Have you ever shared an interesting post, recommended a funny video, or perhaps even critiqued an article that missed the mark? We’ve all been there. But what you might not realize is that the way you share these online treasures can significantly impact your brand.
If you’ve been using plain, generic short links to share content, it’s time to take a closer look. By doing so, you could inadvertently be promoting other brands instead of your own.
We’re going to cut through the noise and discuss the difference between branded vs. short links. We’ll help you understand the implications of your choice and how it can affect your brand’s online identity. So, let’s get straight to it!
What is a short link?
A short link, also known as a short URL, is a compressed version of a long web address or URL. Short links are created to simplify lengthy URLs, making them easier to share, remember, and use, especially in contexts where character limits are a concern, such as social media or printed materials.
Short links typically redirect users to the original, longer URL when clicked. They are especially useful for sharing links on platforms like Twitter, where character limits for a single tweet are in place. Instead of using a long and cumbersome URL, you can generate a short link that directs users to the intended web page.
What is a branded link?
A branded link, also known as a custom short link or a vanity URL, is a type of shortened URL that includes a brand’s or organization’s name or a custom keyword as part of the link. Unlike generic short links that use a random combination of characters and numbers, branded links are customized to reflect the brand’s identity, making them more recognizable and trustworthy to users.
Branded links are a fantastic choice for businesses and individuals looking to enhance their online branding, improve user engagement, and create a polished and trustworthy online presence.
Short vs. branded links: Which is better?
Branded links can indeed offer several advantages, especially when it comes to strengthening your brand identity and increasing user trust. They are valuable for businesses and individuals looking to create a cohesive online presence and improve user engagement.
The choice between branded links and short links eventually depends on your specific goals and the context in which you plan to use them. Let’s explore the benefits of each:
Branded links:
Strong brand identity: Branded links reinforce your brand identity, incorporating your brand name or a custom keyword. This can boost brand recognition and user trust.
Higher click-through rates: Branded links often have higher click-through rates as they appear more trustworthy and relevant to users.
Enhanced user experience: They offer a user-friendly and memorable link, making it easier to recognize and share.
Consistency: Branded links maintain a consistent brand image across different online platforms.
Conciseness: Short links are compact and ideal for contexts with character limits like social media or text messages.
Space-saving: They save space in printed materials, enhancing aesthetics and usability.
Universal use: Short links are versatile and can be used for various types of content.
The choice depends on your priorities:
Branded Links: If strengthening your brand identity, increasing trust, and improving user recognition are important to you, branded links are an excellent choice. They excel in marketing campaigns and content sharing where branding matters.
Short Links: If brevity and saving space are paramount, short links are suitable, especially in platforms with character constraints. They shine when the focus is on the content rather than the link.
Popular brands are using branded links:
Let’s take a look at how some of the most popular brands use branded links to their advantage:
The New York Times – nyti.ms
The renowned newspaper, The New York Times, simplifies sharing long article URLs on social media and beyond by using the branded link nyti.ms. This branded link not only shortens the URL but also reinforces the brand’s identity with every click.
Nike – swoo.sh
When it comes to sports and lifestyle, Nike is a household name. They utilize the branded link swoo.shto create a memorable link for their products and promotions. This reinforces the Nike brand with every shared link.
Amazon – amzn.to
E-commerce giant Amazon opts for the branded link amzn.to to shorten product URLs. This not only saves space in printed materials but also keeps the focus on their products rather than the URL itself.
Coca-Cola – cokeurl.com
Coca-Cola, a global beverage icon, maintains brand consistency by using branded links like cokeurl.com. This approach ensures that every link shared aligns with their brand image.
Starbucks – sbux.co
Coffee giant Starbucks utilizes branded links with the domain sbux.co to simplify the sharing of promotional content. This reinforces their brand identity and keeps their links looking clean and professional.
Boost ROI with branded URLs!
Enhance your marketing campaigns by creating shareable, trackable, and fully multi-purpose
customizable branded URLs.
Are you ready to start using branded links for your own brand? Replug, a powerful URL shortening and branding tool, simplifies the process of creating custom short branded links. Let’s walk through the steps to create these links and amplify your brand’s reach.
Adding your custom domain
The first step in creating branded links with Replug is to incorporate your custom domain. While Replug provides a default shortener domain (rplg.co), using your custom domain strengthens your brand identity and reputation.
Open your Replug dashboard and navigate to “Settings.”
Select “Custom Domains” from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: Add a new domain
Click on “Add Domain” to begin setting up your custom short URL.
Step 3: Connect the custom domain
On the next screen, provide essential details, including your custom domain and settings like the 404 redirect URL and branded domain.
Click “Connect” to add your custom domain to your Replug account.
Step 4: Manage your custom domain
After successfully connecting your custom domain, you can manage it within your Replug account. Check connectivity status, edit domain settings, or delete domains as needed.
Note: To complete the domain setup, don’t forget to point the CNAME in your domain registrar’s DNS. Depending on your registrar, you might need to use “@” or “www” as the HOST value.
With your custom domain integrated into Replug, you’re now ready to create your custom-branded link. Here’s how:
Step 5: Add a new link
Once logged into your Replug dashboard, select “Select your campaign” to start a new campaign.
You’ll find the custom domain you just created within your campaigns.
Paste the original link you want to shorten in the “URL to shorten” section.
Click “Create” to generate a custom shortened URL.
Enjoy the flexibility to customize your shortened URL. Select an alias or keyword to incorporate into the link, making it memorable and aligned with your brand.
Click “Update” to generate your custom shortened URL.
Step 7: Share and monitor
Utilize your custom-shortened URL in marketing materials, social media posts, emails, or any content where you want to promote your link.
Monitor the performance of your custom shortened URLs using Replug’s comprehensive analytics and tracking features, which provide insights into clicks, user location, referrals, and more.
Maximize marketing ROI
by transforming ordinary URLs into branded short links that convert.
Try Replug for free
FAQs
What is the difference between a branded link and a short link?
A branded link includes your brand name or a custom keyword, making it more recognizable and trustworthy. Short links, on the other hand, are simply shortened versions of long URLs, often generated randomly.
Why should I consider using branded links for my brand or business?
Branded links enhance your brand identity, boost user trust, and increase brand recognition. They also offer a more user-friendly and memorable link for sharing.
Are branded links more trustworthy than short links?
Branded links tend to be perceived as more trustworthy by users because they include a recognizable brand name, which can reduce suspicions of spam or phishing.
Can I track the performance of branded links, and how can I do that?
Yes, you can track branded link performance. Most branded link services offer analytics and tracking features to monitor clicks, geographic data, and more.
No, it’s not measuring how many people fall asleep on their keyboards while reading your blog.
Although, if that were a metric, some of us would be setting records!
We get it; creating engaging content in 2023 can be a real challenge.
But worry not!
We’ve put together a practical guide with tips and tricks to help you out. Let’s get started.
What is content engagement?
The term “content engagement” describes a level at which a person is interested in and involved with a specific content. This interaction can take various forms, such as:
Engaging content builds trust and credibility, enhances visibility, and drives conversions. Moreover, it provides valuable feedback for content improvement and fosters long-term relationships with your audience.
Steps to create engaging content
Step 1: Understand your audience – The secret key
Before you put pen to paper, you need to get inside the minds of your readers. What are their pain points?
What keeps them up at night?
Tailoring your content to their needs and desires is the first step to engagement.
Step 2: Craft a catchy headline – Reel ’em in
Your headline is the first thing people see.
Make it count!
All the best headlines have the following qualities:
Emotionally compelling
Problems, questions, and curiosities
Relevant keywords
Perfect length
Clear and specific
Without a catchy headline, your content won’t get a chance to engage readers. So craft headlines that stop readers and compel them to click through. Creating engaging challenges as part of your strategy can motivate readers to interact and participate, enhancing their overall experience with your content
Stories connect with people. They remind us that we are more alike than we tend to think. That’s why storytelling is one of the most popular writing methods among marketers.
Some of the stories you can tell:
Success stories
Case studies
Showcase your brand’s values
Your challenging beginnings
Choosing to take chances
Remember, great storytelling combines high-quality content, using real-life stories and testimonials from customers and employees.
Nobody has time for long, dense paragraphs. Format your content for easy scanning, making it accessible and engaging. Lists, for example, are shared more frequently than other types of content.
Try Adding:
Contests
Quizzes
Assessments
Infographics
Learning doesn’t have to be boring or monotonous. It can be a thrilling adventure that keeps you hooked and wanting more.
Step 5: Add some personality – Don’t be a robot
Readers can easily spot when something feels forced or insincere. Try adding some personality.
Whether you’re writing a blog post, an article, or even a social media caption.
Let your true self shine through.
