{"id":2425,"date":"2022-09-19T08:14:12","date_gmt":"2022-09-19T08:14:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/?p=2425"},"modified":"2022-09-19T08:14:13","modified_gmt":"2022-09-19T08:14:13","slug":"link-shorteners-your-own-domain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/link-shorteners-your-own-domain\/","title":{"rendered":"Link Shorteners and Your Own Domain: How to Come Up with a Branded Link\u00a0"},"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\/link-shorteners-your-own-domain\/#What_is_a_Branded_Link\" >What is a Branded Link?&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\/link-shorteners-your-own-domain\/#How_a_Branded_Link_is_Structured\" >How a Branded Link is Structured?&nbsp;<\/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\/link-shorteners-your-own-domain\/#How_to_Create_a_Branded_Link_with_Pixelfy\" >How to Create a Branded Link with Pixelfy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/link-shorteners-your-own-domain\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" >Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/link-shorteners-your-own-domain\/#How_do_I_Use_a_Link_Shortener\" >How do I Use a Link Shortener?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/link-shorteners-your-own-domain\/#Where_do_People_Share_Shortened_Links\" >Where do People Share Shortened Links?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/link-shorteners-your-own-domain\/#What_is_a_Vanity_URL\" >What is a Vanity URL?&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\/link-shorteners-your-own-domain\/#What_does_URL_stand_for\" >What does URL stand for?&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\/link-shorteners-your-own-domain\/#Why_Should_I_Use_a_Custom_URL_Shortener\" >Why Should I Use a Custom URL Shortener?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/link-shorteners-your-own-domain\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><strong>Generic link shorteners <\/strong>are quick and easy to use, but they don\u2019t let you use your own domain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to use a custom domain or subdomain<strong> <\/strong>with a shortened link, you have to employ the use of a <strong>custom <\/strong>or <strong>branded link shortener.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They allow you to connect your own domain so that it can be utilized to create <strong>custom shortened links.<\/strong><\/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 shed light upon:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>What a branded link is&nbsp;<\/li><li>How branded links are typically structured&nbsp;<\/li><li>How you can create branded links with <a href=\"http:\/\/pixelfy.me\">Pixelfy<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And much more.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So without further ado, let\u2019s get into it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_Branded_Link\"><\/span>What is a Branded Link?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>branded link<\/strong>, also known as a <strong>custom shortened link<\/strong>, is created with the help of a custom domain or subdomain. It does not bear the branding of the URL shortener tool, but rather, it bears the custom branding that is according to the user\u2019s needs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The basic fundamentals of how the branded links work are the same as generic URL shorteners, i.e., through URL redirection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Branded links are extremely important for promotional content, and most brands never use <strong>generic shortened links <\/strong>when URL shortening.<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/-r-xnNr7fhqYowFNETVC0e3OLC_R4oSaRX8K9zqTOx0ASLvAD6UK3BFG7Ofd-dARoTFsyZ7h8hQ38FVR1DOmDOWGGmoao5-roXrHU42Hv1x42V4R9nopk_E6VoYPacIVUAlAMjb0fzauDDysXdmocCaHEze8tNub-Xwaj3pd2kjiaTpb3wfpQRc-\" alt=\"What is a Branded Link?\u00a0\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is because they want their own brand\u2019s image on everything that they post. If their shortened links were to have the URL shortener tool\u2019s branding, it would dilute their image and promote the tool rather than their brand.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Branded link generators are usually not free.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is why most brands need to allocate a certain part of their budget so that they can opt for a paid plan from a <strong>custom URL shortener tool <\/strong>such as Pixelfy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_a_Branded_Link_is_Structured\"><\/span>How a Branded Link is Structured?