Custom Short Links: How Branded URLs Improve Click-Through Rates

Published February 13, 2026

Would you rather click iu.pe/xK7mNp or iu.pe/summer-sale? The answer is obvious — and research backs it up. Branded, human-readable short links consistently outperform random ones in click-through rates.

Custom short links (also called vanity URLs or branded links) let you choose the shortcode instead of getting a random string. Here's why they matter and how to create them effectively.

What Are Custom Short Links?

A custom short link uses a shortcode that you choose, rather than one that's randomly generated. On LinkDisguiser, this means instead of getting iu.pe/61Clg7, you can create iu.pe/spring-launch or iu.pe/menu or iu.pe/portfolio.

The destination URL is the same either way. But the short link itself becomes meaningful, memorable, and trustworthy.

Why Custom Short Links Get More Clicks

1. Trust

Random character strings look suspicious. People have been trained to be cautious about clicking unknown links, and a string like xK7mNp gives no signal about what's on the other side. A branded shortcode like summer-sale or free-guide tells the reader exactly what to expect, which builds trust and reduces hesitation.

2. Memorability

Short links are often shared verbally — in presentations, podcasts, or conversations. "Visit iu.pe/menu" is something someone can remember and type later. "Visit iu.pe/xK7mNp" is not. If your link can't survive being spoken aloud, it's losing potential traffic.

3. Context

A branded link provides additional context that the surrounding text might not. If someone sees your link shared without its original caption (which happens constantly as content gets reshared), the shortcode itself communicates what the destination is.

4. Professionalism

In business communications — investor updates, client proposals, press releases — branded links signal attention to detail. They show that you've thought about every touchpoint of the experience, even the URL.

How to Create Effective Custom Shortcodes

Keep It Short

The whole point of a short link is brevity. A shortcode like comprehensive-guide-to-summer-marketing-strategies defeats the purpose. Aim for 3 to 15 characters. One or two words is ideal.

Good examples:

• iu.pe/demo
• iu.pe/pricing
• iu.pe/2026-report
• iu.pe/free-trial

Use Lowercase and Hyphens

LinkDisguiser shortcodes are lowercase with hyphens allowed between words. This is intentional — it prevents confusion between similar-looking characters (like l and I) and makes links easier to type on mobile keyboards.

Make It Descriptive

The shortcode should hint at the destination content. Someone seeing iu.pe/careers knows it leads to a jobs page. iu.pe/recipe clearly links to a recipe. Don't be clever at the expense of clarity.

Think About Longevity

If you're putting a branded link on a business card or product packaging, choose a shortcode that won't become dated. iu.pe/menu works indefinitely. iu.pe/feb-special has a short shelf life.

For time-sensitive campaigns, combine a branded shortcode with link expiration so the link automatically stops working when the campaign ends.

Avoid Ambiguity

Some words look different typed than spoken. Avoid shortcodes where the spelling isn't obvious when said aloud. For instance, 4u might be interpreted as foru or for-u. Stick to common words.

Custom Links and QR Codes

Custom shortcodes and QR codes are a powerful combination. The QR code makes the link scannable, while the branded shortcode printed underneath serves as a fallback for people who prefer to type.

For example, a restaurant table tent might show:

• A QR code (for quick scanning)
• The text iu.pe/menu underneath (for manual entry)

Both paths lead to the same tracked short link. And because you used a short URL, the QR code is simpler and scans faster.

Custom Links for Campaign Tracking

Branded shortcodes make your analytics dashboard much easier to read. Instead of trying to remember which random code corresponds to which campaign, your link list reads like a campaign index:

• iu.pe/spring-launch — 2,847 clicks
• iu.pe/webinar-replay — 943 clicks
• iu.pe/case-study — 612 clicks
• iu.pe/free-trial — 1,204 clicks

At a glance, you can see which campaigns are performing. With random shortcodes, you'd need to cross-reference each code against your notes to figure out what's what.

How to Create a Custom Short Link on LinkDisguiser

1. Sign in with Google (custom shortcodes require authentication)
2. Paste your destination URL in the input field
3. Click "+ Custom shortcode" to expand the shortcode field
4. Type your shortcode — the preview shows you the final link as you type (e.g., iu.pe/your-code)
5. Click Disguise — if the shortcode is available, your branded link is created instantly

Custom shortcodes must be 3 to 30 characters, using lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens. They can't start or end with a hyphen, and reserved system words (like api or admin) are blocked to prevent conflicts.

When to Use Random vs. Custom Shortcodes

Custom shortcodes aren't always necessary. Here's a simple rule of thumb:

• Use custom shortcodes when the link will be visible to humans — social media posts, emails, print materials, presentations, anywhere someone might see and judge the URL.
• Use random shortcodes when the link won't be seen directly — embedded behind button text, used in automated systems, or shared in contexts where only the destination matters.

If in doubt, go custom. The few seconds it takes to type a meaningful shortcode pay off in better click rates and easier link management.