How to Shorten URLs for Print Materials and Flyers

Unlike digital content, printed flyers, posters, and brochures require readers to manually type a link, which makes shortening not just a nicety but a real usability requirement.

Why Long URLs Fail in Print

A long, parameter-heavy web address is difficult to read at a glance and even harder to type correctly by hand, leading to typos and lost traffic.

Choosing a Readable Short Link

• Favor a custom slug made of real words over a random string of characters.
• Avoid ambiguous characters that are easily confused, such as a capital "I" and lowercase "l."
• Keep the overall link as short and simple as realistically possible.

Pairing With a QR Code

For a stronger printed piece, include both a readable short link and a QR code, giving people the choice between typing the link manually or scanning it with their phone.

Testing Before You Print

Print materials are expensive and hard to correct once distributed. Always test your shortened link multiple times, on multiple devices, before finalizing any print run.

Tracking Print Campaign Performance

A dedicated short link used only in a specific print run allows you to measure how much traffic that particular flyer, poster, or mailer actually generated, separate from digital channels.

A Final Tip

Choose a shortener with a strong reputation for long-term reliability, since printed materials often stay in circulation for months or years after digital campaigns have ended.