How To Make A Short Link: A Step-By-Step Beginner’s Guide

In today’s fast-paced digital world, sharing links efficiently is essential.

Long, messy URLs can look unprofessional, take up too much space, and even reduce click-through rates.

That’s where a link shortener comes in.

A link shortener is a simple yet powerful tool that transforms “long URLs” into short, easy-to-share links.

Businesses, marketers, and content creators use link shorteners to track clicks, improve branding, and enhance the user experience.

Whether you’re sharing links on social media, email, SMS, or marketing campaigns, a shortened URL can make a big difference.

But how do you make a short link? If you’re new to this, don’t worry! This step-by-step beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including:

• ✅ What a link shortener is and why you need one.
• ✅ Different types of link shorteners and how to choose the best one.
• ✅ How to create and customize your first short link.
• ✅ Common mistakes to avoid in link shortening.
• ✅ And final thoughts.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to create and manage short links like a pro.

Let’s get started! 🚀

What Is a Link Shortener?

A link shortener is an online tool that converts long, complex URLs into short, manageable links.

Instead of sharing a lengthy web address that takes up too much space, you can generate a concise and cleaner version that is easier to share, track, and remember.

For example, a long URL like:
👉 https://www.example.com/blog/best-social-media-marketing-tips-for-beginners-2025

Can be shortened to:
👉 https://linko.me/socialtips

When someone clicks the short link, they are instantly redirected to the original long URL.

Some link shorteners offer additional features like click tracking, custom slugs, branded domains, retargeting pixels, and QR code generator.

These features help marketers and businesses manage and optimize their links effectively.

Why Use a Link Shortener?

Link shorteners are more than just tools to make URLs shorter.

They provide several benefits that can improve the user experience, increase engagement, and enhance marketing strategies.

Improves Link Aesthetics and Readability

Long URLs with random characters and numbers look messy and untrustworthy. A short link is clean, professional, and easier to remember.

For example, which of these would you rather share?

❌ https://www.website.com/product/476587364832?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=sale2025&utm_medium=social

✅ https://linko.me/sale2025

Shortened links look more appealing in social media posts, emails, and advertisements.

Enhances Click-Through Rates (CTR)

People are more likely to click on short and branded links than long, generic ones.

Studies show that branded short links can increase click-through rates by up to 39% compared to standard URLs.

A short, customized link builds trust and encourages engagement.

Provides Detailed Tracking and Analytics

One of the biggest advantages of using a link shortener is the ability to track clicks. With built-in analytics, you can see:

• How many people clicked your link.
• The geographic location of users.
• The device and browser they used.
• The referral source (social media, email, website, etc.).

This data helps marketers optimize campaigns and measure performance.

Saves Space on Social Media and SMS

Many platforms have character limits (e.g., X’s (Twitter’s) 280-character limit).

A long URL can take up too much space, leaving little room for the actual message. A short link solves this problem, making it ideal for Twitter, Instagram bios, LinkedIn posts, and SMS marketing.

Allows Branded and Custom Links

Custom short links using your own domain (e.g., go.yourbrand.com/deal) boost brand visibility and trust.

Instead of using generic shorteners like bit.ly/xyz123, businesses can create their own custom-branded short URLs that align with their brand identity.

Enables Retargeting and Marketing Optimization

Some advanced link shorteners allow you to add retargeting pixels to your shortened links.

This means you can track users who clicked your link and retarget them with ads later on platforms like Facebook, Google, or LinkedIn.

Helps with Link Expiration and A/B Testing

Certain link shorteners allow you to:

• Set expiration dates for temporary promotions.
• A/B tests different URLs by rotating multiple links to see which one performs better.

These features are great for running limited-time campaigns, tracking performance, and optimizing marketing efforts.

Types of Link Shorteners

There are different types of link shorteners based on how they function and who can use them.

Branded Link Shorteners

These are free or paid online tools that anyone can use to shorten URLs. They do not require technical setup and usually offer tracking features.

Linko

Linko is an advanced URL shortener designed for OnlyFans marketers, digital marketers, e-commerce, and influencers.

It offers:

• Custom short links (e.g., linko.me/yourname).
• QR code generation for every short link.
• Bulk URL shortening for large-scale campaigns.
• CTA overlays and splash pages for marketing.
• Deep linking support for mobile apps.

