Will your name change? Return to the Bitly ‘Account Details’ page and click Verify. Step 2: Update your URL on your host site, Learn how to point your domain to Google Sites. I actually thought it was so cool I took a screenshot. For your custom URL to map to your site on new Google Sites, you need to create a CNAME entry with your domain host, like Google Domains, GoDaddy, or InMotion. Another reason to create a custom Linkedin URL is ease of use and recognition. Visit a domain registrar (in this example we’re using GoDaddy) and start searching for the domain you want to use. For more help, go to your domain host’s help site. Tip: You can add up to 5 URLs to your Google site. When you're done, click, If your custom URL isn't already in use, you're all set. When you’re ready to create your first link, return to the Bitly dashboard and click the ‘Create Bitlink’ button. Subscribe below and we’ll let you know when Campaign Donut goes live! It may take up to 30 minutes for all settings to populate across the internet in order for Bitly to see you’ve updated your A records. However, I've seen many couples hyphenate both their names, in which case, it impacts men, as well. Search engines, including Google, use keywords within a URL to help it decide what web pages to deliver in search results. Will this service integrate with the tools I already use. Under Edit your custom URL in the right rail, click the Edit icon next to your public profile URL. ". I immediately wanted one. Step 3: Assign your custom URL. Confirm that your new domain is the default domain for your shortened links. Bitly assigns a string of random letters and numbers and Customize Back-Half allows you to change that with something more intelligible. you can't use "*" or "!"). In the 'Get a custom URL' box, you'll see the custom URL(s) for which you've been approved. off of a business card). Learn how to convert your sites from classic Sites to new Sites. The other option is to use your business name. Having a line of numbers at the end of a URL looks messy and difficult, and it's more likely to be ignored. When you're done, click Save. We want to be helpful and make sure you keep out of the marketing muck to keep moving forward and convert like crazy! You’ll always want to feature your name, or your company’s name, here so you can boost brand awarenessand visibility. Click it. The settings icon will appear next to the URL. The two records you will need to create are: (The records Bitly provides you may be different than the records we were provided in this example.). This can be a problem when trying to share it with others you want to network with. Your custom name is NOT case sensitive, so JoeSmith and joesmith will both work in the URL. In this article we will take you through the steps necessary to setup your own custom short URL using a service called Bitly. Once I started looking, they were everywhere! You can use your custom URL with a site on new Google Sites by creating a web address mapping. Find a short URL that you’re comfortable with and buy it. If you already have a Bitly account, go ahead and log in as usual. First, changing your URL means you have to update it everywhere you used the old URL. Tip: These steps may be different depending on your host site. Enter the subdomain name, for example, the "www" of www.YourURL.com. Once you are logged into your Bitly account select the account details button from the upper right hand corner to reveal account details sidebar menu. They are too long. you can't use "*" or "!"). Paste your long url and click the Create button. You can now begin using Bitly to shorten your URLs with that domain. In this case, using your business name might be better. Many of the domains we wanted were already taken. In the "Get a custom URL" box, you'll see the custom URL(s) you've been approved for. After deleting any previous A records and adding the two Bitly URLs, it may take a few moments for the new settings to take effect. Finally, after 180 days, someone else can use your old URL, which could potentially lead your clients and customers to the other person instead of you. You use your account to create a short URL for a friend, family, or a customer and do not want it to carry your branding. //www.google.com/tools/feedback/metric/report. There are several reasons to create a custom URL on LinkedIn. © 2020 Campaign Donut, LLC — All rights reserved, Add a header to begin generating the table of contents, Best YouTube Thumbnails — A Roundup of Top Examples, Social Proof Notification Popups — A Roundup of Best Services. One is to use your given name, such as Joe Smith. If it is in use, you'll need to submit a new custom URL. This will point your URL to your Google site. Copy: Click the copy button to copy the new custom short URL to your clipboard. Currently, the free plan allows you only 50 custom domain URLs and 1,000 shortened URLs total. While LinkedIn URLs aren't as straightforward as they could be, the custom URL is still easier to remember than the default one. An extension with 2-3 letters is preferable. And you’d be right — these are called custom short URLs or a branded short URL. Whereas, a URL with your or your business' name at the end will be clear what it's linking to. Copy: Click the copy button to copy the new custom short URL to your clipboard. Years ago I spotted my first custom short URL. After creating the new Bitly, you have several options in the updated sidebar window. Click on the ‘Custom Domains’ tab. Finally, you can use a combination of the two, such as Joe Smith Freelance Writer. We’ll use pictures and specific instructions for every step in the process and when we’re done you will have your very own custom URL. You want to shorten and track a URL that is not associated with your business brand. As you scroll through all the options and recommendations, you are looking for a domain similar to your brand but shorter. For example, if JoeSmith is taken, you can use, "JoeQSmith," "JoeSmithSellingWords," or "JoeSmithCopywriter. For your custom URL to map to your site on new Google Sites, you need to create a CNAME entry with your domain host, like Google Domains, GoDaddy, or InMotion. The instructions from Bitly assume you are using a domain that is not currently in use. Starting November 1, 2020, you will not be able to create a classic site. After a little bit of research I discovered that anyone, in fact, could have their own branded short URL, including you! If you would like to make changes to a domain currently being used to any extent, make sure you know what you’re doing before you make changes. Your custom name is NOT case sensitive, so JoeSmith and joesmith will both work in the URL. If you do not have a Bitly account, you can sign up for free and then proceed to complete the steps to connecting your custom branded URL. Learn how to publish your Google site. Go to google.com/webmasters/verification. “How do I get a cool custom short URL like I see other brands using on social media?”