Write as you talk
Be Relatable and Trendy
Use a “behind the curtains” approach
Build suspense
Use User-Generated Content
Be witty or humorous
We know adopting a more formal or generic tone when writing is easy. But when you add relatable content, it builds trust with your readers and also keeps them coming back for more.
Step 6: Power of visuals
Gone are the days when plain text alone could captivate an audience. In this age of “pics or it didn’t happen,” visual content is a must.
A well-designed image or video can instantly capture the viewer’s interest. Stats showed that
Video content generates 1200% more shares than text content.
Infographics are shared 300% more often than text-only articles.
This content format is highly suitable for sharing on social media platforms as it allows for compelling storytelling and visual representation of events.
Step 7: Guide your readers with CTA’s
Every piece of content should have a purpose. So craft compelling CTA’s (calls to action) that guide your readers toward the desired action, whether subscribing, sharing, or purchasing.
Boost your conversion rates with irresistable CTAs with
Increase your credibility with potential readers by making it easy for them to find the information they want in your content.
Some tips to optimize your content
Target long-tail keywords
Use key phrases with less competition to rank better
Matching the search intent of a search query
Adding an optimized meta title, meta description, and URL
Fixing technical SEO issues affecting your website
Adding relevant internal links and working on your backlink strategy.
Answer frequently asked questions.
While content optimization focuses on improving the user experience and providing value to visitors, SEO primarily drives traffic and improves a website’s visibility in SERPs.
You can produce high-quality content that resonates with your audience, thanks to Ai. Here’s how AI helps you in the following fields:
Keyword Suggestions: AI tools can suggest topic keywords, helping you hit the bullseye with your content.
Content Structuring: They help structure your ideas, ensuring your content flows seamlessly and keeps readers engaged.
Data Analysis: AI tools analyze data and trends, giving you precious insights to make your content stand out in the crowd.
Grammar and Spelling: Bid farewell to embarrassing typos and grammar slip-ups. AI tools ensure your content is polished and error-free.
Enhanced Readability: AI paraphrasing tools offer style and tone suggestions, making your writing more engaging and enjoyable.
SEO Optimization: Boost your content’s visibility with AI’s SEO process. They analyze keywords and offer tips to improve your content’s search engine ranking.
In short, AI tools have transformed content creation into an efficient, streamlined process, saving time and effort.
How do we measure content engagement?
There is a famous saying; ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’ When you have a detailed report, you can measure your achievements and identify past mistakes However, tools likeUsermavenprovide privacy-friendly websites and product analytics with pre-built reports.
Here are some key metrics to consider:
1. Session metrics
Understanding the average session length helps decipher user behavior. Long sessions signal that your content structure effectively guides users to explore more. Short sessions, on the other hand, can be positive if users quickly find what they seek.
2. Page views and (CTR)
These basic metrics show how many people view your content and click through to read more. While they don’t provide deep insights into engagement, they are still essential indicators.
3. Time spent on page
This metric tells you how much time users are spending on your content. A longer time spent typically indicates higher engagement as it suggests that users are reading or consuming the content rather than quickly bouncing away.
4. Social shares and likes
Monitoring how often your content is shared on social media platforms, and how many likes or reactions it receives, can provide insights into its popularity and appeal.
Utilizing specialized analytics tools like ContentStudio and staying up-to-date with trends in the field is crucial for successful social media engagement tracking.
This metric measures how far users scroll down a webpage. If users are scrolling deeply into your content, they find it engaging and valuable.
6. Email sign-ups
Email sign-ups are the link that connects visitors to leads and future customers. They represent an urge to remain connected. You may efficiently nurture leads by including a simple sign-up option within your content.
7. CTAs & conversion rates
Conversion rates for various CTAs might shed light on how effective they are. However, if your content is part of a larger marketing funnel, track how many users take a desired action (e.g., signing up for a newsletter and purchasing) after going through your content. You may also like
8. Bounce rate
This is the percentage of visitors who leave your website after viewing only one page. A high bounce rate can indicate that your content is not engaging enough or irrelevant to the audience.
Final Word
To measure content engagement effectively, it’s essential to use a combination of these metrics and tools. Additionally, the specific metrics you focus on may vary depending on your goals and the type of content you’re producing.
Regularly analyzing these metrics and adjusting your content strategy based on the insights gained is vital to improving content engagement over time.
Ever wondered how to make your online engagement more personalized and effective? That’s where link rotators come into play, and they’re pretty awesome.
Picture this: You have a single link, but you want to send people to different web pages based on where they’re located, what language they speak, or even the device they’re using. That’s exactly what link rotators do, and they can seriously up your online game.
In this guide, we’re going to walk you through link rotators. We’ll break down how they work, why they’re so important, and how you can use them to boost your online strategy.
So, if you’re ready to take your online engagement to the next level, let’s dive in!
What is a link rotator?
A link rotator is a web service or software tool that dynamically redirects users clicking on a single link to various destination URLs based on predefined conditions or rules. These conditions can include factors like user location, language, device, or specific time frames.
This tool is commonly used in online marketing and website optimization to deliver personalized and contextually relevant content to different segments of an audience, enhancing user engagement and campaign effectiveness.
How does a link rotator work?
Here’s a simplified explanation of how it operates:
Incoming Click: When a user clicks on a link that is managed by a link rotator, their action triggers the link rotator’s evaluation process.
Condition Check: The link rotator checks the user’s click against a set of predefined conditions. These conditions can include factors like the user’s location, language preferences, device type, or even the time and date of the click.
Rule-Based Redirect: If the user’s click aligns with one or more of the predefined conditions, the link rotator automatically redirects the user to a specific destination URL associated with that condition.
Personalized Experience: This dynamic redirection process ensures that users are directed to content or web pages that are most relevant to their specific characteristics or context.
Example Scenario:
Imagine a user clicks on your link from a mobile device located in Germany. In this case, the link rotator will recognize both the mobile device and the user’s location. It will then execute the predefined rule, directing the user to the European mobile page, ensuring a tailored and user-centric experience.
In essence, a link rotator is your dynamic tool for creating personalized, efficient, and responsive journeys for your online audience. It’s about delivering the right content to the right audience, at the right time, and in the right way.
Replug’s link rotator empowers personalized online journeys by directing users to different URLs based on factors like date, language, and location.
It’s perfect for time-sensitive campaigns, multilingual support, and regional targeting. Plus, it distinguishes between devices for a tailored experience.
Here’s how to use Replug’s link rotator feature:
Utilizing the Traffic Routing feature in Replug is a straightforward process. Follow the steps below:
Click on the “Add new rule” button to open a modal window.
In this modal, you can define filters based on criteria like country, device, browser, and operating system.
Configure the rules based on your criteria. For example:
If the visitor’s country is Pakistan,
the browser is Chrome,
the device is Desktop/Laptop, and
the operating system is Windows,
then route them to: https://replug.io/special-offer/.
Otherwise, if the IP Address is 192.168.13.12, the day of the week is Friday/Sunday, and the date is 2021-11-15, then route them to: https://contentstudio.io/.
If none of the specified conditions match, direct them to the default destination URL.
Step 4: Save and Share
You can create up to 10 rules, and each rule can consist of multiple blocks with multiple filters.
For a rule to take effect, at least one block within that rule must match the user’s conditions; otherwise, the default destination URL will be used.
Once you’ve configured your rules, click the “Save” button at the bottom left of the popup.
Your branded link with the Traffic Routing feature enabled is now ready for use. Share it with your audience to provide them with a personalized experience.
Important Note: It’s crucial to select the appropriate campaign type, especially when using the Traffic Routing feature. When opting for a CTA-type campaign, the destination URLs must be iframed (displayed within another website).
A complete link management solution
for marketing professionals & agencies.
Try Replug for free
Why Use Replug’s Dynamic Link Rotator?
When it comes to optimizing your online engagement strategy, Replug’s dynamic link rotator stands out as a game-changing tool. Here’s why it should be a vital part of your campaigns:
Dynamic URL redirection:
At its core, Replug’s traffic routing feature dynamically redirects users to various destination URLs based on predefined conditions or rules. This dynamic flexibility means that your audience can be sent to precisely the right place based on factors like location, language, and device type.
Personalization:
Replug’s traffic routing feature empowers you to deliver a highly personalized user experience. By analyzing user data and behavior, you can tailor their journey, providing content that matches their unique preferences and needs.
Marketing campaigns:
Link rotators are essential for marketing campaigns, especially time-sensitive promotions. They allow for effortless transitions between different offers, making them ideal for rotating product promotions and limited-time deals.
Multilingual support:
For businesses with a diverse, multilingual audience, Replug’s link rotator automatically redirects users to content in their preferred language, significantly boosting user engagement and satisfaction.
Geographic targeting:
Replug’s link rotator can detect a user’s location and seamlessly redirect them to content or offers specific to their region. This is particularly beneficial for global businesses seeking to tailor campaigns for different countries or regions.