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that a branded link is also a shortened link, so, of course, it\u2019ll be short.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>first part <\/strong>of the branded link will be the custom domain or subdomain that the user adds to the URL shortener tool. In most cases, this custom domain or subdomain is used to represent your <strong>brand.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019ll usually either be the <strong>full name <\/strong>of your brand or some kind of <strong>abbreviation <\/strong>that clearly and uniquely identifies your brand. That\u2019s how they help with digital marketing.<\/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 a brand that sells golf clubs and it\u2019s called <\/em><strong><em>\u201cFox Clubs &amp; Co.\u201d, <\/em><\/strong><em>then your custom domain could be something like \u201c<\/em><strong><em>foxclubs.co<\/em><\/strong><em>\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>second part <\/strong>of a branded link is the part that comes after the forward-slash. This second part is usually used to communicate to the reader what the web page is about.&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>The first type is <strong>generic URL shorteners. <\/strong>They provide you with a shortened URL that typically consists of the URL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Let\u2019s run with the example from above <\/em><\/strong><em>and say that you want to create a shortened link for a web page on <\/em><strong><em>Fox Clubs &amp; Co. <\/em><\/strong><em>that features all the putters you have to offer.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Then, your branded link could be something like \u201c<\/em><strong><em>foxclubs.co\/putters<\/em><\/strong><em>\u201d. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>It\u2019s short and sweet. Plus, it tells the user all they need to know about where this branded link will take them to.&nbsp;<\/em>branding. Some may allow you to modify the second part of the shortened URL but not the first part.&nbsp;<\/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_Create_a_Branded_Link_with_Pixelfy\"><\/span>How to Create a Branded Link with Pixelfy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To create a branded link with Pixelfy, you must first <strong>connect a domain or subdomain <\/strong>to it.&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 before you can connect a domain or subdomain to Pixelfy, it\u2019s important that you have that <\/em><strong><em>domain <\/em><\/strong><em>registered with a <\/em><strong><em>domain name registrar.&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Furthermore, the domain should also be live with the help of a <\/em><strong><em>web hosting service.&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Only then will it successfully connect to Pixelfy and be utilized to create branded links.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s how you connect a domain or subdomain to Pixelfy:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 1: <\/strong>Select \u201c<strong>Custom domains<\/strong>\u201d from the dashboard page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/xdK0bY5N5dLTF2WFXRZYkwNOxFkt76sodrbnHDjUBPHZE9LfYf_sDdYttiddsE6ruuTf24pttUxsqsnAw8WUGVDEJlduBHPKPEA6iXoXiS5byk8VQjSYjjWRUlvLyMdMA_t-hRRw4v4w8bAYLovkXhg1eaXbadZeA1bga00wLUg4twGmul3k_OelxA\" alt=\"custom domains\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 2: <\/strong>Enter your custom domain and hit \u201c<strong>Next<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/tIbgpwNx0_7Jl9DUtEVjHmTdKk3o0mrQXIsl3sItLwYEMaanb8m-jYQjrhJjMh5Luc1L53CJZMomuHe_K6tEFKBmTbfxG6-OVgHrc_K_gCg7TB9QgGDo-f0iRWYpQcX520zTZRLwmtn8TJJ_1CB7NY9Phg1soiHR1oOKpy31dH03NKRYc5p6bKHG5g\" alt=\"connect my own domain\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 3: <\/strong>Once you enter the domain, you\u2019ll get a popup box that asks whether or not anything has already been published onto the domain such as a website, social media, blog, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/1v4kdlowGJ92siO7WBiP1guaVgqGxHLhB1joeTTPNW5_cAyWhRYZwDasBrFjAY3cOfnt4burhQV39qOLyALTj6sJ3-rKF5IOchf69TjxReR7H92mW6D_DpHk4L_SXzeuWKW5FRpECI0AFRlrytyeq2sy91BvXpKV0XMcVRo5OCsFcpd6kPF9-B5Tbg\" alt=\"domain\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 4: <\/strong>If nothing is published, you\u2019re good to go. Select \u201cNo\u201d and click \u201cNext\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/B51SvXJ-uejLVQBGdUujwYRFIql7gJHSypxf-I2twjssOeDghzuQ_0NBnu3nGh196O0MWADr1ENySTtMbY_yILc_6Y3EwBkoTGYDIJkRJfruVLIUIPH2pQpp6ftpm4Pkz6cmQnp2WY_YwU3PMSbFx2w0I64RzXoJq_VCoCYqIYPzU6wu9viif7aywA\" alt=\"warning\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 5: <\/strong>Click on \u201cAdd Domain\u201d and now, your custom domain will be ready to use for branded links on Pixelfy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/9Ys7RObQs-CQuBhnc3tr3yr0kyKL3Els7m94sDUZzXQxcCkKoDLCh8Tpe-Ra8PrPr4CNcTFacEIHVTXymphc8idoaq5na2YMjgodQdrQsb8Yg2azwZ7BHb6AgcXn0TW811fvnxahVHO2kblEhfSEmXUOjyBXgnellvl_1QmXWhrTk6Gun054y1aBcA\" alt=\"add domain\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 6: <\/strong>If the content is already published on your domain, then you\u2019ll be asked to use a <strong>subdomain.