What is URL shortening?
URL (link) shortening is a technique that converts long, complex web addresses into shorter, more manageable links.
This process simplifies sharing, improves brand visibility, and enhances marketing efforts by creating URLs that are easier to remember and share.
As a result, these shortened links can drive more traffic to your content, particularly on platforms like social media or in email campaigns.
Linko takes URL shortening even further by offering advanced features beyond standard link shorteners.
With its powerful analytics, you can easily track link performance, gain valuable insights into user behavior, and fine-tune your digital marketing strategy for optimal results.
How to shorten a link?
If you’re ready to create a short link using Linko, just follow these steps:
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Log in to your Linko account and go to the dashboard.
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Navigate to the Shorten Link section.
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Copy and paste the long URL you want to shorten into the placeholder.
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Click on the Shorten button, and your short link will be generated instantly.
Shortening links with Linko not only makes sharing easier but also helps you track engagement and optimize your links for better performance.
Can I shorten my links in bulk?
Yes, Linko offers two methods for bulk shortening:
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Bulk shortening via link shortener tool.
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Bulk shortening via CSV file import.
The main difference between these methods is customization. When using the link shortener tool, custom aliases cannot be set for each URL.
However, by importing a CSV file, you can define custom aliases, titles, and descriptions for every short link.
How to shorten links in bulk using the link shortener?
You can shorten as many links as you need—whether it’s 10, 100, or even 500 links at once.
Follow these simple steps:
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Log in to your Linko account and go to your dashboard.
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Go to the shortening section and click on the Multiple button.
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Paste your URLs into the placeholder provided.
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Click the Shorten button to complete the process.
FAQs
What is a URL shortener?
A URL shortener is a tool that takes long URLs and reduces them into shorter, more manageable links. These shorter links are easier to share and remember, while still redirecting to the original destination when clicked.
What is a custom link shortener?
A custom link shortener allows you to create shortened URLs with personalized aliases or branded domains. This adds professionalism and trust to your links while making them more recognizable and clickable.
What is a short link?
A short-link is a compact version of a long URL created using a URL shortening service. It provides the same functionality but in a smaller format, ideal for sharing on social media, emails, and other platforms with limited space.
What is a branded link?
A branded link is a shortened URL that includes your custom domain name or brand.
It replaces generic shorteners like (allmylink.me) with your personalized branding to build trust and recognition.
Key features of branded links
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Custom domains: Replace generic domains with a name that reflects your business (e.g.,
yourbrand.link). -
Increased trust: Users are more likely to click links that clearly show your brand.
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Better SEO: Branded links help you rank higher in search engines by creating recognizable and relevant URLs.
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Enhanced tracking: Track performance with custom UTM tags and analytics
What is a long URL?
A long URL is a standard web address that points to a specific webpage or online resource.
These URLs often contain lengthy strings of characters, including the domain name, subdirectories, parameters, and sometimes tracking codes or UTM parameters.
For example:
https://www.example.com/articles/how-to-create-your-first-short-url-guide?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=seo
Long URLs can look cluttered or unprofessional to share.
This is where URL shorteners like Linko come in handy that simplifies long URLs into shorter, cleaner links while maintaining functionality.
What is a destination link?
A destination link, also known as a target URL, is the final web address or webpage that users are directed to when they click on a short link or any other hyperlink.
It is the original, full-length URL that a shortened link points to.
For example, if you shorten a URL using Linko, the destination link remains the long URL where the user will ultimately land when they click the shortened version.
The destination link is essential for redirecting users to the intended resource, such as a website, landing page, or product page.
It is often hidden behind a short link to make sharing easier while keeping the user experience seamless.
What is a shortened URL?
A shortened URL is a condensed version of a long URL that still directs users to the original destination.
This is done using a URL shortener, making the link easier to manage and share.
How can I shorten a link for free?
You can shorten a link for free by creating a free account at Linko.me.