Device-specific routing:
Replug’s link rotator distinguishes between various devices, such as mobile phones and desktop computers. It ensures that users are directed to pages optimized for their specific device, providing an exceptional user experience.
A/B testing:
Marketers love Replug’s link rotator for A/B testing. By directing users to different versions of a web page, you can analyze which version performs better in terms of conversion rates, user engagement, and other crucial metrics.
Analytics and tracking:
Replug’s traffic routing comes equipped with comprehensive analytics and tracking features. This allows you to closely monitor link performance, track click-through rates, and gather valuable data to refine your campaigns for maximum impact.
By integrating Replug’s dynamic traffic routing feature into your online strategy, you unlock a world of possibilities. You can create highly targeted, personalized, and data-driven campaigns that not only deliver results but also enhance the overall user experience.
Boost your conversion rates with irresistable CTAs with
Do I need technical expertise to set up traffic routing?
No, most Link Rotator tools are designed with user-friendly interfaces, making it accessible even for non-technical users to set up and configure.
Are there any limitations to using a Link Rotator?
Some limitations may include a maximum number of rules or conditions, and it’s essential to ensure the destination websites allow iframing for certain campaigns.
Can I track the performance of links in a Link Rotator?
Yes, most Link Rotators come with built-in analytics and tracking features that allow you to monitor link performance, track click-through rates, and gather valuable data for optimization.
Are Link Rotators compatible with different devices and browsers?
Yes, Link Rotators can be configured to work with various devices and browsers, ensuring a seamless user experience regardless of the platform.
Can I change the destination URLs in a Link Rotator after they’re set up?
Yes, you can typically modify the rules and destination URLs in a Link Rotator as needed, offering flexibility in your campaigns.
Is there a limit to the number of rules or conditions I can set in a Link Rotator?
Many Link Rotators allow you to create up to a certain number of rules or conditions, but this limit can vary depending on the specific tool or service you’re using. It’s important to check the capabilities of the Link Rotator you choose.
Have you ever heard the phrase “leaving money on the table”?
Well, cart abandonment is somewhat similar – the customers leave the website without completing the transaction.
Bummer. Right?
Most e-commerce brands struggle with minimizing cart abandonment so that they can squeeze more money from their website traffic.
However, it doesn’t happen unless they have a bullet-proof strategy in place.
To fix the problem, one needs to come up with an excellent shopping cart abandonment email template that tempts the reader to get back to the website and complete the purchase process.
You’re about to learn:
What is a cart abandonment email?
Why do marketers send out cart abandonment emails?
Why buyers abandon shopping carts in the first place?
The best cart abandonment email templates to get inspiration from
How to approach a prospect who has abandoned the cart
But first things first, you must know what the heck is cart abandonment email.
What is an abandoned cart email?
The abandoned cart email is the one that you receive in your inbox when you add a product to your shopping cart on an e-commerce website, but leave the site without completing the transaction.
The purpose of sending an abandoned cart email is to re-engage the customers who left the website without placing the order.
In some cases, e-commerce brands successfully convert those customers who left the website without buying by sending them the best-abandoned cart emails.
I’ve seen some SAAS companies send out a discount offer to website visitors who abandon the shopping cart on their website.
There could be several reasons why customers might abandon a shopping cart, for instance:
Got distracted and left the website
Found the product on a competitor’s website
Changed their mind about buying it
The reason why it’s important to understand abandoned carts and reach out to those customers is that a customer with a buying intent would add a product to the shopping cart.
Such customers are way more valuable than those lurkers who click through your offers from social media ads but never end up buying anything.
So the next time you leave Target or Amazon’s website after adding a product to your shopping cart and receive an email reminder about that product, don’t be surprised.
Do abandoned cart emails work?
Most of the time, they do work unless you mess it up in the email newsletter formatting or send it out too late. No wonder it’s a widely adopted sales strategy. It looks like a lot of brands recover lost sales through abandoned cart emails.
Statistics by Moosend are clear proof that abandoned cart emails actually convert.
Cart abandonment emails exhibit impressive engagement statistics. They achieve open rates of over 40%, occasionally even reaching a remarkable 45%.
Furthermore, half of these abandonment emails are not just opened but also clicked on, with 21% of the opened emails resulting in click-throughs.
The most compelling fact is that 50% of the users who click through these emails go on to complete their purchase. In essence, half of the recipients who engage with the email content ultimately make a purchase, underlining the effectiveness of these campaigns in converting potential customers into buyers.
What do you write in an abandoned cart email?
There is a not rocket science. You have to quickly explain to the customers where they left off when shopping on your website. Showcase the product they added to the cart, and place a CTA button that takes them straight to the shopping
10 abandoned cart email examples to learn from
Let’s take a look at some of the best-abandoned cart email templates that work for businesses:
1. Fiverr
Fiverr is quick to send out an email to buyers who search for a specific gig but never end up placing an order on the platform.
The freelancing platform finds a bunch of relevant gigs and emails to the buyer. Here’s what I got when I searched for dog-related gigs while doing some research on the platform:
2. Daraz
Daraz is a popular e-commerce website in Pakistan. It was acquired by Alibaba in 2018. Here’s how Daraz sends out emails if you abandoned carts on their platforms.
Here’s what I found:
3. Kayak Media
Kayak Media is a software company that makes small software.
I once wanted to test out one of their softwares, but somehow, I didn’t go through the purchase process.
Then I received this cart abandonment email which sounds about right:
4. NetPeak Software
Netpeak is yet another software company that immediately sends out cart abandonment emails if you don’t complete the purchase process. Here’s an example:
5. Away
Away is an e-commerce website that sells travel and fashion accessories. I stumbled upon their abandoned cart email template while researching this topic. Here’s what their abandoned cart email looks like:
Ugmonk is a desk accessories e-commerce store that sells aesthetically pleasing and classy office and desk accessories. They send out abandoned cart emails in style as well:
Peel is a well-known brand in the phone case space. They sell all sorts of iPhone and Android phone cases. They also send out cart abandonment emails if you don’t complete the purchase and leave their website. Here’s how they send out a reminder via email:
8. Bearsville Soap Company
Bearsville Soap Company has an interesting approach to sending out abandoned cart emails. They have a brief email copy with a CTA that says, “Return to your cart.”
9. ThredUp
ThredUp comes with a straightforward message in their abandoned cart. They have several things added to their abandoned cart email, for instance, discounted prices, coupon codes, and the CTA.
10. Vans
Vans is a footwear brand that sells sneakers for kids, women, and men. They adopted a unique yet interesting approach in their abandoned cart email. They quickly remind the customers who abandoned the cart that they’re still holding the shopping cart for them.
Plus, they go on to mention the products that the customer might also like, which is quite an ambitious approach.
These were some of the examples of abandoned cart newsletters which were using unique and diverse email newsletter templates to attract, re-engage, and convert abandoned visitors. Sure, marketers could take away a lot from these newsletter examples.
A complete link management solution
for marketing professionals & agencies.
Try Replug for free
Abandoned Cart Email Best Practices
Wondering how do I email someone who’s abandoned a cart?
If you’re curious about emailing customers who have abandoned the shopping cart and are not sure what to do or say, then this section might come in handy.
Compliance with the best practices will give you better results in turning cart abandoners to customers.
Without any further ado, let’s get right into it:
1. Set up the email automation
Email automation is the process of setting up an email sequence that sends out a series of emails to customers depending on the situation.
When a customer signs up on an e-commerce website, usually the first email that comes through is an account verification email. Similarly, when a purchase is made by the user, a confirmation email goes out to the customer.
So most e-commerce platforms seamlessly integrate with email marketing softwares and allow merchants to send out abandoned cart emails.
To get started with sending abandoned cart emails, simply set up an email sequence in your e-commerce platform or email marketing software to get going.
An email newsletter template is an email theme that a sender uses to compose and design the email message.
Keep in mind that most e-commerce businesses go for a fancy email newsletter template when setting up an abandonment cart email.
While an attractive email newsletter template could attract the customers to take action, it could also create a hurdle in engaging the customers.
The reason is that sometimes the email services block out the email template and notify the email receiver to unblock the template if they want to.
This could impact the clickability of the email and divert the attention of the customer to somewhere else. Similarly, a text-only email doesn’t appeal to the customers to take any section.
Therefore, it’s necessary to find a middle ground where you use an email newsletter template that increases the click-through rate of your email.
3. Write a compelling email subject and body
The email subject line and the in-body message are essential parts of the email. No matter how good your offer is, it won’t work out unless you don’t get the email subject line and body right.
The subject line of your cart abandonment email is the gateway to engagement. This can be achieved through various techniques, such as humor, creating a sense of urgency, or utilizing personalized language.
