How to Use Branded Domains in Link Shortening
Created on 23 May, 2024 • Tutorial • 153 views • 6 minutes read
Introducing your brand to the digital world can feel like navigating a labyrinth of long, confusing URLs. But fear not—there's a shortcut to success: branded URL shortening.
Introducing your brand to the digital world can feel like navigating a labyrinth of long, confusing URLs.
But fear not—there's a shortcut to success: branded URL shortening.
By harnessing the power of link shorteners, you can transform those unwieldy links into sleek, branded beauties that pack a punch.
In this guide, we'll show you how to wield this secret weapon to enhance your brand recognition, boost trust, and streamline your online presence.
So buckle up and get ready to take your brand on a shortcut to success!
Steps to Follow While Setting Up These Domains
To set up a branded domain for link shortening, you can follow these steps:
- Pick a URL shortening service that lets you use your own brand in your short links, like Cuttly, Rebrandly, Short.io, or Name.com's Branded URL Shortener. These tools make it easy to create custom short links that scream "you."
- And then, you have to choose your domain or subdomain for your branded short links, like go.mybrand.com. This is the home base for all your snazzy shortened URLs, giving them that unmistakable stamp of your brand.
- Now, tweak the DNS settings for your chosen domain by playing around with NS record entries in your organization's master zone file. Just make sure to point your domain or subdomain to the right Akamai IP addresses so your branded short links lead to the right place.
- Shoot over a message to the URL shortening service's support team to let them know you've set up your branded short URL domain. Make sure your domain is unique and not shared across different brands or setups—it's all about keeping your brand on point.
- Once your branded short URL domain is up and running, you're good to go! Start shortening links using your own domain, and watch as your brand gets a boost every time someone clicks. It's like putting your brand on the fast track to online fame.
How to Choose a Name and Best Practices
To choose a domain name for a branded domain, follow the key steps outlined below:
1. Choose a Brandable Domain Name Over a Generic One
When choosing a domain name for your brand, go for something that's catchy and sets you apart from the crowd. You want a name that's easy to say, easy to remember, and totally unique. Get creative! Mix up words, add funky endings, or play around with a thesaurus.
Use online tools to brainstorm and find that perfect, memorable name that screams your brand's personality. Stand out, be bold, and make sure your domain name is as unforgettable as your brand itself!
2. Keep It Short and Simple
When hunting for the perfect domain name, think small, think simple. We're talking fewer than 15 characters, no weird symbols, no hyphens or numbers—just pure, unadulterated simplicity. Because, let's face it, short and sweet is where it is in today's online sphere. You want a domain name that sticks in people's heads like a catchy tune, not something they have to write down on a sticky note just to remember.
Think about the brands you love—Chewy, Nike, Google. Short, punchy names that roll off the tongue. That's the vibe you're going for. So ditch the long-winded URLs and go for something snappy. Your users will thank you, your brand will thank you, and you'll be one step closer to online domination.
3. Make It Relevant to Your Brand
When picking your domain name, make sure it vibes with your brand's personality and what you stand for. Your domain should scream "you" and resonate with the folks you're trying to reach.
Think about what your business is all about—your purpose, your values, your vibe. Your domain name should reflect that. Are you all about adventure and exploration? Maybe go for something adventurous and bold. Are you a cozy, homey kind of brand? Then, aim for something warm and inviting.
And here's the kicker: make it memorable. You want people to hear your domain name once and never forget it. Think catchy, think unique, think unforgettable. It's like giving your brand its own theme song—one that gets stuck in people's heads (in a good way).
Oh, and don't forget about social media. Your domain name should be available across all the platforms you're on. You want that consistency, that seamless experience for your followers. So do a quick check to make sure your domain name isn't already snagged on Twitter, Instagram, or wherever else you hang out online. Keep it simple, keep it you, and watch your brand shine.
4. Consider SEO Impact
Alright, let's talk about keywords in your domain name and how they play into the wild world of SEO. Sure, having some keywords in there can give you a little boost in the search engine rankings. It's like sprinkling a few breadcrumbs to help Google find its way to your website.
But here's the thing: it's not all about stuffing your domain name full of keywords like a Thanksgiving turkey. You could have the fanciest domain name with all the right keywords, but if your website sucks, nobody is going to stick around.
You want to focus on creating a killer website that people actually want to hang out on. That's what Google loves to see—a website that's user-friendly, informative, and just plain awesome.
Now, that doesn't mean you should completely ignore keywords. They still have their place, kinda like seasoning in a recipe. A pinch here and there can add some flavor, but you don't want to overdo it. So yeah, include some relevant keywords if they fit naturally into your domain name. Just don't sacrifice the user experience or your brand identity in the process.
At the end of the day, it's all about finding that sweet spot between SEO and user-friendliness. So focus on creating a killer website, sprinkle in some keywords where they make sense, and watch your online presence soar.
5. Check Domain Availability and Legal Considerations
Alright, before you get too attached to that awesome domain name you came up with, there's one crucial step you can't skip: trademark check. You don't wanna accidentally step on someone else's toes and end up in a legal mess, right? So take a quick peek to make sure nobody else has already claimed your domain name as their own. It's like calling dibs on the last slice of pizza before someone else snags it.
Once you've got the green light on the trademark front, it's time to roll up your sleeves and check if your domain name is up for grabs. You don't want to fall in love with a name only to find out it's already taken by some sneaky squatter. So head on over to your favorite domain registrar and do a quick search to see if your dream domain is available. If it is, snag it like it's the last cookie in the jar.
And hey, while you're at it, secure those social media handles too. You want to keep things consistent across all your online platforms, right? So make sure nobody else has swiped your handle on Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok. It's like staking your claim in the digital Wild West—first come, first served. Once you've got everything locked down, you're ready to rock and roll with your BrandSpankin'-new online presence.