{"id":2301,"date":"2022-09-03T08:48:07","date_gmt":"2022-09-03T08:48:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/?p=2301"},"modified":"2022-09-04T04:11:28","modified_gmt":"2022-09-04T04:11:28","slug":"how-to-shrink-url-links","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/how-to-shrink-url-links\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Shrink URL Links &#8211; A Comprehensive Guide, Tips, FAQs &#038; More"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/how-to-shrink-url-links\/#How_to_Shrink_URL_Links_with_Pixelfy_A_Step-by-Step_Guide\" >How to Shrink URL Links with Pixelfy? (A Step-by-Step Guide)&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/how-to-shrink-url-links\/#When_to_Use_Custom_URL_Shorteners\" >When to Use Custom URL Shorteners?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/how-to-shrink-url-links\/#How_to_Create_a_Custom_URL_with_Pixelfy\" >How to Create a Custom URL with Pixelfy?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/how-to-shrink-url-links\/#Connect_a_Custom_Domain_to_Pixelfy\" >Connect a Custom Domain to Pixelfy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/how-to-shrink-url-links\/#Create_a_Branded_URL_with_Pixelfy\" >Create a Branded URL with Pixelfy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/how-to-shrink-url-links\/#The_Features_and_Benefits_of_URL_Shorteners\" >The Features and Benefits of URL Shorteners&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/how-to-shrink-url-links\/#Customization\" >Customization&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/how-to-shrink-url-links\/#Tracking_and_Reporting\" >Tracking and Reporting&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/how-to-shrink-url-links\/#Retargeting\" >Retargeting&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/how-to-shrink-url-links\/#Rotation\" >Rotation&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/how-to-shrink-url-links\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>In this post, we\u2019ll provide a step-by-step guide on <strong>how to shrink URL links <\/strong>with <a href=\"http:\/\/pixelfy.me\">Pixelfy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll also discuss:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Link tracking<\/li><li>Link retargeting<\/li><li>Link rotation<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These are all features of <strong>URL shorteners <\/strong>that can help push your brand forward.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to note that even with other URL shorteners, the shortening process is more or less the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center has-text-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#e2fcff;color:#292d34\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-heading\">Quick Summary<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>In this post, we will discuss:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>How to shorten URL links with Pixelfy?<\/li><li>When to use custom URL shorteners?<\/li><li>How to create a custom URL with Pixelfy?<\/li><li>The different features and benefits of URL shorteners&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And more.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So without further ado, let\u2019s get started.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Shrink_URL_Links_with_Pixelfy_A_Step-by-Step_Guide\"><\/span>How to Shrink URL Links with Pixelfy? (A Step-by-Step Guide)&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019d like to shorten a link with Pixelfy quickly, it takes little to no time at all.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Firstly, you must go to the <a href=\"http:\/\/pixelfy.me\">Pixelfy<\/a> website and register an account. Once that\u2019s done, go ahead and log in.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, just follow the rules provided below to use our <strong>Fast Shortener tool. <\/strong>You\u2019ll get your shortened link in seconds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/image.png\" alt=\"push marketing strategy product exposure company advertises wide reaching ads showrooms point\" class=\"wp-image-652\" width=\"234\" height=\"234\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/image.png 935w, https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/image-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/image-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/image-768x768.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 234px) 100vw, 234px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background\" href=\"http:\/\/pixelfy.me\" style=\"border-radius:4px;background-color:#f775ea\">SIGN UP FOR A FREE TRIAL<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Step 1: <\/em><\/strong><em>Once you log in, you\u2019ll be at the dashboard page for Pixelfy. From here, you have access to all of the features Pixelfy has to offer in the left-hand side toolbar.