Optimizing Your Links: The Top 5 URL Shorteners for WordPress with Link Tracking

Themes Studio
October 14, 2023
Blog, Tips & Tricks
0 Comments

As webmasters, we understand the importance of URL shorteners. However, sometimes we can’t always tirm URLs down to our liking. The protocol, domain name, and path to the web page constitute the core components of a URL, and not all of them are flexible. The domain name is a fixed element, and altering it for URL purposes isn’t feasible. The path, too, requires brevity while conveying essential information, a crucial part of SEO techniques.
Creating a short URL solely for the sake of brevity might not always be ideal.

Fortunately, we have solutions that allow us to shorten or cloak URLs, all while preserving their structural integrity for search engine indexing. These solutions also offer valuable insights into link performance, which can be especially useful in a marketing context.

Understanding URL Shorteners

URL shorteners, including WordPress URL shorteners, follow a simple concept: they modify or mask your URL, making it shorter while retaining its functionality. These services work by creating redirects, typically 301 redirects, which send users to the original long link.

URL shorteners prove invaluable when you need to share a URL but find it too lengthy for certain platforms with character limits, such as social media. Additionally, they are frequently used to mask affiliate links, making them appear more natural and appealing to users.

Top 5 WordPress URL Shorteners

Now, let’s dive into our top picks for WordPress URL shorteners:

1. Bitly

Bitly is a well-known classic in the URL-shortening world. It’s commonly used for shortening links for social media sharing. While a free version is available, they’ve expanded their services to include QR code generation and link-in-bio pages, requiring sign-up. Paid plans offer more features, starting at $8/month.

2. Pretty Links

Pretty Links is a WordPress plugin primarily designed for affiliate link management. It empowers users to cloak links directly from the WordPress dashboard, organize links, and provides click tracking. A free version is available, with paid plans starting at $99.50/year.

3. URL Shortener by MyThemeShop

This WordPress plugin offers quick URL shortening directly from your website, allowing customization of the shortlink. It also tracks link clicks across social media platforms and can be used to cloak external and affiliate links. Best of all, it’s completely free.

4. ThirstyAffiliates

ThirstyAffiliates specializes in affiliate link management. It cloaks lengthy affiliate links, preventing link theft and streamlining their integration into your content. The plugin offers features like auto-linking keywords and smart uncloaking. The basic version is free, with premium plans starting at $79.50/year.

5. WP.me Shortlinks by Jetpack

Jetpack, a popular multi-purpose WordPress plugin, includes WP.me Shortlinks. This tool allows you to create short links directly from your content editor. It’s an excellent choice if you’re already using Jetpack for other functionalities. Pricing for Jetpack starts at $9.95/month.

In Conclusion

These top URL shorteners cater to various needs and preferences. Whether you seek a quick and free solution, advanced features for smart cloaking and keyword linking, or specialize in affiliate marketing, there’s an option for you. If you know of any other URL shorteners worth mentioning, don’t hesitate to share them in the comments! For more tips for WordPress and Elementor, make sure to check Themescamp’s blog.