Tag: short links

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?

Reasons to use disguised links

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

• URL shortening and beautification
• Replace nasty and ugly URLs
• To make affiliate links
• To disguise free web hosting URLs

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:

• Shorten long URLs
• Optimize URL slugs to create branded affiliate links
• Track performance and conversions
  

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.

Step 2: Enter the URL you want to disguise

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.

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

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.

Step 5: Save and share!

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

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.

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.

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.

Clickable links, or hyperlinks, are essential for online interactivity. They enable users to easily navigate to websites, download documents, or access applications. Whether you’re managing a blog, building a website, drafting a document, or sending an email, understanding how to make a link clickable is a crucial skill.

Creating hyperlinks or shortening links is straightforward and widely applicable. You can add clickable links across various platforms, such as:

• Content management systems (CMS)
• Website builders
• Word processors
• Email clients

In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about creating clickable links, tracking click analytics and everything that makes your content more interactive.

So, let’s get started!

What is a hyperlink?

A hyperlink, often simply called a link, is a reference in a digital document that directs users to another location when they click on it. This destination can be a different section of the same document, another document, a webpage, a downloadable file, or any other online resource.

Hyperlinks are fundamental to the web’s structure, enabling easy navigation and connectivity between various pieces of information. They can be displayed as text, images, or other elements. Text hyperlinks are usually underlined and colored differently from the surrounding text to indicate they are clickable.

Here are the key components of a hyperlink:

1. Anchor text: The visible text that users click on. It’s often underlined in blue (e.g., “Click here”).
2. URL (uniform resource locator): The web address or location where the link directs. This could be a webpage, email address, file, or another resource.
3. HTML tag: The code that defines the hyperlink in a web document. The <a> (anchor) tag is used in HTML, with the href attribute specifying the URL.

For example, in HTML, a hyperlink might look like this:

In this case, “Visit Example” is the anchor text, and

is the URL the link points to.

Hyperlinks are crucial for creating an interconnected web, making it easy for users to navigate, find information, and access different resources quickly and efficiently.

How to create a clickable link in WordPress?

To add a hyperlink using the WordPress visual editor, follow these steps:

Step 1: Select the text you want to turn into a link.

Step 2: Click the “Add Link” icon in the text editing bar. This will open a field where you can enter the URL.

Step 3: Type or paste the complete address (including HTTPS) of the destination you want to link to, then press Enter.

Now, your selected text will be hyperlinked.

Also read: How to Change Permalink in WordPress: Step-by-Step

How to insert links in images (WordPress)?

Adding links to images in WordPress is similar to linking text:

Step 1: Click on the image you want to link.

Step 2: Click the “Add Link” icon in the toolbar to open the link field.

Step 3: Type or paste the URL or file location you want the image to link to, then press Enter.

Whether you’re working on a post or a page in WordPress, the process remains the same.

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

How to make a link clickable in an email?

For Gmail:

Here’s how to create a hyperlink in Gmail:

Step 1: Select the text you want to hyperlink.

Step 2: Click the “Add Link” icon in the toolbar to open the link field.

Step 3: Paste or type the URL in the “Link to” box and click OK.

Your text is now hyperlinked in your email.

Also read: How to track emails using UTM parameters?

For Microsoft Outlook:

Step 1: Select the text you want to hyperlink.

Step 2: Click the “Add Link” icon in the toolbar to open the link field.

Step 3: Paste the URL and click OK.

How to make a link clickable in Word?

To insert a hyperlink in a Microsoft Word document:

Step 1: Select the text you want to hyperlink.

Step 2: Go to Insert > Link (or press Ctrl+K).

Step 3: Type or paste the address in the “Address” field and click Insert.

Also read: How to Create Password-Protected Links: Step-by-Step Guide

How to make a link clickable in Google Docs?

To insert a hyperlink in a Google Docs document:

Step 1: Select the text you want to hyperlink.

Step 2: Click the “Add Link” icon in the toolbar to open the link field.

Step 3: Type or paste the address in the “Address” field and click Apply.

Also read: How to rename a link using Replug?

Enhance your link management with Replug

Ready to take your links further by transforming them into powerful tools for engagement and analytics? This is where Replug comes in.

Replug is an all-in-one link management platform designed to supercharge your links by adding branded short URLs, custom call-to-actions, retargeting pixels, and in-depth analytics. It’s perfect for marketers, bloggers, and businesses looking to maximize their links’ impact.

Here’s how Replug enhances your linking experience:

1. Branded short URLs

Shorten your links with your own domain to reinforce your brand identity. For example, instead of a long, unwieldy URL, you can use a concise, branded link like

2. Custom call-to-actions

Add customizable call-to-actions (CTAs) to any link you share. Direct users to your website, promote offers, or collect email addresses right from the shared link.

3. Retargeting pixels

Integrate retargeting pixels from platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter into your links. This lets you track and retarget users who click on your links, enhancing your marketing efforts.

4. Bio links

Create a personalized bio link page that consolidates all your important links in one place. Perfect for social media profiles, this feature lets you direct your audience to multiple destinations from a single, easy-to-remember link.

5. In-depth analytics

Gain valuable insights into your link performance with detailed analytics. Track clicks, geographic data, device information, and more to understand your audience better and refine your strategies.

FAQs on clickable links

What is a clickable link?

A clickable link, or hyperlink, is a reference in a digital document that directs users to another location or resource when clicked. This can be a webpage, a file, an email address, or another type of online content.

How do I insert a clickable link in a PDF?

To insert a clickable link in a PDF, use a PDF editor like Adobe Acrobat. Select the text or object, choose the linking tool, enter the URL, and save the PDF.

Can I add a clickable link to a social media bio?

Yes, you can add a clickable link to your social media bio. Most platforms allow you to edit your profile and include a URL in the bio section. Use our bio link feature to add multiple links to your social media bio. 

How do I track clicks on my hyperlinks?

You can use link-tracking tools like Replug to monitor and analyze the performance of your hyperlinks. These tools provide detailed analytics on clicks, geographic data, and more.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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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