Introduction
One of the biggest challenges in digital marketing is measuring campaign performance. You might run ads, send emails, or post content across platforms—but how do you know which ones are truly working?
The answer: Shortened URLs with tracking parameters. When combined with platforms like URLShortly.com, these links help you understand exactly where your traffic is coming from and how users interact with your content.
Why Use Shortened URLs for Tracking?
Shortened URLs are compact, clean, and easy to manage—but their real power lies in tracking. With just a few clicks, you can:
Track the number of clicks
See which platform or channel is performing best
Analyze user behavior through UTM tags
Optimize campaigns based on real data
Without tracking, you're guessing. With it, you're growing.
What Are UTM Parameters?
UTM parameters are tags added to the end of a URL to help analytics tools like Google Analytics identify:
Source (e.g., Facebook, Email)
Medium (e.g., CPC, Social)
Campaign name (e.g., summer_sale)
Content (e.g., ad_variation1)
Term (for paid keywords)
Example:
https://yourwebsite.com/product?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=summer_sale
This link can be long and unattractive. A shortener like URLShortly can turn it into:
yourbrand.link/summerdeal
Both versions point to the same destination, but the second one is more user-friendly and still keeps tracking intact.
How to Track Campaigns Step by Step
Step 1: Create Your Destination URL with UTM Tags
Use a free UTM builder tool or add UTM tags manually to your original URL. For example:
Step 2: Shorten the Link
Go to URLShortly.com or your chosen shortening platform:
Paste the long URL with UTM tags
Generate a branded short link
Example:
go.yourbrand.com/launch
Step 3: Share the Short Link in the Campaign
Post it on Instagram, in your email, or wherever the campaign is running. Now every click will be tracked automatically.
Step 4: Monitor Click Analytics
Visit your shortening dashboard or analytics platform (like Google Analytics) to view:
Total clicks
Click location (geography)
Device type
Referrer
Campaign-specific performance
Benefits of Campaign Tracking with Short Links
📊 Measure ROI: Know which campaigns are bringing in leads or sales.
🎯 Target Better: Adjust your strategy based on platform performance.
📉 Eliminate Waste: Stop investing in low-performing sources.
✅ Improve Accuracy: No more guesswork—use real data.
Example Campaign Tracking Setup
| Channel | Short Link | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Facebook Ad | go.mybrand.com/fb-spring | Drive traffic to landing page |
go.mybrand.com/ig-offer | Promote a product teaser | |
go.mybrand.com/email-launch | Invite subscribers to event |
Each link contains unique UTM tags for perfect tracking.
Tips for Effective Tracking
Use clear and unique slugs (
/blackfriday,/sale2025)Stay consistent with UTM naming (lowercase, no spaces)
Always test your links before launch
Use a custom domain to maintain branding and trust
Using URLShortly.com for Tracking
URLShortly lets you:
Manage all links from one dashboard
Monitor click performance in real time
Create branded links with advanced tracking
Set up team-level access for campaign managers
It’s perfect for marketers who need clarity and control.
Conclusion
If you’re spending time and money on digital marketing, you deserve to know what’s working. Shortened URLs with UTM tags allow you to track campaigns with precision—so you can double down on successful strategies and eliminate wasted effort.
Start tracking smarter with URLShortly.com and turn every link into a growth opportunity.