In a world where character limits and concise communication are paramount, finding effective solutions to share lengthy URLs is vital. This is where short links come to the rescue. So, what is a short link exactly and how does it work in WordPress?
A short link is a condensed version of a URL that redirects to the original, longer version of the URL. If you want to optimize your online presence, familiarizing yourself with this concept is essential.
In this blog post, we’ll further explore the concept of short links, determine their significance, and guide you through creating them in WordPress.
Understanding short links
Short links are particularly valuable when sharing lengthy URLs on social media platforms where character limits exist. By shortening the link, you can save space and make your posts more concise. The condensed format of these links is also aesthetically pleasing and has a higher probability of catching visitors’ attention. They are likewise more memorable than long and convoluted URLs.
Furthermore, lengthy URLs can be prone to mistyping or misreading, leading to frustration for both the sharer and the recipient of the link. Short links mitigate this risk by simplifying the URL and reducing the chances of errors. Visitors can easily access the desired content without the hassle of copying and pasting a complex web address, which leads to a seamless browsing experience.
Beyond what is a short link: how to create a short link in WordPress
Creating short links in WordPress is a breeze thanks to the platform’s user-friendly interface and availability of plugins.
Creating short links from the WordPress dashboard
To create a short link directly from the WordPress dashboard, you need to log in to your admin panel.
The next step is to install the Jetpack plugin, which is one of WordPress’ in-house plugins with multiple purposes. To do so, go to Plugins → Add New and search for “Jetpack” in the plugin library. Click on Install Now and then Activate.
Now that Jetpack is active, navigate to the specific page or post for which you want to generate a short link.
Click on the Jetpack icon at the top right of the page, then Shortlink. Clicking on this button will trigger the system to generate a unique and shortened version of the URL. Finally, copy the generated short link and utilize it wherever you wish to share your content, whether it’s on social media platforms, email newsletters, or any other channels you prefer.
Using a third-party WordPress short link plugin
To create short links using a third-party WordPress short link plugin, start by installing and activating a suitable plugin like Pretty Links. Then, configure its settings according to your preferences. This may involve specifying the short link format, enabling tracking features, or customizing link appearance.
After configuring the plugin, create a new short link by entering the desired URL and, if applicable, choosing a custom slug. Save the short link within the plugin, and it will be ready to use.
Conclusion
Short links offer a range of benefits, including space-saving, improved user experience, and increased engagement. Creating these links in WordPress is a straightforward process that can be done directly from the dashboard by utilizing plugins.
Now that you know what is a short link and how to apply it in WordPress, you can further optimize your digital platform and reap the rewards of a simplified URL-sharing process.
