Using Vanity URLs in Hootsuite

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Video Transcript | Intro

Hootsuite provides businesses with the option to create a Custom Vanity URL that can be used when shortening links.

Vanity URLs are created for placement on marketing materials so your links can have a stronger branded impact than regular URLs. By having a custom URL that is reflective of your brand, you can direct your audience to a call to action using a URL that is shorter, and more trustworthy. All the while, still employing the click-through statistics and security of shortened Ow.ly links. If you’re using an alternate provider, such as Bit.ly, remember that your link statistics and security will be managed by them.

Creating a Vanity URL

Before you create a vanity URL, you’ll first need to upgrade your Hootsuite account. Only a super admin of an organization can create and grant team access to vanity URLs, so be sure you’ve set up an organization with social networks and teams. Finally, you need to have a registered domain name from an accredited web host.

Once you’re ready to install a vanity URL go to settings, select Vanity URL and then click the plus icon. Type in the vanity URL you would like to use and make sure to include "http://" before the URL.  A best practice is to keep vanity URLs short, simple and reflective of your brand. Now type in the root redirect URL you would like to use. A root redirect is only used when your shortened link does not connect for some reason - it’s a safety net that will direct users back to a site you specify, instead of an error page.

Next, select the organization where the URL is being added, then the team or teams who can use it. This will enable members of that team to select the Vanity URL when shortening links and composing messages. After clicking save, Copy the IP address provided. This information will also be sent to the email associated with your Hootsuite account.  You will use this specific IP address to update the A record in the DNS settings for your domain, in order to connect your Vanity URL.

Please note it can take up to 24 hours for your vanity URL to get approved and propagated around the Internet. 

When you or your team members want to include the customized link in your message, simply compose the message, type the link for your site, select your vanity URL and then click send now.

For more help with Vanity URLs, check out our Help Center.