How to Create Clean, Trackable Links Using Pretty Links

If you run a blog, share recommendations, or promote products you genuinely use, having clean and trackable links is essential.

Long, messy URLs look unprofessional — and they’re harder for readers to trust. That’s where Pretty Links comes in.

Pretty Links is a lightweight WordPress plugin that lets you create short, branded, easy‑to‑manage links.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to create your first Pretty Link and keep your website tidy.

What Is Pretty Links?

Pretty Links is a link‑management plugin for WordPress that lets you:

• shorten long URLs
• create branded links using your own domain
• track clicks
• organize affiliate links
• update links in one place without editing old posts

It’s perfect for bloggers, creators, and anyone who wants clean, professional‑looking links.

Step 1: Install Pretty Links

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard
2. Navigate to Plugins → Add New
3. Search for Pretty Links
4. Click Install, then Activate

Once activated, you’ll see a new Pretty Links menu item on the left sidebar.

Step 2: Create a New Pretty Link

1. Go to Pretty Links → Add New
2. Choose Redirection Type
   • 301 Permanent is the most common
3. Paste your long URL into the Target URL field
   • Example: https://example.com/long/path
4. Choose your Pretty Link slug
   • Example: https://yourdomain.com/xxxx
5. Add a Title to help you identify the link later

This is where the magic happens — your long affiliate link becomes a clean, branded URL.

Step 3: Add Tags (Optional but Recommended)

Tags help you organize your links, especially if you promote multiple products or services.

Examples:

• Hosting
• Courses
• Tools
• Recommendations

This makes it easier to find and manage links later.

Step 4: Enable Tracking

Pretty Links automatically tracks clicks, but you can enable additional options:

• No Follow
• Sponsored (recommended for affiliate links)
• Parameter Forwarding

These settings help with SEO and compliance.

Step 5: Save and Use Your Pretty Link

Click Update or Create, and your new Pretty Link is ready.

You can now use it in:

• blog posts
• buttons
• emails
• social media
• your Recommendations page

If you ever need to update the destination URL, you can do it in one place — and all existing links will automatically update.

Why Pretty Links Makes Your Site Better

Using Pretty Links gives you:

• cleaner, more trustworthy URLs
• easier link management
• click tracking for performance
• branded links that match your domain
• less clutter in your content

It’s one of the simplest upgrades you can make to your WordPress workflow.

Final Thoughts

Pretty Links is a small plugin that makes a big difference.

Whether you’re sharing tools you use, promoting affiliate products, or organizing your digital recommendations, having clean, trackable links keeps your website professional and easy to maintain.