How to Create a Custom URL
Make your short links memorable with a custom back-half, and fully branded with your own domain.
A custom URL replaces a random short link with something a person can read, remember, and trust. There are two parts to it: the back-half, the readable text after the slash, and the domain, the part before it. This guide covers both, from a free custom back-half to a fully branded domain on a paid plan.
Quick Answer
To create a custom URL, sign in to ShortifyMe and create a new short link. In the create form, type your chosen text into the custom back-half field, for example yourname instead of a random code. To customize the domain as well, add a custom domain on a paid plan and select it from the domain dropdown. A custom back-half is free; a custom domain requires a paid plan.
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The Two Parts of a Custom URL
A short link has two customizable parts. Take an example link: the domain is the part before the slash, and the back-half is the part after it. In a default ShortifyMe link, the domain is the standard ShortifyMe domain and the back-half is a short random code.
The back-half is what you change to make a link readable, for example a word that describes the campaign or content. A custom back-half is available on every plan, including the free account. The domain is what you change to make a link fully branded, replacing the standard domain with your own. A custom domain requires a paid plan. You can use one, the other, or both.
How to Create a Custom Back-Half, Free
The custom back-half is the free way to make a link memorable. It is set when you create the link.
Step 2
Click ShortifyMe Links in the left navigation, then click Create a New Short Link.
Step 3
Enter your destination URL.
Step 4
In the custom back-half field, type the text you want after the slash (at least 5 characters). Choose something short, readable, and relevant.
Step 5
Click Create New Link. Your link now uses your custom back-half.
How to Use a Custom Domain in Your URL, Paid Plans
To brand the domain part of the link, you add a custom domain to your account and then select it when creating links. Custom domains require a paid plan.
Step 2
Step 3
When you create a new short link, open the domain dropdown on the create form.
Step 4
Your verified custom domain appears in the dropdown alongside the default. Select it.
Step 5
Finish creating the link. It now uses your branded domain and, if you set one, your custom back-half.
Tips for Choosing a Custom URL
- Keep the back-half short. The point is to be memorable; a long back-half defeats it.
- Make it readable. A word or short phrase beats a string of characters.
- Make it relevant. Match the back-half to the campaign, offer, or content so it makes sense to anyone who sees it.
- Be consistent. Using a predictable pattern across campaigns makes your links look organized and intentional.
- Choose the back-half carefully on a free account, because the back-half cannot be changed later without a paid plan. On a paid plan, the back-half can be edited later using the Edit action.
Frequently Asked Questions
A custom back-half, the readable text after the slash, is free on every plan including the free account. A custom domain, your own branded domain in place of the default, requires a paid plan starting at $7.99 per month.
On a free account, no. The back-half is set when the link is created and cannot be edited afterward. On a paid plan, you can change it later using the Edit action. Choose carefully if you are on the free account.
The back-half is the text after the slash, which you can make readable for free. The domain is the part before the slash, which you can replace with your own branded domain on a paid plan. Together they make a fully branded, memorable link.
Each back-half on a given domain must be unique, so if your first choice is in use you will need to pick another. Adding a word or a small variation usually resolves it.
No. The custom back-half and domain only change how the link looks. The destination is set separately. On a paid plan you can edit the destination later without changing the custom URL itself.
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