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Tag: url shortener

  • SEO Split Testing: Test Your Way to Higher Search Engine Ranking

    SEO Split Testing: Test Your Way to Higher Search Engine Ranking

    Tired of guesswork in SEO? Embrace the science of SEO split testing!

    Discover how small changes to your website’s structure, keywords, and content can have a big impact on search rankings, organic traffic, and user engagement.

    Let’s supercharge your website’s organic search results with our SEO split testing guide.

    What is SEO Split Testing? 

    SEO split testing is the process of comparing different versions of web pages to measure their impact on search engine rankings. It’s like a controlled experiment, where you have a variant page with changes and a control page. By tracking the performance of each variant, you can identify the best performing webpage and enhance your website’s visibility in search engines.

    The benefits of SEO split testing

    • Data-driven decision-making: You can make informed decisions based on empirical evidence on the effectiveness of different variations.
    • Improved user experience: Testing different elements can lead to a better user experience, resulting in higher engagement and improved rankings.
    • Increased organic traffic:  You can attract more organic traffic from search engines by optimizing your website based on test results.
    • Better conversion rates: Split testing helps identify the most effective strategies to drive conversions.
    • Adaptation to algorithm changes: It allows you to adjust your SEO strategies in response to algorithm updates.
    • Stakeholder buy-in: A/B Split test results provide tangible evidence of the impact of SEO efforts.

    Why should I split test my SEO strategy? 

    SEO

    Below are the benefits of split testing the SEO strategy that might convince you to invest your time in them:

    1. Improve Conversion Rates:

    Conversion rate optimization (CRO) and SEO are closely related concepts. By split testing your SEO campaign you can increase traffic and conversion rates. You can fine-tune your SEO strategy to enhance user experience and boost conversions by testing various iterations of landing pages and calls-to-action buttons.

    2. Optimize SEO Efforts:

    By using split-testing, you can compare various iterations of your SEO strategy, including : 

    • Keyword usage
    • Meta tags/descriptions
    • On-page optimization
    • Content organization

    This practice allows you to identify which tactic produces the best outcomes. It assists you in determining the best strategies to raise your search engine rankings and increase organic traffic.

    3. Keeping up with algorithm changes:

    Search engine algorithms are always changing, so what works today might not work tomorrow. Split-testing enables you to modify and polish your SEO approach to conform to algorithm updates. You can make sure your website maintains its search engine optimization and visibility in the constantly shifting environment by being proactive and conducting ongoing testing.

    4. Convince stakeholders and quatify Impact:

    The impact of SEO can be quantified by measuring key metrics both before and after changes by performing an SEO Split test. This data-driven strategy offers verifiable proof of the efficacy of your SEO strategy, enabling you to convince stakeholders of the value of your optimizations and make wise resource allocation choices.

    5. Refine user experience:

    Split-testing SEO components can help you improve your website’s overall user experience. By testing various layouts, navigation structures, page load times, and mobile responsiveness, you can find changes that make your website more user-friendly

    Factors to consider before performing the SEO Split test?

    Split-test_

    These several factors must be considered before performing an SEO split test.

    1. Clear objectives: Define clear objectives for your test. What specific aspect of your SEO strategy are you testing? 
    2. Testing scope: Determine the scope of your test. Decide whether you’ll be testing a single webpage or multiple pages.
    3. Sample size:  Strive for a sample size that provides meaningful insights without being too resource-intensive.
    4. Test duration: Determine the appropriate duration for your test within the time frame of changing dynamics.
    5. Statistical significance: Establish the level of statistical significance you require for your results to be reliable. This helps determine the confidence level you need to make decisions based on the test data. 
    6. Choosing the right testing tool: Use a reliable, user-friendly A/B split testing tool with a solid track record.
    7. Consistency in testing conditions: Make sure the testing conditions, such as the user demographics, devices, browsers, and traffic sources, are constant throughout the test.
    8. Segmentation and personalization: Depending on user characteristics, decide whether you want to segment your audience or personalize the variations. 
    9. Data collection and analysis: Establish a clear plan for data collection and analysis to derive actionable conclusions.
    10. Documentation and reporting: Document your test process, including the variations tested, metrics measured, and results obtained. This documentation will be valuable for future reference

    How do you know if an SEO test is successful?

    Keyword rankings:

    When it comes to evaluating your SEO results, one important aspect to consider is monitoring your keyword rankings on search engine results pages (SERPs). While rankings should not be the sole focus of your SEO campaign, they provide valuable insights into the performance and effectiveness of your targeted keywords. By regularly checking your rankings, you can track whether they are improving, declining, or remaining stagnant over time. If you find out that you are not ranking for the keywords you targeted, reevaluate whether it is worth continuing to focus on those keywords or considering alternative options.

    Organic traffic:

    Another way to see whether your SEO test was successful is by analyzing your website’s organic traffic. There are comprehensive tools like Content Studio that help you look for trends and changes in traffic volume, sources, and user behavior. Compare the data before and after implementing SEO strategies to identify any positive impact on organic traffic. 

    An increase in organic traffic serves as a strong indicator of the effectiveness of your SEO efforts. However, do keep in mind that organic traffic data is more important than overall traffic. It is because factors outside of SEO can influence overall traffic numbers. Conversely, a decrease in organic traffic suggests that your SEO tests are not working.

    Backlinks: 

    Evaluate the quantity and quality of backlinks to your website. Backlinks from reputable and relevant sources can improve your website’s authority and search rankings. When implementing effective SEO practices, it is natural to witness an increase in backlinks. You need to assess whether the number of links and unique domains they originate from is growing, declining, or stagnant. However, quantity alone is not sufficient; the quality of backlinks also holds great importance. Low-quality backlinks can be detrimental to your website’s reputation, similar to having no links at all. Boost your business visibility in local search with professional services from Copify.

    Check impressions:

    Impressions refer to the number of times your website appears in search results without receiving any clicks. It serves as an initial metric to consider. This is because, when you begin optimizing for keywords, it’s unlikely that you’ll immediately land on the first page of search results.

    Starting from lower pages means that even if your website appears in searches, there is a lower chance that it will be clicked. Knowing that you have begun ranking for those keywords will help you keep working toward the top of the page. You can use ‘Social Media Analytics’ by Content Studio to check your organic impressions. If it shows an increase in the number of organic impressions, your SEO tests are working if not better perform the tests again.

    Bounce rate:

    Another important aspect to consider when evaluating your SEO performance is analyzing the bounce rate of your website. The bounce rate refers to the percentage of visitors who leave your site after viewing only one page. By examining this metric, you can gain insights into how well your SEO tests are working. You should aim to have a lower bounce rate. This means that visitors find value in your content and are more likely to explore multiple pages on your website. 

    To improve your bounce rate, focus on creating high-quality content that is relevant, informative, and engaging. Ensure that your website is user-friendly, with clear navigation and intuitive design. Additionally, optimize your landing pages to align with the search intent of your target audience, delivering the information or solution they are seeking.

    Conversion rates:

    Tracking the number of conversions is one technique you can use to gauge the effectiveness of your SEO strategy. Start with form submissions, purchases, sign-ups, and any other desired actions on your website. A rise in conversion rates indicates that your SEO tactics are effectively attracting visitors who are genuinely interested in your offerings. It signifies that your website’s content, user experience, and overall SEO optimization are aligned with the needs and expectations of your target audience.

    To calculate the conversion rate, divide the number of conversions by the total number of visitors and multiply it by 100 to get the percentage.

    This metric provides a clear indication of how well your website is performing in terms of converting visitors into customers or achieving your desired goals.

    A/B Split Testing using Replug

    Replug is a comprehensive platform for tracking and URL shortening. It provides many features to help you manage links and improve your marketing. Users can track link performance, shorten and customize URLs, and enhance the user experience.

    It allows split A/B testing of various URL variations. By doing this you can determine their effect on click-through rates and overall performance.

    Follow the steps given below using Replug and perform A/B split tests.

    Step 1

    To access the Replug application, begin by logging in to your account.

    signin or create account

    Once logged in, navigate to the Replug Links page.

    Locate and click on the New Link button to initiate the process of creating a new link. Follow the subsequent steps provided to complete the link creation procedure.

    Step 2

    Before saving the link, activate the A/B Split testing feature by switching on the toggle button. This action will automatically set your destination URL as the initial A/B Testing Link with a weightage of 100%.

    enable AB testing

    To include additional URLs for testing, simply click on the “Add Destination Link” button.

    Step 3

    You have the flexibility to assign different weights to each URL, as long as the total weightage adds up to 100%.

    equalize waight

    To simplify the process, you can utilize the “Equalize Weights” button, which automatically distributes the weightage equally among the URLs.

    This allows for easy adjustment and optimization of the weight distribution for your A/B testing purposes.

    Step 4

    After enabling the A/B Testing feature, you are ready to save your branded link. Start engaging your audience by sharing your Replug Link

    Replug-A/B-testing-Tool

    Now analyze link performance and keep using the best performing one.

