Published February 2026
Custom Short Links — How to Create Branded URLs
Generic short links like bit.ly/3xK9mP2 are forgettable and suspicious-looking. Custom short links like go.yourbrand.com/spring-sale build trust, boost clicks, and keep your brand front and center.
This guide covers everything you need to know about creating custom short links — what they are, why they work better, and how to set them up in under five minutes.
What Are Custom Short Links?
A custom short link (also called a branded URL or vanity URL) is a shortened URL that uses your own domain instead of a generic shortener like bit.ly or tinyurl.com. Instead of sharing a random string of characters, you share a clean, branded link that your audience immediately recognizes.
Generic vs. Custom Short Link
bit.ly/3xK9mP2go.yourbrand.com/spring-saleThe branded version tells people exactly who the link is from and what to expect when they click it. That transparency is what drives higher engagement.
Why Branded Short Links Perform Better
Switching from generic short links to branded URLs is not just about aesthetics. There are measurable performance differences:
- Up to 39% higher click-through rate. Branded links earn more clicks because people trust URLs they recognize. A link from your own domain feels safe. A random bit.ly link could go anywhere.
- Stronger brand recognition. Every time someone sees your branded link — on social media, in an email, on a poster — they see your brand name. That compounds over thousands of impressions.
- Higher trust and credibility. Phishing attacks often hide behind generic short URLs. Using your own domain signals legitimacy and makes people more comfortable clicking.
- Better link memorability.
go.acme.com/demois something people can type from memory. Try rememberingbit.ly/3xK9mP2. - Consistent analytics. All your branded links funnel through the same domain, making it easier to track campaigns and measure performance in one place.
How to Set Up Custom Short Links with TrimLink
Setting up branded short links is straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide using TrimLink — it takes about five minutes, and you can start on the free plan.
Sign Up for Free
Create a free TrimLink account at trimlink.co/signup. No credit card required. The free plan includes 25 links per month, analytics, and one custom domain.
Add Your Custom Domain
Go to your dashboard settings and add your custom domain. Most people use a subdomain like go.yourbrand.com or links.yourbrand.com. You can also use a separate short domain if you prefer.
Configure DNS
Add a CNAME record in your domain registrar pointing your subdomain to TrimLink. This is a one-time setup that takes about two minutes. TrimLink provides the exact record you need — just copy and paste it into your DNS settings. Propagation usually completes within a few minutes.
Start Creating Branded Links
Once your domain is verified, every new short link you create will use your custom domain automatically. Paste a long URL, optionally customize the slug (like /spring-sale), and share your branded link. You get full click analytics, UTM tracking, and QR code generation for every link.
Custom Short Link Examples
Here are some real-world examples showing the difference branded links make:
| Use Case | Generic Link | Custom Short Link |
|---|---|---|
| Product launch | bit.ly/3xK9mP2 | go.acme.com/launch |
| Spring sale | tinyurl.com/y7k2m4 | links.shop.co/spring-sale |
| Newsletter signup | bit.ly/2hN8pQ1 | go.startup.io/newsletter |
| Podcast episode | tinyurl.com/4fn9z3 | link.podcast.fm/ep42 |
| Event registration | bit.ly/9wR3kL5 | go.conf.dev/register |
Custom Short Links vs. Generic Short Links
Here is a side-by-side comparison of what you get with custom branded links versus free generic shorteners:
| Feature | Generic Short Links | Custom Short Links |
|---|---|---|
| Brand visibility | None — shows bit.ly or tinyurl.com | Your brand in every link |
| Click-through rate | Baseline | Up to 39% higher |
| User trust | Low — could be a phishing link | High — recognizable domain |
| Memorability | Impossible to remember | Easy to recall and type |
| Custom slugs | Sometimes (paid) | Always — full control |
| Analytics | Basic or none | Detailed click tracking |
| Cost | Free | Free to $5/mo (TrimLink) |
Use Cases for Custom Short Links
Branded short links work anywhere you share a URL. Here are the most common use cases:
Marketing Campaigns
Track every campaign with unique branded links. Combine custom short links with UTM parameters to measure exactly which channels drive results. Links like go.brand.com/fb-summer make reporting cleaner and campaigns easier to manage.
Social Media
Short, branded links look professional in tweets, Instagram bios, and LinkedIn posts. They take up less space, stand out in feeds, and people are more likely to tap on a link from a domain they recognize rather than a random shortener.
Email Marketing
Generic short links in emails can trigger spam filters. Using your own domain for links improves deliverability and makes your emails look more professional. Plus, you can track click-through rates for every link in your campaign.
Print and Offline
Business cards, flyers, product packaging, event banners — anywhere you print a URL. A branded short link like go.brand.com/menu is easy to type and remember, unlike a long URL or random short code. Pair it with a QR code for the best of both worlds.
Free vs. Paid Custom Short Links
You do not need to pay to start using custom short links. Here is what you can expect at different price points:
Free (TrimLink Free Plan)
- 25 branded links per month
- 1 custom domain
- Click analytics for every link
- Custom slugs (choose your own URL path)
- QR code generation
Best for: Personal projects, freelancers, and small businesses just getting started with branded links.
Starter ($5/mo — TrimLink Starter)
- 500 branded links per month
- 2 custom domains
- 90-day analytics and UTM builder
- Link expiration
- Device breakdown stats
Best for: Growing businesses and marketing teams who need more volume and deeper insights.
Other Providers
Bitly charges $10/month for just 100 links with a custom domain. Dub.co starts at $30/month for their Pro plan. Rebrandly's Essential is $14/month for 250 links. TrimLink offers the most affordable entry point for custom short links, especially on the free tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a custom short link?
A custom short link is a shortened URL that uses your own brand name or custom domain instead of a generic shortener domain like bit.ly or tinyurl.com. For example, go.yourbrand.com/sale instead of bit.ly/3xK9mP2. Custom short links build trust, increase click-through rates, and reinforce brand recognition.
How do I create a branded short link for free?
You can create branded short links for free with TrimLink. Sign up for a free account, add your custom domain (like go.yourbrand.com), configure a simple DNS record, and start creating branded links. The free plan includes 25 links per month with a custom domain and analytics.
Do custom short links get more clicks than generic ones?
Yes. Studies show that branded short links receive up to 39% more clicks than generic short URLs. People are more likely to click a link from go.yourbrand.com than a random bit.ly or tinyurl.com link because branded URLs signal trust and legitimacy.
Can I use my own domain for short links?
Absolutely. Most URL shorteners including TrimLink allow you to connect your own domain. You can use a subdomain like go.yourbrand.com or links.yourbrand.com. You just need to add a DNS record (usually a CNAME) pointing to your shortener, and you can start creating custom short links immediately.
What is the difference between a custom short link and a vanity URL?
A custom short link uses your own domain for the base URL (go.yourbrand.com/offer). A vanity URL uses a custom slug or path on any domain (bit.ly/YourBrandOffer). Both improve branding, but custom short links with your own domain provide the strongest brand recognition and highest click-through rates.
Start Using Custom Short Links Today
Create branded short links with your own domain — free. No credit card required.
Set up takes less than five minutes.