Are you concerned about lower-than-expected click-through rates whenever you share marketing links? If you are using generic short URLs like 'vvd.im' or 'vvd.bz', users might be hesitating, thinking, "Is this spam?" In reality, many users are reluctant to click on short URLs with unclear origins.
Today, we introduce a method to fundamentally solve this problem. It is connecting a domain you own to your short URLs. Using a link that clearly reveals your brand, like 'mybrand.com/sale', significantly changes the level of trust.
Why Should You Connect Your Domain to Short URLs?
The Trust Issue is More Serious Than You Think
With so many phishing and spam messages these days, users view links with unclear sources very cautiously. This is especially true for links sent by companies or public institutions. Suspicion such as "There's no way a public institution would send a strange link like this" causes hesitation in clicking.
On the other hand, how about links like 'seoul.go.kr/event' or 'mycompany.com/promotion'? Just looking at the domain tells you exactly who sent it, making the resistance to clicking much lower.
The Effect of Imprinting Your Brand with One Link
From a marketing perspective, there is an even bigger advantage. Your brand domain is exposed every time a user sees the link.
Whether shared on social media, sent via messenger, or printed on a business card, you can increase brand awareness at every touchpoint.
- Generic Short URL: vvd.bz/3xk2p → Origin of the link is unknown
- Brand Domain Connection: mybrand.com/sale → Brand identity is clear
Connecting Your Domain with Vivoldi: A Step-by-Step Guide
Vivoldi is one of the few short URL services that offer domain connection features. The setup method is simpler than you might think, but there are a few points to note.
Step 1: Check Pricing Plan and Prepare Domain Slots
First, you need to check Vivoldi's pricing plans. The Premium plan allows registration of up to 1 domain, and the Business plan up to 2 domains by default. If you need to manage more domains, you can purchase additional domain slots.
Note: The domain connection feature is not available on the Free plan, so an upgrade to a paid plan is required to use this feature.
Step 2: Register Domain and Change Nameservers
When you register your domain on the Vivoldi management page, specific Vivoldi nameserver information is provided. Now, you must go to the registrar where you purchased your domain (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap) and change the nameservers.
Crucial Point: Changing nameservers can cause existing websites or email services connected to that domain to stop working. Therefore, if you have a site currently in operation, it is safer to use a subdomain.
Using a Subdomain (Recommended Method)
By using a subdomain (link.example.com) instead of the main domain (example.com), you can keep your existing website while adding only the short URL function. In Vivoldi, you can instantly register up to 10 subdomains, and since it only requires adding DNS records without changing nameservers, the application is fast.
- Main Site: www.example.com (Maintained as is)
- Short URL: link.example.com/event (Newly added)
Step 3: Wait for Nameserver Propagation (Approx. 1 Hour)
Once you complete the nameserver change, it usually takes within 1 hour for the DNS to propagate. Vivoldi will send you an email notification once the application is complete. During this time, the domain may be temporarily inaccessible, so it is recommended to work during hours with low traffic.
Setting Exceptions for Zero Traffic Loss
Connecting the domain isn't the end. You must set up exception handling so that users do not bounce even if they enter through the wrong path.
Setting Redirect URLs
Set where to send users when they type just 'mybrand.com' instead of 'mybrand.com/sale'. Usually, connecting to the main homepage or a representative event page is appropriate.
Capturing Potential Customers with 404 Error Handling
This is truly important. What if a user mistypes 'mybrand.com/sale' as 'mybrand.com/saale'?
Generally, a 404 error page appears, and the user just closes it. However, Vivoldi allows you to directly set the page to redirect to in case of a 404 error.
For example, you can automatically redirect them to a guide page saying, "The page you are looking for does not exist. Moving to the main event page," or directly to the main promotion page. This minimizes traffic loss due to typos.
Maximizing Marketing Efficiency with Brand Links
If the domain connection is complete, let's create actual links. Utilizing Vivoldi's 'Brand Link' option allows you to create much more professional links.
How to Use Brand Link Options
Instead of automatically generated random IDs (e.g., 3xk2p), you can set desired words as the link ID directly.
- Event Link: mybrand.com/event2025
- Sale Link: mybrand.com/wintersale
- New Product Intro: mybrand.com/newproduct
Doing this instantly tells users what the content is just by looking at the link, increasing the click-through rate. It is also much more convenient when you need to convey the link verbally.
You can simply say, "Please enter /event after our homepage address."
Actual Application Case
An SMB tested two links while running a year-end promotion:
- Group A: vvd.bz/3xk2p (Generic short URL)
- Group B: company.com/yearend (Brand domain connection)
The results were surprising. The CTR for Group B was about 40% higher than Group A, and the conversion rate leading to actual purchases after clicking was also 25% higher.
This is because users trusted the link more and clearly recognized the brand.
How Does It Compare to Other Services?
Besides Vivoldi, there are several overseas short URL services like bit.ly and Rebrandly. Let's compare them as each has pros and cons.
Bit.ly
The most famous short URL service, offering basic statistics even on the free plan. However, custom domain connection is only possible on paid plans (starting from $29/month), and multilingual support is lacking.
Rebrandly
A service specialized in brand links with powerful domain connection features. However, the price is somewhat high ($29~$499/month), and the English interface is standard.
Vivoldi
It supports 7 languages including Korean, English, Japanese, Spanish, Indonesian, German, and French, making it excellent for global services.
The pricing is reasonable compared to other services, and it provides meticulous features like 404 error handling.
Which service to choose depends on your situation. Generally, if the goal is simply shortening long URLs, bit.ly or Rebrandly might be good, but if shortening URLs and marketing are your main focus, Vivoldi can be more efficient.
Checklist for Immediate Practical Application
Here is a step-by-step checklist to apply the contents covered so far.
Items to Check Before Domain Connection
- Is there a website or email service currently running on the domain? → If yes, use of a subdomain is recommended
- Does the Vivoldi plan support domain connection? → Premium or higher required
- Do you have the authority to change nameservers? → Domain administrator account required
Items to Test After Setup
- Does it move to the redirect URL properly when only the domain is entered?
- Does it move to the 404 handling page when a non-existent link ID is entered?
- Does the actual brand link created connect accurately to the destination URL?
Marketing Usage Tips
- Social Media Posts: Place the brand domain link at the top of the post to emphasize trust
- Text Messages: Improve CTR with short and clear brand links
- Business Cards & Offline Materials: Use simple links that can be conveyed verbally (e.g., mybrand.com/contact)
- QR Codes: Convert brand links to QR codes for use in offline stores
Conclusion: Elevate Your Brand Value with One Link
Short URLs are not just tools to shorten long addresses. If utilized properly, they become powerful marketing assets that increase brand trust, improve marketing efficiency, and prevent traffic loss.
In particular, brand links connected to your own domain bring the following effects:
- Improved Trust: Users clearly recognize the source, reducing click resistance
- Strengthened Brand Awareness: Every link exposure leads to brand exposure
- Prevention of Traffic Loss: Utilizing wrong access as conversion opportunities with 404 error handling
- Professionalism: Enhancing corporate image through systematic link management
Do you already own a domain? Then connect it to Vivoldi right now. One hour is enough for the setup, and the effects will appear continuously in all your marketing activities.
If you don't have a domain yet, this is also a great opportunity. A single brand domain allows you to provide a unified brand experience across websites, emails, and even short URLs.
Start right now. Your next marketing campaign could begin with 'mybrand.com/success'.