💰 Pricing: Linko offers a free plan with basic features and premium plans for advanced analytics, branded domains, and team collaboration.

Bitly

Bitly is one of the most well-known link shorteners.

It provides:

• Basic free link shortening.
• Custom domains for branded links.
• Click analytics and engagement tracking.
• Integrations with social media and marketing platforms.

💰 Pricing: Free for basic use; premium plans start at $10 per month.

Read the comprehensive comparison of Bitly vs. Linko.

Rebrandly

Rebrandly is a branded URL shortener that focuses on customization.

Key features include:

• Custom domain support for branding.
• UTM parameter tracking for marketing.
• API access for developers.

💰 Pricing: Free for limited use; paid plans start at $14 per month.

Read the comprehensive comparison of Rebrandly vs. Linko.

TinyURL

TinyURL is a simple, free link shortener with no account required.

It allows users to:

• Create short URLs instantly.
• Customize slugs for readability.
• Use basic tracking features.

💰 Pricing: Free for basic use; premium plans start at $12.99 per month for analytics and branded links.

Read about the history of URL shortening and what was the first link shortener.

Bl.ink

• Focuses on enterprise link management.
• Supports A/B testing and campaign tracking.
• Provides bulk link creation for businesses.

💰 Pricing: Starts at $48 per month for small businesses, with enterprise plans available.

Short.io

• Free custom domain support.
• Geo-targeting and device-based redirection.
• Integration with Google Tag Manager and analytics tools.

💰 Pricing: Free for basic use; paid plans start at $5 per month.

Self-Hosted Link Shorteners

For those who prefer full control over their short links, self-hosted link shorteners allow users to install and manage their own URL shortening service.

YOURLS (Your Own URL Shortener)

• Open-source and free to use.
• Requires web hosting and domain setup.
• Offers full customization and analytics.

💰 Pricing: Free, but requires a web hosting plan.

Polr

• Lightweight, self-hosted shortener.
• Open-source with customizable UI.
• Offers basic analytics and API support.

💰 Pricing: Free, requires server setup.

Kutt

• Modern open-source alternative to Bitly.
• Customizable dashboard and analytics.
• Supports API and self-hosting.

💰 Pricing: Free, requires server hosting.

Choosing the Right Link Shortening Service

Choosing the right link shortener depends on your specific needs, whether for personal use, marketing campaigns, or business branding.

With many options available, understanding key factors and comparing the top solutions will help you make the best decision.

Before selecting a link shortener, consider the following factors to ensure it meets your needs.

Ease of Use

A good link shortener should be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that allows you to shorten and manage links effortlessly.

Some platforms, like Linko and Bitly, provide a straightforward experience, while self-hosted solutions like YOURLS, Polr, and Kutt require technical setup and maintenance.

Features and Customization

Not all link shorteners offer the same features. If you need custom domains, deep linking, QR codes, link expiration, and analytics, platforms like Linko, Rebrandly, and Short.io provide extensive options.

Meanwhile, TinyURL and Polr offer basic shortening with minimal customization.

Analytics and Tracking

For businesses and marketers, link tracking is crucial.

Linko, Bitly, and Rebrandly provide detailed analytics, including clicks, referrers, geographic data, and device types, while TinyURL and Kutt have limited analytics features.

Pricing and Affordability

While some shorteners offer free plans, they often have limitations.

TinyURL, YOURLS, Polr, and Kutt are free but lack advanced features. Linko, Bitly, and Short.io provide affordable premium plans with powerful features.

Branding and Custom Domains

A branded short link (e.g., yourbrand.com/offer) builds trust and increases click-through rates.

Linko, Rebrandly, and Short.io offer the best branding options, while free services like TinyURL and Kutt do not support custom domains.

Support and Customer Service

Reliable customer support is essential for troubleshooting issues. Linko, Bitly, and Rebrandly offer dedicated support, while self-hosted solutions like YOURLS and Polr rely on community forums.

Link Shortener Comparison

Now, let’s compare the top link shorteners based on ease of use, features, pricing, and support to determine the best choice.

Ease of Use

Winner: Linko – Ranked 5th in ease of use on G2 with a 4.8/5 rating and 30+ reviews See Reviews.

