The best way to shorten a link for an SMS message is by using a dedicated URL shortener.
This converts your long web address into a much shorter one, ensuring your entire message and link stay within the 160-character limit.
You can instantly shorten any link using a free tool without signing up.
Why You Need Short Links for SMS
Standard SMS messages have a strict character limit.
A single long URL can consume most of that space, leaving little room for your actual message.
This is a problem for businesses that use SMS for marketing, appointment reminders, or customer notifications.
A shortened link looks cleaner, is more trustworthy, and leaves ample space for a compelling call to action.
How to Shorten Your Link Instantly
You can create a short link for your SMS campaign in just a few seconds. The process is straightforward and does not require any technical skill.
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Step 1: Navigate to a free link shortener tool, such as the one offered by Linko.
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Step 2: Copy your long URL and paste it into the designated field.
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Step 3: Click the “Shorten” button. The tool will generate a new, much shorter link.
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Step 4: Copy the new short link and paste it directly into your SMS message.
For example, a long link like yourstore.com/products/summer-collection/womens-apparel/sale-items-2025 can become a tidy onlylinks.cc/Abc.
Get More Features with a Free Account
While you can shorten links instantly, signing up for a free Linko account gives you more control.
You can shorten up to 50 links and, most importantly, create customized short links.
Instead of a random string of characters, you can create a branded link, also known as a vanity URL.
For instance, you can change onlylinks.cc/Abc12 to something memorable like onlylinks.cc/SummerSale.
This not only looks professional but also increases click-through rates because customers can see what the link is about.
This small change builds brand recognition and trust with your audience.