Sharing long and complicated URLs is no longer just a hassle- it misrepresents your content. Regardless of what you’re linking, how you link it speaks volumes when directing traffic to your website. Simple links are easier to share across text, photos, and online social platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Tools like TinyURL and Adobe Express’ QR Generator can help you clean up messy links, making them effectively shared. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use these tools to spread your message the best.
The overall presence of a link is typically the deciding factor when users decide to (or not to) click. Long and jumbled links can feel convoluted and often suspicious, leading them to be clicked on less and seen as less trustworthy. A cleaner link/QR code, however, can give the impression that its contents are trustworthy and intuitive. In face-to-face interactions, condensed links and QR codes are convenient for users to type into their browsers or snap a photo of; this saves valuable time in scenarios where it may not be feasible to email or send a long link to everyone in attendance. While it may seem like a minimal design choice, it can have a big impact on how your audience responds and interacts with your work.
Simplifying Links with TinyURL:
Step 1. Go to tinyurl.com
Step 2. Enter the link you wish to condense in the text box labeled: “Enter long link here.”
Step 3. Click “Shorten URL” at the bottom of the page
That should look something like this:
Step 4. Copy and paste the new link!
TinyURL has consistently proved as a convenient, fast, and free tool for link cleaning. Its services make link sharing exceedingly accessible.
Creating Custom QR Codes with Adobe Express’ QR Generator:
Step 1. Go to Adobe’s QR Generator
Step 2. Paste your link as shown below:
Step 3. Download or screenshot the QR code on the left hand side.
Step 4 (Optional). Alter the style of the QR codes by using the “Style” or “Color” functions located above the URL.
The QR Generator is intuitive, free, and does not require an account for usage. It’s the perfect tool for inserting your content in situations where a link wouldn’t work as well (posters, business cards, flyers, presentations, etc).
Link accessibility isn’t just about aesthetics- it breaks down barriers between you and your customers, students, colleagues, or anyone else trying to access your content. In both online and in person situations, a streamlined linking process is going to increase the number of clicks, bolster your credibility, and show that you care about the accessibility of your work.
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If you have any questions or want to know more about digital tools such as these, email us at info@learningcomputer.com– we’d be happy to help!
About the Author:
This article was written by Ashwin Channashetti. He can be reached at LinkedIn.
