#SEO #Branding

How to Use an Alias URL Shortener to Increase CTR by 34%

Kamar Alam Khan  |  July 9, 2026  |  6 min read

Take a look at these two links: https://shortenn.org/7Yx9Qp and https://shortenn.org/SummerSale. If you received both in a text message, which one are you more likely to click?

If you chose the second one, you are like 99% of internet users. Humans are naturally skeptical of random strings of characters, especially in an era of phishing scams and malware. This is exactly why an alias URL shortener is the secret weapon of top-tier digital marketers.

What is an Alias URL Shortener?

An alias URL shortener (often referred to as a custom short URL or branded link) is a tool that allows you to customize the back-half of a shortened link. Instead of accepting the randomly generated characters assigned by the system, you can choose a human-readable word or phrase.

For example, if you are promoting a new eBook on your YouTube channel, instead of telling your viewers to click a messy URL, you can tell them to go to shortenn.org/FreeSEOBook.

The Data Behind Custom Aliases

Why does this matter so much? Because trust drives action. Various marketing case studies have shown that branded, custom alias links receive up to a 34% higher Click-Through Rate (CTR) compared to standard unbranded short links.

  • Brand Recognition: It reinforces what the user is about to see. It sets clear expectations.
  • Spam Filter Avoidance: Email clients and SMS carriers aggressively filter messages containing random alphanumeric short links. A clean alias is much more likely to pass through security filters.
  • Offline Marketing: You cannot put `shortenn.org/8Ujq2` on a billboard or business card and expect people to type it. You *can* put `shortenn.org/HireMe`.

How to Get a Free Alias URL Shortener

Historically, platforms have charged heavy premium fees for the ability to customize aliases. They know it’s the most valuable feature, so they lock it behind a paywall.

At Shortenn.org, we decided to make this feature completely free. We believe that security and clarity shouldn't cost you $29 a month.

How to create your custom alias right now:

  1. Head over to the Shortenn tool.
  2. Paste your long, messy URL into the box.
  3. Click the Advanced Options button.
  4. Type your desired word into the "Custom Alias" box (e.g., MyNewPodcast).
  5. Hit shorten!

That's it. Your new link is instantly live and ready to be shared with the world. You’ll immediately notice your audience engaging with your links much more confidently.

Need to process hundreds of links?

Read our full guide on why a bulk URL shortener is the ultimate time-saver for marketers.