Link Shortener

Create memorable short URLs directly from your WordPress site. Track clicks, set expiration dates, and protect links with passwords—all without external link shortening services.

Use Cases#

• Create branded short links for social media campaigns (yoursite.com/go/summer-sale)
• Generate trackable URLs for email newsletters and marketing
• Share time-limited download links that expire after a date
• Create easy-to-remember links for print materials and presentations
• Set up password-protected links for exclusive content

Where to Find It#

Navigate to Switchboard → Short Links to create, manage, and view analytics for all your short links.

How It Works#

1. Click “Add New Link” and enter your destination URL
2. Choose a custom short code or let one be generated
3. Optionally set expiration date or password protection
4. Share your short link: yoursite.com/go/your-code
5. View click statistics in the dashboard

Default URL Structure#

Short links use the format:

yoursite.com/go/your-code

The /go/ prefix can be customized in settings if you prefer something like /l/ or /link/.

Creating a Short Link#

Basic Link#

1. Click “Add New Link”
2. Enter the destination URL (where the link should redirect)
3. Enter a custom short code (e.g., summer-sale) or leave blank for auto-generated
4. Click “Save”

Your link is immediately active at yoursite.com/go/summer-sale

Link with Options#

Short Code Rules#

• Use letters, numbers, and hyphens
• Case-insensitive (Sale and sale are the same)
• Must be unique across all your links
• Keep it short and memorable

Good examples:

• newsletter-jan
• product-launch
• summer2024
• ebook-download

Click Tracking#

Every short link automatically tracks:

View this data in the Short Links dashboard table.

Expiration Dates#

Set an expiration to automatically disable links:

1. Edit a link
2. Set the “Expires” date and time
3. Save

After expiration:

• The link becomes inactive
• Visitors see an error or are redirected to your homepage
• The link remains in your list (can be extended or deleted)

Use cases for expiration:

• Limited-time promotional offers
• Event registration links
• Temporary download access
• Campaign-specific tracking URLs

Password Protection#

Protect sensitive links with a password:

1. Edit a link
2. Enter a password in the protection field
3. Save

When visitors click the link:

1. They see a password prompt
2. Correct password redirects to destination
3. Wrong password shows an error

Use cases for passwords:

• Exclusive member content
• Private file downloads
• Early access links
• Partner-only resources

Editor Integration#

Create short links directly from the post/page editor:

Classic Editor#

A “Create Short Link” button appears in the post editing screen. Click it to generate a short link to the current post.

Block Editor (Gutenberg)#

Use the short link button in the post sidebar to generate and copy a short link for sharing.

Managing Links#

Bulk Actions#

Select multiple links and:

• Activate: Enable selected links
• Deactivate: Disable without deleting
• Delete: Permanently remove

Sorting and Search#

• Sort by short code, clicks, status, or creation date
• Search links by short code or destination URL
• Click column headers to sort ascending/descending

Quick Toggle#

Use the status toggle in the table to quickly enable/disable links without opening the editor.

Link Statistics Dashboard#

The Short Links page shows:

• Total Links: All short links created
• Total Clicks: Combined clicks across all links
• Active Links: Currently enabled links
• Top Performers: Most-clicked links

Best Practices#

For Marketing#

• Use descriptive codes: spring-sale not link1
• Set expiration for time-sensitive promotions
• Track different campaigns with unique codes
• Compare click rates across channels

For Social Media#

• Keep codes short for character limits
• Use memorable, branded terms
• Create campaign-specific links for tracking

For Print Materials#

• Test links before printing
• Use simple codes that are easy to type
• Consider QR codes alongside short links

FAQ#