Writing a compelling email subject and body would significantly help you succeed in generating sales from abandoned carts. Whereas, the body of the email message would convince readers to take action or ignore it altogether.
There has always been a debate about the length of the email newsletters. Some believe that it has to be short, sweet, and brief as a well-crafted subject line entices recipients to open the email and explore its contents further. Whereas, a lot of marketers prefer to send out in-depth email newsletters.
Moreover, a catchy and attractive email subject line would massively impact your abandoned cart email open rate.
4. The first email reminder:
The first email should ideally be dispatched within an hour or two of cart abandonment. At this point, the shopper’s interest is at its peak, making them more likely to return and complete the purchase.
Subsequent reminder emails can be strategically spaced out over a few days or a week to gently encourage the customer to take action without bombarding them with messages.
5. Test out the email sequence
It’s vital to do testing before you move on to the next thing. Don’t shy away from sending out a few test email sequences to yourself to be 100% sure about this.
If you don’t test your abandoned cart email sequence, you’ll never know what customers receive when they abandon the cart.
6. Follow-up sequences:
Achieving the right balance in terms of email frequency and timing is crucial. While follow-up emails are effective, sending too many in quick succession can irritate recipients. Experiment with different timing strategies to identify what resonates best with your audience without inundating them with reminders.
A series of follow-up emails can be a powerful strategy if the initial reminder email doesn’t lead to a conversion. These subsequent emails can build upon the previous messages, progressively strengthening the offer or message. By providing additional incentives or addressing specific objections, you increase the likelihood of convincing hesitant shoppers to complete their purchase.
The content of your cart abandonment email should be clear, concise, and compelling. It should remind the shopper about the items they left behind, emphasizing the unique benefits of those products. Explain why completing the purchase is an excellent decision, using persuasive language and complementing your message with high-quality images of the products. The aim is to reignite the shopper’s interest and urgency to buy.
8. Personalization:
Personalization adds a human touch to your emails. It involves addressing the recipient by their first name and referencing the specific items left in their cart. This level of personalization can significantly increase engagement because it demonstrates that you’re paying attention to their preferences and needs.
Urgency and scarcity tactics can create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out). You can implement these tactics by mentioning limited stock quantities or including countdown timers for discounts or promotions. These elements encourage recipients to take prompt action, fearing they may miss out on a great deal.
10. Call-to-Action (CTA):
The Call-to-Action (CTA) is the key element that prompts recipients to take action. It should be clear, visually striking, and placed prominently within the email. The CTA button should guide the recipient directly back to their abandoned cart or the checkout page. Use action-oriented language in the CTA, such as “Complete Your Purchase” or “Get Started Now,” to motivate immediate action.
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Incentives are powerful tools to entice shoppers to return and complete their purchase. Common incentives include limited-time discounts, free shipping, or complimentary gifts. To maximize the effectiveness of incentives, ensure they are directly relevant to the items left in the abandoned cart. Additionally, clearly communicate the urgency of these incentives to drive immediate action.
12. Mobile responsiveness:
Given the prevalence of mobile shopping, it’s imperative that your cart abandonment emails are mobile-responsive. Mobile-responsive design ensures that your emails display correctly and are easy to navigate on smartphones and tablets. To ensure compatibility, thoroughly test your emails on various devices and email clients to guarantee a seamless experience for all recipients.
13. Segmentation:
Segmentation is a strategic approach to dividing your email list into distinct groups based on customer behavior, purchase history, and the value of the abandoned cart. Once segmented, you can tailor your email messaging to suit the unique preferences and needs of each group. This level of personalization can significantly enhance engagement and conversion rates.
14. Social proof:
Social proof is a psychological phenomenon that influences behavior. In your cart abandonment emails, you can leverage social proof by showcasing positive reviews, testimonials, or product ratings from satisfied customers. By highlighting the experiences of others, you build trust and demonstrate the popularity and quality of your products, making recipients more inclined to complete their purchase.
15. Privacy and trust:
In an age of heightened concern for data security and privacy, assuring customers of their information’s safety is paramount. In your cart abandonment emails, display trust symbols, security badges, and contact information prominently to instill confidence. By addressing these concerns, you build trust and reduce potential barriers to completing the purchase.
16. A/B Testing:
A/B testing, also known as split testing, is a method of experimentation where you compare two versions of an element within your emails to determine which performs better. This can involve testing different subject lines, email content, CTA buttons, or incentives. A/B testing is an ongoing process that allows you to fine-tune your emails and optimize their performance based on data-driven insights.
Providing accessible customer support options in your cart abandonment emails demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction. Include easy-to-find contact information or a chat option for recipients who may have questions or need assistance. A responsive and helpful customer support system can contribute to higher satisfaction levels and increased conversions.
18. Opt-out option:
Including an opt-out or unsubscribe option is both a best practice and a legal requirement to comply with email regulations. This feature allows recipients to stop receiving emails if they no longer wish to be contacted. Respecting recipients’ preferences is not only ethical but also important for maintaining a positive brand reputation.
19. Analytics and monitoring:
Leveraging analytics tools is essential for tracking the performance of your cart abandonment email campaign. Key metrics to monitor include open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and the revenue generated from the campaign. By closely analyzing these metrics, you gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of your strategy and can make informed adjustments.
FAQs About Abandoned Cart Emails
Let’s shed some light on the frequently asked questions about abandoned carts:
How many abandoned cart emails should I send?
There is no right or wrong way of doing this, especially when it comes to the number of emails one should send out when a customer abandons the shopping cart. Most brands send out one email to remind customers to complete the transaction. However, some brands send up to three abandoned cart emails.
How to keep unwanted emails away?
There are several settings available in the user account settings area on almost every e-commerce platform. Users must go through the settings and alter the settings for notifications, promotional offers, and emails. That’s the perfect way to keep unwanted emails away from your inbox.
Is it legal to send abandoned cart emails?
An abandoned cart email is just another email newsletter that you send to your customers. Make sure you have mentioned in the email or communication section of the terms and conditions of your e-commerce website that the customers may receive promotional or abandoned cart emails from the brand.
What is the best time delay for an abandoned cart email?
It depends on multiple factors, such as time zone, genre, demographics, etc. For instance, if a customer is shopping at 3 a.m. and abandons the cart, you might not want to send out that abandoned cart email at 4 a.m. because he might have gone to bed.
Therefore, you can always test out different time delays so that you can decide what works best for you. Give it at least 10 to 12 hours before you send out the first email.
Using only tried-and-true advertising methods won’t cut it in the 21st century. Nowadays, consumers are flooded with knowledge, so companies need to do something creative to stand out.
In such a case, collaborative marketing is an innovative and fruitful marketing method.
In this approach, two brands can work together to build positive connections, share resources, boost sales, and increase their respective audiences.
Let’s dive into the world of co-branding by looking at its advantages and some inspiring examples of how businesses use it to bring about incredible results.
What is collaborative marketing?
Collaborative marketing is a straightforward and exciting idea. Instead of competing against each other, businesses typically choose to team up and form collaborative partnerships.
This way, brands get to hit the jackpot in making sales and getting their brand out there to a broader audience.
Collaborative marketing definition:
When two or more companies work together to promote their goods and services, it’s known as the practice of collaborative marketing, frequently referred to as co-branding.
How do brand collaborations work?
Brand collaborations aim to utilize each brand’s strengths and equity to achieve specific business goals. In the notion of co-branding, here’s how brand collaborations work.
Determining the Goal
Choosing Suitable Partners
Establishing Responsibility and Values
Creating Co-Branded Products or Services
Quality Assurance and Product Growth
Customer Engagement
Success Metrics
Retaining the Connection
5 benefits of collaborative marketing
Here are 5 benefits of collaborative marketing or co-branding:
1. Greater brand awareness and recognition
Collaborative marketing leverages other businesses’ reach and resources to boost market presence. When two businesses work together to promote one another’s goods or services, it can boost both companies’ reputations and attract new customers.
2. New leads and a strong customer base
Having a new audience increases brand awareness and expands the sources of lead generation and potential customers for both companies. By introducing new and improved products through unique campaigns, co-brands have the potential to encourage potential customers to purchase their products and services.
Furthermore, brands can potentially attract conversions from customers not typically part of their target audience.
3. Cost-effective and better (ROI)
Businesses can cut down on their marketing budgets by working together. This is a more cost-effective method of advertising for smaller companies. Also, brands can increase their return on investment (ROI) and build a growth marketing strategy with a more significant impact by combining their resources, experience, and marketing expenditures.
4. Greater credibility
By engaging in strategic partnerships with established businesses, companies can strengthen their credibility and foster trust among their intended audience. This partnership may provide an image that is more dependable and trustworthy in the eyes of the customer.
5. Data insights
Collaborative efforts can provide access to valuable customer data and insights, helping brands better understand their target audiences and refine their marketing strategies for improved results.
