Custom URL shorteners are a powerful yet often overlooked tool in digital branding. By replacing generic short links with your own branded domain, you enhance trust, improve click-through rates, and build a consistent identity across platforms. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create a custom URL shortener that aligns perfectly with your brand.
Why Use a Custom URL Shortener?
Standard link shorteners like bit.ly or tinyurl.com are convenient, but they don ’t reflect your brand. Custom short links help you:
- Establish credibility: Branded links look trustworthy and professional.
- Boost engagement: They have higher click-through rates than generic links.
- Build brand awareness: Every link becomes a brand touchpoint.
- Enable detailed tracking: Tools like Linkly provide advanced analytics for every branded link you create.
Step 1: Choose Your Branded Domain
Select a short, memorable domain name that reflects your brand. This could be a variation of your main domain (like go.yourbrand.com) or a creative use of TLDs (like yourbrand.link or yourbrnd.io).
For help choosing and purchasing domains, see:
👉 Support: Purchase Domains
Step 2: Set Up DNS for Your Custom Domain
To use your domain with a URL shortener, you’ll need to update your DNS settings. This usually means adding a CNAME record pointing to the shortening service.
Linkly provides detailed guides for popular domain registrars:
You may also need to disable Cloudflare proxying if you're using Cloudflare.
Step 3: Choose a URL Shortening Platform
To manage your branded short links, you’ll need a reliable shortening service that supports custom domains. Linkly is a great option, offering:
- Custom domains and vanity URLs
- Click tracking and detailed analytics
- Integration with tools like Zapier and Google Sheets
- A free tier with up to 1,000 clicks/month
More about this here:
👉 Support: Why Custom Domains?
👉 Support: Link Management
Step 4: Customize Your Links
Once your domain is set up, start creating branded short links. With Linkly, you can:
- Use vanity slugs (e.g.,
yourbrand.link/summer-sale) - Add UTM tags with Linkly’s UTM builder
- Set up expiring links or QR codes
These customizations not only reinforce your brand but also enable powerful tracking and retargeting features.
Step 5: Track Performance and Optimize
A custom shortener isn't just about appearance—it’s a gateway to better analytics. With Linkly, you get:
- Click tracking with geo, device, and referrer data
- Retargeting pixel support
- Integration with Google Analytics and Tag Manager
You can also export your data as CSV or connect Linkly to your own dashboards with the API.
Final Thoughts
Creating a custom URL shortener is a simple, high-impact way to elevate your brand’s presence across all digital channels. With a branded domain and the right link management platform, you’ll increase trust, gain powerful insights, and deliver a seamless experience to your audience.
Ready to enhance your brand with custom short links?
Get started with Linkly today and experience seamless link tracking and customization.