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If you look to the top of the dashboard page, you\u2019ll see an input bar that says \u201cFast shortener\u201d.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/JlRDnDyLI4fkoJbv4b5iulJAD5cB0O6WJVYvQcPrQy-PLY0Mhou9pJsjc6o_EErBhY13vdB5aN472xrThgNV5T21D9KwqKhbgU-scl423tK3a_YkOpFxsWEJiMmB_GXulRHJSXgf5yB1_t8gofQb3g9phvxgkJYlLm3J2o0yuZaik6aLMbyUixLeMw\" alt=\"fast shortener\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Step 2: <\/em><\/strong><em>Copy and paste your long URL that you want to shrink into the Fast shortener box. Once you paste it into the box, you should be directed to the next page. If you are not automatically redirected to the next page, click the \u201cShorten\u201d button.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/-nR1VYx0VS_6k7LxehT0a3K6pyQbMZXLYoA4fxRSvbVTGEn7EPSbKKnztrmqZ3UK3SCeOMhiqxJb62oZbon233r3stxMWFwMPOCyJirG7-7Gx-S6DlLnF0OT80p5KtTi4mieVRnIeuK-9wIm_PaUP5P3fOIqCQye-8z05Y6jL2GPAdGgnfoU-4-lbA\" alt=\"long urls\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Step 3: <\/em><\/strong><em>You\u2019ll receive the shortened link on the next page that you can copy and then, use wherever you want.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Please note that Pixelfy also generates a QR code for the shrunken link that you can also download on this page.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/euz2CI4Jm0TzzZ5u-2RW6cTiQ13RrIR5emwHj2FltMOxz_CA-YS0AeG6jUF_trdDNkeT2U1tClYqcgEgzRiTGGDfgzpjaWMRlCaMPkjTUhHuAq_FXJc-fLMCaMhsdJOml1MJphFWkQq6zJIAbb1EKpm1s7HmXJYE26lOsbIzE-2J5awTBpj5bEe7Zg\" alt=\"qr code\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Use_Custom_URL_Shorteners\"><\/span>When to Use Custom URL Shorteners?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The more observant of you may have noticed that the shortened URL you receive through the Fast Shortener tool contains Pixelfy branding. This is because the Fast Shortener tool is only used to create generic shortened URLs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there are situations where such generic shortened URLs don\u2019t get the job done properly. In these cases, you need <strong>custom <\/strong>or <strong>branded URLs.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pixelfy can also create branded URLs and we\u2019ll explain how you can do so in the next section. However, for now, you must figure out when to use generic URLs and when to use custom ones.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a brand or a person that\u2019s trying to promote their personal brand, it\u2019s always preferable to use branded links instead of generic ones.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Generic shortened URLs ruin brand cohesion.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s paramount that when you advertise your brand to somebody your identity is at the forefront of all of your content. This includes the links that you share as well.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center has-text-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#e2ffee;color:#292d34\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>Thus, branded URLs are shortened links that can be customized to represent your brand accurately. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The first part is used to denote your brand, while the second part is usually used to suggest what the web page is about (e.g., a product, a service, an offer, etc.)&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Y<em>ou should use branded URLs for all branded content that you intend to share with your target audience.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Custom URLs do a lot for brand cohesion and are also much easier to remember. They promote sharing and as we discussed, put your brand at the forefront of your content. Thus, your brand is able to stick in the minds of consumers much more effectively.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Create_a_Custom_URL_with_Pixelfy\"><\/span>How to Create a Custom URL with Pixelfy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned earlier, you can create custom URLs with Pixelfy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For that, you have to utilize the <strong>Any URL Shortener <\/strong>from the Pixelfy dashboard.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center has-text-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#e2ffee;color:#292d34\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>It\u2019s important to note that in order to create custom URLs, you must first connect a custom domain to the URL shortener service.