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Link Shortening Overview

Learn how linkutm’s link shortening feature helps you create clean, professional, trackable URLs.

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What is Link Shortening?

Link shortening converts long URLs with UTM parameters into short, memorable links that are easier to share and track. linkutm provides built-in link shortening with support for custom branded domains.

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Why Use Link Shortening?

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Benefits

Professional Appearance

• Clean, branded URLs
• Builds trust with your audience
• Reinforces brand identity
• Better for marketing materials

Easier Sharing

• Fits character limits (Twitter, SMS)
• Easier to type and remember
• Better for print materials
• Cleaner in presentations

Better Click-Through Rates

• Short links appear more trustworthy
• Less intimidating than long parameter URLs
• Mobile-friendly
• Improved user experience

Full Tracking

• All UTM parameters preserved
• Complete analytics tracking
• Link performance metrics
• Geographic and device data

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How It Works

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The Process

1. Create Link with UTM Parameters
   Copy

   Original: https://yoursite.com/product?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=summer_sale&utm_content=ad1
   

2. Enable Link Shortening
   • Select your shortener service
   • Short code generated automatically
3. Get Short Link
   Copy

   Shortened: https://yourbrand.link/abc123
   

4. User Clicks
   • User clicks short link
   • Redirects to original URL with all UTM parameters
   • All tracking data captured
5. View Analytics
   • Track clicks, visitors, conversions
   • Geographic and device data
   • Full campaign attribution

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Shortener Options

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Custom Branded Domains

Use your own domain for link shortening: Examples:

• go.yourcompany.com/abc123
• link.yourbrand.io/summer
• track.yoursite.com/promo

Advantages:

• Full brand control
• Maximum trust
• Professional appearance
• Custom domain ownership

Setup Required:

• Own a domain
• Configure DNS records
• Verify domain ownership

Learn how to set up custom domains →

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Default Project Shortener

Use the shortener configured at project level: Advantages:

• No setup required
• Instant availability
• Consistent across project
• Shared across team

Best For:

• Quick testing
• Internal links
• Getting started
• Small campaigns

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No Shortening

Keep the full URL visible: When to Use:

• Email marketing (some filters flag shortened URLs)
• Transparency required
• Partners need full URL visibility
• Internal documentation

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Setting Up Link Shortening

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Quick Start

1. Navigate to Link Shortening in settings or sidebar
2. Add your custom domain OR use default
3. Configure DNS (for custom domains)
4. Verify domain
5. Set as default (optional)
6. Start creating short links

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Configuration Options

Domain Settings:

• Domain name
• Protocol (HTTP/HTTPS)
• Default domain toggle
• Active/inactive status

DNS Configuration:

• A Record or CNAME
• Target server address
• TTL settings
• Verification

Learn about DNS configuration →

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Managing Short Links

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View Short Links

• All links display short URL if enabled
• Copy short link to clipboard
• QR code generation
• Link performance tracking

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Edit Short Links

• Change destination URL (redirect updates)
• Update UTM parameters
• Change shortener service
• Short code remains permanent

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Deactivate Short Links

• Disable link shortening
• Short URL becomes inactive
• Return to full URL
• Or redirect to different page

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Short Link Analytics

Track complete performance: Metrics:

• Total clicks
• Unique visitors
• Click timeline
• Geographic distribution
• Device breakdown (mobile, desktop, tablet)
• Browser information
• Referrer sources

Insights:

• Best-performing channels
• Peak traffic times
• Audience locations
• Device preferences

Learn more about analytics →

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Best Practices

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Domain Selection

Custom Branded Domain:

• ✅ Use for customer-facing campaigns
• ✅ Use for social media
• ✅ Use for print materials
• ✅ Builds brand trust

Default Shortener:

• ✅ Use for internal sharing
• ✅ Use for testing
• ✅ Use for draft campaigns
• ✅ Quick setup needed

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Security Considerations

Link Protection:

• Use password protection for sensitive links
• Set expiration dates for time-limited offers
• Enable click limits for exclusive content
• Monitor for suspicious activity

Domain Security:

• Use HTTPS for custom domains
• Keep DNS records secure
• Monitor domain health
• Renew domain regularly

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Link Management

Organization:

• Use folders to organize short links
• Tag by campaign or platform
• Document link purposes
• Regular cleanup of expired links

Testing:

• Test short links before sharing
• Verify redirect works correctly
• Check on multiple devices
• Ensure analytics tracking

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Advanced Features

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Custom Short Codes

Create memorable short codes:

• https://brand.link/summer-sale
• https://brand.link/signup
• https://brand.link/special-offer

Benefits:

• Easier to remember
• Better for verbal sharing
• Professional appearance
• Brand-specific

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Link Aliases

Multiple short URLs for same destination:

• A/B test different short URLs
• Platform-specific links
• Campaign variations
• Geographic routing

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Domain Rotation

Use multiple custom domains:

• Distribute links across domains
• Reduce single domain dependency
• Better for high-volume campaigns
• Risk mitigation

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Integration with Other Features

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Short Links + QR Codes

Generate QR codes from short links:

• Simpler QR pattern
• Easier to scan
• More reliable
• Better for print

Learn about QR codes →

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Short Links + UTM Parameters

Full tracking with clean URLs:

• All UTM parameters preserved
• Clean appearance
• Complete analytics
• Campaign attribution

Learn about UTM parameters →

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Short Links + Templates

Template-based shortening:

• Include shortener in templates
• Automatic short link creation
• Consistent link format
• Team standardization

Learn about templates →

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Troubleshooting

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Short Link Not Working

Possible Issues:

• DNS not configured correctly
• Domain not verified
• Link expired
• Click limit reached

Solutions:

• Check DNS configuration
• Verify domain status
• Check link settings
• Review analytics for issues

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Custom Domain Not Resolving

Solutions:

• Verify DNS records are correct
• Allow 24-48 hours for propagation
• Check domain registrar settings
• Use DNS checker tools
• Contact support

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Analytics Not Tracking

Solutions:

• Verify tracking is enabled
• Check analytics integration
• Wait for data sync (a few minutes)
• Test with different link

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Comparing Options

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Related Documentation

• Custom Domains Setup
• DNS Configuration
• Short Links
• QR Codes
• Link Analytics

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Need Help?

For questions about link shortening or custom domain setup, contact our support team.