In today’s digital age, it’s crucial for bloggers to have user-friendly and shareable URLs. Long and complicated URLs can be a turn-off for readers, making it difficult to share content on social media or in other displays. That’s where custom short URLs come in. They are not only easy to share but also add a touch of professionalism to your blog.
So, why should you consider shortening your URLs? There are several advantages to doing so:
1. Enhance shareability: Short URLs are much easier to share than long ones. They are less cumbersome to type and can be easily placed on business cards, pens, t-shirts, and other marketing materials.
2. Boost brand reach: Short URLs are more memorable, making it easier for readers to recall your blog or website. By buying a branded short URL, you can increase your brand’s visibility and reach a wider audience.
3. Disguise links: Short URLs can be used to mask affiliate links or lengthy URLs with tracking parameters. This makes them more appealing to readers and increases the chances of them clicking on the link.
4. Analytics: URL shorteners provide valuable data about your links, such as the number of clicks and the location of the visitors. This information can help you improve your overall marketing strategy and understand what resonates with your audience.
5. Free or affordable: Shortening links for your WordPress site is often free or relatively inexpensive. You can use plugins or third-party services without breaking the bank.
6. Improve click-through rates (CTR): Studies have shown that branded short URLs can boost click-through rates by up to 34%. This means more people are likely to click on your links and engage with your content.
Some great examples of branded short URLs include youtu.be, wp.me, nyti.ms, es.pn, and fb.me. These URLs are easy to remember and instantly recognizable.
Now that you understand the advantages of short URLs, let’s explore different methods to create them for your WordPress blog:
1. Using a link shortening WordPress plugin: One popular plugin is Pretty Links. It allows you to shorten and cloak your links, making them more appealing and professional. You can also track the number of clicks on your links using the plugin’s admin dashboard.
2. Activating WP.me shortlinks in Jetpack: If you have the Jetpack plugin installed, you can activate the WP.me shortlinks module. This automatically creates short URLs whenever a reader uses the Jetpack sharing buttons. However, please note that WP.me shortlinks do not provide tracking data.
3. Using a third-party link shortening service: Services like Bitly and TinyURL allow you to create short URLs without signing up for an account. These services are easy to use and provide a quick solution if you don’t want to use plugins or activate modules.
4. Buying a shorter domain name and configuring branded short URLs: This method involves purchasing a branded short URL from your domain registrar. You can then configure it to redirect to your WordPress site using services like Bitly. This option gives you complete control over your short URLs and allows you to maintain your brand identity.
Short URLs have become an essential tool for bloggers who want to increase their reach and engagement. By following the methods outlined above, you can create custom short URLs for your WordPress blog without much hassle. So, what are you waiting for? Start shortening your URLs and enjoy the benefits of shareable and memorable links.