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This is the domain that will represent the shortened URL of your brand. It could be the entire name of your brand or some sort of abbreviation that best represents it.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Please note <\/strong>that before you connect a custom domain to Pixelfy, you must first have that domain registered with a domain name registrar. You must also have it live through a web hosting service for the branded URLs you generate to be functional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Connect_a_Custom_Domain_to_Pixelfy\"><\/span>Connect a Custom Domain to Pixelfy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>To connect a custom domain to Pixelfy, follow these steps:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 1: <\/strong>On the dashboard page for Pixelfy, select \u201cCustom domains\u201d from the left-hand side toolbar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/ZBkXmIFq-ORFF-8TSnm4cEt2UZBJTbDRWZFN48cB6sXvUnuf9miCWK5NiQ24pO45J7HqJLVyl9jDCgwqfwU4afBobdtjhz2Hzv1v09_ODbXgZl3fuDeC8b87gicm-t7E2mwB0s9qCuI23TnfRTwdEjN0SP7k-vHmSmJzHzxZ_7HS-9VRaibys0ORnw\" alt=\"custom domains\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 2: <\/strong>After a brief introduction to the Custom domains feature, you\u2019ll be asked to input the name of the custom domain that you wish to connect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Enter the name of the custom domain that you have chosen for your brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/phbnSNttviDEdXiTlF0ujswTPq8Je5UNfG-X15naPNfY-1oogp-uywJOpU3wHPFCJEWB2IXT_O65TvZXITx77T3ZGd-Q-avXj7RfvOUMtCuUyyXVd_Lu1lAlknG19RPHZwv4U9D2lYqUkev1HnB0Imvx997lQyP2UWtAjKZOUf82PrpyEyP4Tmx9Kg\" alt=\"custom domains\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 4: <\/strong>Once you enter it, you\u2019ll receive a prompt that asks whether or not there\u2019s any content present on the custom domain already or not.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/QUpFZCSOhK7Vdr0txXq7sEClyRS2IzKXwXM4yOhMnhSu_5CE7c39fHEPSDKQbD-aSSubypjZBbKiM1SFwKiPg1_qChp3lEfXissifo4Xu4_0b7wz8AKR9yotI78yklY_gVVrlU9HUduF9T_fOIRnplngAo4esPStOGh1ltyAmYf0KhpJiOtBYAZswQ\" alt=\"connect to domain\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 5: <\/strong>If you have not published anything yet, select \u201cNo\u201d and click on \u201cNext\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/6aSnpuBQruTEKHQvJ8iuqus7TuE4qfhU_TJZH0KjsP_0xwirpBz2C2D7L26i2WHXXLuP5ctc21cNcFNYomCOrhT7xLk0zHRyJpgOkEZ15AEPnRQEMpNpUoQe6LVc8ZQuDlnsj-rqh5PfvTP4yQ379DtSiSJhqqhzBUwsf3GpmlzG9VJNMOSO3jE1Og\" alt=\"warning\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 6: <\/strong>Now, click on \u201cAdd domain\u201d. Your custom domain will be added to your Pixelfy account and you can now use it to generate branded URLs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/yohSPDuNdIrUC6rahnXZ9PybpYNFVOO_ljyGt9EkADww5BhsD0woCEgovbmj_FFoudIO1b5hOgbxYLRGi9EF3BjUufa5tEiV7i1xubl85iQrXO4-R3WOpxwa6JCC5TU7n7INP12W8LFIxf9P4CzDA9i9-ociUvhWw83X6Hm-a11wHVAyhmiLbsLK6w\" alt=\"add domain\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 7: <\/strong>If you do already have content published within the domain, then you\u2019ll receive a warning message. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019ll state that you cannot use the domain to shorten URLs since you already have content published on it. In this case, you\u2019ll have to opt for a <strong>subdomain.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/tbC35x0WNUND8zXyAHyEQ3r1cy6G-pngc6r_zcywsdYFLEakdP1P5APUveGte5hACSzzM_G51KxT2K0NDNXtnIaPKcpUn5NuohWEXWhJLBhlpFEwgk1xsryXLOTCcA1nr-G6fgDO0c6gN_2OcxoVtIZ3Ea4dMdrIIihkpVielNXIcb48QhLSqADlJA\" alt=\"warning\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 8: <\/strong>Click on \u201cUse subdomain\u201d. Another page will appear where you\u2019ll be asked to input your subdomain. Enter your subdomain and then click on \u201cNext\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/mkd0YTxxpf8kWzIi_f89IzyZO1edp8jjWcL4_0WfhyQrcA7h8h4vOgLxezPVBIpf2AOfbI9u9oTNGMlv4xFuYGRe_TE6pRkah_cFXP3ynJ2KhrQPIYB3zdtKjVViFOmEGb0oFm6oMu2MHPi5DMHfqCRwfHCOK0zKqqJk1cgv62e2LEtLHv4byMKdAg\" alt=\"subdomain\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, you\u2019ll have a subdomain that you can use to create branded URLs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In both of these cases, you are now set to create custom URLs to use within branded content on social media platforms, email newsletters, blogs, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Create_a_Branded_URL_with_Pixelfy\"><\/span>Create a Branded URL with