If you’ve ever seen a short, catchy link like yourbrand.co/sale and thought, “Wow, that looks professional,” you’re already halfway convinced of the power of branded short links. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into how to create them, why they matter, and how they can boost your online presence.
What Are Branded Short Links?
Branded short links are customized URLs that include your brand name. Unlike generic short links like bit.ly/xyz123, they look like yourbrand.link/summerdeal. They’re used to share content in a sleek, trustworthy, and trackable way.
Why Use Branded Short Links?
Let’s face it—first impressions count. Branded links do more than just look good; they deliver serious results.
Better Click-Through Rates (CTR)
Studies show that branded links can increase CTR by up to 34% compared to generic ones. Why? Because they look cleaner and feel safer.
Improved Brand Recognition
Every time someone sees your link, they see your brand. That’s free advertising!
Higher Trust and Credibility
People are more likely to click on a link that clearly shows who it’s from. It reduces the fear of phishing or spam.
Branded vs. Generic Short Links
| Feature | Branded Short Links | Generic Short Links |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Domain | Yes | No |
| Brand Visibility | High | None |
| Click Trust | High | Low |
| Analytics | Advanced | Basic |
Real-Life Examples of Branded Short Links
nyti.ms – Used by The New York Times
amzn.to – Amazon's official short link
t.co – Twitter's own link shortener
These companies aren’t just shortening links—they're reinforcing their brand with every share.
Tools to Create Branded Short Links
There are several platforms that make creating branded short links super easy.
Bitly
A top choice for businesses, Bitly lets you connect a custom domain, manage links, and view analytics—all in one dashboard.
Rebrandly
This tool is tailor-made for branded links. You can manage multiple domains, create UTM tags, and even integrate with tools like Zapier and Google Sheets.
TinyURL (Custom Domain)
Old but gold. TinyURL also allows custom domain setup if you’re looking for a basic solution.
Step-by-Step: How to Create a Branded Short Link
Here’s how you can set one up in just a few steps.
Step 1: Register a Custom Domain
Choose a domain that reflects your brand—short, clean, and easy to remember. You can use providers like GoDaddy or Namecheap.
Step 2: Choose a Short Link Tool
Pick from tools like Bitly or Rebrandly depending on your budget and needs.
Step 3: Connect Your Domain to the Tool
This usually involves changing DNS settings. Don’t worry, most platforms have tutorials to help.
Step 4: Create and Customize Your Link
Once connected, enter your long URL, create a custom slug (like /promo), and voilà! Your branded short link is ready to roll.
Best Practices for Branded Short Links
Want to make your links pop? Follow these best practices:
Keep It Short and Sweet
The whole point is to be brief. Keep slugs under 10 characters if possible.
Make It Memorable and Relevant
Use keywords that tell users what to expect. For example, brand.co/ebook is better than brand.co/xyz.
Avoid Numbers and Random Characters
They’re harder to remember and look spammy. Stick to words whenever you can.
Where to Use Branded Short Links
The beauty of branded links is their versatility. Use them everywhere.
Social Media Profiles
Twitter bios, Instagram Stories, LinkedIn posts—they all benefit from neat links.
Marketing Campaigns
Email blasts, SMS marketing, and even offline campaigns (QR codes) work better with branded links.
Email Newsletters
Make your CTAs pop with clean, trackable links.
Tracking and Analyzing Link Performance
Branded link tools offer in-depth analytics. Here’s what you can monitor:
Click Tracking
See how many times a link was clicked—and when.
Geo and Device Data
Find out where users are clicking from and what devices they’re using.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using overly long or confusing slugs
Not tracking performance
Failing to renew your custom domain
Overusing the same slug across campaigns
SEO Benefits of Branded Short Links
Branded links can pass SEO value (link juice) when used properly. Plus, they’re more likely to be shared and clicked, increasing visibility.
Cost of Setting Up Branded Short Links
Custom Domain: $10–$20/year
Link Tool Subscription: Free to $99/month depending on features
Totally worth it if you're serious about building your brand.
Conclusion
Creating branded short links isn’t just for big corporations anymore. It’s a simple, powerful way to boost your credibility, track performance, and build brand awareness. Whether you're a blogger, marketer, or small business owner—branded short links are a smart move.
FAQs
1. Do I need a website to use branded short links?
Nope! You just need a custom domain and a link shortening tool like Rebrandly or Bitly.
2. Are branded links permanent?
As long as you keep your domain active and don’t delete the links, they’ll stay live.
3. Can I edit a branded short link after it’s created?
Some tools allow editing the destination URL but not the slug. Check your platform’s features.
4. Are branded short links mobile-friendly?
Absolutely. They redirect seamlessly on any device.
5. Is it safe to use branded short links for affiliate marketing?
Yes, and it actually increases trust—just make sure to disclose affiliate relationships.