. Hyatt has been a mega-blogger for years initially I thought, “that’s probably something only the ‘big guys’ have access to.”. In the top right corner, click Settings. Type in the host name ghs.googlehosted.com. Step 1: Check that you own your URL. However, when you initially join LinkedIn, you're given a long, difficult to remember profile URL. Keeping the Bitly ‘Add Domain’ window open, return to your domain registrar (we used Godaddy) and access the domain DNS records. Customize Back-Half: This option allows you to change the preassigned Bitly URL. You can have five to 30 letters or numbers, but no symbols or special characters (i.e. Go to Google Search Console. Hover your cursor over the current profile URL under your profile picture. For example, Michael Hyatt’s website is michaelhyatt.com and his branded URL is mhyatt.us. After creating the new Bitly, you have several options in the updated sidebar window. If for some reason Bitly doesn’t automatically create the link, press the ‘Create’ button at the bottom of the screen. The Bitlink menu slides in from the right (on desktop) to reveal the “Paste Your Long URL” field. It looks professional, it is consistent with your overall brand, and it will be an eye-catching URL when shared outside of people in your network. When setting up Campaign Donut’s URL, we went through dozens of options and even more searches. Your Linkedin Profile URL doesn't require caps.). Title: Using the title field you can customize the title that will appear when sharing on social networks or anywhere preview snippets populate. We eventually settled on the domain campy.pro, a nod to the first name we ever had for Campaign Donut. Shortly thereafter I noticed that Buffer had their own. With a limited number of branded URLs available, you may be wondering if you should still use a bit.ly domain. Still, you can proceed to the next step. Unfortunately, Rebrandly doesn’t integrate with some of the services we use — hopefully you’ll have more luck. http://www.linkedin.com/in/YOURNAME/5/792/58a, http://www.linkedin.com/in/YOURBUSINESSNAME, (The caps are to show you what you can change. I took a screenshot of their Tweet, too. They are not pretty. It was from Michael Hyatt. As small is a custom short URL may seem, it will have a big impact on how people view your brand on social media, especially if it is just one part of a strong brand you are working hard to develop. Today, you have more choices than ever when it comes to selecting a service to hand your URL shortening. The tools that create these pretty links are called URL shorteners — and they do exactly that, shorten the URL. Once it is on your radar you start noticing that other users are sharing links but they are coming from bit.ly or buff.ly or rebrand.ly. In the edit box, type the custom name you'd like in your URL. On the right-hand side of the page, you'll see a section that says, In the edit box, type the custom name you'd like in your URL. Seeing two brands using their own branded short URL, I started to scroll through my feed looking for other brands using a custom short URL. Be sure to update your new LinkedIn URL on your website, blog, and other marketing materials. It'll be an address that looks like www.linkedin.com/in/yourname. In some cases it may take a domain registrar up to 24 hours to propagate the DNS record adjustments across the internet. Step 2: Update your URL on your host site. You can add your middle initial or your business name or type to create a unique URL. Once you paste your URL, in a matter of milliseconds, Bitly will automatically create the link. The Bitlink meny will slide in to view on the right side of the screen to reveal the ‘Paste Long URL’ option. Now when browsing any websites, whenever you click on the "Cutt URL" button, you will shorten and simplify it’s url using cuttly - free custom URL Shortener. Some things to consider when deciding what to use include: You are allowed to change your LinkedIn customer URL up to five times in a 180-day period; however, this is not advised. How to Create a Custom LinkedIn Profile URL, How to Create a Custom URL for a LinkedIn Profile, How to Create a LinkedIn Badge for Your Website, 30 LinkedIn Tips for More Effective Small Business Networking, The Ultimate Guide to LinkedIn for Home Business, How to Make Your LinkedIn Profile Work for You, The 8 Best Sites to Find Gig Jobs of 2020, 6 Tips to Harness the Power of LinkedIn for Your Home Business, How to Copyright and Protect Your Business Website Contents, How to Start a Home Based Cookie Business, How LinkedIn Works and Helps Your Business or Career, How to Use LinkedIn to Promote Your Business, Step by Step Guide to Creating a Business Page on Facebook, Step-By-Step Instructions on Setting up a LinkedIn Login, The Balance Small Business is part of the. Randy Duermyer is a former writer for The Balance Small Business and a home-based business owner with experience in digital marketing. Subscribe below, we’ll send you our best stuff! In the white box at the bottom, ‘Custom Domain’, type in the domain you purchased. When you are able to select your newly configured domain as the default domain for Bitly, that indicates you have successfully setup your custom short URL.