🏆 How to Create Shortened Links with Custom Domains
Using custom domains for shortened links boosts brand credibility, increases click-through rates (CTR), and improves tracking. Instead of using generic shorteners like bit.ly/xyz123, you can create branded short links like yourbrand.com/deal for a professional look.
🚀 Why Use a Custom Domain for Shortened Links?
🔹 Looks Professional & Trustworthy – No more spammy-looking links!
🔹 Increases Click-Through Rates (CTR) – Branded links get up to 39% more clicks.
🔹 Better for SEO & Social Media – Custom links rank better and get more shares.
🔹 Tracks Performance – Measure clicks, sources, and engagement with analytics.
🎯 Step 1: Choose a Custom Domain
🔹 Pick a short and memorable domain.
🔹 Use your brand name (e.g., go.yourbrand.com).
🔹 Consider TLDs like .link, .click, .to, or .ly for shorter links.
🔗 Example Domains for Short Links:
✅ go.yourbrand.com
✅ deals.yourbrand.com
✅ yourbrand.to
🔗 Step 2: Register Your Custom Domain
You can buy a custom domain from:
✔️ Namecheap
✔️ GoDaddy
✔️ Google Domains
Once purchased, connect it to a URL shortener.
⚙️ Step 3: Choose a URL Shortener That Supports Custom Domains
🔹 Top URL Shorteners for Custom Domains:
✅ Bitly – Easiest to set up, supports branding & analytics.
✅ Rebrandly – Best for full custom branding & tracking.
✅ Short.io – Free plan available, supports multiple domains.
✅ TinyURL Pro – Simple & budget-friendly option.
🔄 Step 4: Connect Your Custom Domain to the Shortener
Each service has a different setup, but the process is similar:
1️⃣ Go to your domain provider’s DNS settings (e.g., Namecheap, GoDaddy).
2️⃣ Create a CNAME record pointing your subdomain (go.yourbrand.com) to the shortener’s host.
3️⃣ Verify domain ownership in the URL shortener settings.
4️⃣ Start creating branded short links!
🔗 Example:
Original Link: https://yourbrand.com/blog-post-title
Shortened Link: go.yourbrand.com/blog
📊 Step 5: Shorten & Track Your Links
Now that your custom domain is connected, you can:
✔️ Create branded short links for emails, social media, & ads.
✔️ Track performance – clicks, traffic sources, & devices.
✔️ Customize links – add keywords for better engagement.
🎯 Best Practices for Custom Short Links
✅ Keep it short & readable – Avoid random letters/numbers.
✅ Use relevant keywords – Helps with branding & SEO.
✅ Track & analyze clicks – Optimize based on data insights.
✅ Be consistent – Use the same custom domain across all platforms.
🚀 Conclusion: Start Branding Your Short Links Today!
🔹 Using a custom domain makes your short links trustworthy, professional, and trackable.
🔹 Follow these steps to set up your own branded URL shortener.
🔹 Boost your marketing, social media, and email campaigns with custom short links!
💡 Ready to create your own branded short links? Start today with Bitly, Rebrandly, or Short.io! 🚀