Pixelfy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>To create a branded URL with Pixelfy, follow the steps provided below:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 1: <\/strong>Click on \u201cAll tools\u201d in the left-hand side toolbar of your dashboard page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/lCV5NAAHsgw9pm9zj-7cTeD6HUUAj3fFi8sqAEFaHoWrdScLHPSPi_t1RDQ3PyTlKHecwJMZq_HqvJK5wqZ32jRgC233MZpLmSLtsS3woCxCKRrNUU_S4xpPj8hVMzc9A2q8nFglS2XqaupXi1nJsGh3ODfEJdp52MghxOJofMgl9powy211EyiPOw\" alt=\"dashboard\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 2: <\/strong>Choose the <a href=\"https:\/\/app.pixelfy.me\/tracking-links\/any-url\">Any URL Shortener<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want quicker and easier access to the tool in the future, you can check the \u201cShow this tool\u201d option so that it always shows in the left-hand side toolbar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/NpXkFnFLZ9T_BekIH114x0v4lFjy3MNElAXCCL-wz7mW8vTjjFOE1OGD9lm1BHYS6Bg1fZmXtNLZzEn0KRDbmVq-11C5BBTRSYxtqc2gQn7u4DNjZipztYOP0P78ZxvTtL04L6wbBSIGAvSuw9jLScwubeJXiSZMmGo1UZ4ce5X5M4mEuFxxWpwFxQ\" alt=\"url shortener\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 3: <\/strong>When you get to the Any URL Shortener, you\u2019ll be asked to input the original URL and a title for the shortened link.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The title will help you distinguish it from other shortened links that you have made in the past and the ones you\u2019ll make in the future.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/Zna1fOwxWt4jg8tl1lfkF9B2obNYXfZWaikOLp1Yu31_n2HCeDP-503EpQ3A9QdILI7Z1D9sAKVVMy5BDYY0PTAvBnMRQnh5QJIBRfK-ZDdVZn2SCGie0g5WeljalPhOLbaWYJNVw9g1v6UZZtW6ML04JPTu616XM8emx2eKndpNjkj1zjvYqlF5cQ\" alt=\"destination url\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Apart from the title, you can also use <strong>link tags <\/strong>to distinguish particular shortened links from others. These come in very handy when you need to figure out which links belong to which marketing campaign, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/8R9hN1g0VHc3FNodXBOTmKR2k8Ho9bH9YqTvChTBb-fApzWalsC-odNRwxDqRJCjbSs6udakyjJzLrEqX4-cCiNBbyk63688NVsLR6cPog1X9J74EEXKfZaWwrMAZ_lQvdbUyJjwHxdML-HLEvvD4Z-WId4UGYpfEdmDTN5375lOXyHCPZZRkkI-Jw\" alt=\"link tags\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 4: <\/strong>To utilize your custom domain or subdomain that you connected previously, you must click on \u201cAdvanced options\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/cCy8W6meRsOxDiLmGl3UkLFEUHw4GKyh_xzbRWdW3J-01a2KfkGCy9M7hq9CoJx3xqEWk1PKhRaJpRXeJ-9CXSavFsVa-UAChnAkBV200INRa0B8yoVxkyroWi-jO1g7plKCasuVBx5XeWhF0yWF9yYR-A-Ekx-KjKxCVzRhQCt-5hrLQdZv_TrCDQ\" alt=\"custom domain\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 5: <\/strong>From the drop-down list, the domain or subdomain that you connected to your Pixelfy account should be available for you to use. Go ahead and choose it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/Rtz5S1rggYS-fZ3CwJZdNVCCqA8n16G38wkVEORszjO4PKMXXMPxf4Q4fqn-wtckYv4ilDyHtIOonNDjzY671gsRccTOu1VZZmLwEGHjyGmLpQWx6PBjB1UAqhwS7fufFTKfRNNLL9sAV-E86J8fH18Wr5OJ00o7bkeShbuNf4-YAdm5kujaoFUaRQ\" alt=\"pixelfy account\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 6: <\/strong>After it is selected, the first part of your shortened URL will be that domain or subdomain. The second part is free for you to edit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, brands use the second part to signify what the web page is about such as a product, an offer, an online store, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/o3ujS9rEIMQhzc1ZjDiyu-6_FLc1zPnBrl31GwydF4CjCAW1XU1lkao5K9kcEjK3Ceutlci906YPvCgS19ZeM-bGj-6O7fNV9S8gyld4imayJ1_MjfJXaEYG9XLVrp0AQQnujCubtheslgXcZP0HdxIvJisqBDe-PzHAgYgctYE9nYIOisIOx7iptQ\" alt=\"domain\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 7: <\/strong>Take a look at all the settings and ensure that everything is according to your needs. Then, once you\u2019re satisfied, click on \u201cGenerate\u201d to create your branded link.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/gwtvK0_4Lj_PLaTLbCqqc8bNI9hJaI_uKhjgd8nUk4xGwpeUyAhDItFzpL-mFTW-0EQye1s5UEFdTWIac9ZvbejCU5ny21IwtD9GaxyBa0htjes863r2NFm-AtGgJAsspQhOo_8_WnM_8_7PNH1JxQeINXL0pibkvcfmzeYNkwXLbt1svwATF5gUsA\" alt=\"settings\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Features_and_Benefits_of_URL_Shorteners\"><\/span>The Features and Benefits of URL Shorteners&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve already discussed at length how custom URL shorteners are used by brands to advertise themselves to the masses. Let\u2019s discuss in further detail why custom URL shorteners are so essential to brands worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll also discuss some other features that many URL shorteners have and how they can benefit you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Let\u2019s get started:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Customization\"><\/span>Customization&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve discussed in detail above what custom URL shorteners are and how they can help you create a custom shortened URL.