Link shorteners may seem like a tiny, almost invisible tool, but in the world of online marketing, they pack a punch! If you’re out there sharing links to your blog, products, or social media, then you know that not every link gets the love it deserves. But what if you could change that with just a little tweak? Using a link shortener can make your links look cleaner, more inviting, and way less overwhelming—especially when they’re the long ones that seem to go on forever.
So, let’s dive into how you can use link shorteners to actually get more clicks. After all, there’s a bit of strategy involved to make the most out of these tiny, yet powerful links. Ready to make your links shine? Let’s get started!
1. Keep It Short (And Sweet)
Alright, let’s start with the obvious: short links are just easier to click on. A big chunk of the web is accessed on mobile, and people don’t want to squint at links that look like they belong in a code library. So, one of the best things you can do is use a link shortener to tidy things up.
Instead of posting:
https://www.really-long-link-to-my-awesome-content.com/that-no-one-wants-to-click-because-it-looks-complicated
Try:
jej.cc/awesome-content
It’s quicker to read and looks clean, right? Plus, short links take up less space in your posts, tweets, or bios. It’s a small change with a big impact! Just remember, simplicity is appealing—so keeping your links short is the first step in encouraging people to click.
2. Use Custom URLs to Add Personality
Short links are great, but if you can customize them, even better! Most link shorteners allow you to add a bit of personal flair, making your links look even more inviting and memorable. Instead of a generic jej.cc/abc123, you could make it something like jej.cc/MyNewArticle or tinyurl.com/GetDiscountNow. Custom URLs give your links a friendly, personalized touch and give people a little hint of what they’re about to click on.
For example, if you’re running a blog, you could use jej.cc/ReadMyLatestPost or shorturl.at/TravelTips. It adds context, reduces mystery, and can even spark curiosity. It’s a small detail that shows you put thought into what you’re sharing, and it’s way more clickable than something that feels random.
3. Be Clear with Your CTA (Call-to-Action)
A link on its own might get clicks, but a link paired with a solid call-to-action (CTA) is way more powerful. Think about it: if you just drop a link with no explanation, people are left wondering, “Is this worth my time?” But if you tell them what they’re in for, you’ve already piqued their interest.
Here are some CTAs that can give your link a boost:
- "Learn more about our latest product here!"
- "Click here to see our tips for stress-free travel!"
- "Don’t miss out on this discount!"
You’re basically guiding your audience to the link with a CTA, giving them a reason to be curious and click. And don’t forget, keep it direct and inviting. If you’re too vague, they might scroll right past.
4. Track Your Links to Understand Your Audience
One of the best perks of using link shorteners is the tracking data you get. Platforms like Bitly, jej.cc, and TinyURL offer analytics that can show you who clicked, when they clicked, and even where they’re from. This data is gold because it helps you understand what works best for your audience.
Let’s say you’re sharing links on Twitter and Instagram. By tracking those links separately, you can see where you’re getting the most engagement. If you notice that Instagram is performing way better than Twitter, you know where to focus your efforts. This insight can also tell you what types of CTAs work better and when your audience is most active. A little data goes a long way in helping you improve your strategies.
5. Add a Sense of Urgency
When you want people to act, a little urgency can make a huge difference. Letting people know that something’s limited or that they should act fast can give them the extra nudge they need to click. Adding phrases like “limited time,” “today only,” or “don’t miss out” alongside your link can drive people to act on the spot rather than waiting.
For instance:
- "Click here to grab this deal – it’s live only for today!"
- "See our top picks before they’re gone!"
Urgency works because it creates FOMO (fear of missing out), and who doesn’t want to feel in-the-know? Just be sure that there’s a real reason for the urgency; otherwise, it can come across as pushy or inauthentic.
6. Use Short Links in Multiple Places
You’ve got your short link, so now it’s time to maximize its reach. Don’t just share it once and call it a day. Instead, post it across various platforms where you’re active, like Twitter, Instagram bio, email newsletters, blog posts, and even your YouTube description if you have one. Each platform has a different audience, and posting it in multiple places lets you reach them all.
For example, if you’re promoting a new product, you could share the link in a tweet, add it to your Instagram bio, include it in an email blast, and even mention it in a blog post. People often need to see something a few times before they actually click, so don’t be shy about using your link across the board.
7. Test and Tweak Your Links
Sometimes, the first version of a link won’t be the best one. If you’re not getting the clicks you expected, try experimenting with your approach. Change up the CTA, update the custom link text, or even switch the platform where you’re sharing. This is where tracking comes back into play; you’ll want to see which tweaks work best.
Maybe you start with jej.cc/SummerSale but notice it’s not getting clicks. You could try tweaking it to something like jej.cc/ShopSummerNow to see if it sparks more curiosity. Small changes can make a big difference, so don’t hesitate to adjust until you find a winner.
8. Don’t Go Overboard with Short Links
While short links are great, too many links can actually be overwhelming. If you’re sharing more than one or two at a time, prioritize only the most important ones. Nobody wants to open a post and see a laundry list of links with no clear direction on what to do next. Stick with quality over quantity, and make sure each link you share has a clear purpose.
If you have multiple things to share, consider using a bio link page (like jej.cc or Linktree) where you can house all your short links in one neat spot. This way, people can find what they’re looking for without feeling like they’re drowning in options.
Using link shorteners to increase click-through rates isn’t about tricking people; it’s about making your links more appealing and accessible. With a little customization, some strategic placement, and a strong CTA, you’re setting yourself up for success. Just remember, the best link is one that feels like an invitation, not a random chunk of text!
Incorporate these strategies, have a little fun with your custom URLs, and keep an eye on those analytics. Soon enough, you’ll start to see those click-through rates go up. Happy linking!