Steps to a successful collaborative marketing approach
Identify Potential Partners
Determine which brands or businesses align with your goals, target audience, and values. Look for mutually beneficial partnerships.
Set goals
Define clear goals for your collaborative marketing campaign, such as increasing brand awareness, expanding customer reach, or boosting sales.
Plan a Marketing Strategy
Plan a unique marketing strategy with the partner brand, including co-branded ads, PR campaigns, publications, discounts, shared social media, referral/commission plans, and joint promotions.
Setup terms and conditions
Once you establish a partnership, set up terms such as the products or services, promotional plans, launch plan, budget breakdown, and time frame.
Create Co-Branded Content
Create co-branded commercials, content, and materials that reflect both brands and connect to your mutual audience.
Track and Measure Results
Continuously monitor the campaign’s performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) and analytics to assess its impact and make necessary adjustments.
Some creative examples of collaborative marketing
Here are some examples of successful co-branding:
1. Nike & Apple
Nike and Apple’s collaboration resulted in the iconic Nike+ Running app seamlessly integrating with Apple devices.
This partnership encouraged users to track their runs, share progress on social media, and compete with friends, ultimately enhancing the user experience and benefiting both brands.
2. Doritos and Taco Bell
The collaboration between Doritos and Taco Bell resulted in the creation of the “Doritos Locos Tacos,” which quickly became a sensation.
This unique product showcased Taco Bell’s taco wrapped in a crunchy Dorito shell, maintaining the delightful flavors fans adore. The packaging featured clever co-branding to reach out to a wider audience.
3. BMW & Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton has developed an exclusive assortment of luggage specifically designed for the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 by BMW. The objective of this collaboration was to reach a specific, high-end audience by capitalizing on their shared values and admiration for talent and innovation.
4. Burger King & McDonald’s
In an unexpected move, Burger King collaborated with its competitor, McDonald’s, to promote each other’s brands.
The popular whopper food item was temporarily taken off the menu at Burger King in favor of a charitable project. The public’s response to this imaginative effort was overwhelmingly positive and highlighted an innovative viewpoint within the same field.
In conclusion, collaborative marketing is a powerful and adaptable tactic that is changing the face of business. Brands can get increased visibility, lower production costs, higher reputation, access to a wider range of expertise, and much more.
Knowing how to create website links is vital in today’s digital world. Whether you’re working with documents, using your smartphone, sending emails, or even building web pages, the ability to connect users to web content is essential.
This guide offers simple, step-by-step instructions for creating website links in four critical contexts: Microsoft Word, HTML for web pages, smartphones, and emails.
Discover how to make online interactions more efficient, engaging, and user-friendly. Whether you’re a web designer, a content creator, or an everyday user, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
How to create a link to a website in HTML?
Creating a link to a website is a simple task, and it’s typically done using HTML if you’re working on a web page.
Here’s how you can create a basic hyperlink:
In this HTML code:
“<a>” is the anchor element, which is used to create links.
“href” is an attribute within the anchor element that specifies the URL (web address) of the website you want to link to. Replace “https://www.example.com” with the actual URL of the website you want to link to.
The text “Visit Example.com” is the visible link text that users will see on your web page. You can replace this with any text you prefer.
Here’s a breakdown of the steps:
Step 1: Replace “https://www.example.com” with the URL of the website you want to link to.
Step 2: Replace “Visit Example.com” with the text you want to display for the link.
Once you’ve added this HTML code to your webpage, the text “Visit Example.com” will be a clickable link, and when users click on it, they will be taken to the specified website.
Step 3: Remember to save your HTML file with a “.html” extension and open it in a web browser to test the link.
How to create a link to a website in Word?
Here’s how to create a link to a website in Microsoft Word:
Step 2: Select the text or image you want to turn into a hyperlink. Highlight the text or click on the image.
Step 3: In the menu bar at the top, click on the “Insert” tab and Look for the “Link” or “Hyperlink” option (the label may vary depending on your Word version). Click on it.
Step 5: A dialog box will appear. In the “Enter Link” field enter the URL (web address) of the website you want to link to (e.g., “https://www.example.com”).
Step 6: You can also give your link a display text if you selected text in Step 2. This is the text that will be visible to readers. If you link an image, this option may not be available.
Step 7: The text you selected will now be a clickable link in your Word document.
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Creating a link to a website in Microsoft Word is a useful skill, especially for client reports or branded content. Many businesses also consult a web designer to integrate links seamlessly across landing pages, ensuring both visual appeal and conversion efficiency.
How to create a link to a website on a phone?
Creating a website link on a phone typically involves adding a website shortcut to your home screen for easy access. Here are the steps for Android and iOS:
For Android:
Step 1: Open the web browser on your Android phone.
Step 2: Visit the website you want to create a link for.
Step 3: Tap the three-dot menu icon (usually located at the top right or bottom of the screen).
Step 4: Select “Add to Home screen” or a similar option from the menu.
Step 5: Give the shortcut a name (this will be the label on your home screen).
The website link will now appear as an icon on your home screen for easy access.
Step 2: Visit the website you want to create a link for.
Step 3: Tap the “Share” button (it looks like a square with an arrow pointing up, usually located at the bottom center or top of the screen).
Step 4: Scroll down and select “Add to Home Screen.”
Step 5: Customize the name of the shortcut (if desired) and tap “Add.”
The website link will now appear as an icon on your home screen.
How to create a link to a website in an email?
Creating a link to a website in an email depends on the email client you’re using. Here are general steps that apply to many email clients:
Step 1: Open your email client and compose a new email.
Step 2: In the body of the email, type the text that you want to turn into a link.
Step 3: Highlight the text you just typed and look for an option in your email client’s toolbar that resembles a chain link icon or says “Insert Link” or “Hyperlink.” Click on it.
Step 4: A dialog box should appear. In the URL or Link field, enter the web address (e.g., “https://www.example.com”) you want to link to.
Step 5: Optionally, you can specify link text or a title (if your email client allows).
Step 6: Send your email. The text you highlighted will now be a clickable link when recipients open the email.
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A website link, also known as a hyperlink, is a clickable element that connects one web page or online resource to another. Clicking on a link typically takes you to the linked web page or resource.
What is the purpose of creating website links in emails?
Creating website links in emails allows you to direct recipients to specific web pages, resources, or information relevant to the email’s content, making it easy for them to access additional information.
How do I create links in WordPress when building a website?
In WordPress, highlight the text or image you want to link, click the “Insert/edit link” button in the editor toolbar, and enter the URL you want to link to. Click “Add Link” to create the hyperlink.
How can I troubleshoot issues with broken links on my website?
You can use online link-checking tools, verify the link’s correctness, and update or fix broken links by correcting the URLs.
Instagram has made it easier than ever to share valuable resources and information with your followers. You can now add links to your Instagram Stories, regardless of your account size. Whether you’re a business, creator, or an individual, this feature empowers you to connect with your audience in new ways.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to add a link to your Instagram story, enabling you to share what matters most to you. Let’s get started.
Why do you need to add a link to your Instagram story?
Adding a link to your Instagram story serves several important purposes:
Share resources: You can direct your followers to external websites, articles, or resources related to the content of your story. This is valuable for sharing information, promoting products or services, or providing additional context.
Drive traffic: If you have a website, blog, or online store, adding a link to your story can help drive traffic to your site. This is essential for businesses and content creators looking to expand their online presence.
Enhance engagement: Links in stories can prompt user interaction. When viewers tap on the link, it provides a way for them to engage further with your content, whether it’s to learn more, shop, or explore related content.
Promote events: If you’re hosting an event, webinar, or live stream, you can use links in stories to invite your audience and provide event details or registration links.
Support causes: Advocates and change-makers can use links to share information about social causes, fundraisers, or petitions, helping raise awareness and drive action.
Connect with your audience: Adding links enables you to offer your followers valuable resources, making your content more relevant and engaging.
Ensure you have the Instagram app installed on your mobile device. Log in to your Instagram account if you’re not already logged in.
Step 2: Access your story creator
Tap your profile picture or swipe right from your home feed to access the story creator.
Step 3: Capture or upload content
At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see options to capture a photo or record a video using your device’s camera. Alternatively, you can swipe up or tap on the gallery icon to upload existing content from your camera roll. Choose the content you want to add to your story.
Step 4: Access the sticker tool
After capturing or uploading your content, you can enhance your story with various stickers and features. To add a link to your story, tap the “Sticker” icon from the top navigation bar.
In the sticker options, locate and tap on the “Link” sticker. This sticker is used to add the link you want to share with your followers.
Step 6: Enter your desired link
A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to enter the web link you want to share. Type or paste the URL into the provided space.
Step 7: Confirm and customize
After entering the link, tap “Done” to confirm. You can also customize the appearance of the Link sticker by tapping on it, which may allow you to choose from different color variations or styles, depending on Instagram’s features at the time.
