How to shorten a URL — and actually see who clicks
Shortening a link does three useful things: it looks tidy, it's easier to share, and — if you use the right tool — it tells you how many people clicked. Here's how to do it properly in under a minute.
Step 1: Paste your long link
Copy the long URL you want to share — a product page, a sign-up form, a campaign landing page — and paste it into the shortener. You'll get a short link back instantly.
Step 2: Brand it with a custom slug
Instead of a random string, set a readable custom slug — for example snip.sh/spring-sale. Branded links look trustworthy, are easier to remember, and typically get a higher click-through than anonymous ones.
Step 3: Track the clicks
This is the part most people miss. A good shortener records every click, so you can see which link, post or channel is actually driving traffic. Snip shows your click counts on the free plan — your data isn't paywalled.
Where short links help most
Social bios and posts, printed materials and QR codes, email campaigns, affiliate links, and anywhere the raw URL is long or ugly. If you're sharing a link and you'd like to know if it worked, shorten and track it.
Shorten your first link — free
Create a short, branded link and see every click. Free to start, no card required.
Shorten a link free →FAQ
Is it free to shorten a URL?
Yes. Snip lets you shorten links for free, with custom slugs and click analytics included on the free plan.
Can I see how many people clicked my short link?
Yes. Every Snip link tracks clicks, and you can view the numbers without upgrading — your click data is never locked away.
What is a custom slug?
It's the readable end of a short link you choose yourself, like /spring-sale instead of a random code. Branded slugs look more trustworthy and are easier to remember.