    Note:
    It’s important to note that the weightage assigned to each URL is not influenced by previous visits and does not have strict constraints.Whenever the short link is accessed, the final destination URL is selected based on the defined weightage, ensuring a dynamic and varied user experience. However, it’s worth mentioning that if your campaign type is CTA (Call-to-Action) and the specified link does not support iframe functionality, the link cannot be saved for A/B Testing. This limitation is due to the requirement of displaying web page content within another website using iframe. If the source website does not permit iframe inclusion, Replug displays a warning when creating CTA Campaigns.

    FAQs

    Does A/B Testing hurt SEO?

    A/B testing itself does not hurt SEO. It can be a valuable strategy to optimize your website for better search engine rankings. When running A/B tests, it’s important to ensure that the changes you make align with SEO best practices and guidelines provided by search engines. By running tests you can improve your search engine ranking in Google search results.

    Most common mistakes to avoid while running SEO split tests

    • No clear goals/ objectives
    • Simultaneous testing of multiple variations 
    • Not collecting and analyzing enough data to draw statistically significant conclusions.
    • Not giving the test enough time to run and produce valid data.
    • Not documenting and tracking the modifications that were made and their impact on SEO performance.
    • Ignoring additional outside elements that could affect the test results.

    What SEO elements can I test using split testing?

    You can test various SEO elements to improve your website’s performance. Some elements you can consider testing include:

    • Page titles 
    •  Meta descriptions
    • Keyword usage and optimization
    • Headings and subheadings (H1, H2, etc.)
    • Content length and formatting
    • Navigation and site architecture
    • Calls-to-action
    • Linking strategies
    • Image optimization 
    • Mobile responsiveness 
    • URL structure
    • Site speed

    What’s the difference between conducting a split test and an A/B test?

    A split test and an A/B test are two different terms used to refer to the same type of experiment. However,  the term “split test” is a broader term that encompasses any test where different versions are compared including A/B tests. In other words, it refers to dividing the traffic between multiple variations to measure their impact on key metrics. Whereas an A/B test specifically refers to comparing two versions: a control version (A) and a variant version (B).

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  • The importance of choosing the right URL slug for SEO success

    The importance of choosing the right URL slug for SEO success

    Crafting friendly URLs holds utmost importance, as they significantly impact a website’s search engine ranking and overall user experience.

    Whether you are a seasoned developer or a beginner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and best practices to master the art of creating effective and user-friendly URL slugs.

    What is a URL?

     URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator, which is a web address used to identify and locate resources on the internet. It consists of several components, including the protocol (e.g., “http” or “https”), the domain name (e.g., “example.com” or “example.io”), and the slug (e.g., “keyword”) that identifies a specific resource on the website.

    • URL: https://contentstudio.io/social-media-management
    • URL slug: /social-media-management
    URL Slug-Anatomy
    Source: SEO Sherpa

     What is a URL slug?

    The portion of a URL that follows the domain name and any subdirectories is known as the URL slug. It is a human-readable and user-friendly text used to designate a particular web page. Keywords associated with the page’s content are frequently used in URL slugs, which makes them more descriptive and simple to remember. 

    Related: The Art of Creating Unique URLs

    Why are URL slugs important for SEO?

    URL slugs are vital for SEO. They provide a concise, descriptive, and user-friendly representation of a webpage’s content. This helps search engines and visitors easily understand your pages.

    Moreover, including relevant keywords in the slug enhances search engine visibility and improves the user experience by allowing visitors to understand what the page is about before clicking. Well-crafted slugs also contribute to better indexing, readability, and shareability. This further increases the likelihood of attracting organic traffic and earning valuable backlinks from other websites.

    Tips for writing SEO-friendly URL slugs

     People often think URL slugs are a minor SEO element, but that’s not true. URL Slugs can significantly impact your website’s performance in search engine rankings and user engagement. Creating SEO-friendly URL slugs involves careful consideration of keywords, readability, and user experience. Below are some key actionable tips to help you optimize your URL slugs effectively.

    1. Include your keyword in the URL slug

    The very first item that comes to mind when discussing SEO is the keyword. In addition to the content, you must include your primary keyword in your URL slugs as well. Slugs are used by search engines to understand the context of your page content. As far as users are concerned, looking at the URL makes it easier for them to identify relevant content.

    For example, if your focus keyword is ‘AI Tools for Social Media’, you need to incorporate these keywords in your URL slug, just like ConetntStudio did.

    URL Slug example

    2. Keep them short yet informative

    Try to keep your URL slugs short and informative if you want to make them appealing to both users and search engines. Imagine you run a website dedicated to a content curation tool. Instead of having lengthy URL slugs like: 

    “/ultimate-tool-for-content-curation-that-maintains-publishing-flow389”

    Consider using a more compact and descriptive URL slug:

    “https://contentstudio.io/content-curation.”

     This shorter version conveys the essence of the page’s content while being more user and SEO-friendly.

    All that you need to keep in mind is that users are more likely to click on links with concise and relevant URLs, as they can quickly grasp the page’s content before visiting it. Moreover, shareability improves when URLs are shorter, making it easier for people to share your content on other platforms.

    3. Use hyphens, not underscores, to separate words

    Prioritize the use of hyphens instead of underscores.  Hyphens serve as clear word separators that enhance the visual appeal and readability of your URLs. Search engines recognize hyphens as natural dividers between words. This enables them to interpret the content more accurately.

    Consider the following two URL slugs:

    1. “/write-SEO-content-that-ranks/” (with hyphens)
    2. “/write_seo_content_that_ranks/” (with underscores)

    Visibly, the first version presents a tidy and simple URL that users and search engines can process without difficulty. The second version with underscores, on the other hand, seems cluttered and less user-friendly.

    4. Make them lowercase

    To ensure consistency and avoid problems with duplicate content, always use lowercase letters. Instead of something like “What-Are-Ctas-In-Marketing,” “what-are-ctas-in-marketing” is preferred. URLs are handled case-sensitively by search engines. 

    This means that “what-are-ctas-in-marketing” and “What-Are-Ctas-In-Marketing” are treated as two separate URLs. This might result in issues with duplicate content and weaken your website’s SEO efforts. Moreover, mixed-case URLs can make it more difficult for users to remember or share them correctly. 

    5. Keep it evergreen

    Use content that will remain relevant and valuable over time when creating URL slugs. More precisely, avoid incorporating time-sensitive details such as specific years or dates in your URL slugs. 

    ❌

    ✅

    Evergreen slugs help improve SEO results because search engines value content that holds its value over an extended period. You can prevent potential broken links and maintain the SEO authority that has developed over time by getting rid of time-sensitive elements from your slugs. This eliminates the need to update URLs with each passing year.

    6. Use 1 domain and 1 subdomain

    Maintain a clean URL structure by sticking to one primary domain and a minimal number of subdomains. This approach consolidates your website’s authority and prevents content fragmentation. Opt for “blog.example.com” instead of “example.com/blog.”

    Moreover, a consolidated URL structure simplifies your website’s maintenance and improves link equity distribution. You avoid the risk of diluting SEO authority across multiple subdomains, ensuring that your primary domain gains maximum value from incoming links.

    URL Slug- Subdomain example
    Source: SEO Sherpa

    You can use subfolders instead of subdomains. Subfolders within the main domain consolidate link equity, making the website more authoritative and easier to rank. Many case studies have shown significant traffic increases when moving content from subdomains to subfolders.

    URL Slug-Tweet
    Source: Andy Chadwick’s Twitter account (X) Tweet

    URL Slug-Tweet example
    Source: Stephen Kenw Chadwick’s Twitter account (X) tweet

    7. Update old slugs but be careful

    Always make sure the right redirects are set up when changing a slug to prevent broken links and maintain the SEO authority from the previous URL.

    Because sudden changes can result in broken links and have a negative effect on user experience and search engine rankings, managing URL changes requires careful planning. You can smoothly direct users and search engines to the new URL while transferring the SEO value accrued by the old slug by implementing 301 redirects.

    Your website will continue to be user-friendly and search engine optimized if outdated slugs are strategically updated. Furthermore, it aids in maintaining backlinks and search engine rankings while ensuring a steady flow of organic traffic to your updated content.

    8. Match slugs to headlines

    To further emphasize the relevance of your content, you must ensure that your URL slugs and page headlines are consistent. Both users and search engines will have an easier time understanding the purpose of your page if you align both elements.

    This practice assists search engines in associating your content’s main topic with the URL, potentially improving your website’s ranking for relevant search queries. Additionally, users are more likely to click on links that display a clear correlation between the headline and URL, enhancing their browsing experience.

    9. Use fewer page categories

    Keep your URL slug structure simple by keeping the number of categories to a minimum and avoid keyword stuffing. Slugs that are clear and uncomplicated make it simpler for users to navigate your website and for search engines to comprehend your content.

    Let’s take a look at a social media analytics tool web page. Rather than using a long and confusing URL, they chose a short and descriptive URL slug:

    This direct method keeps things crystal clear.  

    10. Opt for HTTP protocol

    Secure your website using HTTPS instead of HTTP because search engines prefer secure sites. HTTPS encrypts data exchanged between users and your website. In other words, it allows you to protect sensitive information from potential online threats.

