-through rates and drive more traffic to your website. 

Additionally, Replug integrates with a variety of popular marketing tools, making it easy to manage and optimize your campaigns.

Do Replug links hurt SEO?

No, Branded Replug links do not directly hurt SEO. Using a URL shortener like Replug does not have a negative impact on your website’s search engine rankings. However, it’s important to keep in mind that if you use a URL shortener to mask spammy or low-quality links, this can negatively impact your SEO. 

It’s always best to use URL shorteners ethically and responsibly and to ensure that the links you are shortening are relevant, high-quality, and add value to your content.

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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.

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. 

Step 2: Choose a campaign from the main dashboard or create one.  

Note: Here’s how to create a campaign in a few seconds.  

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. 

Step 4: Your newly created link will appear. Click the edit icon and rename the URL slug to whatever you prefer.

Step 6: Click the Update button once you’ve entered your new link, and you’re done.

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!

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Arslan Jadoon

Meet Arslan, a skilled website blog and content writer who combines creativity and expertise to deliver engaging and informative pieces that captivate audiences.

You can shorten any Youtube URL name using a URL shortener. URL shorteners are useful tools for creating shorter, more manageable versions of long URLs.

No one likes to click a URL link with random characters. But when you make your URL look more professional and authentic. Then, you will get more clicks, and it will be easier for users to recognize what the link is about.
Create customized URLs that are visually appealing and help brand your content. Therefore, creating short custom URLs can make URLs easier to share, manage, and improve the branding of your content. This can be useful if you are promoting your YouTube channel.

Here’s how to change the Youtube URL name using Replug:

Step 1: Create a Replug account or sign in.

Step 2: Find the desired campaign on the main dashboard, or create a new one. 

Note: If you need help creating a new campaign, check out this guide: “Create a campaign in seconds.”

Step 3: Paste the URL in the “URL to shorten” section below “Select your campaign.”

Step 4: Click the create button to see your new URL. 

Step 5:  Look at the newly shortened version of your Youtube URL. 

Step 6: Customize the URL by clicking the edit icon opposite the URL.

Step 7: Type your desired URL slug and click update at the bottom, and your new Replug URL is ready to share.

Increase your CTR with a Branded Link Now!

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Create deep links to increase Youtube views using a URL shortener

Deep links are shortened links directly open a specific location within a mobile app. This, in return, improves the user journey experience and increases the chance of conversions. 

YouTubers can also create deep links using a URL shortener tool. This tool can help influencers, brands, and others to get more views and clicks on their videos by delivering an unbreakable experience. 

For example, sharing a deep link will allow users to directly watch the video you intended without the hassle of signing up, logging in, or even searching the video on Youtube.
Deep linking is not only limited to Youtube. These links are helpful when sharing links to specific social media content or a specific product on your online store and other platforms.

To create a deep link using Replug, you’ll need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Sign in to Replug and click the drop-down icon in the top right corner. 

Step 2: Choose deep links from the drop-down menu. 

Step 3: Deep link categories page will open. Choose a category since, in this case, a deep link is needed for the YouTube video. So, here we choose video.

Step 4: Select Youtube from the video category page since we will create a deep link for a Youtube video. 

Step 5: The next step is to select the playlist, since this video belongs to our YouTube playlist, and click create deep link. 

Step 6: A new page will open where you need to select the campaign.

Step 7:  Paste the URL in the “URL” section below “Select your campaign.”

Step 8: Click the save link button to create the link.

Step 9: Now click the edit button to customize your new link. 

Step 10: Type your new URL slug and click save. 

You can download your custom deep link as a QR code and share it on any social media platform you like.

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Arslan Jadoon

Meet Arslan, a skilled website blog and content writer who combines creativity and expertise to deliver engaging and informative pieces that captivate audiences.