Updated: Apr 17
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 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.
Aside from their aesthetics, web users prefer vanity URLs to longer ones for a number of reasons:
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.
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.
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.
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.
A link shortener software allows you to organize, edit, delete, and redirect your links—all in one place. You can also easily see duplicates.
Create your own vanity URLs using these tips:
You can combine vanity URLs with other promotional strategies to strengthen your marketing efforts.
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.
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.”
When using a vanity URL through your own domain, 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.