    URLS-slug-HTTPs-

    This added layer of security instills confidence in your visitors and encourages them to engage with your content or even make transactions without fear of data breaches. It’s the padlock icon in their browser’s address bar that makes them believe that their connection is secure. This builds their trust in your brand, leading to increased user engagement, longer browsing sessions, and conversions.

    Related: What Does HTTP 302 Code Means?

    11. Choose a radio domain name

    Find a memorable domain name and pair it with a relevant URL slug. By doing this, you can enhance your band’s recognition and reinforce your website’s theme.

    Radio-domain-slug-name-

    The combination in the picture above exemplifies how a cohesive URL structure can align with your brand’s identity.

    When users encounter a radio domain name that resonates with their interests, such as “contentstudio.io,” they are more likely to remember and revisit your website. This instant recall plays a significant role in building a loyal audience base.

    Adding a relevant URL slug like “/content-marketing” further enhances user engagement. It communicates the content focus, guiding visitors to the specific section they are interested in. This targeted approach saves users time and effort, fostering a positive user experience.

    6 major mistakes to avoid while creating URL Slugs

    As discussed before, URL slugs play an important role in enhancing your website’s SEO and user experience. However, there are common mistakes that can impact your website’s performance and rankings. Below are six major mistakes that you need to avoid when crafting URL slugs for your web pages.

    1. Avoid stop words

    Common words like “and,” “the,” “of,” “a”, etc. are stop words and they add very little to the meaning of a URL. Avoid using them in your slugs because doing so will lengthen them and make them less readable. For example:

    Wrong: “/schedule-content-to-linkedIn-like-a-pro” ❌

    Correct: “/linkedin-scheduler” ✅

    2. Avoid using dates in slugs 

    The use of specific dates in URL slugs can result in out-of-date content and affect SEO. Rather than 

    “/product-launch-2023,”

     use

     “/latest-product-launch” 

    or 

    “/new-product-release.”

     In this manner, you can avoid updating your URLs annually and ensure their continued relevance.

     The biggest issue is that when you need to change the date from 2023 to 2024, you need to change the slug and redirect the old URL to the new one. This process can be time-consuming and may lead to broken links if not handled correctly.

    Moreover, these URL redirects can be suboptimal. They may result in less link juice passing through to the destination URLs. This means that the SEO value of your old URL might not fully transfer to the new one. By leaving out numbers and using descriptive slugs, you avoid the need for frequent redirects and maintain a consistent flow of link equity to your content. 

    3. Avoid using special characters

    Including special characters like question marks, exclamation marks, or dollar signs can cause issues with URL encoding in your slugs. Certain characters are replaced with encoded strings, making the URL less readable. Furthermore, some special characters may not be universally supported by all browsers and platforms, potentially causing compatibility issues for some users.

     You can use hyphens to separate words in your slugs. Hyphens are considered word separators, providing better readability for search engines and users alike. Hyphen-separated slugs contribute to a cleaner and more professional appearance for your URLs.

    4. Avoid trailing slash issues

    Adding a trailing slash at the end of a URL can inadvertently create duplicate content problems for your website. Confusion and a negative effect on SEO may result from search engines treating URLs with and without the trailing slash as separate pages. Maintaining consistency in your URL structure is essential for mitigating this problem.

    You can guarantee that users and search engines always access the preferred version of your content by consistently using one format for your URLs and implementing the appropriate redirects.

    Example:

    Wrong: “/ai-social-caption-generator/” ❌

     Correct: “/ai-social-caption-generator” ✅

    5. Avoid broken links after making any changes

    Making changes to your URL structure or slugs is a common practice, but it’s critical to handle these changes carefully to avoid broken links and maintain a consistent user experience. Setting up 301 redirects from the old URLs to the new ones is essential when changing a URL.

    Users who are trying to access your content may become frustrated if you neglect to implement proper redirects. Broken links not only have a bad effect on the user experience, but they also give the wrong impression to search engines, which could lower the ranking of your website.

    6. Avoid ranking cannibalization

    Ranking cannibalization is a phenomenon where multiple pages on your website vie for the same keyword.  As a result, there is internal competition in the search results.  Concentrate on making sure that each URL slug targets a different and specific keyword or topic to prevent ranking cannibalization.  Conduct keyword research and use different variations for each page.

    You can improve each page’s content’s clarity and relevance in the eyes of search engines by allocating unique URL slugs to particular keywords or topics. This enables search algorithms to better understand the purpose and intent of your pages, leading to improved rankings for relevant search queries.

    How to optimize URL slugs?

    Your links will be easier to read, remember, and navigate with a well-optimized URL slug, which will increase click-through rates and engagement. This section will examine URL slug optimization using a practical example and the Replug Shortener campaign.

    Step 1

    signin or create account

     Log in to Replug or register for a free account.

    Step 2

    Create a Brand

    You’ll land on a dashboard. Create your brand here by clicking on the ‘New Brand’ button.

    Step 3

    campaigns

    Click on ‘Manage’ and select ‘Campaigns’ from the drop-down menu and fill in details to create your campaign.

    Step 4

    campaign name

    Once you’re done creating your campaign, select ‘Replug Links’ from the drop-down menu to optimize your long URL slug.

    Step 5

    Copy or edit the new link to your preference, select Update, and you’re done in steps 1 through 5. 

    Replug-Edit-URL-Slug-

    How to change your slug in WordPress?

    WordPress is known for its user-friendly interface and flexibility, making it a popular choice for website development. Changing a URL slug in WordPress is a simple process that can be done within the platform’s settings by following the steps below.

    Step 1

    Before starting you must ensure that your permalink structure allows for user-friendly URL slugs. Navigate to “Settings” and then to “Permalinks.”

    You can choose one of the standard permalink structure types or create your own. However, it is recommended to use the”Post name” structure.

    URL-Slug-wordpress-permalink-structure

    Step 2  

    Open the editor of the post or webpage and look for the “URL” section in the rightmost panel. Click on the automatically generated slug and edit it the way you want to. That’s it.

    Optimize-URL-Slug-Wordpress

    Related: How to Change Permalink in WordPress?

    Benefits of using SEO-friendly URL slugs

    1. Improve SEO

    The strengthening of your website’s search engine optimization is one of the main advantages of using SEO-friendly URL slugs. Search engines can learn a lot about the content of your page when you use relevant keywords in the URL slugs of your URLs. The ability of the search engine to index and rank your pages for pertinent search queries is subsequently improved.

    2. Increase shareability

    Concise, descriptive, and simple-to-remember URL slugs are more likely to be shared on various platforms. Users are more likely to share valuable content with their friends, coworkers, or social media networks when the URLs are simple and clear.

    When the reader comes across your URL, which is to the point (has the focus keyword), they can easily copy and paste the URL. The user-friendly and shareable URL slug allows others to access the same content quickly and effortlessly.

    3. Enhance click-through rates

    An SEO-optimized URL slug can also improve click-through rates (CTR) from search engine results pages (SERPs). When users see a relevant and well-structured URL slug that matches their search intent, they are more likely to click on the link, expecting it to lead to content that aligns with their needs. The user-friendly and keyword-rich URL slug assures the user that the page contains the desired information, thus increasing the likelihood of a click. 

    Let’s say someone is searching for “best smartphone deals”. He’ll click on a URL with a slug like “/best-smartphone-deals” rather than a generic one like “/products/abc123.” 

    Concluding remarks

    URL slugs play a pivotal role in the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). These user-friendly, descriptive segments of URLs not only enhance the overall user experience but also significantly impact a website’s search engine ranking and visibility.

    Optimize URL slugs with relevant keywords, using hyphens as separators, and keep them concise. In this way, you can signal search engines about your content’s focus and improve your chances of ranking higher in search results.

    FAQs on URL Slugs

    Why is it called a URL slug?

    It’s called a URL slug due to its historical resemblance to the slimy, segmented part of a slug, reflecting its compact and descriptive nature in a URL.

    What is permalink vs slug?

    A permalink is the full URL of a webpage, while a slug is the portion of the permalink that represents the page’s content.

    What is the URL slug parameter?

    The URL slug parameter is the user-friendly, human-readable portion of a URL that identifies a specific page’s content.

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  • URL Masking: What Does It Mean for Marketers

    URL Masking: What Does It Mean for Marketers

    Digital marketers, SEOs, and affiliate bloggers play around with links all the time. Sometimes, these experts use short URLs, masked URLs, or redirect URLs. Different link management strategies are used to achieve desired results.

    If you’re into affiliate marketing, you must have come across link cloaking. It’s also known as URL masking.

    If you’re curious about URL masking or why it’s important to understand or who should be using this link management technique, then stick around.

    What Does it Mean to Mask a URL?

    URL masking is a process of altering the appearance of the URL without changing the destination URL. When a URL is masked, it may appear different on the outside, but it takes the visitor to the pre-defined destination.

    URL redirection has an important role in the URL masking process. The redirection helps website owners and bloggers to allow URL masking to work. I’ll shed some light on the URL redirects in a second.

