A short link is a long URL converted into an attractive and memorable form used to redirect visitors from one web page to another.
Let’s look at the example:
- This is a long link: https://website.xyz/must-take-things-while-travelling-abroad/best-checklist
- So this is a short form: https://shortcm.li/HdsJH8
A short URL contains a generic domain and a random slug. What does a generic domain mean? A generic domain is a link shortener’s domain name like “shortcm. li”, “bit.ly.”
The better idea is to create a short branded URL. Branded means a domain name, which describes your brand or a relevant keyword for your business. This way you promote the personal brand, not another company.
So let’s take a look at the transformed example:
- This is a long link: https://website.xyz/must-take-things-while-travelling-abroad/best-checklist
- So this is a short branded form: https://travel.to/checklist
After shortening, use this URL on social networks, email marketing, offline marketing, and other promotional channels.
The examples of using short links.
- On Facebook.
- On Twitter.
- On Instagram.
- On LinkedIn.
Benefits of short branded links.
- Branding. A short link with a branded domain depicts the brand name and the content you share. While using generic short links, you intensively promote other companies instead of your own.
- Recognition. The more users see your brand name, the more likely they will remember it while choosing a product trademark. Use short branded links to remind customers of your brand.
- Trust. Branded domain lets build stable relations with customers providing qualitative content and customized links.
- SEO. When creating a domain for your company, use the top- and second-level domains as descriptive words. For example, the domain for a delivery company might be “food.delivery.” The top-level domain “.com” is replaced with “.delivery.” It lets associate your brand with the keywords, which improves the website's SEO.
How to create a short branded link?
- Choose a domain name. It should reflect your company name or business.
- Choose a domain extension. There are so much TLDs, like .link, .xyz, .to, .li. Choose the most appropriate one for you.
Short.cm lets you buy a domain and TLD directly from the service. You enter a favorite one and check if it is available. The advantage of acquiring a domain from Short.cm is that it will be activated automatically.
- Use a long URL. Once you’ve bought a domain and it's in your account, copy a necessary long URL and paste to Short.cm. The service will reply to you with a short link.
- Customize a slug. Add a keyword to the URL slug to increase link SEO.
Conclusion
Here is a list of useful articles to learn for successful link creation.
- Custom Domain Names: How to Choose the Best One
- How Short Links Improve Your Website SEO | Short.cm
- 5 Rules to Create a Perfect URL Slug
- How to Choose the Right Domain Extension?
What did you learn?
- The advantages of using short links.
- Why do you need a short branded link?
- How to shorten links?
- Where to use branded links?
