A vanity URL is a short link where you choose the ending yourself — gsl.li/spring-sale instead of a random gsl.li/xk4m8p2. Here is what they are, real examples, how to make one, and the mistakes to avoid.
Random code
Vanity URL
A vanity URL — also called a custom URL, custom alias or branded short link — is a shortened web address whose ending you choose, so it reads like plain language instead of a random string. Every short link has two parts: the domain (gsl.li) and the slug, the bit after the slash. An ordinary shortener hands you a random slug like xk4m8p2. A vanity URL lets you set it to something meaningful: spring-sale, menu, resume.
The destination is identical either way. What changes is whether a person can read, remember and trust the link before they click it — which is why vanity URLs get used on flyers, in video descriptions, on business cards, and anywhere a link has to survive being seen or said out loud.
Paste any link and pick your own ending — gsl.li/your-name — instead of a random code.
Paste a link, add the redirection rules you need, and get a short link — free.
The same destination, shortened two ways. The random version works, but the vanity version is the one people can actually read and remember.
| Use case | Random short link | Vanity URL |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing campaign | gsl.li/xk4m8p2 | gsl.li/spring-sale |
| Restaurant menu | gsl.li/9fa2b1q | gsl.li/menu |
| Job seeker / CV | gsl.li/p0r3d8k | gsl.li/jane-cv |
| Podcast read-out | gsl.li/kd82nfa | gsl.li/listen |
| Event sign-up | gsl.li/aa71zqp | gsl.li/webinar |
The terms overlap, and that is why they are confusing. Here is the plain version:
Any shortened link, whether the ending is random or chosen. The umbrella term.
A short link where you picked the slug. These two names mean the same thing — if someone chose the ending, it is a vanity URL.
One step further: your name is in the domain too, so the whole link reads yourbrand.gsl.li/spring-sale, not just a custom ending on a shared domain.
The ending is cosmetic, but the effect is practical.
A readable link looks safer than a random string, so more people click and fewer hesitate.
Easy to say in a video or podcast and to print on a flyer or business card without a QR code.
People can type gsl.li/menu from memory. Nobody remembers gsl.li/9fa2b1q.
A vanity URL counts clicks and shows country and device data just like a random one.
Not every shortener does — many only hand out random codes. You need one where you can type the ending and keep it.
The full URL you want people to land on: a product page, a booking form, a profile, anywhere.
A good tool checks availability as you type and tells you if the ending is taken before you commit.
With a dynamic link, the ending stays put while you change where it points, so nothing you printed goes stale.
To give a WordPress page a clean address of its own, set Settings → Permalinks to “Post name”. To make a short, trackable vanity link that points at a WordPress page, build it in a link tool and paste the page URL as the destination — no plugin needed.
LinkedIn has a built-in vanity URL for your profile — linkedin.com/in/your-name. Set it under “Edit public profile & URL”. For anything else you share, a short vanity link keeps the long tracking parameters out of sight.
Six rules that keep a vanity link clean and clickable.
On most tools a vanity URL is a plain redirect: one ending, one destination. On Geo-Smart-Links the ending is yours, but the link underneath is a full Smart Link. The same gsl.li/spring-sale can:
One memorable ending, the right destination for each person, and a QR code that inherits the same routing — none of which you can do with a basic vanity link.
Pick a memorable ending and keep all the country, device and QR routing behind it. Random codes are free; custom endings come with every paid plan.
Pick your own ending, with a live availability check and full geo + device routing behind it.
Open pagePut your name in the domain too — yourbrand.gsl.li/spring-sale — not just the ending.
Open pageCountry, device and app redirection, QR codes, A/B testing and analytics — behind every link.
Open page