    There are several other use cases of URL masking that you’ll witness going forward.

    One of the reasons why marketers and SEOs mask URLs is to beautify the look of the URLs, especially if they want to promote content on social media or email newsletters.

    Most bloggers and affiliate marketers cloak affiliate links to hide the hideous affiliate links and mask them with their short, beautiful links to increase CTR and engagement.

    What are URL Redirects?

    Types-of-url-redirects

    URL redirects are traffic forwarding parameters to direct the visitors and bots toward the destination URL. The purpose of setting up redirects is to push the visitors or bots in the right direction.

    Sometimes, a company rebrands itself into a new name and pushes the website traffic toward the new domain. This is where the URL redirection comes in handy.

    Often a landing page or website section is under construction, so a temporary URL redirection is set to direct the traffic to a different destination.

    Moreover, a permanent redirect is also used to tell the search engine bots that a page or website has moved to a new URL.

    URL redirection is extremely helpful in blogging, affiliate marketing, and SEO. Therefore, it’s vital to understand how it works and the difference between different types of redirects.

    When to Mask a URL?

    Now you know how URL masking works and why it’s important. So let’s discuss when to apply URL masking.

    Here are different scenarios where URL masking would be helpful:

    • Inserting affiliate links: Most affiliate experts mask URLs when they have to promote affiliate products on their blogs. They use a URL masker so that their affiliate links look more natural and non-spammy.
    • Dealing with long URLs: We’ve established the fact that long and clunky URLs don’t appeal to website visitors due to their spammy and sketchy appearance. Therefore, marketers and bloggers mask such URLs when they have to deal with long product URLs or affiliate offer links.
    • Hiding free web hosting URLs: A lot of beginners prefer free web hosting and free sub-domains for launching their websites or blogs. However, most of them try to hide those free sub-domains through link shortening or URL masking. For instance, blogger.com and wordpress.com provide free sub-domain and web hosting for setting up free blogs.
    • Increasing tracking parameters: Whenever a brand wants to keep track of its links’ performance, they have to add certain tracking parameters to the URLs in question. Therefore, it’s necessary for them to insert additional tracking parameters using a URL tracker to make it happen.

    These were some of the situations where users might want to consider masking the URLs so that they could benefit from this link management strategy.

    Advantages of URL Masking

    Here are some perks of using a URL masking tool:

    i. Security

    A lot of companies try to hide their sensitive information or deny the accessibility to sensitive files to maintain security. Data theft, malware transfers, and code injections are a few of the challenges websites, blogs, and e-commerce sites have to be aware of to survive.

    So this is why it’s important to understand and implement URL masking when or where it’s inevitable. You can also apply data masking in Salesforce to manage customer data, especially during sandbox testing or internal reviews, where exposing real records could pose risks.

    Related: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your URLs

    ii. Links appear user-friendly and trustworthy

    They say the first impression is the last impression. You might not want website visitors to feel overwhelmed when looking at your links. URL masking may help improve your links’ appearance to some degree.

    Social media influencers, bloggers, and affiliate marketers strive to position themselves as genuine, authentic, and real.

    However, when they come across awkward, untrustworthy links to publish on their sites or social media, they fashion something to make those links look better.

    URL masking helps marketers and brands create short, user-friendly links that don’t look sketchy at all. And that’s a huge advantage of link cloaking.

    As a result, most influencers and creators with massive followers base use short links to promote the products or sell their own products.

    iii. Hide unnecessarily long destination URL

    One of the benefits of using any URL masker is to hide long destination URLs. These long URLs might not necessarily be affiliate links or e-commerce product links. Sometimes, website pages or blog posts have relatively longer URLs that don’t look very nice.

    Have you ever come across a social post that has a long URL as a call-to-action?

    I’m sure we have all seen something like that on social media or SMS. The point is that nobody would ever click on such a link.

    Brands, marketers, and affiliate bloggers need short and trackable URLs. The reason is that these experts know that readers despise long links in the article or social media posts etc.

    URL masking provides these professional marketers and bloggers with a shield to get away with this.

    This way, brands, websites, and bloggers can get more engagement and clickability on their websites. Here’s an example of Coca Cola’s URL branding example.

    Coca-Cola-branded-links-Strategy

    iv. Adds the ability to track link performance

    It’s impossible to grow an online business or blog without a proper website tracking and reporting system. One of the benefits of URL masking is that it allows users to track the clickability of the shortened links. Thus, it helps in determining the conversion rate of a website or blog.

    Website tracking assists website owners to analyze content performance, user engagement, and conversion rate. Links are added to the content or social posts so that readers click them while going through the content.

    It’ll be a shame if clicks are happening, but there is no click tracking in place to analyze the links’ performance.

    It’s safe to say that link performance tracking is crucial to establishing a successful link management strategy whether you’re managing social media channels or running an email marketing campaign.

    URL masking does help marketers and affiliate bloggers to track link performance across different platforms.

    v. Improves click-through rate on affiliate links

    An affiliate marketing campaign has numerous aspects that make conversion happen. The affiliate offers on a blog don’t convert just because they have been added.

    In fact, the conversion happens because readers need the solution or they trust the author or the recommendation makes sense.

    URL masking does have a huge impact on the click-through rate of any brand or website. You must have known by now that readers find it hard to click on an untrustworthy link.

    While some readers chicken out when they aren’t sure about the link they’re supposed to click, others leave it to decide later.

    I have personally been using link-cloaking tools to hide the affiliate offers on my blogs because I don’t to showcase my unpretty links.

    On the flip side, adding short URLs to your blogging system dramatically improves the click-through rate on your website.

    vi. Branding

    Branding

    Branding isn’t just about the name, logo, and colors – it’s a wholesome package that shapes how a brand is perceived by the audience. Links are an essential part of the branding composition. Pay close attention to your links from the branding perspective. No wonder a lot of brands use short custom domains for URL shortening.

    URL masking & URL branding is quite common in digital marketing and affiliate marketing areas. Publishers, bloggers, and affiliate marketers try to mask affiliate or lengthy URLs to make the user experience as smooth as possible.

    Perhaps, long and bulky URLs scare readers off. Therefore, it’s necessary to make your links look beautiful and catchy with your branded keywords.

    Replug Branded Short Links CTA
    Replug Logo
    A complete link management solution
    for marketing professionals & agencies.     Try Replug for free

    How Do I Create a Masked URL?

    You don’t have to be a website developer need to create a masked URL. In fact, it’s not that difficult, considering you have access to the right tools for the job.

    Speaking of the tools, I’ll be sharing how you can do URL masking using a URL shortener. Let me tell you a little bit about this URL shortener.

    It is an all-in-one URL shortening tool that provides digital marketers, affiliate bloggers, and social media experts with a bunch of link management tools.

    The key features of Replug include social media bio links, branded short links, URLs shortener, retargeting visitors, mobile deep links, QR marketing, UTM parameters, and more.

    Create a masked URL using Replug URL Shortener:

    Note: Skip to step 3 as integrating a custom domain is not mandatory to create a customized URL slug. Unless you want to use your brand name in your domain with your slug, then follow the given steps.

    Step #1: Register your short domain

    First things first, register a short domain that is suitable for your brand. A lot of companies and experts pick the short version of their brand name to register for setting up their short domain.

    For instance, youtube.com has youtu.be, Amazon has amzn.to, and Replug has rplg.co. So these are a few examples of short domain names that companies have registered for different purposes.

    To register your short domain, go to your favorite domain registrar services like Namecheap or Godaddy and look out for a perfect, short domain name.

    Once you’ve registered the domain name, move on to step number two.

    Step #2: Integrate your custom domain with Replug

    After registering the short domain name, there are some integrations that need to be done before you could start using your branded short URL.

    This integration is a two-step process to make it work. Start with adding the DNS records for your custom domain to configure it with Replug.

    To do this, log in to your domain registrar account and look out for the DNS settings. You’ll see an option like “Add New Record” or “Add Record,” depending on the domain registrar you’re using.

    The idea is to add a CNAME record in your domain setting to configure it with your Replug account.

    So click on the “Add New Record” option to include a new record. Provide the following details:

    Record typeHostnamePoint to (Address)
    CNAME@ or www*short domain*

    Most domain registrars allow adding a CNAME record. However, if your domain registrar doesn’t allow it, you can use the A -Address option instead.

    Record typeHostnamePoint to (Address)
    A@ or www*Domain IP address*

    Once you’re done on the domain registrar front, head over to the Replug account.

    Now it’s time to add a custom domain to your Replug account.

    Log in to your Replug account and open the drop-down settings menu from the top right corner.

    Go to the Custom Domains section to proceed.

    Click on the Add Domain option to add a custom domain.

    Connect your custom domain by providing the branded URL (that you want to use), custom 404 redirection page URL, and main root URL.

    Once the details have been added, press the Connect button to go ahead.

    Step #3: Add a new brand to your Replug account

    After you’ve successfully configured the short domain with your Replug account, the next up is to add a new brand to your Replug account.

    To do so, log in to your Replug account.

