How to Create a Branded Short Link for Your Business

Using your own domain to create a short link provides your potential customers with more information about your business before they click the link. It also creates a consistent, recognizable address you can use across multiple channels (email, social media, packaging, etc.).

A branded short link consists of a domain your business controls and a short, descriptive ending. For example, instead of using a public shortener to get a link like example.com/?x=2813021579, a business could use go.example.com/sale.

Choose a domain you can keep

Before attaching a shortener to the domain, make sure you can control the domain and edit the DNS records for that domain.

It is better to have a domain that is two characters longer and know you will always be able to control it than to use a domain that is two characters shorter but not know if you will control it in the future.

Your choice of alias affects meaning.

Meaningful aliases help readers expect the right things. go.example.com/spring-sale is a whole lot better than go.example.com/x7k2q. Be brief, avoid confusing abbreviations, and stick to a naming style. If the link is printed, check to make sure the characters are not hard to distinguish from a distance.

Connect your domain and check it out

A link management service will help you with DNS information to connect your domain. Use the service provider's exact record values rather than blindly following someone else's set up. When your domain is verified and its SSL record is active, create a test link. Check it out from your phone and computer and make sure it points to the right place.

Recut supports branded custom domains and short link management. Start with the current URL shortener feature details and feature catalogue before planning your setup.

Keep things simple

Make policy decisions on who is authorized to create aliases and name campaigns. Create a simple list to track aliases with old links removed. This is very helpful when employees leave.

A good link takes you to a good destination. Make the page useful, mobile optimized and check if it's still alive before starting a campaign.