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a brand that\u2019s looking to cement its name within the consumer\u2019s mind, it\u2019s very important that every part of your marketing content bears your identity. This includes your color scheme, your text, and the pictures or videos you choose to share.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The links you share are not exempt from this.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That means that any links you share within your social media posts, email newsletters, blog, etc. should mention your brand. This can easily be achieved through the use of custom URL shorteners.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only do custom URL shorteners help increase brand awareness and recognition, but they also <strong>increase trust <\/strong>in the consumer. This is because a generic URL could lead anywhere whereas, with a branded link, a consumer can tell who it\u2019s from and where it leads to.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Custom URLs are known to have up to <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/piar.io\/blog\/12-ways-to-increase-ctr-using-link-shorteners\/#:~:text=Use%20branded%20links.&amp;text=According%20to%20Bit.,it%20to%20the%20link%20shortener.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>34% higher<\/em><\/a><em> click-through rates than generic shortened URLs.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thus, they are definitely a great tool that you\u2019re missing out on if you\u2019re not using them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tracking_and_Reporting\"><\/span>Tracking and Reporting&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For any brand, it\u2019s super important to monitor statistics and trends. This doesn\u2019t just include trends of your specific niche market but also the trend of your own company.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/xdhJIIruu5A9mUu58BN9swQsQCkkSATauKGrVjDO9WzhI51OypOwqqYdKYysgnpVSvU6lvefJs8W_MBEmQ5PVhnPFQbsZ_pCsjkq-hbaqSThMLnUQZaKpVnenLDcT3T6bTYZkwsUolUXghH3fAUkXkj2710yQmxKUVYaG0pN25z3PY3ACCTOiFjhFw\" alt=\"Tracking and Reporting\u00a0\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Whenever you launch a new product or run a new marketing campaign, you share and disseminate information about your brand. It\u2019s imperative that you are able to monitor your progress and determine how well your campaign is doing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You need to gauge performance in order to improve.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have no access to any statistics or metrics from past campaigns, that means you don\u2019t know what worked well and what didn\u2019t. As a result, you won\u2019t know whether you should change something for future campaigns or not.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thus, it\u2019s important to have some sort of system in place that can track link performance by monitoring its impressions, shares, and clicks. Luckily, many URL shorteners do just that.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most paid URL shorteners these days come with advanced tracking features that track the visitors that go to your web page by clicking your shortened links.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The information tracked can be used in a couple of ways.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Firstly, <\/strong>this information can be used to judge your current marketing campaign. If you notice that the metrics are doing well, then you can choose to continue the campaign as usual. If they\u2019re not satisfactory, then you can choose to modify your campaign on the fly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This often leads to much more successful and effective campaigns.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Secondly, <\/strong>you can use user information such as geographical location, age, etc., to build customer personas for future campaigns. You can also conduct all sorts of data analyses to figure out what types of approaches work well with what types of demographics.