    Go to Manage from the top menu bar, and click on the Brands option from the drop-down menu.

    Now you need to add a new brand. Click the “New Brand” button to proceed.

    A pop-up menu would appear.

    Enter the brand name and website URL of your brand and press save.

    That’s it.

    Step #4: Create a new campaign

    Once you’ve added the brand, now it’s time to create a new campaign for this brand.

    Replug campaign

    Access the campaign section through the top menu. Go to Manage from the top menu bar and click on the Campaigns option from the drop-down menu.

    new campaign

    Now press the New Campaign button from the top.

    Now you’d have to select the right brand for this campaign.

    Shortener-campaign

    Select the brand you just created for this campaign.

    The next section would be about the campaign type selection.

    This is where you have to select the appropriate custom, short domain for the campaign.

    Name your campaign and opt for the right short domain you just added.

    Save the campaign and you’re good to go.

    Step #5: Shorten the URL with your branded URL

    Once everything goes smoothly, you’ll be able to create disguised short links.

    Head over to the dashboard to start shortening the URLs using your short, branded domain.

    FAQs About URL Masking

    Here are some burning questions about URL masking:

    Is there a way to mask a URL?

    Sure, there is more than one way to mask a URL. The most common method for bloggers and affiliate marketers to mask links is by using plugins.

    Moreover, you could also use link cloaking to mask a URL. It essentially changes the appearance of the URL to make it look decent, but the destination URL remains the same. It requires URL redirection to direct the visitors to the destination page.

    What is the difference between URL masking and redirecting?

    The URL redirection pushes the visitors to a different page or a new website with clear directions for search engine bots to follow. However, URL masking is more of a URL-hiding strategy to avoid unnecessary suspicion on the user’s end.

    What is the difference between URI and URL?

    The URI is an abbreviation for Uniform Resource Identifier. It’s a series of characters employed to specify and differentiate a logical or physical resource, commonly associated with the internet, from other resources.

    Whereas, a URL is short for Uniform Resource Locator. It’s a distinctive identifier employed to pinpoint the location of a resource on the Internet. It’s also known as a web address.

    Other Popular Blogs

  • How to Insert Links in YouTube Descriptions: Step-by-Step

    How to Insert Links in YouTube Descriptions: Step-by-Step

    Are you eager to level up your YouTube descriptions and engage your viewers like never before? Well, look no further! Inserting links in your YouTube description can be a game-changer, and we’re here to show you how step-by-step. 

    Whether you want to share additional resources, promote your social media channels, or drive traffic to your website, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your video descriptions and captivate your audience effortlessly. 

    Let’s dive in and master the art of inserting links on YouTube, making your content shine brighter than ever! 

    YouTube descriptions: Why are they important?

    YouTube video description plays a crucial role in maximizing the impact of your videos. Not only can it improve your YouTube SEO and video rankings, but it also provides valuable information about your content. Let’s explore why video descriptions are so important.

    Also read: Step-by-Step: How to Get a Custom YouTube URL

    1. Boosting YouTube SEO:

    A well-crafted video description can significantly enhance your YouTube SEO. Including relevant keywords and phrases in your description increase the chances of your video appearing in search results. This means more visibility and potential viewership for your content.

    1. Providing Context:

    YouTube video description allows you to provide additional context and details about your video. You can break down your video into chapters or sections, making navigating and finding specific information easier for viewers. This enhances the overall viewer experience and encourages engagement.

    1. Channel Introduction: 

    YouTube video description is an excellent opportunity to introduce your channel to new viewers. You can give a brief overview of your content, highlight your unique selling points, and encourage viewers to subscribe for more exciting videos.

    1. Driving Traffic:

    Additionally, the description box enables you to include links to external websites, such as your personal website or affiliate offers. This allows you to drive traffic to other platforms or monetize your content through partnerships.

    Also read: How to put YouTube link in Instagram bio?

    How to insert links in YouTube descriptions?

    Adding a link to your YouTube description is a breeze, whether you’re using a mobile device or a desktop computer.

    On a desktop device:

    Let’s start with the steps for desktop devices:

    Step 1: Access your YouTube Studio by clicking on your profile picture in the top right corner of the YouTube interface.

    Also read: How to share YouTube videos using deep links?

    Step 2: On the left side of the dashboard, click on “Content.”

    Step 3: Locate the video you want to add a link to and click on the pencil icon to edit its description.

    Step 4: In the description box, type “https://” followed by the URL of the link you want to include.

    Step 5: Save your changes by clicking on the “Save” button.

    Congratulations! You have successfully added a link to your YouTube video description.

    Please note that the above steps are applicable to videos that are already uploaded or published. If you wish to add a link to the description of a video you are currently uploading or planning to upload, simply include “https://” and the URL in the description field during the upload process.

    Also read: How to share youtube playlist using deep links?

    Here’s how to insert links in YouTube Descriptions on a mobile device:

    On a mobile device:

    Adding a link to your YouTube description on mobile devices is just as simple as on a desktop. Follow these steps:

    Step 1: Open the YouTube app on your mobile device and sign in to your account.

    Step 2: Find the video for which you want to add a link in the description.

    Step 3: Tap on the video to open it and then tap on the “More” button (represented by three dots) below the video.

    Step 4: From the options that appear, select “Edit video.”

    Step 5: Scroll down to the description field and locate the spot where you want to add the link.

    Step 6: Type “https://” followed by the URL you want to include in the description.

    Step 7: Once you have entered the link, tap on the “Save” or “Publish” button to save your changes.

    Congratulations! You have successfully added a link to your YouTube video description using a mobile device.

    Remember, the process of adding a link remains the same: simply include “https://” followed by the URL in the description field. Now you can seamlessly include links in your YouTube video descriptions, whether you’re using a desktop computer or a mobile device. Happy linking!

    Also read: How to add YouTube links to Instagram story?

    Replug Branded Short Links CTA
    Replug Logo
    A complete link management solution
    for marketing professionals & agencies.     Try Replug for free

    Shorten your YouTube Links for maximum impact:

    Shortening your YouTube links can be the secret ingredient to maximizing your impact. With shorter, more concise links, you’ll capture your audience’s attention, drive more clicks, and achieve higher engagement. 

    Here’s how to shorten YouTube Links using Replug:

    If you’re looking to shorten your YouTube links effectively, Replug provides a seamless solution. Follow these steps to shorten YouTube links using Replug:

    Step 1: Sign in to your Replug account or create a new account if you haven’t already.

    Step 2: On the main dashboard page, click “Select your campaign’’ or create a new campaign in just a few seconds. 

    select-campaign

    Step 3: Paste your YouTube link or any link your want to shorten in the “URL to shorten” section below “Select your campaign” and click “Create”. 

    Also read: How to put YouTube link in Instagram bio?

    url-to-shorten

    Step 4: You’ll have your YouTube link shortened, now, click the edit icon to customize your link. 

    customize url

    Step 5: Copy your link, click the “update button” and you’re done.

    By using Replug’s link-shortening feature, you not only get concise and visually appealing YouTube links, but you also gain access to advanced analytics and tracking capabilities. These insights will enable you to measure the performance of your links, understand audience engagement, and optimize your marketing strategies accordingly.

    Replug Branded Short Links CTA
    Replug Logo
    Maximize marketing ROI
    by transforming ordinary URLs into
    branded short links that convert.     Try Replug for free

    Also read: How to Build Your Brand on YouTube – Branding on Youtube the Right Way!

    FAQs

    Why is it important to include links in my YouTube video description?

    Including links in your YouTube video description is important because it allows you to provide additional resources, redirect viewers to relevant websites, promote affiliate offers, and enhance the overall viewer experience. Links can also drive traffic to your website or social media profiles, increasing engagement and conversions.

    Can I include multiple links in my YouTube video description?

    Yes, you can include multiple links in your YouTube video description. However, it’s essential to ensure that the links are relevant and add value to your viewers. Avoid overwhelming the description with too many links, as it may appear cluttered and distract from the main content.

    Are there any restrictions or guidelines for the types of links I can add to my YouTube description?

    YouTube has community guidelines and policies that you must adhere to when adding links. Ensure that the links are not spammy, violate copyright or community standards, or redirect to malicious websites. Familiarize yourself with YouTube’s policies to ensure compliance.

    Can I add clickable links in the description that viewers can directly click on?

    Yes, YouTube automatically converts URLs in the video description to clickable links. As long as you include the full URL (e.g., https://www.example.com), viewers will be able to click on the link and be redirected to the desired webpage.\

    You may also like:

    Online Branding: The Roadmap to Stand Out and Succeed Online

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  • How to Unblock Websites: 7 Ways to Access Restricted Content

    How to Unblock Websites: 7 Ways to Access Restricted Content

    In today’s digital age, the internet has become an essential part of our daily lives, allowing us to access information, connect with others, and conduct business anywhere. 

    However, some websites and online content may be blocked or restricted in certain regions, making accessing the information they need difficult. Being blocked can be frustrating if you’re trying to stream your favorite TV show or access a website for work or research purposes. 

