Creating shortlinks on your WordPress website can streamline the user experience, enhance shareability, and offer valuable insights into user behavior. Let's delve into the step-by-step process to understand how you can create shortlinks on your WordPress website.
Understanding What is Shortlink
A shortlink is a condensed version of a longer URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or web address. It is a technique used to create a compact and manageable link that redirects users to the original, lengthier URL when clicked or accessed. Shortlinks are commonly employed to share and distribute web addresses that are lengthy, complex, or difficult to remember. They are particularly useful in situations where character limitations exist, such as social media platforms or text messages.
The process of creating a shortlink involves using a URL-shortening service or tool. These services take a lengthy URL and generate a shorter, alternative link that redirects to the original destination. When someone clicks on a shortlink, they are automatically redirected to the intended webpage.
Why Use Shortlinks?
1. Convenience and Simplicity:
Shortlinks make long and complex URLs more manageable and easier to share. They eliminate the need for users to manually type or remember lengthy web addresses, especially when character limitations exist, such as on social media platforms or messaging apps.
2. Improved Aesthetics:
In contexts where long URLs may appear cluttered or unattractive, shortlinks provide a cleaner and more professional appearance. They can be visually appealing and enhance the overall presentation of a message or post.
3. Social Media Optimization:
Social media platforms often impose character limits on posts or tweets. Shortlinks help conserve precious character space, allowing users to include additional content or messages in their posts. They enable more concise and impactful communication on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or SMS.
4. Tracking and Analytics:
Many URL shortening services offer analytics tools that provide valuable insights into the performance of shortlinks. Users can track metrics such as the number of clicks, geographical data, referral sources, and even the devices used to access the links. This data can help evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, monitor audience engagement, and make informed decisions based on user behavior.
5. Customization and Branding:
Some URL shortening services allow users to customize the shortlink with a memorable keyword or phrase. This customization feature can help reinforce a brand's identity, enhance recognition, or align the shortlink with the content or message being shared.
6. URL Masking and Security:
Shortlinks can be used to mask the original URL, hiding it from the user and potentially providing an extra layer of security. This feature is useful in cases where the original URL is long, contains sensitive information, or needs to be protected in affiliate marketing or advertising campaigns.
How to Create Shortlinks on Your WordPress Website
There are multiple methods available for creating shortlinks on WordPress websites. You have the option to utilize both the classic and block editors, external online tools, or plugins to generate these shortlinks.
Manual Method (Classic Editor)
You can create shortlink on WordPress classic editor. To do it you need to unhide the shortlink button first.
Open the WordPress Admin Panel then go to Appearance > Theme File Editor
Choose your current theme from Select the to edit drop-down menu. Then click on the function.php file.
Now add this code in the function.php file and press Update File button.
add_filter( 'get_shortlink', function( $shortlink ) {return $shortlink;} );
To proceed, Make sure you are in WordPress classic editor. Now navigate to the "Posts" section and select "All Posts," or go to the "Pages" section and choose "All Pages." From there, click on the "Edit" option for the specific published file you wish to modify.
Click on the button Get Shortlink.
Upon clicking, a popup window will emerge, displaying a distinct shortlink. Copy the link from this window and employ it wherever it is required.
Create Shortlink Using Plugin
For more functionality and control over your shortlinks, consider using a WordPress plugin. Here are the steps for using one popular option, the Pretty Links plugin:
First, Install and Activate the Pretty Links plugin from your WordPress dashboard.
Once activated, a new "Pretty Links" tab will appear in your dashboard menu.
Click on it and Select "Add New".
When you enter the dashboard of Pretty Link
Add a Title for the Link
In the Target URL field, paste the long URL that you want to shorten
In the Pretty Link field, enter your desired shortlink.
Make a Notes so that you remember about the exact link.
Click Update to complete the task.
You will get the Titles and the Pritty Links as a list so that you can use them in the future.
Read: Understanding WordPress Themes
Conclusion
Incorporating shortlinks into your WordPress website offers numerous advantages. These shortened and streamlined links are easier to share, enhance your online presence, and provide valuable analytics. Whether you choose to utilize the default WordPress shortlinks or opt for plugins to further customize and optimize your shortlinks, the process remains straightforward and user-friendly. By following best practices, you can make the most of your shortlinks and unlock their full potential. Start leveraging the power of shortlinks and enjoy the benefits they bring to your website!