How to Shorten URLs for Better Tracking and Click Conversions

Looking to shorten URLs for better tracking and increased click conversions? Whether you’re sharing links in ads, emails, or social posts, using shortened URLs gives you control, insight, and a serious performance boost.

Why Shorten URLs Instead of Using Full Links?

When you shorten URLs, you're not just making them look cleaner—you’re unlocking powerful features that improve how your links perform and how you track them. Benefits include:

• Improved readability and visual appeal
• Click tracking and real-time analytics
• Custom branded links and vanity URLs
• Retargeting capabilities
• Increased trust and higher conversion rates

Using a platform like Linkly makes it easy to shorten URLs while unlocking these advanced features.

Step-by-Step: How to Shorten URLs the Right Way

1. Choose a URL Shortener That Offers Tracking and Customization

There are many tools that shorten URLs, but not all offer deep analytics or branding. Look for a platform with:

• Custom domains and vanity URLs
• Click tracking and UTM tagging
• QR code support
• Retargeting pixel integration
• Easy integrations with platforms like Zapier

Linkly provides all of this and includes a generous free plan with 1,000 clicks/month.

2. Set Up a Custom Domain for Shortened URLs

Generic shorteners like bit.ly get the job done, but branded links look more professional and trustworthy. For example:

• Instead of bit.ly/3hdJ7s, try yourbrand.link/summer

Linkly makes it easy to add a custom domain. You can follow detailed guides for GoDaddy or Namecheap.

3. Add UTM Parameters Before You Shorten URLs

Before you shorten URLs, consider appending UTM parameters. These tags let you identify the exact source and purpose of each click inside your analytics platform.

Linkly can automatically add these tags and forward query parameters, saving you time.

4. Enable Click Tracking and Analyze Results

Once you've shortened your URL, tracking is essential.

With Linkly, you can:

• Track total and unique clicks
• Monitor user agents, locations, and ISPs
• Export your click data
• Integrate with your marketing tools using the Linkly API

5. Add Retargeting Pixels to Your Shortened Links

Want to retarget visitors who clicked a shortened URL? Add retargeting pixels from Facebook, Google Ads, or other platforms directly to your Linkly link.

This allows you to build custom audiences and improve conversion rates over time.

6. Optimize and Test Your Links

The work doesn’t stop once you shorten URLs. Keep optimizing:

• A/B test different URLs using a link rotator
• Disable old or broken links
• Share analytics with your team
• Test across platforms and devices for performance

Bonus: Create QR Codes from Shortened URLs

Shortened URLs are perfect for print campaigns too. With Linkly, you can create QR codes linked to your shortened URLs for offline tracking and engagement.

Final Tips to Shorten URLs for Maximum Impact

• Keep the slug short and meaningful (e.g., yourbrand.link/free)
• Avoid generic domains when possible
• Track everything—don’t fly blind on campaign performance

Ready to Shorten URLs That Actually Convert?

Shortened URLs do more than clean up your links—they give you insight, branding, and conversion power. With Linkly, you get everything you need to shorten URLs while tracking, optimizing, and scaling your campaigns.

👉 Start shortening URLs with Linkly and turn every click into a strategic advantage.