    Luckily, there are several ways to unblock websites and gain access to restricted content. In this guide, we’ll explore seven effective methods for accessing blocked websites and content, so you can get back to browsing the internet freely and securely.

    Why do websites get blocked?

    There are various reasons why websites can get blocked. Some of the common reasons include:

    • Government censorship

    In some countries, the government may block certain websites that they consider to be a threat to national security, or that they deem inappropriate.

    • Workplace or school restrictions

    Employers and schools often use web filters to prevent employees or students from accessing websites that are not related to work or studies.

    • Geo-restrictions

    Some websites may be blocked in certain countries due to licensing agreements or legal restrictions.

    • Website maintenance: 

    Occasionally, websites may be temporarily blocked for maintenance or updates.

    • Hacking and cyber threats 

    Websites that have been hacked or are susceptible to cyber-attacks may be temporarily or permanently blocked to prevent further damage.

    The reasons for website blocking can vary widely, and it’s important to understand why a website has been blocked before attempting to access it using any of the methods mentioned above.

    Also read: How to Block a URL in Chrome?

    How to unblock websites?   

    Here’s how to unblock websites using seven different ways:

    1. Use a VPN

    use-vpn

    If you’re looking for a reliable and secure way to access restricted websites, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a great option. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a secure server in another location, making it look like you’re accessing the internet from that location. This not only lets you unblock websites that are restricted in your region, but it also adds an extra layer of security to your online activities.

    VPNs are easy to use, simply download and install a reputable VPN service on your device, select a server location, and connect to the internet. 

    2. Use a Proxy

    use-a-proxy

    Another way to unblock restricted websites is by using a proxy server. A proxy acts as a middleman between your device and the internet, allowing you to access websites that may be blocked in your region. Proxies are typically free to use, but they may not always be reliable or secure. For affordable and secure proxy solutions, websites like ProxyCoupons can help you find deals and discounts on trusted proxy providers.

    For example, you can use a web-based proxy site such as KProxy to access the blocked website by entering the website URL into the proxy site’s search bar. To use a proxy, you’ll need to find a proxy server and configure your device to use it. You can find free proxy servers online, but it’s important to be cautious when using them, as they may not be trustworthy. Using a free online proxy checker is a helpful way to verify the functionality and security of a proxy server before relying on it for your online activities.

    Also read: URL Hijacking Uncovered: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Online Presence

    3. Use Tor

    tor-browser

    Tor is a free and open-source software that lets you browse the internet anonymously. It works by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a network of volunteer-run servers, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activities.

    To use Tor, simply download and install the Tor browser on your device, and you’ll be able to access the internet anonymously. However, it’s worth noting that Tor can be slower than other methods of accessing the internet, so it may not be the best option if you need to access websites quickly.

    4. Use a URL Shortener

    use-a-url-shortener

    If a website is blocked due to its URL, you can try using a URL shortener to access it. URL shorteners like Replug or Rebrandly take a long website address and shorten it to a shorter, more manageable URL. By using a URL shortener, you may be able to bypass website blocks that are based on the website’s URL.

    When using a URL shortener, simply visit the website of your chosen service, enter the URL of the blocked website, and click “shorten.” You’ll be provided with a new, shortened URL that you can use to access the website.

    Also read: How to Strengthen Your Social Media Presence Using Replug and ContentStudio

    5. Access the Website via Its Crawl History

    use-way-back-machine

    If a website has been recently blocked in your region, you may still be able to access it via its crawl history. Search engines like Google and Bing regularly crawl websites and store cached versions of the website’s pages. By accessing the cached version of the website, you may be able to bypass any website blocks that are currently in place.

    To access a website’s crawl history, simply search for the website on a search engine and look for the “cached” option next to the search results. Clicking on the cached version will take you to a version of the website that was saved by the search engine. For example, you can use the Wayback Machine website to access a website’s previous versions and find the version of the website that was not blocked.

    6. Change Your Device Settings

    In some cases, website blocks may be based on your device settings. For example, if you’re using a public Wi-Fi network, the network’s administrator may have blocked certain websites. To bypass these blocks, you can try changing your device’s DNS settings or using a different Wi-Fi network.

    To change your device’s DNS settings, go to your device’s network settings and enter a new DNS server address. Some popular DNS servers include Google DNS, OpenDNS, and Cloudflare DNS.

    Also read: Easy Guide For Fixing URL Blacklist

    7. Open a New Account

    If a website is blocked due to your account being banned or suspended, you may need to create a new account to access the website. However, this method may not work for all websites, as some may block your IP address from accessing their content even if you create a new account.

    To open a new account, you will need to create a new email address, username, and password. Make sure to use a different email address than the one you used for your previous account, as some websites may block your new account if they detect that it is associated with a previously banned or suspended account.

    This method is useful if the website has banned your previous account, but it may not be effective if the website has blocked your IP address. Additionally, creating multiple accounts on a website can be against their terms of service, so be sure to read the website’s policies before creating a new account.

    For example, social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook may ban accounts for violating their community guidelines. In such cases, creating a new account with a different email address and username can help you regain access to the website. However, some websites like Netflix may not allow users to create multiple accounts, and may even block the new account if they detect that it is associated with a previously banned or suspended account.

    Also read: 5 Top Link Rotators: Convert More With Traffic Routing & A/B Testing

    FAQs

    Is it safe to use a proxy to unblock websites?

    While using a proxy can be a quick and easy way to access blocked websites, it’s important to be cautious about the security implications. Some proxies may collect and store your personal information, or be used by hackers to steal your data. Make sure to choose a reputable and secure proxy provider, and use HTTPS websites to ensure that your browsing activity is encrypted.

    How do I know if a website is blocked?

    If you’re unable to access a website, the first step is to check whether the site is actually down or blocked. You can use online tools such as DownForEveryoneOrJustMe.com to see if the site is unavailable to everyone, or just to you. You can also try accessing the site using a different device or network to rule out any issues with your own connection.

    Can I unblock websites on my mobile phone?

    Yes, many of the methods for unblocking websites described above can also be used on mobile devices. For example, you can use a VPN app to access blocked sites, or use a browser with built-in proxy support. However, keep in mind that some mobile networks may have more aggressive content filtering in place, so you may need to use more advanced methods to bypass these restrictions.

    Is it legal to unblock websites?

    The legality of unblocking websites can vary depending on the country and the circumstances. In some countries, it is illegal to use VPNs or proxies to access blocked websites. However, in most cases, unblocking websites for personal use is not considered illegal. It is always recommended to research the local laws and regulations related to internet usage and unblocking websites before attempting to do so.

    Why is my internet blocking websites?

    There can be various reasons why your internet is blocking websites. One common reason is the use of content filtering software or parental controls, which block access to certain categories of websites. Another reason could be the use of firewalls or antivirus software that blocks websites with malicious content or phishing attempts. In some cases, your internet service provider (ISP) may be blocking certain websites due to legal or regulatory reasons.

    How do I stop my browser from blocking a website?

    If your browser is blocking a website, you can try the following steps:

    – Check if the website is included in your browser’s block list and remove it if necessary.

    – Disable any browser extensions that may be causing the issue.

    – Clear your browser cache and cookies.

    – Reset your browser settings to default.

    How do I unblock a website on a school Chromebook?

    If you are using a school Chromebook, the ability to unblock websites may be restricted by the school’s IT policies. However, you can try the following steps:

    – Use a VPN or proxy to access the blocked website.

    – Try accessing the website through a different browser.

    – Ask the school’s IT department to unblock the website if it is necessary for academic purposes.

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  • How to get the Snapchat URL?

    How to get the Snapchat URL?

    Snapchat is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, known for its unique features that allow users to share pictures and videos that disappear after a set amount of time. With millions of daily active users, Snapchat has become a go-to platform for sharing candid moments with friends and family. 

    However, have you ever wanted to share your Snapchat profile with someone who doesn’t have the app, or include your Snapchat handle on your website or social media profiles? 

    In this article, we will show you how to get your Snapchat URL and share it with the world, so that you can connect with more people and expand your social circle. 

    So, whether you’re a seasoned Snapchat user or just getting started, keep reading to learn how to get your Snapchat URL and make your profile more visible to others.

    Also read: How to create a QR code for a URL?

    How to get your Snapchat URL?

    Getting your Snapchat URL on a mobile device is a quick and easy process that can be completed in just a few simple steps. Here’s what you need to do:

    Step 1: Open the Snapchat app on your mobile device.

    Step 2: Tap on your profile icon in the top left corner of the screen to access your profile.

    profile icon

    Also read: How to find my Twitter URL on mobile and desktop?

    Step 3: Tap the share icon in the top right corner. 

    share-icon

    Also read: How do I find my URL on Youtube?

    Step 4: Tap the “copy” button at the bottom left corner and that’s all there is to it.

    copy-link

    Whether you’re looking to connect with new friends, promote your brand or business, or simply share your Snap stories with a wider audience, having your Snapchat URL readily available can be a great way to expand your reach and build your online presence.

    Also read: How to Shorten a link using a URL shortener?

    FAQs

    What is a Snapchat URL?

