When you shorten a URL, the resulting short link is usually a random string of characters. However, URLShortly offers you the ability to create custom slugs for your short links. Custom slugs are the unique part of the short link that follows the domain name, making your links more memorable and aligned with your branding or campaign.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of creating and managing custom slugs for your short links on URLShortly.
Step 1: Log in to Your URLShortly Account
To get started, log in to your URLShortly account. You will be taken to your dashboard, where you can manage all your links and settings.
Step 2: Create a New Short Link with a Custom Slug
In your dashboard, go to the Short Links section.
Click on the Create New Link button to shorten a new URL.
Paste the long URL you want to shorten in the required field.
Below the long URL, you will see a field for Custom Slug.
Step 3: Set the Custom Slug
In the Custom Slug field, type the desired string of characters you want to use. This could be a word, a phrase, or a combination of both.
For example: “SummerSale” or “DiscountOffer”.
Make sure the slug is unique. If the custom slug is already in use by another link, you will be prompted to choose a different one.
Once you’ve chosen a unique slug, click Save or Create Link to generate your new short link with the custom slug.
Step 4: Edit Custom Slugs for Existing Short Links
If you have already created a short link and want to update its custom slug, follow these steps:
In the Short Links section of your dashboard, locate the link you want to modify.
Click on the Edit button next to the link.
In the Custom Slug field, change the slug to a new one.
Save the changes by clicking Update Link.
Note that the new custom slug must also be unique, and if it’s already taken, you will need to choose a different one.
Step 5: Benefits of Using Custom Slugs
Using custom slugs for your short links comes with several advantages:
Branding: Custom slugs can reflect your brand or the specific content of the link, making the URL more recognizable and trustworthy.
Memorability: A custom slug is easier to remember compared to a random string of characters, especially for marketing campaigns.
Personalization: You can create a unique and personalized URL for specific campaigns, promotions, or events.
SEO Benefits: A descriptive custom slug can be beneficial for search engine optimization (SEO), as it can contain relevant keywords that reflect the content of the linked page.
Step 6: Best Practices for Custom Slugs
Here are a few best practices to follow when creating custom slugs:
Keep It Short and Sweet: A short and simple custom slug is easier to share and remember. Avoid long, complicated strings.
Use Keywords: If possible, include relevant keywords that describe the content or purpose of the link. This is helpful for both users and SEO.
Avoid Special Characters: Stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens for your custom slugs. Avoid special characters like &, %, $, as they might not work properly.
Be Unique: Always ensure that the custom slug is unique, especially if you plan to use it for multiple links or campaigns.
Step 7: Monitor Custom Slugs via Analytics
After creating custom slugs for your short links, you can track their performance via URLShortly’s Analytics section:
Go to your Analytics dashboard.
View the performance metrics for each link, including those with custom slugs.
Monitor how many clicks, conversions, and other interactions each short link receives.
This allows you to analyze the effectiveness of your custom slugs in your marketing efforts.
Step 8: Troubleshooting Custom Slug Issues
Sometimes, you may encounter issues when creating or managing custom slugs. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:
Slug Already Taken: If your desired custom slug is already in use, you will need to create a different one. Consider adding numbers, dashes, or other variations to make it unique.
Slug Invalid: Ensure that the custom slug only includes letters, numbers, and hyphens. Any other special characters might cause errors.
Link Not Redirecting: If the custom slug is not working correctly, check that it is properly saved in the system and that the long URL is correct.
Conclusion
Custom slugs are a great way to make your short links more personalized, branded, and memorable. Whether you’re using them for marketing campaigns, promotions, or simply for easy-to-remember links, the ability to create and manage custom slugs on URLShortly gives you greater control over your URLs.
Follow the steps outlined in this article to create your own custom slugs, and be sure to monitor their performance using URLShortly’s analytics. By implementing these tips, you can make the most out of your short links and ensure that they are effective for your needs.