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/xgijs5XTd23AmCeihNbuFCswk7n_azIbc4gJRPZnArRr1WV21PTYBWpp-72KstgujfAwCnVMTYzzhAqYdoyxwnVtGOLoaWq2MEKDppP73UySoebKOz62lcT02e0dxuSEITqcgP_K4edNPtJQ2d7vol4oe_IFNdsk2B6PvLsMWpIONLoK89vOp5-N4A\" alt=\"use subdomain\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 7: <\/strong>Click on \u201cAdd subdomain\u201d and enter an appropriate subdomain into the new page that appears and click \u201cNext\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/0m9WNHkitBGir1tZxGmu4QMUVT-E5hb2A2yGYuaauI9Hfl4RNGipkdPAUsoCA0e3ynTdOYAhf48rBdBKht2tZm0jXEY_WrVeWiYlFy90bM44BKP_o7gQ4-zsLTTm69nk8LR5GW893vH8Gr6k5BMBRv8zdGx1XSmp-ex4Rl70LZ4l8jAJrNVxvJaIDA\" alt=\"enter sub domain\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, your <strong>subdomain <\/strong>will be ready to use within Pixelfy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s how you create a branded link with Pixelfy using one of your connected domains or subdomains:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 1: <\/strong>Log into Pixelfy and go to the left-hand side toolbar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/zHuqk6pazcRINJgahkrNTwfH8B5rSq_35VqpYn9UNVxI34EgOkVCf_jj1-QYaxcPjO9I-8yz0WBjoxlzDLPyiVUUdEKKhnQ_9_J24ED90gDDQPpxyP18UXR0DnHHs_tR7Xup2tnJlFvz6AtTT68iZ5-Rd4ZTWBdhQSYoZjA0WwjnIPA1XVe2Mz-jJA\" alt=\"log in\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 2: <\/strong>Click on \u201c<strong>All tools<\/strong>\u201d and then, select the <a href=\"https:\/\/app.pixelfy.me\/tracking-links\/any-url\"><strong>URL Shortener<\/strong><\/a><strong>.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/Z3bXuuf7bGtZefKFa10-lRke17AdSfuxisFjbyyez8bIMgJCV9u1siUTGFTdJAehhgESG_v2TTdvC0nhljQXyuJx62UCRB9OiH3jdDojVALz9_9SCVUD6Pjy58XPsXpvPzUYD6bCS2YFpOLvM5igPh2R1bssJGKOKIG9Kq6dUrEtb5KAE__JHZgz0A\" alt=\"tools\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 3:<\/strong> Enter the destination URL and link title and click <strong>\u201cGenerate\u201d<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/Yd68-g-PtyofScog3lA1D9tSq4EXkXYtq4eQQ4DEFKwhRKrxv5bSBesMhZJSWo9B7Jp0x0nMiunqRfyi3VQi5o8gihFQkge0ijvefCvDjmYGw2t_pU7IpaLATM-my9crMUBMj18HUsNTVJ43Z82DD8x8FUPyI_GdsAC-GWUSgaksXNsu7mZfde2PYg\" alt=\"generate\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll get a shortened URL but as you may notice, it\u2019ll be a generic shortened URL that has Pixelfy branding.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 4: <\/strong>To turn it into a <strong>branded link, <\/strong>go to Advanced options.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/FmMVvIwX6ZijTOj0rGpjZh98sVOa_iEMoPQLEFalZSJjeKM2OhVDJdnM1ciB42q7QS4ECg2FTqV_O5D-mMqCjBoGKHimJh52mU6DnfAg2C-b71_uDNILz_rs9gg3CUCCPyQsR6L6JFw5d9QdeFHmSy-UoTixBI7qX3X0FZFRXnAigEEmyLe1af4u0Q\" alt=\"advanced options\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 5: <\/strong>Click on <strong>Domain and slug. <\/strong>Since you\u2019ve already connected a domain or subdomain, that particular domain or subdomain will be available for you to use. It\u2019ll be in the drop-down menu that shows up once you click on Domain and slug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/lCgKGp7RecD2pwZKeVX0rBvyQ6GwYiZHWQeBBz1ePfHhsXZpM65iZvJUkWh8NDXd3CITRcS77CX2cEwGcZQ5RPjyoJiWfT8GOb5gUOA0vxxMB6We_hJvmyMc9hUizBKFhiBuoA0r_7S56l11O4mQtWdnTq6WRhZzjuSipXLWmxWfeFeblBVJYsEfcQ\" alt=\"new domainddd\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 6: <\/strong>After it has been selected, you are free to add whatever you want to the <strong>latter part <\/strong>of the branded link.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we explained earlier, the latter part should do a good job of telling the user what the web page is about.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/2bbAdiYRpSUnkdvencPyRV0o8vH0bcf6HZrRZ7HqiKSEkOKekRmXc8pttC0V4eJ_O29dI2BfOF2jTcpQoFz3DSfr2i_1FSpso44GN_pMCBK1u6hv3XyG39mZ89u-DYm0YfxO8VC0pkFMb6Q9ChrC3uQ1NST7ToosG3dIdtrqhHSbnKzGk36G_smx-w\" alt=\"domain\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 7: <\/strong>Take a look at any other settings that you may want to change or adjust. Once you\u2019re satisfied, click on <strong>\u201cGenerate\u201d.