    A Snapchat URL is a link to your Snapchat profile that can be shared with others. It allows people who don’t have the Snapchat app to view your profile and connect with you.

    Is my Snapchat URL public?

    Your Snapchat URL is not public by default. However, if you share your URL with others, they will be able to view your profile and connect with you.

    Can I get my Snapchat URL on both mobile and computer devices?

    No, you cannot get your Snapchat URL on computer devices. You can only get your Snapchat URL on a mobile device. 

    What is my Snapchat username?

    Your Snapchat username is the unique identifier that you created when you signed up for your Snapchat account. It should be the name that appears in your profile, and it’s also the name that your friends can use to add you to the app. If you’re not sure what your Snapchat username is, you can open the Snapchat app and check your profile to see what name appears at the top of the screen.

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  • Role of link management in building a strong online presence

    Role of link management in building a strong online presence

    In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses and individuals alike. Whether you’re a small business owner trying to reach new customers or a freelancer looking to showcase your work, your online presence can make or break your success.

    So what exactly does it take to build a strong online presence? There are many factors to consider, from creating high-quality content to engaging with your audience on social media. But one area that’s often overlooked is link management.

    Links are the currency of the internet, and managing your links effectively can have a huge impact on your online presence. Links not only help users navigate your website, but they also signal to search engines that your content is valuable and authoritative.

    In this blog post, we’ll explore the role of link management in building a strong online presence. We’ll look at how links affect your website’s visibility and authority, and show you how to manage your links effectively for maximum impact. So if you’re ready to take your online presence to the next level, read on!

    What is link management?

    link-management

    Link management refers to the process of organizing, tracking, and optimizing the links used in digital marketing campaigns. This includes managing links within websites, as well as links used in social media, email marketing, and other forms of online marketing.

    Imagine you are a digital marketing strategist and your goal is to drive traffic to your website through various channels such as social media, email marketing, and online ads. To do this, you create different links that direct users to different pages on your website.

    However, with so many links to manage, it can be challenging to keep track of which links are working effectively and which ones are not. This is where link management comes in.

    Link management is like having a GPS system for your digital marketing campaign. It helps you navigate through the various channels, track your progress, and make adjustments along the way. With the right link management tool and strategies, you can optimize your links to improve your website’s search engine rankings, increase your click-through rates, and ultimately drive more conversions.

    Why do companies need to use a link management tool?

    E-commerce stores, affiliate marketers, and social media gurus need link management services to shorten the URLs, track clickability, and analyze conversion.

    Bloggers and affiliate marketers do link management on the site level to make their affiliate product links look better.

    So there are multiple reasons why a company needs a link management tool. Still, the crux is that nowadays, companies and influencers want to spearhead utilizing efficient tools as there is stiff competition in the market.

    Popular URL shorteners allow users to generate short, branded URLs. It’s not rocket science. All you need is a URL shortener that flawlessly integrates with your website URL and helps you set up a short custom domain that is short and sweet. 

    It offers several features that don’t only make your long URLs shorter but also drive social media traffic to your website. The key features include bio links, branded URLs, lead generation, and retargeting.

    Also read: 8 Best Retargeting Platforms To Retarget Your Potential Audience

    Want to get traffic, leads and sales with our all-in-one link management tool?

    Talk to one of our experts to see how Replug can help you get the maximum return from your shared links.
    Book a demo

    Maximizing your online presence: Benefits of link management

    Now you know what link management is and how companies and marketing experts utilize it to maximize social media output and organic traffic. By combining link management with link building services packages, businesses can further enhance their organic traffic by securing high-quality backlinks that improve search engine rankings.

    It’s time to head over to the benefits of link management to give you some perspective on what to expect from deploying a successful link management strategy.

    Here are the benefits of link management:

    1. Get statistical analytics

    Replug-Link-Management-Tool

    Statistics and data are crucial to any digital marketing campaign, especially when social media or online advertising is involved. 

    A huge benefit of link management is that it gives you access to the statistical analytics of your links. Once you’ve chosen a URL shortening tool and started using the short links, it must give you access to the statistics, such as:

    • Number of clicks on the URLs: It’s necessary to dive deep into the data to find out how many users clicked on the URLs. It doesn’t matter if you’re using a link management tool on social media or for affiliate links on the blog. The number of clicks on the links will determine how good your content marketing strategy and keyword targeting are. 
    • Understanding the audience through data: When a link management strategy is in place, it gives you insights into various elements that help you understand the type of website visitors or social media followers you’re gaining. The analytics provide you with user data on various parameters such as country, device, operating system, web browser, and search engine.
    • Run and monitor campaigns: Most URL shortening tools give you access to the clicks and source, so it helps you find out what specific campaign or source is sending you the most visitors. This would allow you to fine-tune your overall link strategy.

    Also read: Track Your Success: How to Create a Tracking Link?

    2. Improves branding

    Branding is undeniably an important aspect of marketing. Not only does it sparks the brand’s creativity, but it also has a psychological angle to build a better online reputation.

    Link management may have dozens of benefits, one of which is brand visibility. Here’s how short URLs do the trick:

    • Create branded URLs for a specific campaign
    Branded Links in Replug

    One of the perks of having a link management strategy is that you can create branded URLs for specific campaigns. Have you ever seen discount landing pages of brands? They often use short URLs and highlight the campaign names in short links.

    • Branded URLs improve trust to click the link: It’s been noticed that people don’t trust long URLs with parameters injected into them, and rightly so. Such long and funky URLs start to look suspicious. On the other hand, short and branded URLs show that the brand or the expert has taken the time to improve the URLs. Thus, most people are likely to trust such links. 
    • Increases engagement: It’s unlikely that social media audiences click on random long URLs from random sites they come across on social media. Therefore, short and branded URLs could easily increase engagement on social media as they seem legit and trustworthy.

    Also read: Brand Consistency:  Build Brand Consistency Using Branded Links

    3. Increase CTR and sales

    Would you fancy an increase in sales and conversion on your website?

    Well, there is a reason why companies like Amazon and others are making use of URL shorteners. 

    One of the reasons why short URLs could increase click-through rates and sales are that the links look clean and simple. On the other hand, website visitors get annoyed by links with suspicious brand names or random long URLs with many parameters attached to them. 

    However, it doesn’t happen on a whim. In fact, you would have to play smart to pull this off. There are certain ways to utilize short links to increase CTR and sales.

    • Bio links
    bio-link-preview

    Bio links offer a one-link solution to social media influencers. It lets you create a single-link custom landing page that displays all of your bio and social media channel links. The bio link goes into the Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter bio and lets people check out all social media links once they click on the bio link.

    Also read: 7 Ways You Can Use Instagram Bio Links to Your Advantage

    • Deep links
    Deep-Links


    Turn your marketing around using deep links. It allows mass branding opportunities for companies, celebrities, and influencers. Directly place users at in-app locations to increase conversions, follows, likes, and subscribers without the need to log in to the app. The smart links can determine and identify browsers, operating systems, apps, etc., to provide seamless navigation. For example, if the app is not installed, then the deep link will navigate the user to complete the pre-requisite steps to reach the destination URL.

    Also read: A Quick Guide To Deep Linking & Its Benefits

    • QR code marketing
    QR code marketing

    Create QR codes for their social media or website links. The purpose of QR code marketing is to drive offline audiences to digital channels. For instance, QR codes could be printed on business cards or event invitations so that people scan them and find your web address or social media link.

    Also read: A Complete Guide To Use QR Code Marketing

    • Pop-up Call-to-Actions
    CTR with CTA

    Create and use custom CTAs, it provides an opportunity to display a pop-up CTA snippet when the end-user opens the URL. Suppose you grab a Forbes article, shorten the link, and share it on Twitter. When the audience would click the link and lands on the Forbes article, they’d also see a small pop-up snippet that could drive traffic back to your website.

    4. Improve social following using Bio Links

    Sabrina-Anns-bio-link

    It’s a fact that bio links are vital to improving your social media presence and increasing your social media followers. 

    If you’re wondering how on earth you could improve your social media followers using bio links across different social media platforms, then keep reading.

    When you’re using a short bio link generated through Replug, there are several reasons why it can improve your social media following. Let’s take a look at a few of them:

    • Cross-promote: The biggest benefit of a bio link is that you can cross-promote your social media accounts. Suppose you have more followers on Instagram as compared to Twitter. You can insert the Twitter profile link in the Instagram bio to let Instagram know that you’re active on Twitter as well. Or even better is that it also lets you create a custom landing page with multiple CTAs leading to your other socials and business pages.

    Also read: How To Add A Instagram Link In Bio?

    • Trustworthiness: It’s far better to use short branded URLs than long and hefty URLs in the social media bio. People are likely to ignore those clunky links as they look suspicious, especially when they don’t know much about the user.
    • Increase engagement: Since you can use one link in the bio to showcase multiple social media links, it could get you more attention across different social media platforms. The reason is that more people would discover your other social media links when they click on the bio link.

    Also read: How to add Amazon link to Instagram bio?