Features and Customization

Winner: Linko – Provides the most features, including custom domains, QR codes, deep linking, link expiration, and analytics.

Pricing

Winner: Linko – Affordable pricing starting at $9/month with premium features that others charge more for.

Support and Customer Service

Winner: Linko – Offers live chat, email support, and community help, while self-hosted solutions rely only on forums.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your First Link Shortener

Setting up your first link shortener with Linko is quick and easy. Follow this step-by-step guide to create an account, shorten links, customize them, and track analytics.

Creating a Linko Account

To get started with Linko, follow these steps:

1. Visit Linko.me or go directly to the sign-up page.
2. Enter your email, username, and password, or sign up using your Google account.
3. Click Sign Up and verify your email if required.
4. Once registered, log in to access your dashboard.

How to Shorten a Link in Linko

Once you have created an account, you can start shortening links:

1. Log in to your Linko account.
2. Go to the Dashboard.
3. Navigate to the Shorten Link section.
4. Copy and paste the long URL you want to shorten into the input field.
5. Click the Shorten button.
6. Your short link will be generated instantly and ready for use.

Customizing a Short Link

If you want to personalize or modify your short link, follow these steps:

Note: Features mentioned below is available on the paid plans.

1. Log in to your Linko account and go to the Dashboard.
2. Paste your long URL into the input field.
3. Click on the Advanced Options icon.
4. A menu will appear with customization options, including:
   • Branded Domain – Use your own domain for short links.
   • Custom Alias – Change the link’s ending (e.g., yourbrand.link/sale).
   • Link Cloaking – Hide the original URL.
   • Splash Page or CTA Overlay – Add a promotional page before redirecting.
   • Password Protection – Require a password to access the link.
   • Hide Referrer – Conceal traffic sources.
   • Meta Tags – Customize SEO details.
   • Expiration Option – Set an expiry date for the link.
   • Targeting Options – Redirect users based on GEO location, device, IP, or language.
   • Retargeting Pixel – Integrate tracking pixels for remarketing campaigns.
   • A/B Testing – Split traffic between different URLs.
   • Deep Linking – Direct users to in-app pages.
   • UTM Builder – Add tracking parameters for analytics.
5. Once done, click Shorten to generate your customized link.

Viewing Short Link Analytics

Tracking analytics helps you monitor link performance. Here’s how to check your short link data:

1. Go to the My Links section in your Linko dashboard.
2. Find the short link you want to track.
3. Click the Action button next to the link.
4. Select Statistics from the dropdown menu.
5. View detailed analytics, including:
   • Click count
   • Referring sources
   • Geographic location of users
   • Devices and browsers used
   • Time-based performance trends

This data helps you optimize your marketing campaigns and improve engagement.

Use Your Shortened Link Effectively

Now that you have created and customized your short links, it’s time to use them strategically. Here are some best practices:

Where to Share Your Short Links

1. Social Media – Share your links on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to increase reach.
2. Emails – Use short links in email marketing campaigns to make links look cleaner and track engagement.
3. SMS & Messaging Apps – Send short links via WhatsApp, Telegram, or text messages for better engagement.
4. QR Codes – Generate QR codes for your links and use them in flyers, business cards, or store promotions.
5. Blog Posts & Websites – Use short links to make your URLs easy to remember and click-friendly.

Embedding Short Links in Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons

A well-placed call-to-action button can increase conversions. Here’s how to embed a short link in a CTA:

1. Choose a clear and compelling CTA, such as “Get Started Now” or “Claim Your Offer”.
2. Insert the short link as the button URL.
3. Use tracking parameters (UTM tags) to monitor button performance.
4. Ensure the button stands out visually for maximum engagement.

By using these techniques, you can maximize the effectiveness of your shortened links and improve audience interaction.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Link Shortener

Using a URL shortener is a great way to manage and share links efficiently. However, many users make critical mistakes that can lead to security risks, loss of traffic, or poor user experience.

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when using a link shortener.

Using Unreliable or Malicious Link Shorteners

Not all link shorteners are trustworthy. Some free or unknown services may engage in spammy practices, insert ads before redirecting, or even collect user data without consent.

