When you make a custom short link, you get to choose the last part of the address. This part is called the slug. In lnkiy.com/spring-sale, the slug is spring-sale. It looks like a small detail, but a good slug makes people more likely to click and easier to remember.
Why the slug matters
People look at a link before they click it. A random slug like x7Kq2p tells them nothing. A clear slug like spring-sale tells them what to expect. It feels safer, and it is easier to say out loud in a video, a podcast or a phone call.
Keep it short, but not too short
Short is good because it is easy to type and fits well on posters or business cards. But do not cut it so much that the meaning is lost. menu is better than m, and team-form is better than tf. A good target is one to three words.
Use simple words
Pick words that anyone can spell. If you have to explain how to write the link, it is too hard. Avoid slang and clever spellings. Someone who hears your link on the radio should be able to type it without help.
Stick to lowercase and hyphens
Some systems treat capital and small letters as different, which can cause broken links. Use lowercase only. If you need more than one word, separate them with a hyphen, like job-openings. Avoid spaces and special symbols, because they often break when the link is copied or pasted.
Avoid letters that look alike
The letter O and the number 0 look almost the same. So do the letter l, the letter I and the number 1. If your slug includes these, people will mistype it, especially when reading from a printed page. Choose words that avoid them, or add another word to make it clear.
Do not put private details in it
Anyone who sees the link can see the slug. Do not include names of customers, order numbers, phone numbers or anything secret. A slug is a label, and it is not a place for private information.
Match the slug to the destination
A slug is a promise. If the link says free-guide, the page should have a free guide. If people feel tricked, they leave quickly and may not trust your next link. Being honest here also helps your reputation over time.
Make a system if you share many links
If you make links often, a small naming system saves time. For example, you can use the same pattern every time, like month-topic. Examples would be oct-webinar or nov-newsletter. Then your team can guess and find the right link without asking around.
Do not reuse a slug for something new
It is tempting to reuse a good name. But old posts, printed flyers and emails may still contain the old link. If you send it somewhere new, those people could land on the wrong page. It is safer to make a new slug each time, or to keep the old link working for its original purpose.
Some good and bad examples
- Good:
pricing,winter-offer,book-a-call,resume. - Not so good:
a1B9(tells nothing),click-here-now-100-free(looks like spam),Offer_FINAL_v2(mixed case and underscores).
Think about where it will appear
A link in a printed brochure needs to be easy to read and type. A link in a text message can be a bit longer. A link in a video should be easy to say. Before you choose, picture the exact place where people will see it.
Make yours now
Once you have a name in mind, you can set it up in a minute with the custom URL tool. If you want your own domain in front of the slug, read about custom domains. And if your slug will be used on a poster, our guide to QR codes will help you add a code next to it.
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