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_Use_a_Link_Shortener\"><\/span>How do I Use a Link Shortener?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s super easy to use a generic link shortener. All you have to do is input your long URL and the tool will provide you with a generic shortened link that leads to the same web page.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019d like to create a custom URL, you must connect your <strong>domain <\/strong>or <strong>subdomain <\/strong>first before you can actually generate it. This is because that domain or subdomain will be used to generate the shortened link.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_do_People_Share_Shortened_Links\"><\/span>Where do People Share Shortened Links?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Shortened links can be shared through a variety of channels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here are some places where brands use shortened links:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Social media posts&nbsp;<\/li><li>Social media bios&nbsp;<\/li><li>Videos&nbsp;<\/li><li>Email newsletters<\/li><li>Print media&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_Vanity_URL\"><\/span>What is a Vanity URL?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>vanity URL <\/strong>is just another name for a <strong>branded URL <\/strong>or <strong>custom URL.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s called a vanity URL because it bears the name of your brand or your own individual name, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_URL_stand_for\"><\/span>What does URL stand for?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>URL stands for <strong>Uniform Resource Locator.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Should_I_Use_a_Custom_URL_Shortener\"><\/span>Why Should I Use a Custom URL Shortener?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many advantages to using a custom URL shortener, especially if you\u2019re a brand.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It makes no sense to use generic shortened links because you\u2019d be promoting the URL shortener tool, not your brand.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>custom URL <\/strong>promotes your brand image, cements it into the user\u2019s mind and also helps with brand cohesion. When you want to advertise your brand, all of your content should reflect it. Shortened links that you share within your content are not exceptions.&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>If you want to use shortened links that will be shared with an audience with whom you want to build a presence, then it\u2019s <em>essential <\/em>to use <strong>branded links.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They advertise your brand, increase user trust, have <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\">higher click-through rates<\/a> and just look neater.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only time you should use generic link shorteners is if you need to shorten links for personal use. If the links are to be used for any type of promotional purpose, then you should always opt for <strong>branded URLs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do let us know what you think in the comments below.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Generic link shorteners are quick and easy to use, but they don\u2019t let you use your own domain.&nbsp; If you want to use a custom domain or subdomain with a&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2426,"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":[809,810,811,812,813],"class_list":["post-2425","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-url-shortener","category-links","tag-what-a-branded-link-is","tag-how-branded-links-are-typically-structured","tag-how-you-can-create-branded-links-with-pixelfy","tag-link-shorteners-and-your-own-domain","tag-how-to-come-up-with-a-branded-link"],"acf":[],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2425","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=2425"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2425\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2436,"href":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2425\/revisions\/2436"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2426"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2425"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2425"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pixelfy.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2425"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}