Worse, some malicious shorteners can expose users to phishing attacks or unsafe websites.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Always use a reputable link shortener like Linko, Bitly, or Rebrandly.
• Avoid services with little to no transparency about how they operate.
• Check online reviews and user feedback before choosing a URL shortener.

Relying on Free Link Shorteners Without Security Measures

Many free link shorteners do not offer the same level of security as paid options.

They may allow spammers to misuse their platform, causing the shortener’s domain to be flagged by security filters.

Once a shortener’s domain is blacklisted, all links created using that service could stop working.

At Linko, we provide a free URL shortener with the same security level as our paid plans.

We:

• Scan for malicious and phishing links daily to maintain a safe ecosystem.
• Keep our domain and URLs in good standing to prevent blacklisting.
• Apply strict spam protection policies to ensure a safe and trusted shortener.

If you must use a free URL shortener, make sure it takes security seriously, like Linko does.

Not Customizing Short Links

A generic short link looks untrustworthy and can reduce click-through rates. Users are often hesitant to click on randomly generated URLs because they don’t know where they lead.

Custom short links, on the other hand, improve branding, credibility, and trust.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Always customize your short links using a branded domain or a custom alias.
• For example, instead of linko.me/xYs2z, use yourbrand.link/sale.
• If you’re using Linko, take advantage of custom domains, aliases, and CTA overlays to make your links more engaging.

Not Tracking Link Performance

Many users shorten links and forget about them. Without analytics, you miss out on key insights such as:

• How many clicks your link gets.
• The geographic locations of your audience.
• The best platforms for engagement.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Use a link shortener with built-in analytics, such as Linko, Bitly, or Short.io.
• If you’re using Linko, you can track your link’s performance by navigating to My Links → Action → Statistics to view click rates, referrers, devices, and more.
• Regularly analyze your data to improve future campaigns.

Ignoring Link Expiration and Management

Some users create short links for temporary promotions but forget to expire or update them later. This can lead to outdated links still circulating online, causing confusion or loss of potential customers.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Set an expiration date for time-sensitive links.
• Use Linko’s expiration feature to automatically disable links after a set date or after a certain number of clicks.
• Regularly audit your short links and remove or update outdated ones.

Using Shortened Links in the Wrong Places

Some platforms do not allow shortened links due to security concerns. Posting short links on platforms like LinkedIn Ads, certain email campaigns, or paid ads might get your links flagged.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Check the terms of service of platforms where you plan to use short links.
• If possible, use branded short links (e.g., yourbrand.link/sale) instead of generic short URLs.
• Avoid using short links in spammy or misleading ways to maintain trust.

Forgetting to Enable HTTPS for Secure Links

Security is a major concern when using short links. If your shortener doesn’t support HTTPS, your links may be flagged as unsafe by browsers and security tools.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Always choose a link shortener that supports HTTPS (Linko does by default).
• Test your short links to ensure they redirect securely without errors.

Final Thoughts

Using a link shortener is one of the easiest ways to improve link management, enhance branding, and track performance.

Whether you’re a marketer, business owner, or content creator, shortening links can make your URLs more clickable, shareable, and effective.

Recap: Why Use a Link Shortener?

Here are the key benefits of using a URL shortener like Linko:

✅ Cleaner and More Professional Links – Long URLs look messy. Shortening them makes your links easier to read and share.

✅ Better Branding with Custom Short Links – Custom domains and aliases help increase brand recognition and trust.

✅ Advanced Link Control & Management – Features like expiration dates, password protection, link cloaking, and retargeting pixels give you full control over your links.

✅ Detailed Analytics & Tracking – Know exactly who is clicking your links, where they’re from, and what devices they’re using.

✅ Security & Reliability – Linko provides high-level security to protect users from spam, phishing, and malicious activities.

Take the Next Step: Start Shortening Links Today!

Now that you know how to set up your first link shortener, it’s time to take action!

Whether you want to track marketing campaigns, improve your social media sharing, or organize links more efficiently, Linko makes it easy.

Get started in just a few steps:

1. Sign up for a free Linko account → Create an account now
2. Shorten and customize your links using advanced features.
3. Track your link performance with in-depth analytics.

Start shortening links today and take control of your online presence with Linko! 🚀