Top 7 Ways App Developers Can Use URL Shorteners for Growth
In today's app-driven world, getting users to install and engage with your app is just as important as building it. Whether you're a solo developer or part of a team, using the right marketing tools can make a huge difference. One such underrated tool is the URL shortener.
URL shorteners don’t just make links shorter — they unlock powerful features that can supercharge your app growth. Below are 7 proven ways app developers can use URL shorteners to their advantage.
1. Track Install Sources Accurately
Using a URL shortener like URLShortly.com, developers can generate separate links for each marketing channel:
urlshortly.com/fbappfor Facebook Adsurlshortly.com/igappfor Instagramurlshortly.com/emailappfor Email newsletters
By doing this, you can track exactly where your app installs are coming from, making it easier to focus your marketing efforts.
2. Improve Click-Through Rates with Clean Links
Long URLs can look spammy, especially on social media or in messages. Shortened links appear cleaner and more professional.
Example:
Instead of this:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appname.exampleapp&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=launch
Use:https://urlshortly.com/fblaunch
Cleaner links = more trust = higher clicks.
3. Use Branded Short Domains for Authority
If you want to boost your brand identity, go for custom short domains.
For example:https://apphub.to/doit instead of urlshortly.com/doit
It builds trust, improves click-through rate, and gives your app a more polished online presence.
4. Run A/B Tests Easily
Trying different ads or app store pages? Create multiple short links for each version:
urlshortly.com/versionAurlshortly.com/versionB
Then track which version gets more clicks and conversions. This helps app developers optimize their app pages and campaigns with data.
5. Customize Links for Campaigns and Events
Launching a new feature or doing a seasonal promotion? You can create event-based short links like:
urlshortly.com/newfeatureurlshortly.com/winterdeal
This helps in organizing campaigns, increasing clicks, and sharing links that are easy to remember.
6. Share via Influencers and Partners
If you're collaborating with content creators or partners, give them unique short URLs to promote your app. This allows you to:
Monitor each partner's performance
Reward top promoters
Prevent fraudulent traffic
This data helps improve influencer marketing strategies and boost ROI.
7. Retarget Users with Smart Links
Advanced URL shorteners allow you to add retargeting pixels to your shortened links. That means anyone who clicks can later see retargeting ads for your app on Facebook, Google, etc.
This helps app developers stay in front of potential users, improving chances of install even after the first click.
Bonus Tip: Combine with Analytics & CRM Tools
Many shorteners integrate with Google Analytics, Zapier, Mailchimp, and more. This helps automate workflows like:
Adding clickers to your email list
Notifying your team about campaign performance
Syncing data to your app’s dashboard
Conclusion
A URL shortener is not just for shortening links — it’s a full-featured growth tool that gives app developers the power to track, analyze, test, and optimize. Whether you're running paid campaigns or organic promotions, using tools like URLShortly can take your strategy to the next level.
Start using custom, trackable links today — and turn more clicks into downloads.