How to Shorten a URL: Step-by-Step Guide

Why Shorten a URL?

URL shortening turns a long web address into a compact link that redirects visitors to the original destination.

For example:

Long URL: https://example.com/products/summer-collection?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=summer-sale

Short URL: https://short.example/summer-sale

The destination stays the same, but the link is easier to use.

Short URLs are useful for:

• Social media: Keep posts and profiles cleaner.
• Email: Avoid displaying long, complicated URLs.
• Printed materials: Make links easier to type manually.
• QR codes: Use a manageable URL as the destination.
• Marketing campaigns: Create separate links for different channels.
• Analytics: Track clicks when tracking features are available.
• Sharing: Make URLs easier to copy and remember.

You don't need to shorten every URL. A simple address such as example.com/contact may already be easy enough to share. URL shortening is most useful when the original address is long, contains tracking parameters, or needs additional management.

1. Copy the URL you want to shorten

Open the web page you want people to visit and copy its URL from the browser's address bar.

For example: https://example.com/blog/how-to-create-a-website-for-your-business

Before shortening it, check that the original page opens correctly and is the page you want visitors to see.

2. Open a URL shortener

Open the ME-Short-Link URL Shortener page at /url-shortener.

This is where you can turn a long web address into a shorter link.

3. Paste the original URL

Paste your long URL into the URL field.

If your URL includes UTM parameters, check them before creating the short link. They can be important for campaign tracking.

For example: https://example.com/sale?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=social

The short link should redirect to the complete URL, including the parameters you need for analytics.

4. Create the short link

Submit the URL to generate your short link.

Instead of sharing the long address, you can now use the shortened version in your campaign, message, website, or printed material.

5. Test the short link

Always open the new short link before publishing it.

Check that:

• it redirects to the correct page;
• the destination page loads;
• important tracking parameters are preserved;
• the link works on different devices when possible.

Testing takes only a few seconds and can prevent a broken link from being distributed across multiple channels.

You can also use the Shorten URL option at /#shorten-url to quickly create a shortened link.

Keep it short

Avoid creating an unnecessarily complicated custom name.

Good:

short.example/pricing

Less useful:

short.example/my-new-pricing-page-for-2026

The purpose of shortening a URL is to make it easier to use, so the short version should remain compact.

Make it relevant

Use a word connected to the destination or campaign.

Examples:

• /menu
• /tickets
• /webinar
• /sale
• /contact

This makes the link easier to recognize when you see it in your analytics or campaign materials.

Avoid confusing characters

If you can customize the short URL, avoid combinations that are difficult to read or remember.

For example, characters such as 0, O, 1, and l can sometimes be confused when a link is typed manually.

Keep your naming consistent

If you create multiple links for the same campaign, use a consistent naming system.

For example:

• /summer-instagram
• /summer-email
• /summer-flyer

This makes the links easier to organize and compare.

How to Track Clicks

Shortening a URL can also help you measure how people interact with your links.

With link tracking, you may be able to see information such as:

• total clicks;
• when clicks occurred;
• traffic sources;
• devices used;
• geographic information;
• campaign performance.

For example, imagine that you promote the same product through Instagram and email.

You could create separate short links:

Instagram:

short.example/product-instagram

Email:

short.example/product-email

Both links can point to the same product page. Tracking can then help you compare how each channel performs.

For more information, visit the ME-Short-Link Link Tracking page at /link-tracking.

How to Edit the Destination URL

One useful feature of some short-link services is the ability to change the destination URL without changing the short link.

This is called an editable short link.

Imagine that you print this URL on a flyer:

short.example/summer

Initially, it sends visitors to:

https://me-l.co/summer-sale

After the promotion ends, you want the same short link to send visitors to:

https://example.com/new-offer

If your short-link service supports editable destinations, you can update the destination while keeping the original short URL.

This is especially useful for links that have already been:

• printed;
• published on social media;
• added to QR codes;
• included in marketing materials;
• shared with customers.

You can learn more about this feature on the Editable Short Links page at /features/editable-short-links.

1. Shortening the wrong URL

Always check the original URL before creating the short link.

A typo in the destination can result in a short link that sends visitors to the wrong page.

Solution: Open the original URL in a separate browser tab and confirm that it works.

2. Not testing the short link

A generated link should be tested before you publish it.

Solution: Click the short link yourself and verify the destination.

3. Using random or confusing names

A custom short link that is difficult to understand can make your links harder to manage.

Solution: Use simple names related to the destination, campaign, or channel.

4. Forgetting tracking parameters

If you're measuring a campaign with UTM parameters, removing them accidentally can affect your analytics.

Solution: Check the final destination URL and make sure the required tracking parameters are present.

5. Creating separate links without a naming system

Creating many short links can become confusing if their names don't follow a consistent structure.

Solution: Establish a simple naming convention before creating multiple campaign links.

For example:

/campaign-source

or:

/campaign-channel-month

6. Changing a destination without checking the campaign

If you edit a destination URL, make sure the new page is relevant to people who click the existing short link.

For example, a short link printed on a "Summer Sale" flyer should not unexpectedly lead to an unrelated page.

Step 1: Check the destination

The store confirms that the product collection page works correctly.

Step 2: Create the short link

The long URL is entered into the URL shortener.

Step 3: Choose a recognizable short link

A suitable short link could be:

short.example/summer

Step 4: Test it

The store opens the short link and confirms that it redirects to the correct collection.

Step 5: Track performance

The store checks click data to understand how many people visit the collection through the link.

Step 6: Update the destination if needed

If the campaign changes and the short-link service supports editable destinations, the store can update the destination while continuing to use the same short URL.

This workflow makes one link useful throughout the campaign instead of creating and publishing a new URL every time the destination changes.