    5. Short URLs are recognizable and shareable

    No doubt, short URLs are easy to remember when people stumble upon them through blog posts or social media platforms. In fact, they’re recognizable when they’re seen on pamphlets or ad hoardings outdoors.

    There is a reason why ad networks, affiliate companies, and e-commerce stores use short URLs. Moreover, several e-commerce businesses use custom short domains for their social media marketing so that their URLs don’t seem rubbish when shared on social media.

    Also read: 8 Ways to Increase eCommerce Sales Using Social Media 

    Performance analysis of Replug

    I did some testing with Replug URL shortener. I took an article link and shortened it, and tweeted it once. 

    Even though my Twitter engagement isn’t that great, I started seeing some clicks in Replug Analytics.

    It made me realize two things. First, my Twitter following isn’t that dead. And the second is that Replug could generate extra traffic to my site just by using others’ content on social media after shortening the URL.Replug-Best-URL-Shortener

    If you aren’t sure how short URLs from Replug can generate traffic from social media, then create a campaign in Replug, choose the campaign type as retargeting, and the widget as call-to-action (CTA). 

    Next is choosing the CTA type; you can go with a button, link, or form. Then, add a message headline, message body, CTA text, and link to drive traffic. 

    Once you have created this campaign in Replug, the next time you choose this campaign while shortening the URL, your pop-up call-to-action will appear every time someone clicks the short URL to visit the website page.

    Let’s conclude!

    Link management is crucial to your social media marketing campaign. Branded short URLs are real, and if you keep on ignoring these social media marketing tactics, your competitors might take advantage of them.

    I’ve explained what link management is and how brands and entrepreneurs can benefit from them. Since Replug is the go-to link management tool for me, I plugged it in without any hesitation whatsoever.

    If you’re serious about social media, branding, and driving traffic to your website, then pay close attention to link management or short branded URLs. It could skyrocket your social media (website) traffic within a few months.

    FAQs on link management for online presence

    What is branded link management?

    Branded link management is the practice of creating, managing, and tracking branded links for digital marketing campaigns. Branded links are shortened URLs that contain your brand name or a relevant keyword, making them more memorable and recognizable to your audience.

    Can I use branded links on social media?

    Yes, branded links can be used on social media platforms to promote your brand and drive traffic to your website. However, it’s important to comply with each platform’s guidelines and best practices for link sharing.

    Why is link management important?

    Effective link management is important for improving website traffic, search engine rankings, and overall campaign performance. By tracking and optimizing links, businesses can increase click-through rates, reduce bounce rates, and improve conversion rates.

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  •  How to create a vanity URL?

     How to create a vanity URL?

    Vanity URLs are a valuable tool for branding, marketing, and tracking efforts and can help to improve the overall user experience.

    This quick guide will teach you how to create a vanity URL in just a few simple steps and explain what making a vanity URL entails. 

    Let’s begin!

    Vanity URLs: how do you set them up?

    Creating a vanity URL can make it easier to remember a web address and can also build brand consistency. To create a vanity URL, you can either use a link management tool or a content management system (CMS).

    • A link management tool is a standalone platform that specializes in creating custom short links. You simply enter the long URL you want to shorten, and the tool generates a vanity URL.
    • A CMS, on the other hand, is a platform used to manage the content of a website. Some CMSs’ have built-in redirect functionality, but others may require a redirect plugin to create a vanity URL. To use a CMS to create a vanity URL, you would set up a redirect from the custom short link to the longer, original URL.

    In either case, a vanity URL can be easily shared and is a useful tool for branding and marketing.

    Also read: What is a vanity URL & how to track it?

    How to create a vanity URL using a link management tool?

    Creating a vanity URL using a link management tool has several benefits, such as:

    • A memorable URL can increase click-through rates and drive more traffic to a website.
    • Vanity URLs can be tracked and measured, enabling businesses to gain a deeper understanding of their campaigns. 
    • A link management tool can allow for the creation of multiple vanity URLs, making it easier to manage multiple campaigns and track their performance. 

    Boost your marketing with Replug’s vanity URL builder

    By using Replug’s vanity URL builder, businesses can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their marketing efforts, increase click-through rates, and drive more traffic to their website.

    Here’s how you can create a vanity URL using Replug:

    Step 1: Sign in to Replug or create an account for free. 

    replug-signup

    Step 2: Once you’re on the main Replug dashboard, simply enter the long URL in the bar under “Quickly Shorten your link”:

    link-shortening

    Step 3: Click on the blue arrow button to autogenerate your vanity URL using Replug:

    vanity-url

    Step 4: Your vanity URL will be generated. You can customize the URL slug using the edit icon to fit your needs:

    custom-url-slug

    Step 5: Save and share your shortened, memorable link:

    save-vanity-url

    Also read: How to shorten a link using a URL shortener

    How to make your vanity URL more clickable?

    To make your vanity URL more clickable using Replug, follow these steps:

    Choose a short and memorable vanity URL: The shorter the URL, the easier it will be for your audience to remember and click on it.

    Use a relevant keyword: Use keywords relevant to the content behind the link so people know what they’re clicking on.

    Use a recognizable brand name: If your brand has a recognizable name, use it in your vanity URL to build trust and make it more recognizable.

    Create a custom domain: Replug allows you to create a custom domain for your short links, which can make your links look more professional and increase clicks.

    Add a call-to-action (CTA): Adding a CTA to your vanity URL can encourage people to click on it. For example, “Click here to learn more” or “Get your discount now”.

    Use UTM parameters: Utilize UTM parameters to track the performance of your links and make data-driven decisions about future link campaigns.

    Test and iterate: Test your vanity URL and track its performance to see what’s working and what’s not. Make changes and improvements based on the data you collect.


    Boost ROI with branded URLs - Replug dashboard showing performance metrics and branded URL creation
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    Boost ROI with
    branded URLs!

    Enhance your marketing campaigns by creating shareable, trackable, and fully multi-purpose customizable branded URLs.

    Try Replug for free

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  • How to shorten LinkedIn URL?

    How to shorten LinkedIn URL?

    Shortening a LinkedIn URL can make it easier to share and remember, especially if the original URL is long and complex. It can also make it more visually appealing and professional-looking, which can help to increase click-through rates. 

    Additionally, using a shortened URL can help to track clicks and engagement on the link, which can be helpful for analytics and marketing purposes.

    You can shorten a LinkedIn URL in two ways.

    • Shorten LinkedIn URL directly on LinkedIn
    • Shorten LinkedIn URL with a URL shortener

    Let’s look at both these methods for shortening your Linkedin URL. Also, why should you shorten the LinkedIn URLs with a URL shortener?

    Note: LinkedIn URLs can only be shortened via a browser, not through LinkedIn’s mobile app.

    Also Read: Long URL Problem Solved: Use Cases and Examples

    How to shorten LinkedIn URLs directly on LinkedIn?

    Step 1: Open your LinkedIn profile and click the profile icon in the top right.

    profile icon

    Step 2: Click view profile from the drop-down menu to open your profile. 

    view profile

    Step 3: Click edit public profile & URL from the right side menu. 

    edit public profile and url

    Step 4: Click the edit icon under edit your custom URL menu. 

    edit icon

    Step 5: Type the URL you want for your LinkedIn and click save. 

    enter url and save

    How to shorten LinkedIn URLs with a URL shortener?

    Replug is a link management platform that allows users to shorten, brand, and track links. Follow the steps below to shorten your LinkedIn URL using Replug:

    Step 1: Sign in to Replug or create an account for free. 

    Step 2: Select the desired campaign on the main dashboard or create a new one in a few seconds. 

    campaign

    Step 3: Paste your LinkedIn URL in the “URL to shorten” tab under the campaign and click create. 

    url to shorten

    Step 4: Your new LinkedIn URL will be created. Click the edit icon and customize your URL slug. 

    customize url

    Step 5: Once done customizing the LinkedIn URL click the update button, and you’re done. 

    update

    An important point to note:

    The image above shows that Replug offers many insightful features with a URL shortener. If you shorten URLs with Replug, you have access to these features, increasing your marketing efforts’ effectiveness.

    Why use Replug to shorten your Linkedin URL?

    Replug is a link management platform that allows users to shorten, brand, and track their links. Using Replug to shorten a LinkedIn URL, users can use the platform’s features, such as link branding and tracking.

    Link branding allows users to customize the appearance of the shortened URL by replacing the default “replug.link” with a custom domain name that aligns with their brand.

    The tracking feature allows users to track clicks, location, and other engagement metrics on the link, which can be useful for understanding how the link is being used and who is engaging with it. This data can help users optimize their marketing and outreach efforts.

    Additionally, Replug provides the feature of retargeting, by which users can retarget the people who clicked the link, which can be very useful for sales and marketing teams.

    Can we shorten the LinkedIn URL on the LinkedIn mobile app?

    LinkedIn does not offer a built-in feature to shorten URLs on the mobile app. However, there are third-party link-shortening services that you can use to shorten a LinkedIn profile URL. 

    Examples of these services include Replug, Bitly, TinyURL, and Rebrandly. Simply enter the LinkedIn profile URL into the service, and it will generate a shorter version of the link that you can share.

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