In today's age of the internet where every click is precious and brand visibility is most important, the humble URL has grown from a plain old web address to become a marketing and branding powerhouse. Branded short URLs are the epitome of functionality meeting brand identity and give businesses an opportunity to stay top-of-mind even in the tiniest of digital interfaces.
What Are Branded Short URLs?
A branded short URL is a short web address that includes your domain name, custom identifier, or brand name instead of relying on generic shortening services. Instead of posting a link such as "bit.ly/2x3y4z5" or "tinyurl.com/abcd123," a branded short URL could be "yourbrand.co/summer-sale" or "company.link/newsletter."
The Anatomy of a Branded Short URL
- Domain: Your custom domain (e.g., yourbrand.co, company.link)
- Slug: The customizable part after the domain (e.g., /summer-sale, /newsletter)
- Redirect: The target URL that users are forwarded to when they click the link
Why Branded Short URLs Matter
Brand Recognition and Trust
- Instant Brand Visibility: Each shared link is a brand touchpoint, reminding your company name and identity with each click.
- Increased Credibility: People are more likely to click on links that explicitly show the origin, limiting mistrust of suspicious or unknown shortened URLs.
- Professional Look: Branded URLs project professionalism and care, especially in B2B communications and formal marketing materials.
Better Click-Through Rates
Studies always prove that branded short URLs produce dramatically increased click-through rates over generic shortened links:
- Trust Factor: People are more willing to click links from familiar brands
- Relevance Indication: Branded URLs tend to give some insight into the destination content
- Less Link Anxiety: Stops the "mystery link" issue that hinders generic shorteners
How to Create Branded Short URLs
Step 1: Choose Your Domain Strategy
Decide on your domain approach:
- Custom Domain: Use your main domain with a URL shortener
- Dedicated Short Domain: Purchase a domain specifically for short links
- Subdomain: Create a subdomain like go.yourbrand.com
Step 2: Select a URL Shortening Service
Choose a service that supports custom domains:
- mntz.xyz: Offers custom domain support with comprehensive analytics
- Bitly: Popular choice with custom domain features
- Rebrandly: Specialized in branded link management
Best Practices for Branded URLs
Naming Conventions
- Keep it Short: Aim for 20 characters or less
- Use Hyphens: Separate words with hyphens for readability
- Avoid Special Characters: Stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens
- Be Descriptive: Make URLs self-explanatory
Conclusion
Branded short URLs are more than just a convenience—they're a powerful branding and marketing tool that can significantly impact your digital presence. By creating memorable, trustworthy, and professional-looking links, you can enhance brand recognition, improve click-through rates, and maintain better control over your link strategy.
Start creating your branded short URLs today with mntz.xyz and transform your link strategy into a powerful branding asset.