Step 8: Place the sticker on your story
Now, you can place the Link sticker on your story. Simply drag and drop it onto your image or video, just like you would with other stickers.
Once you’re satisfied with how your story looks with the added link, you can proceed to share it with your followers. Tap the “Your Story” button at the bottom of the screen to post your story.
Step 10: Viewers interact with the link
When someone views your story and taps on the Link sticker, they will be redirected to the web page you’ve shared.
Important Note: Instagram has certain safety measures in place. New accounts and accounts that repeatedly share harmful content or violate community guidelines may not have access to the Link sticker feature. Be sure to follow Instagram’s guidelines and policies to maintain access to this and other features.
Replug: Simplify your social media link management
Managing links on social media platforms like Instagram can be a crucial part of your online strategy. Replug is a comprehensive link management and bio-link tool designed to simplify this process.
With Replug, you can create shortened, trackable links that are perfect for Instagram bio links or sharing in your Stories. It provides valuable analytics to help you measure the performance of your links, including click-through rates and audience engagement data.
Whether you’re a marketer, business owner, or content creator, Replug can enhance your social media marketing efforts by making link management effortless and effective.
Try Replug today and take control of your links to maximize your online presence.
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FAQs on adding a link to Instagram Story
Can I add links to any type of Instagram Story, including photos and videos?
Yes, you can add links to both photos and videos in your Instagram Stories.
Is there a limit to the number of links I can add to a single Instagram Story?
You can typically add one link per Instagram Story. If you want to share multiple links, consider creating multiple stories or using the link in the bio feature.
Who can add links to their Instagram Stories?
Instagram has expanded access to this feature, so now, users of all account sizes, including businesses, creators, and individuals, can add links to their stories.
Are there any restrictions on the types of links I can share in my Instagram Story?
Instagram has guidelines in place and links that violate their Community Guidelines may be restricted. It’s important to ensure your content adheres to Instagram’s policies.
Can I track how many people clicked on the link in my Instagram Story?
Yes, Instagram provides insights on the number of clicks your link receives. You can view this data by swiping up your story.
Redirecting a URL to another destination is a fundamental skill in web development and online communication. Whether you’re rebranding a website, updating content, or optimizing user experience, the ability to seamlessly guide users from one web address to another is invaluable.
In this guide, we’ll explore various methods and step-by-step instructions on how to effectively redirect URLs, ensuring your online presence remains agile and user-friendly.
What is a URL redirect?
A URL redirect is a way to send users from one URL to another. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as:
To improve the user experience by sending users to a more relevant or up-to-date page.
To prevent broken links by redirecting users to a new page that has replaced the old one.
To track website traffic by redirecting users to a different page depending on where they came from.
2 main types of URL redirects:
There are two main types of URL redirects: 301 redirects and 302 redirects.
A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect, which means that the old URL will no longer be used and all traffic should be directed to the new URL.
A 302 redirect is a temporary redirect, which means that the old URL may be used again in the future.
URL redirects can be set up by website administrators or by using a third-party service.
How to redirect a URL to another URL?
Redirecting a URL to another URL can be done using various methods, depending on your specific needs and the technology stack you are using.
Here are some common methods and steps for each:
HTTP Redirects (Status Codes 301 and 302)
Using JavaScript for Client-Side Redirect
Using Meta Refresh Tag (HTML Meta Tag)
Using Server-Side Scripting (e.g., PHP)
Using URL Rewrite Rules (Apache mod_rewrite or Nginx)
Using a Content Management System (CMS)
Using a URL shortener
Now, let’s explain each of these methods step by step:
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Method 1: HTTP redirects (status codes 301 and 302)
Step 1: Open your web server configuration file (e.g., Apache’s “.htaccess” for Apache servers) or use a control panel like cPanel.
Step 2: Add the following line to redirect the old URL to the new URL:
Replace “/old-page.html” with the path to the old URL and http://example.com/new-page.html with the new destination URL.
Step 3: Save the configuration file.
Step 4: The 301 redirect informs search engines that the old URL has permanently moved to the new URL.
Method 2: Using JavaScript for client-side redirect
Step 1: Insert the following JavaScript code in the <head> section of your HTML document:
Replace “http://example.com/new-page.html” with the URL you want to redirect to.
Step 2: When a user accesses the old URL, they will be automatically redirected to the new URL.
Method 3: Using meta refresh tag (HTML meta tag)
Step 1: Insert the following HTML <meta> tag in the <head> section of your HTML document:
Replace “http://example.com/new-page.html” with the new destination URL.
Step 2: The content attribute specifies the time delay (in seconds) before the redirect occurs. In this example, it’s set to 0, which means an immediate redirect.
Method 4: Using server-side scripting (e.g., PHP)
Step 1: Create a PHP file for the old URL (e.g., old-page.php).
Step 2: Add the following PHP code to the PHP file:
Replace “http://example.com/new-page.html” with the new destination URL.
Step 3: This PHP script sends an HTTP header to the browser, triggering a 301 redirect to the new URL.
Method 5: Using URL rewrite rules (Apache mod_rewrite or Nginx)
Step 1: For Apache, create or edit a .htaccess file in your website’s directory. For Nginx, edit your server block configuration.
Step 2: Add rewrite rules to redirect URLs. For example, for Apache with mod_rewrite:
Replace “old-page\.html$” with the old URL pattern and http://example.com/new-page.html with the new destination URL.
Step 3: Save the configuration file.
Step 4: These rules will redirect requests for the old URL to the new URL with a 301 status code.
Method 6: Using a content management system (CMS):
If your website is built on a CMS like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal, there are usually plugins or settings within the CMS that allow you to set up URL redirects without directly editing server configuration files.
URL shorteners are commonly used for this purpose, especially when you want to create a shorter and more user-friendly URL that redirects to a longer or less user-friendly one.
Replug: Redirect long, complex URLs into short, user-friendly links
Replug is a popular URL shortening and link management platform that allows you to create short, branded, and trackable links.
Here’s how to redirect a URL to another URL using a URL shortener:
Step 1: Sign in to Replug or create an account for free.
Step 2: In your Replug dashboard, click “Select your campaign” then paste your long URL into the “URL to shorten” field and click the “Create” button.
Step 3: Customize the short URL here to make it more user-friendly. You can add a custom slug to the link if desired.
Note: You can also add some powerful features here to enhance your shortened URL and boost CTR. As shown in the image below:
Step 4: After configuring your link settings, save the link. Replug will generate a short, user-friendly link that you can use for redirection.
Step 5: Replug provides analytics and tracking data for your short links. You can monitor click-through rates, geographic locations of users, and other insights to understand how your links are performing.
Replug simplifies the process of creating short, user-friendly links and managing URL redirection. It’s a valuable tool for individuals and businesses looking to make their links more accessible and trackable.
Boost ROI with branded URLs!
Enhance your marketing campaigns by creating shareable, trackable, and fully multi-purpose
customizable branded URLs.
You might need to redirect a URL to update content, change domain names, enhance SEO, or create user-friendly, easy-to-share links.
What’s the difference between a permanent (301) and a temporary (302) redirect?
A 301 redirect is permanent and tells search engines that the old URL has been permanently moved. Whereas, a 302 redirect is temporary and indicates a temporary move.
Can I manually redirect a URL without any technical knowledge?
Yes, you can use user-friendly methods like CMS plugins or online URL shorteners to perform redirection without technical expertise.
Which method should I choose for URL redirection?
The method depends on your goals. Use HTTP redirects for permanent changes, JavaScript for client-side changes, and plugins for CMS-driven websites.
What are the SEO implications of URL redirection?
Properly implemented 301 redirects can preserve SEO rankings during URL changes, but it’s essential to maintain content quality and relevance.
We all love pizza or some kind of fast food. But what if your favorite fast food brand’s workers uploaded an unsettling video violating the health codes on social media – (there goes all your branding efforts down the hill)
Would you still be up to try that brand?
I don’t think so. The least you would do is stop going to that specific franchise.
Similar happened in the case of Domino’s where two workers uploaded a video on Youtube from Domino’s kitchen while preparing pizza and violating the health standards. The video went viral, and the company faced strong backlash over it.
With the right crisis response Domino’s averted serious consequences (more to the story).
While the advantages of social media are obvious, there are also some social media risks to be aware of. When something goes wrong, brands risk losing their reputations.
Companies must be cautious about what they publish online, and they must have a plan to address any issues that develop.
The key to effective social media risk management for brands consists of proactive monitoring, rapid response to negative content, clear social media guidelines, employee training, and crisis communication plans.
To maintain a positive brand image and minimize potential reputation damage, businesses need to understand how social media managers drive brand engagement and stay sharp at all times.