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All of these deductions can help you be much better prepared for future campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Retargeting\"><\/span>Retargeting&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Link retargeting is the practice of adding a piece of code or a tracking pixel into a shortened URL.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, when a user clicks on the URL, they are tagged for some amount of time. This tag can then be used to serve ads to them at a later time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Link retargeting is a less obvious approach which is why it\u2019s so effective.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It reinforces your brand image in the consumer\u2019s mind and furthermore, reminds them of it. If they were on the fence about your product(s), a well-timed ad like that could end up with them making a purchase from you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many URL shortener tools allow you to add a retargeting pixel to your shortened URL so that you can serve retargeted ads to your site\u2019s visitors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rotation\"><\/span>Rotation&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Link rotation refers to when the same URL leads to different versions of a web page. The percentage of people that can see one web page or the other will depend on you and what type of settings you set.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oftentimes, brand owners and digital marketers like to use the link rotation feature of URL shorteners to run <strong>A\/B testing. <\/strong>This refers to when different types of techniques are used to determine which one works better.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center has-text-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#e2ffee;color:#292d34\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong><em>For example, <\/em><\/strong><em>if you have an idea for an ad but you\u2019re confused between two options of illustrations to use, you can create two different versions of the ad. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Then, use a URL shortener to set up a link that sends 50% of clicks to version 1 and 50% of clicks to version 2.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Then, simply look at which version brought in more conversions. This can be a very rudimentary way to perform A\/B testing to judge which ad works better.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Link rotation can be insanely useful for research and testing such as these. This is something that many brands use all the time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a feature that some URL shorteners have and others don\u2019t. However, it&#8217;d be best if you find one that can do this for you, as your brand can benefit heavily from it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many URL shorteners that you can utilize to shrink URLs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if you intend to use a URL shortener for long-term purposes, it\u2019s important that you assess why you want one in the first place. No one wants to buy a URL shortener that doesn\u2019t fulfill all their requirements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hence, account for all of your needs first and then browse the market to find a URL shortener that has all the features you want.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do tell us about your experience in the comments below.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This post gives step-by-step instructions on how to shrink URL links with Pixelfy and how URL shorteners work. You can also find discussions on how URL &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2302,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[707,712],"tags":[740,741,742,743,744,745],"class_list":["post-2301","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-url-shortener","category-links","tag-how-to-shrink-url-links-with-pixelfy","tag-when-to-use-custom-url-shorteners","tag-how-to-create-a-custom-url-with-pixelfy","tag-connect-a-custom-domain-to-pixelfy","tag-create-a-branded-url-with-pixelfy","tag-the-features-and-benefits-of-url-shorteners"],"acf":[],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2301","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2301"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2301\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2327,"href":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2301\/revisions\/2327"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2302"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2301"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2301"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2301"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}