Guide
How to shorten a URL: a step-by-step guide
To shorten a URL, paste your long link into a URL shortener, optionally customize the back-half, and click create — you'll get a short, shareable link that redirects to the original. With fewly you can do this free in seconds, then brand it and track every click.
Shorten a URL in 4 steps
- Paste your long URL. Copy the long web address you want to share and paste it into the shortener's box on the fewly homepage or dashboard.
- Customize the link (optional). Add a custom back-half like /spring-sale so the link is readable, and pick a branded domain if you have one.
- Create and copy. Press Create to generate your short link. fewly scans the destination for safety, then gives you a link you can copy and share anywhere.
- Track your clicks. Open analytics to see clicks, countries, devices, and referrers in real time for every link you create.
What is a shortened URL?
A shortened URL is a compact link that redirects to a longer web address. Instead of sharing a long, parameter-heavy URL, you share something short and clean like go.fewly.tech/guide. When someone clicks it, they're instantly redirected to the original page — and the click is recorded so you can measure performance.
Tips for better short links
- Use a readable back-half that describes the destination.
- Brand the link on your own domain to earn more clicks.
- Create a separate link per channel so you can compare sources.
- Generate a QR code for offline and print placements.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I shorten a URL for free?
- Go to a free URL shortener like fewly, paste your long link, optionally set a custom back-half, and click create. You'll get a free short link instantly that you can share and track.
- Do shortened URLs expire?
- It depends on the tool. Anonymous links on some services expire after a period; links in a fewly account stay active until you delete or disable them, and you can optionally set an expiry date yourself.
- Can I customize a shortened URL?
- Yes. With fewly you can choose a custom back-half (the part after the slash) and, on paid plans, use your own branded domain for fully custom short URLs.
- Are shortened URLs safe to click?
- They're safe when the shortener scans destinations. fewly checks every link against Google Safe Browsing before it goes live and blocks malware and phishing.