Once you have created an account, simply paste your long URL into the tool, and it will generate a shorter version that you can share or track.
Is Linko a free URL shortener?
Yes, Linko offers free URL shortening services. You can create and manage short links without paying a subscription, but advanced features like custom domain and Analytics are available with paid plans.
How can I change a long URL into a short URL?
To shorten a long URL, log into your Linko account and paste the long URL into the shortening field.
Click “Shorten” and you’ll receive a short URL that you can share.
Which link shortener is best?
Finding the best link shortener depends on your needs and use cases.
Linko is an excellent option for users looking for features like Link cloaking, hide referrer, link scheduling, deep linking, meta tags, and A/B testing.
Check out these comprehensive posts about Linko and other link shorteners.
1: Best Bitly Alternative: URL Shortener & Link Management Tool
2: Best Rebrandly Alternative: Shorten & Brand URLs Like a Pro!
What are the benefits of a short URL?
Short URLs are easier to share and remember, especially on social media platforms with character limits.
They also help make links more user-friendly and increase click-through rates by making the link look cleaner and more trustworthy.
What is a branded URL shortener?
A branded URL shortener allows you to customize your short links with a branded domain, such as yourbrand.link.
This increases brand recognition, trust, and professionalism in your shared links.
How can I track clicks on a short URL?
With Linko, you can track clicks on your short URLs by accessing the analytics dashboard.
The platform provides detailed insights such as;
- Click counts,
- Location,
- Devices,
- Referral sources,
- Languages,
- Browsers, and
- A/B testing.
Are there any limitations on how many links I can shorten?
No, Linko does not limit the number of links you can shorten on paid plans.
Whether you want to shorten one or thousands of links, Linko allows unlimited URL shortening, even in bulk.
Can I customize my short URL?
Yes, with Linko, you can customize your short URL by creating a custom alias, meta tags, adding link note, or selecting a campaign or channel.
These features are available with both free and paid plans, allowing you to make your links more personal and professional.
How does Linko protect my short links?
Linko takes security very seriously for user data, short link and click stats.
We have implemented multi-layer security measures to check, validate, secure, and encrypt sensitive data.
We have recently launched a new security feature that logs your login, password changes, and failed 2FA attempts for your reference.
Check out the changelog for more information.
Along with platform security, Linko also provides security features such as password protection, link expiration, and IP targeting for your short links.
These features help you control who can access your links and for how long, ensuring your content remains secure.
What is link expiration?
Link expiration allows you to set a time limit for how long a short URL remains active.
After the specified expiration date and time, the link becomes inactive and will no longer redirect to the original destination.
Linko offers this feature to ensure time-sensitive links automatically deactivate.
Can I edit a short URL after it has been created?
Yes, Linko allows you to edit the destination of your short URL even after it’s been created.
You can update the original long URL or customize the short alias as needed, without having to generate a new link.
How do I add UTM parameters to a short link?
Adding UTM tags at Linko is super easy and straightforward.
To add UTM parameters to a short link,
- Paste the long URL,
- Click on the advanced settings,
- Scroll down and add UTM parameters.
The short link will preserve the UTM parameters, allowing you to track campaign performance through Google Analytics.
You can also use MiniTools free UTM builder
Can I track individual user behavior with short URLs?
Yes, you can achive this in different ways,
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You can set up IP targeting if you know the user’s IP.
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You can password-protect the short link and share it with the intended user.
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You can also shorten a link and share it only with that single user, not in groups where others can click the link.
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Or, you can use UTM parameters to create unique short links that track and analyze user behavior anonymously.
By the way, if you own a website then you can track individual user behavior at UserMetric.io - Advanced and privacy-friendly web analytics.
Does Linko offer QR codes for short links?
Yes, Linko automatically generates QR codes for each short URL you create.
You can download or customize QR codes to share your links offline, making it easy for users to scan and access your content instantly.
