Pretty links are short, clean web addresses that redirect to longer, often messy URLs. They are commonly used for Zoom meetings, affiliate links, scheduling tools, and recommended resources. Instead of sending a long string of random characters, you share something simple and easy to remember. Pretty links have become one of the easiest ways to make online communication more professional and reliable. In this article, I’ll explain a few options for creating a pretty link to replace a long, ugly link.
Why Long URLs Create Problems
Long URLs work, but they are an eyesore and often create problems because they:
- Wrap onto multiple lines in emails
- Break when copied or forwarded
- Look confusing or intimidating
- Are difficult to type correctly
- Are almost impossible to remember
Zoom Links Are a Perfect Example
A typical Zoom link is long and filled with random characters. For example:
https://zoom.us/j/1234567890
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9876543210
https://zoom.us/j/5558882222?pwd=AbCdEfGh
It’s not memorable and hard to copy and paste. If someone miscopies even one character, the link will not work. This can lead to missed Zoom calls, confused or frustrated attendees, or last-minute support emails
Using a pretty link solves this problem by giving you one clean, easy-to-remember link that always works.
For example, instead of sending a long Zoom URL, you can share something like:
yourdomain.com/zoom
yourdomain.com/meeting
yourdomain.com/webinar
These links are easier to recognize, remember, and share, whether someone is reading an email or hearing the link spoken aloud.
Behind the scenes, the pretty link redirects to the full Zoom meeting URL. If your Zoom link ever changes, you can update it once without changing the link you already shared.
Other Uses for Pretty Links
Pretty links are helpful in many situations beyond Zoom, especially when you want people to easily remember your link. They work very well in email newsletters, PDFs, downloadable resources, affiliate links, social media bios, and even printed presentations or handouts.
When a link is short and easy to read, people are much more likely to type it correctly and use it again later. That makes pretty links a smart choice anytime a long link would be confusing, hard to remember, or easy to break.
There are two common ways people create pretty links: third-party websites or a WordPress plugin.
Websites That Will Make Pretty Links
Two popular third-party websites are Bitly and TinyURL. These services are quick and easy to use, but the links live on someone else’s platform. You do not have full control over whether the service changes or removes links.
1) Bitly
Bitly is a popular link management platform that lets you turn long, messy web addresses into short, clean links. Instead of sharing a long URL full of random numbers and symbols, you can create a simple link that is easier to read, remember, and share.
Bitly offers a free plan with basic link shortening and tracking, as well as paid plans with more advanced features, such as branded domains and detailed analytics. It’s user-friendly and a good option for beginners who want to better manage and track the links they share online.
2) TinyURL
TinyURL is a simple online tool that shortens long web addresses into much shorter, easy-to-share links. Paste a long URL, and TinyURL creates a short link that redirects people to the same page.
TinyURL is very easy to use and does not require an account for basic link shortening. It also allows you to create custom aliases so your link includes specific words. There’s a free version available, along with paid plans that offer tracking and additional features.
WordPress Plugins to Make Pretty Links
Many website owners prefer to create pretty links on their WordPress sites so they can retain control over their links. These plugins allow you to: create short, readable links, redirect to long URLs, manage links in one place, and update destinations without changing shared links
1) Redirection (This is what we use!)
By John Godley
Redirection helps you send visitors from an old link to a new one. It’s simple to set up basic redirects, even if you are not technical. It also tracks broken links so you can fix them. Users like that it’s free and powerful (without being hard to use). Learn more here: https://wordpress.org/plugins/redirection/.
For example, I turned this link for the Divi Theme https://www.elegantthemes.com/affiliates/idevaffiliate.php?id=5932&url=18010 into this https://christinasresources.com/divi
2) PrettyLinks
By Blair Williams
The PrettyLinks plugin lets you turn long, messy links into short, clean links using your own website name. It’s very beginner-friendly and easy to manage from your WordPress dashboard. You can track how many people click your links and even organize them in one place. Users like how professional their links look and how simple it is to use. Learn more here: https://wordpress.org/plugins/pretty-link/
3) ThirstyAffiliates
By Blair Williams
ThirstyAffiliates is made especially for managing affiliate links. It helps you create shorter, branded links and keep them organized. It’s easy to use and works right inside the WordPress editor. Users like that all their affiliate links are stored in one spot, making updates quick and stress-free. Learn more here: https://wordpress.org/plugins/thirstyaffiliates/
Pretty Links vs Vanity URLs
Pretty links and Vanity URLs are related, but they serve different purposes. This distinction makes it easier to understand how each type of link fits into your overall online communication strategy.
Vanity URLs usually point to you and help people find you. It commonly links to your social media profiles (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, etc). Vanity URLs are primarily about branding and making it easier for people to find you online.
Pretty links help people get where you want them to go in a more attractive way.
When used intentionally, vanity URLs support visibility and branding, while pretty links provide reliable, memorable paths to meetings, resources, and recommendations.
Final Thoughts…
Pretty links are a simple but powerful way to clean up long, ugly URLs and make sharing links easier for both you and your audience. They are more reliable than long links and far more memorable. A short, readable link is easier to recognize, recall, and share in emails, documents, and conversations.
Whether you are sending Zoom links, recommending resources, or sharing affiliate offers, pretty links help prevent broken links, reduce confusion, and keep your communication clear and professional.
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