Link Management
How to Create a Short Link in URL Shortify
Need a short, branded link for a long URL? In URL Shortify you create one from URL Shortify → Links → Add New: enter the destination, choose a slug, pick a redirect type, and save. Every field below is available in the free version.
Create a short link step by step
- In the WordPress admin, go to URL Shortify → Links.
- Click Add New to open the link form.
- Fill in the fields (only Target URL is required — a slug is generated automatically if you leave Short URL blank).
- Click Save to publish the link and return to the Links list, where you can copy and share it.
Short link fields (free)
Every field on the create form below is included in the free version.
| Field | What it does |
|---|---|
| Title | An internal name for the link so you can find it later in the Links list. |
| Target URL | The destination the short link redirects to. Required. |
| Short URL | The slug for the link, prefixed by your site URL (for example https://your-site.com/slug). Leave it blank to auto-generate one. |
| Redirection | The HTTP redirect type sent to the browser. Defaults to 307. |
| Groups | Assign the link to one or more groups (multi-select) to organise and report on links together. |
| No Follow | Adds rel="nofollow" so search engines don't pass ranking value through the link. |
| Sponsored | Adds rel="sponsored" to mark the link as a paid or compensated placement. |
| Parameter Forwarding | Passes any query parameters on the short URL through to the target URL. |
| Tracking | Records clicks, referrers, devices and locations for this link. |
| Notes | A free-text description for your own reference; not shown to visitors. |
Redirection types
URL Shortify sends the redirect type you choose in the Redirection field. Three types are available for free:
| Type | Meaning | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 307 (default) | Temporary redirect | The default; safe for most links, keeps the request method intact. |
| 302 | Temporary redirect | A legacy temporary redirect for compatibility. |
| 301 | Permanent redirect | Use when the destination will not change; search engines pass ranking value and cache it. |
301 is cached by browsers
Browsers and search engines cache 301 redirects aggressively. If you might change the destination later, choose 307 or 302 instead so visitors aren't sent to a stale URL.
PRO fields on the same form
If you run URL Shortify PRO, the same form gains extra per-link options. These are not available in the free version.
PRO feature
PRO adds per-link Password protection, an Expiration Date, UTM Tracking, Dynamic Redirection (geo, device and link rotation), QR code generation, a Tracking Pixel, a custom Domain, and Tags. See password-protected links, link expiry, UTM presets and QR codes.
Walkthrough video
Conclusion
Creating a short link in URL Shortify takes a target URL, an optional slug, and a redirect type — everything you need is free. From there, turn on link tracking to measure clicks, organise your links with groups, or duplicate an existing link to reuse its settings.
FAQs
Do I have to enter a slug when creating a short link?
No. If you leave the Short URL field blank, URL Shortify generates a random slug for you automatically. Enter your own slug only when you want a memorable, branded path such as /summer-sale. The slug is appended to your site URL to form the full short link.
What is the default redirect type in URL Shortify?
The default is 307 (Temporary). URL Shortify offers 307, 302 and 301 in the free version. Choose 301 (Permanent) only when the destination will never change, because browsers and search engines cache 301 redirects and may keep sending visitors to the old target even after you edit it.
Can I change a short link's target URL after creating it?
Yes. Open URL Shortify → Links, edit the link, and update the Target URL field. Existing short links keep working and point to the new destination. Note that 301 redirects are cached, so some visitors may still reach the old target until their cache clears.
Where do I find my short link after saving it?
After you save, URL Shortify returns you to the URL Shortify → Links list, where each link's short URL is shown with a copy action. From there you can copy it and share it across your website, email or social platforms.