Did You Know! “Report finds 164% increase in cyber threats targeting brands” (ZeroFox)
Benefits of a social media risk management
Here are the key benefits of social media risk management strategies.
Safeguards brand reputation
Enhances data security
Brand growth and engagement
Mitigates legal risks
Customer trust:
Proactive crisis management
If you don’t have the right risk response strategy, then you can end up like United Airlines, where the passenger Dave Caroll’s guitar was damaged. When he took his case up to the airline, it refused to fix or replace his guitar.
In response, Dave wrote a song “United you broke my guitar”. The song got over 9 million views, and more importantly, United Airlines investors lost $180 million as the stock price dropped by 10% after the incident.
However, before moving to the risk management strategies, it’s important to know what kind of social media risks brands are open to.
Major social media risks for brands
It’s necessary for every brand, social media manager, community manager, customer services etc, to have knowledge of the risks that brands can face.
1. Social media security risks
Social security risks can harm your info and identity. Avoid sharing too much, weak passwords, or strange links. Stay safe with strong passwords, cautious sharing, and distrust of unknown emails. Just like locking your door, secure your online stuff!
Here are different kinds of social security risks for brands:
Reputation damage: Negative comments, reviews, or misinformation can harm a brand’s image.
Data breaches: Hackers gaining access to customer or employee data can lead to trust loss.
Phishing attacks: Employees might unknowingly reveal sensitive info to fake emails.
Social engineering: Scammers might manipulate employees for confidential data.
Account hijacking: Hackers taking control of a brand’s social media accounts can spread false information.
Inappropriate content: Sharing or being associated with offensive or inappropriate content.
Intellectual property theft: Competitors or others stealing a brand’s ideas or content.
Crisis mishandling: Poorly managed crises can worsen public perception.
Lack of control: Employees’ personal posts reflecting poorly on the brand.
Miscommunication: Messages being misinterpreted can lead to PR issues.
Did you know! “Up to 40% of social media users are estimated to have experienced some form of social engineering or phishing attack.” (GITNUX)
The CNN hacking case
In 2014, the official Twitter and Facebook accounts of CNN were compromised by a hacktivist group, the Syrian Electronic Army (SEA). The hackers posted false information, which spread rapidly, damaging CNN’s credibility and potentially influencing the public.
CNN’s response
CNN’s initial response was somewhat delayed and lacked coordination, allowing the false information to gain traction. However, they swiftly regained control of their accounts, deleted the false posts, and issued clarifications.
What could have been done?
To enhance crisis management, CNN could have benefited from faster response times, clear communication strategies, and pre-established protocols for social media account security. This case underscores the need for organizations to proactively prepare for digital threats and have effective crisis communication strategies in place.
2. Legal risks
Social media legal risks encompass potential legal problems arising from online activities, such as copyright infringement, defamation, and privacy violations.
Here are different kinds of social media risks brands need to be aware of:
Copyright infringement: Sharing content without proper authorization can lead to copyright claims.
Defamation: Posting false or damaging statements about individuals or businesses can result in defamation claims.
Privacy violations: Sharing personal information without consent might lead to privacy lawsuits.
Trademark violations: Unauthorized use of trademarks can result in legal action.
Advertising regulations: Violating advertising laws or not disclosing sponsorships can lead to penalties.
Data protection Laws: Mishandling customer data may breach data protection regulations.
Contractual Issues: Breaching contracts with influencers or partners can result in legal disputes.
Employment matters: Employee social media usage can lead to HR and legal challenges.
Regulatory compliance: Not adhering to industry-specific regulations can lead to fines.
Misleading content: Sharing false or misleading information might breach consumer protection laws.
Managing social media risks effectively is crucial to mitigate these potential financial impacts and maintain a positive brand image, customer trust, and business growth.
Here are some major financial impact on brands that occur due to weak social media risk management:
Customer loss:
Poorly managed social media risks can lead to a loss of existing customers and difficulty in attracting new ones due to negative perceptions. This is why it’s crucial to keep track of TikTok analytics and analyze interactions on Instagram, Twitter, and other platforms to prevent this from happening.
Legal expenses:
Violations such as copyright infringement or privacy breaches can result in legal fees, fines, and settlements, draining financial resources.
Crisis management costs:
Dealing with social media crises requires resources for crisis communication, PR efforts, and reputation repair, leading to additional expenses.
Difficulty in ROI measurement:
Relying on misleading social media metrics can lead to misguided decisions and ineffective strategies. Measuring the actual return on investment from social media efforts can be challenging.
The British Petroleum Gulf oil spill: A risk management debacle
The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is widely known, and social media has played a crucial role in magnifying and uniting public anger over BP’s management of the crisis in that region.
BP’s brand value has taken a hit of more than $1 billion as a consequence of the situation. Notably, the “Boycott BP” Facebook page has garnered the support of over 750,000 individuals.
Moreover, discussions surrounding “BP” have surfaced across various online platforms, including more than 9,000 blogs and over 23,000 tweets. Impressively, these discussions on Twitter have collectively generated approximately 49.5 million impressions.
4. Competitor risk
Social media risks related to competition involve potential negative impacts that arise from interactions and activities on social media platforms involving competitors. These risks can impact a business’s reputation, customer perception, and overall competitive standing.
Here are some social media risks related to competition:
Comparative marketing gone wrong:
While comparative marketing can be effective, it can backfire if not executed carefully, leading to legal issues or public backlash.
Customer poaching:
Competitors might target your customers with enticing offers or campaigns, attempting to shift their loyalty away from your brand.
Competitors might spread false rumors or disinformation about your products or services, impacting customer trust and potentially causing financial harm.
5. Innovation risk
While social media can be a powerful tool for innovation, it also comes with certain risks. Here are some innovation-related social media risks to be aware of:
Premature exposure:
Sharing innovative ideas or products too early on social media can lead to competitors gaining insight and potentially launching similar initiatives before you do.
Copycat competition:
Competitors might quickly replicate or modify your innovative concepts after seeing them on social media, reducing your competitive advantage.
Expectation management:
Overhyping an innovation on social media can lead to unrealistic customer expectations, making it challenging to meet those expectations in reality.
Critique and negative feedback:
Innovative ideas can attract critique and negative feedback on social media platforms, potentially discouraging further development or affecting your brand perception.
One of the best examples and case studies of crisis management that brands highlight is the Johnson and Johnson’s Tylenol incident.
In 1982, Johnson & Johnson faced a crisis when seven people in the United States died after consuming Tylenol capsules that had been tampered with and laced with cyanide. The company swiftly responded by recalling 31 million bottles of Tylenol, worth around $100 million. They cooperated fully with law enforcement and established a hotline to inform the public about the situation.
Johnson & Johnson also introduced tamper-evident packaging, which later became an industry standard. Their transparent and responsible crisis management approach is often cited as a model for effectively handling product-related emergencies.
Below are more details on this story and crisis management in this video of Retro Report.
Here’s a social media risk management plan tailored for brands for effective crisis management.
1. Risk identification:
Identify potential social media risks, such as reputation damage, data breaches, legal compliance issues, and crisis events.
2. Risk assessment:
Evaluate the potential impact and likelihood of each risk to prioritize them effectively.
3. Prevention and guidelines:
Establish clear social media usage guidelines for employees, including appropriate content and engagement practices.
Enforce strong password policies and enable two-factor authentication for all brand accounts.
4. Monitoring and alerts:
Utilize social media monitoring tools to track brand mentions, sentiment, and potential threats.
Set up real-time alerts for unusual activity or security breaches.
5. Data protection:
Implement stringent data protection measures, including encryption, secure data storage, and regular security audits.
6. Crisis response plan:
Develop a comprehensive crisis management plan with predefined actions for addressing negative events.
Assign specific roles and responsibilities for crisis communication and resolution.
7. Legal compliance:
Stay informed about relevant laws and regulations related to social media usage and advertising.
Ensure these tools adhere to strict security and privacy standards.
9. Incident handling:
Establish a well-defined incident response process to swiftly address social media-related incidents.
10. Communication strategy:
Develop a clear communication plan for addressing stakeholders, customers, and the public during a crisis. – Prioritize transparency and timely updates.
11. Regular audits:
Conduct regular audits of social media accounts, content, permissions, and security settings.
Bring your ideas to life and share them with the world effortlessly…
All of that in just a few clicks.
Use TikTok, where creativity knows no bounds. Create and share any type of visual content with its easy-to-use interface filled with endless possibilities.
Whether you’re a brand owner, a content creator, or simply want to be a part of this rising community- Tiktok is the answer. So far, it has captured the attention of millions of people worldwide.
The majority of famous Titok content creators are Influencers. Brands collaborate with well-known influencers to promote and advertise their products or services. It’s the perfect blend of marketing and entertainment and will make your audience say,
“Wait, was that a sponsored post?!”
