- Jul 21
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
The perfect domain is just a click away: find your domain name →
A vanity URL is a customized, descriptive and more memorable URL than .org or .com domain extensions. Brands use these catchy, attractive URLs to direct users to a lengthy, trackable one. Often, vanity URLs are referred to as branded links or custom URLs.
After you figured out how to make a Wix website you can create your own branded vanity URLs and in social posts, emails, press releases, webpages and even in printed marketing assets like brochures or magazine ads.
Why vanity URLs are important?
Aside from their aesthetics, web users prefer vanity URLs to longer ones for a number of reasons:
01. They’re easy to remember
Web users can easily remember vanity URLs compared to the original link. Here’s an example of what that difference looks like:
Full link: https://support.wix.com/en/article/wix-editor-changing-your-page-url
Vanity URL: bit.ly/ChangeURL
A clear and simple URL can effectively direct users to the right webpage, increasing a website’s traffic.
02. They’re shareable
Prospective customers will find it easier to share Vanity URLs than their original counterpart URLs. Marketers can use these short and snappy URLS in printed marketing material, too, saving valuable ad space. Some domain extensions are built for the same job, and a .new domain turns the address itself into the action, as in bookdemo.new.
03. They can bring more website visitors
When using vanity URL creators like Hopp.co, you also get insights into how many clicks your link receives. Vanity URLs provide a quick way to A/B test links. Create two different vanity URLs for the same link and see which ones your users prefer to click. Vanity URL software also lets you track user demographics and devices for more detailed insights.
04. They can build trust with users
Users have become wary of clicking spammy or phishing links, especially on social media. A vanity URL can help your link appear credible and trustworthy. For example, a shortened link containing your brand name and a slug like “/ListenNow,” suggests that users will be directed to a podcast or video page. Rebrandly reported that 39% more click-throughs occur in branded links over unbranded ones.
05. They gives you better link management
A link shortener software allows you to organize, edit, delete, and redirect your links: all in one place. You can also easily see duplicates.
Best practices for using vanity URLs
Create your own vanity URLs using these tips:
Integrate them with other marketing efforts: You can combine vanity URLs with other promotional strategies to strengthen your marketing efforts.
Keep them simple: Don’t overcrowd a vanity URL with too many words and avoid confusing abbreviations. Don’t mislead users, either: In your vanity URL, always indicate what they can expect to see on the page.
Use capitalization: Capitalize the first letter of each word in your vanity URL slug for clarity. For example, a user can more easily comprehend “DownloadHere” than “downloadhere.”
Avoid additional punctuation: When using a vanity URL through your own domain name, i.e. “TomHardware.com,” Don’t add anything after the “.com” of your own domain such as slashes or dashes that could lead to other pages. Keep vanity URLs as concise as possible so that they remain clear and memorable.
Vanity URL FAQ
Is a vanity URL the same as a shortened link?
Not quite. A shortened link just compresses a long address into random characters, while a vanity URL uses real, readable words that reflect your brand or campaign. Both are short, but a vanity URL is built to be recognized and trusted, not just to save space.
Do vanity URLs help with SEO?
Indirectly. Search engines do not rank you higher simply for having a vanity URL, but clean, readable URLs are easier to remember and click, which can lift engagement. They also look more trustworthy in search results, which can improve your click-through rate.
Can I set up a vanity URL for free?
It depends on how you create it. Some link-management tools offer basic vanity links on a free tier, but a branded vanity URL on your own domain requires owning that domain. If you already have a custom domain, you can often create branded short links at no extra cost.
Will my vanity URL break if I change the page it points to?
It can, if the redirect is not maintained. Vanity URLs work by pointing to a destination, so if that destination moves or is deleted without updating the link, it breaks. Using a redirect you control means you can repoint the vanity URL whenever the target changes.
Is a vanity URL the same as a custom domain?
No, but they work together. A custom domain is your website main address, while a vanity URL is usually a short, memorable path or subdomain built on top of it for a specific campaign or profile. You generally need a domain before you can create a branded vanity URL.
