Vanity/Short URLs can be game-changers for your website, helping you craft links that are clean, concise, and professional. But how do you create a vanity URL in WordPress? Whether you’re a blogger who wants polished links to share on social media or a website owner aiming to boost brand visibility, this guide walks you through the process step by step.
We’ll cover what vanity URLs are, why they’re important, how to create them in WordPress, potential challenges, and much more. By the end of this post, you’ll be able to create your very own custom, eye-catching links in no time.
What is a Short/Vanity URL in WordPress?
A vanity/short URL is a custom, shortened web link that is clear, memorable, and often branded. These URLs are designed to replace long and complex links, offering an aesthetically pleasing alternative that’s easier to remember and share.
For example, imagine you have a long, generic link like this:
yourwebsite.com/category/post-123-long-title-version
A vanity/Short URL transforms it into something like:
yourwebsite.com/new-product-launch
It’s not just about aesthetics. Vanity/Short URLs often incorporate keywords, aligning with SEO goals while maintaining your online branding.
Why Use or Install a Vanity/Short URL?
Vanity/Short URLs aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they offer real, actionable benefits, such as:
1. Enhancing User Experience
A clean, readable link instantly looks more professional and is easier for your audience to understand at a glance. Instead of sharing confusing, cryptic URLs, you provide clarity and trustworthiness in one sleek move.
2. Improving SEO Performance
URLs that include relevant keywords perform better in search engine rankings. Vanity/Short URLs give you the power to include keywords directly in your link, improving your site’s visibility.
3. Boosting Brand Awareness
With vanity/short URLs, you can integrate your brand name and messaging right into the link. For instance, brandyourbiz.com/offer works as a mini marketing tool, reinforcing your name every time it’s shared.
4. Easier Sharing Across Platforms
Whether you’re posting on social media, emailing a client, or including a URL in print material, shorter and cleaner links are much easier to handle.
How to Generate a Vanity/Short URL in WordPress
Creating a vanity/short URL in WordPress is simpler than you might think, especially with the help of plugins and WordPress’s built-in tools. Follow these steps to design URLs that look as sharp as your brand’s image.
Step 1. Decide What Your Vanity/Short URL Will Look Like
Before you begin, consider the purpose of your vanity/short URL. Is it a link for a blog post, a product page, or a lead magnet? Ensure the URL is short, descriptive, and representative of the page it links to.
For example:
- Original URL →
yourwebsite.com/blog/11234-guidetowebdesign - Vanity URL →
yourwebsite.com/webdesign-guide
Step 2. Install a URL Redirection Plugin
WordPress offers several plugins that make vanity URL creation a breeze. Popular options include:
- Pretty Links (best for short and branded URLs).
- Redirection (great for managing multiple redirects).
Here’s how to install Pretty Links:
- Go to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Plugins → Add New.
- Look for “Pretty Links” in the plugin search bar.
- Click Install and then Activate.
Step 3. Create the Vanity/Short URL
Once you install Pretty Links, follow these steps:
- Access the Pretty Links dashboard.
- Click on Add New Link.
- Input the follow fields:
- Target URL → This is the original URL you want to redirect.
- Shortlink → This is your vanity URL. For example, you might enter /summer-sale.
- Customize the Title field:
- An attention-catching title helps organize links in your dashboard.
- Click on Create, and you’re all set!
Step 4. Test the URL
Before sharing your vanity/short URL with the world, test it to ensure it redirects properly to the intended page. Enter the URL in your browser to confirm the mechanics are flawless.
Example of Creating Short/Vanity URLs in WordPress
Imagine you’re launching a new e-book titled The Beginner’s Guide to Blogging. Here’s an example of how you can leverage vanity URLs in WordPress to make sharing your link seamless:
- Original URL:
yourwebsite.com/blog/43523-beginner-guide-to-blogging - Vanity/Short URL (after Pretty Links):
yourwebsite.com/startblogging
When your audience sees the shorter version, they immediately understand where the link will take them. The polished appearance also makes your marketing efforts look more professional!
Common Issues When Creating a Short/Vanity URL
Although the process is mostly straightforward, minor issues can crop up while creating vanity/short URLs in WordPress. Here are some challenges you might face and their solutions.
1. URL Conflicts
If your intended vanity/short URL already exists as a page or post slug in WordPress, you’ll encounter errors. Solution? Choose a unique string for your vanity/short URL and confirm it doesn’t overlap with existing content.
2. Broken Redirects
When creating vanity/short URLs, broken redirects are one of the most common challenges. Test each link after creation to ensure the redirection points to the correct target URL.
3. Plugin Compatibility Issues
Sometimes, plugins like Pretty Links may conflict with others installed on your site. Resolve this by keeping all plugins updated and disabling incompatible ones.
4. Forgetting to Update Links
If you update or delete the original URL later, the vanity/short URL may no longer work. Always ensure vanity URLs are up to date during website changes.
FAQs About Vanity/Short URLs in WordPress
Q1. Can I create a vanity/Short URL without a plugin?
Yes! You can manually create vanity/short URLs in WordPress by setting up a redirect in your hosting dashboard or editing the .htaccess file. This approach requires some technical knowledge, though, which is why plugins like Pretty Links are often more accessible.
Q2. Are Short/vanity URLs only for marketing purposes?
While they’re excellent for marketing, vanity/short URLs can also improve site navigation, simplify project management links, and increase internal communication efficiency.
Q3. Can I change vanity/Short URLs later?
Of course! Just ensure the new vanity/short URL redirects to the correct page. However, avoid frequent changes, as it may confuse your audience and disrupt existing bookmarks.
Q4. Will a Short/vanity URL affect page ranking?
Vanity/Short URLs can positively influence SEO by incorporating relevant keywords into the URL structure. However, proper redirects are essential to avoid ranking drops.
Elevate Your Branding with Short/Vanity URLs Today
Creating vanity/short URLs in WordPress isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic move to streamline your links and improve your website’s usability. Whether you’re running a blog, business, or e-commerce store, vanity URLs can elevate your brand while enhancing your audience’s experience.
Start experimenting with plugins like Pretty Links and see how easy it is to transform messy URLs into clean, memorable links. Try it today and take control of your WordPress links!