Gone are the days when traditional advertising methods ruled the industry because influencer marketing has transformed the industry in a modern way.
TikTok influencer marketing refers to brands collaborating with popular users on the Tiktok platform, known as influencers, to promote their products or services.
By leveraging the influencer’s credibility and connection with their audience, brands can tap into a ready-made community. Creating a win-win situation – the brand gets exposure to a large, engaged audience, and the influencer gets paid for promoting the product. Plus, the influencer’s followers get to see cool new stuff and learn about products they might not have known otherwise.
Why Tiktok and not any other social platform?
With 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok has a massive audience just waiting to be captivated by your brand. Moreover, if your goal is to attract a younger audience, TikTok is the best social platform for you, as the majority of TikTok users are aged 18 to 24.
Below are some unique features that differentiate TikTok from other social media platforms.
Reasons to use TikTok for influencer marketing
1. Built on user interest
2. Creative content possibilities
3. Highly popular
4. Low-cost advertising
5. Best source for memes and funny content
6. Get quick results
7. Only social platform with family safety mode:
9. No need to read through long lists of words
Built on user interest: TikTok’s foundation lies in its unique algorithm that tailors content to individual preferences, creating a personalized feed based on users’ interests and behaviors.
Creative content possibilities: TikTok offers an expansive canvas for creativity, where users can craft everything from hilarious skits to heartwarming stories, unleashing their imagination within short, captivating videos.
Very popular: TikTok has become a global trend, a hub where millions of people from all over the world come together to create, discover, and discuss content from all walks of life.
Best sources for memes and funny content: TikTok is a great place to find jokes and funny videos. It’s a hub where humor thrives, and laughter is just a swipe away.
Low-cost advertising: Benefit from cost-effective advertising solutions within the platform. With TikTok ads, your brand’s budget will thank you, and your rivals might even cry.
Get quick results: The dynamic platform speeds up the success of marketing campaigns, providing quick and powerful results that leave competitors in the dust.
Only social platform with family safety mode: Tiktok requires users to be at least 13 years old to join the app. Furthermore, family safety mode allows you to control your children’s TikTok accounts.
No need to read through long lists of words: Save time with TikTok’s bite-sized brilliance, where concise videos replace the need for slogging through lengthy text.
Step-by-step guide to Tiktok Influencer Marketing
Before you jump into creating an influencer marketing campaign, it’s essential to take a moment to consider a few key factors that will ultimately determine the success of your campaign.
Step #1: Plan your influencer marketing campaign
Step #2: Find the right influencers for your brand
Step #3: Types of Influencer Marketing Campaigns
Step #4: Measure your TikTok influencer marketing campaigns
So let’s dive in and explore what you must remember to ensure your campaign reaches its full potential.
Proper planning and strategizing can make all the difference in the world of influencer marketing.
1. Analyze
2. Set goals
3. Determine the budget
1. Analyze your brand needs:
This analysis serves as a guiding light, helping you make informed decisions and ensuring that your influencer marketing efforts yield the desired results.
2. Set your campaign goals:
Set clear goals of what you want to achieve with a specific campaign. i.e., increasing brand awareness, driving traffic, increasing sales or conversions.
3. Set up a budget:
Put a cap on your brand’s expenses, taking into account the needs of your brand and the outcomes you want to achieve with it.
Step #2: Find the right influencers for your brand
Let’s explore some tried-and-true methods to help you identify the right influencers for your brand.
How to find the right influencers?
1. Tiktok creator marketplace
2. Google search
3. Leverage social media platforms
4. Influencer marketing platforms
1. Tiktok creator marketplace:
Jump on the Tiktok analytics bandwagon and sign up for an account. Once you get the green light, start hunting for influencers.
2. Google search:
Just hop on the Google train and search for your brand’s relevant keyword or hashtag. Keep your eyes open for the cream of the crop, the best in the industry.3.
3. Leverage social media platforms:
Conduct a thorough search on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, etc. Check out current trends to look for professionals in your industry.
4. Influencer marketing platforms:
Using an influencer marketing platform like X (Formerly Twitter) makes it simple to locate and engage with influencers across all channels and track their performance.
Before sliding into the DMs of influencers, make sure to do undercover detective work to see if their content, followers, and reputation fulfill your brand needs.
Influencer Tiers
Nano-influencers: 1,000–10,000 followers
Micro-influencers: 10,000–50,000 followers
Mid-tier influencers: 50,000–500,000 followers
Macro-influencers: 500,000–1,000,000 followers
Mega-influencers: 1,000,000+ followers
Are they a good fit for your brand in terms of engagements and parameters? If yes, reach out to those influencers, brief them about your campaign, and let the show begin.
Step #3: Types of influencer marketing campaigns to run
Now comes the most crucial step- deciding what content you want from your collaborating influencers.
1
Dance trends
2
Hashtag challenges
3
Duet collaborations
4
In-Feed advertisements
5
Product reviews
6
Storytelling
7
Community challenges
8
Meme and comical content
9
How to content
10
Run discount campaigns
11
Unboxing and first impressions
12
Live streaming
1. Challenges and trends
Collaborate with influencers to create branded dance videos on trending sounds, showcasing your brand’s products or messages.
Here’s an example:
Charlidamelio, a well-known content creator on Tiktok, recently uploaded a dance video advertising the Milk Brand.
Moreover, the most frequent videos on TikTok FYPs (For You Page) are based on trends.
Brands can run hashtag challenges where people are encouraged to generate content using a specific hashtag connected to the brand or a campaign.
Here’s a trending NestlePH hashtag on Titok nowadays: #MILOEveryday, with over 52.3 million views.
3. Duet collaborations
TikTok allows users to create “duet” videos where they interact and collaborate with another user’s video.
4. In-Feed advertisements
These are traditional video ads that appear in users’ TikTok feeds. Brands can collaborate with influencers to create engaging ad content seamlessly blending into users’ feeds.
Influencers can create short videos that align with a brand’s values or messaging. These videos can be emotionally resonant and capture the audience’s attention.
7. Community challenges
TikTok influencers create these challenges based on a viral new TikTok trend. Community challenges are organic and aren’t linked to a specific brand. However, many creators give shoutouts to brands in their skits.
8. Meme and comedy content
Influencers can create humorous content or memes that align with the brand’s image if appropriate for the brand.
9. Educational and how-to content
Influencers can use TikTok’s short-form video format to provide quick tutorials or tips about a brand’s products or services.
Just like Addisonre on Tiktok shared the recipe of her favorite summer drink brand Vital Proteins.
10. Flash sales and discounts
Influencers can promote limited-time offers, flash sales, or exclusive discounts to create a sense of rush and FOMO (fear of missing out) among the audience.
11. Unboxing and first impressions
The unpacking experience of a brand’s product can be shared by influencers, just like on other platforms, along with the creator’s initial impressions and reactions.
12. Live streaming
TikTok allows live streaming, where influencers can interact with their followers in real time. Brands can partner with influencers for live product launches, Q&A sessions, or demonstrations.
Step #4: Measure your TikTok influencer marketing campaign’s success
The next step in Influencer marketing campaigns on TikTok is usually measuring metrics and KPIs to see their effectiveness and impact.
Useful facts: TikTok influencer marketing in figures
According to IZEA, the average cost per TikTok, depending on the influencer level, is as follows:
Nano influencers (1,000 – 10,000 followers): $800 per post.
Micro-influencers (10,000 – 50,000 followers): $1,500 per post.
Medium influencers (50,000 – 500,000 followers): $3,000 per post.
Macro influencers (500,000 – 1,000,000 followers): $5,000 per post.
Mega influencers (1,000,000+ followers): $7,000+ per post.
What makes TikTok marketing so special?
For starters, it offers a unique and highly engaging platform for brands to connect with their target audience. The app’s short-form video format allows for quick and captivating content that captures the attention of users scrolling through their feeds.
But it’s not just about the format. TikTok’s algorithm is designed to promote content that resonates with users, making it easier for brands to capture conversions on a large scale. Moreover, TikTok marketing is considered one of the best types of social media marketing.
That was all for today’s blog. Give us your thoughts on TikTok influencer marketing? We’d love to hear what you think!
FAQ’s
Who are the main TikTok users?
The main TikTok users are primarily Gen Z and Millennials, with a diverse audience enjoying short-form videos across various interests.
What types of content do well on TikTok?
Entertaining, creative, and authentic content such as challenges, dances, tutorials, and humor perform well on TikTok due to its dynamic and engaging nature.
Why should you use TikTok for influencer arketing?
TikTok offers a massive user base, high engagement rates, and a chance to connect with younger audiences, making it a valuable platform for influencer marketing.
How do brands market on TikTok?
Brands market on TikTok by partnering with influencers to create branded content, leveraging challenges and trends, and using paid advertising to reach and engage their target audience.
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