Custom Branded Link Best Practices: How to Create Branded URLs That Convert

A digital marketing screen prominently displaying a branded URL with a vibrant abstract background, emphasizing technology and professionalism.

Table of Contents

– What Are Custom Branded Links and Why Should You Care?
– How to Create Branded Links That Convert
– The Psychology Behind Branded Link Trust
– Optimizing Branded Links for Conversions
– Custom Branded Link Best Practices
– Track, Test, and Tweak Your Branded URLs
– FAQs about Branded Short Links

Custom branded links are shortened URLs built around your brand name or domain. If you’re still sharing long, cluttered links in your marketing campaigns, you’re missing a critical opportunity to improve CTR with branded URLs. Instead of a generic short domain like bit.ly/827dn3Q, a branded link might look like yourbrand.link/summerdeal.

Studies show branded short links for marketing improve click-through rates by up to 34% compared to generic ones. It’s about familiarity and trust. When users see your brand in the URL, they’re more likely to click. Platforms like OpenMyLink.io simplify the entire process of link branding, making it easier to create, manage, and track custom short links that align perfectly with your digital identity.

Creating custom branded links involves a few simple yet impactful steps. Here’s how you can set up a branded link strategy that works:

  1. Choose a custom domain: Your brand should be the focus. For example, replace generic domains with something unique like travelwithme.com or use a domain hack like trvl.me.
  2. Use a smart URL shortener: Tools like OpenMyLink allow you to shorten links using your custom domain, but also provide link management and analytics features that help in tracking engagement.
  3. Write keyword-rich slugs: Instead of random numbers and codes, use relevant words like /freeguide or /save20 to give users a sneak peek into the link’s content.
  4. Align the link with campaign goals: Your branded URLs should communicate purpose. Make sure the slug correlates with the CTA in your campaign.

The technical part is easy with the right platform. The real magic happens when you craft these links thoughtfully, tailored for the audience you want to engage.

Would you click on u8z.cc/xkd24h or mybrand.co/ebook? You already know the answer. Branded URLs enhance credibility. They reassure users that they’re landing on a trusted page, not a sketchy or unknown site.

According to Rebrandly, branded short links earn up to 39% more clicks simply because people recognize familiar brands and feel safer engaging with them. In a space flooded with shady links, your brand name in your URL becomes a trust signal. This helps in not just increasing link clicks but also reducing bounce rates.

People trust what they know. Link branding is more than aesthetics. It’s behavioral proof of credibility.

Let’s get practical. You built a beautiful marketing funnel, but your outreach emails aren’t getting enough engagement. Here’s how link optimization can help:

  • Match CTAs with your branded link slug: If your CTA says “Download the Free Guide,” make the link mybrand.com/guide or /freepdf. Consistency boosts click intent.
  • Geotarget links: Segment your audience by location with tools like OpenMyLink. Send users in the UK to a different landing page than users in the US.
  • Device targeting: Not all users behave the same on mobile and desktop. Optimize destination pages based on device with link rules.
  • Use link previews and custom thumbnails: When sharing on social media, a clean preview image, title, and description can massively improve CTR.

Link optimization is not guesswork. It’s systematic testing with data.

Custom branded link best practices are what differentiate average campaigns from high-performing ones. Here are effective techniques that consistently increase link clicks:

  • Keep it short and readable: No one clicks a mess. A good link is around 5-8 characters in the slug.
  • Use consistent branding: Stick to a naming theme across channels: brand.link/offer, brand.link/signup, brand.link/contact.
  • Avoid underscores and complex symbols: Hyphens work better for readability than underscores or random numbers.
  • Create links specific to each platform: Customize slugs based on where you share them—social, email, podcast, etc.
  • Monitor expiring or high-volume links: If you’re running limited-time campaigns, schedule link deactivation or redirections.

Following these habits builds trust, keeps your campaigns clean, and boosts engagement.

Track, Test, and Tweak Your Branded URLs

Successful link management means ongoing monitoring. You need A/B testing and analytics working behind the scenes. With OpenMyLink, you can:

  • See click data in real time: Know which messages, platforms, or devices perform best.
  • Set UTM parameters: Track traffic source, medium, and campaign directly in Google Analytics.
  • Run multivariate tests: Compare the performance of two different slugs: /discount vs /flashsale.
  • Automate QR code generation: Extend reach into offline campaigns by linking the same URL to a scannable code.

Your branded link strategy will improve over time—as long as you iterate based on data. Smart campaigns evolve.

What is a custom branded link?
A shortened URL that includes your brand name or domain, customized to look professional and trustworthy.

How do I create branded short links for marketing campaigns?
Use a URL shortener like OpenMyLink to generate links from a custom domain and add descriptive slugs aligned with your campaign goals.

Can branded links increase CTR?
Yes. Branded URLs can improve CTR by 30-40% because they look cleaner, increase trust, and create consistency.

Are branded links harder to manage across multiple campaigns?
No. Link management platforms allow tagging, sorting, and analytics to keep all your branded marketing links organized.

How do I track clicks and performance on custom branded links?
Most platforms offer real-time analytics, UTM tagging, device/geotargeting information, and API integrations.

Start creating custom branded links that convert faster, perform better, and reflect your brand’s voice. Sign up for a free account on OpenMyLink.io and simplify your link management strategy today.

References

Related Posts