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Glossary

Short link

Also called branded link, short URL.

A short address on a link domain that redirects to a longer one, counting the click on the way.

A short link, such as go.yourbrand.com/spring, points to a longer address, often one with UTM tags. When someone opens it, the link service counts the click, then sends the browser on to the destination.

For tracking, short links do three things a long link cannot:

  • count the click even if the visit is never counted by analytics,
  • keep UTM tags intact where people would trim or retype a long link, such as in bios, print, SMS and podcasts,
  • let you change the destination after the link is printed or posted.

A branded domain you own keeps the link trustworthy and portable between tools. See how to track an Instagram link in bio.

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All 58 terms · Spotted a mistake? Email hello@sporetag.com.