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How to Manage Links using URLsy

Shorten URL links, create QR codes, and schedule availability, and more!

Written by Serena Edwards
Updated yesterday

URLsy is an add-on service available. There is an additional cost of $1.00 per link + QR code. Your first four links are free. Find out more here (and sign up).

The following are the features you can do at URLsy.io:

  • Branded short links

  • Automatic QR codes

  • Password protected links

  • Expiring links

  • Scheduled availability

  • Smart organization (group links by program, season, or team)

  • Click analytics (track who clicked and when)

How to Create a Link

Here are the simple steps to create a link.

Step 1 - Click button

If you haven't created a link yet, click the "Create Link" button. If you have already created a link, click the plus button on the upper-right of the screen.

Step 2 - Add URL

A window will pop up where you can copy and paste the long URL. Give it a name (e.g. Spring Campaign).

How to copy and paste a URL

Computer Browser

The following method works on most computer browsers.

1 - Click the Address Bar: Click once on the text at the very top of your browser window. This usually highlights the entire URL in blue.

  • Tip: If it doesn't highlight everything, triple-click the text.

2 - Copy the Link:

  • Keyboard Shortcut: Press Ctrl + C (Windows/ChromeOS) or Command + C (Mac).

  • Right-Click: Right-click the highlighted text and select Copy.

Mobile Browser

  1. Long Press: Tap and hold the address bar at the top (or bottom) of the screen. A menu should pop up with the Copy option.

  2. Share Icon: Alternatively, tap the Share icon (a square with an upward arrow on iOS, or three connected dots on Android) and select Copy Link.

What to do next

  1. Click into the box labeled "Paste your long URL here".

  2. Press Ctrl + V (or Command + V) to paste it.

  3. Give it a name and hit Create Link to shorten it!

Step 3 - Add Alias, Note, or Tags (Optional)

Custom Alias

By default, shortened links are a random string of characters. A custom alias lets you create a "branded" or readable link.

  • In the Custom alias box, type a short word or phrase (e.g., summer-sale or meeting-invite).

  • Result: Your link will look like urlsy.io/summer-sale instead of a random code.

Notes

The Add a short note (optional) section on URLsy is a versatile space for adding context that goes beyond just a simple title or tag. While the "Name" of the link is for your internal organization, the Note is designed to provide extra detail for both you and your audience. Here is how it functions:

  • Internal Reference: Use it to leave a reminder for yourself about why the link was created, who it was sent to, or what the specific goal of the URL is.

  • Calendar Integration: As the helpful tip on your screen mentions, this description will be included in calendar reminders for people viewing the link. This makes it a great spot for "Meeting Preparation" notes or a brief "Agenda" so people know what to expect when they click.

  • Contextual Detail: If you are managing dozens of similar links (e.g., several different versions of a "Spring Campaign"), the note can specify the difference—such as "Version A for Email" vs "Version B for SMS."

Tags

The Add tags section on the Urlsy Create Link page is designed to help you stay organized, especially once you have a large collection of links. Think of tags as labels or folders that allow you to group related links together. How it works:

  • Categorization: You can label links by project, client, or platform. For example, you might use tags like Social Media, Q4 Campaign, or Internal.

  • Filtering: Later on, you can click on a specific tag to instantly see every link associated with it, rather than scrolling through your entire list.

  • Multiple Tags: You aren't limited to just one; you can add multiple tags to a single link if it fits into several categories.

How to use it:

  1. Click into the Add tags (optional) field.

  2. Type your desired label.

  3. Press Enter or Comma to turn the text into a "pill" or tag.

  4. Repeat for as many tags as you need before clicking Create Link.

💡 Pro Tip: If you're running an ad campaign, use tags for the specific platform (e.g., Instagram, LinkedIn) so you can compare how your different links are performing in your Analytics.

Step 4 - Password Protect (optional)

If you are sharing sensitive information, you can restrict access so only people with the password can view the destination.

  • How to do it: Check the box for "Password protect this link".

  • Next step: A field will appear for you to type in your chosen password. Make sure to share this password with your intended audience separately!

Step 5 - Set Expiration Date (Optional)

This is the "Self-Destruct" timer for your link.

  • How it works: You set a specific date and time for the link to "die."

  • What happens: Once that time passes, the link will no longer redirect to the long URL. Anyone clicking it afterward will likely see an error page or a "Link Expired" message.

  • Best for: Flash sales, limited-time coupons, or security-conscious sharing where you only want a file to be accessible for 24–48 hours.

Step 5b - Add Contact Info

The Add contact info for expired links section on Urlsy is a "safety net" for your audience. It ensures that if someone clicks a link after it has reached its Set expiration date, they aren't just met with a dead end or a generic error page. Instead, they see a branded "Expired" page that provides them with a way to reach out or find what they were looking for elsewhere.

When you check this box, several fields appear to help you customize the experience:

  • Company Name & Contact Info: You can provide a Contact Email or Phone Number.

  • Link URL & Link Text: This allows you to provide an alternative destination.

  • Message for expired link: This is a custom text area where you can explain why the link is no longer active (e.g., "Sorry, registration for the 2026 Sports Camp is now closed, but you can join our mailing list for next year!").

Why use it?

  • Customer Service: It prevents user frustration by giving them a clear next step.

  • Lead Retention: Even if the specific offer is over, you can still direct that traffic to your homepage or a contact form so you don't lose the lead entirely.

  • Professionalism: A custom expired page looks much more intentional and polished than a standard "404 Not Found" browser error.

Step 6 - Schedule Availability Date (Optional)

Think of this as a "Go Live" timer.

  • How it works: When you check this box, you can select a future date and time.

  • What happens: The link will be created immediately, but if someone clicks it before that start time, they won't reach the destination.

  • Best for: Coordinating a social media launch, an email blast, or a product reveal so that no one sees the content too early.

Step 6b - Logo (Optional)

When you use the Schedule availability date feature on Urlsy, you are essentially creating a "Coming Soon" landing page for your link. The Logo (optional) upload directly enhances this experience for your audience. Here is how they work together:

1. The Countdown Page

If a user clicks your link before the scheduled date and time, they won't be redirected to the long URL. Instead, they are shown a professional countdown page that displays exactly how much time is left until the link "goes live."

2. Branding with the Logo

The Logo you upload in the "Logo (optional)" section acts as the primary visual for this countdown page.

  • Visual Trust: Instead of a blank screen, users see your brand logo, which confirms they are in the right place.

  • Professionalism: It transforms a simple redirect link into a branded "event" page.

3. Engagement Features

While the countdown is running, the page also provides a call-to-action for your viewers:

  • Calendar Reminders: Below the countdown, users can click to add a reminder to their personal calendar.

  • Note Integration: Any text you wrote in the Add a short note section will appear here (and in the calendar invite), giving your audience more context about what is launching.

Example of the "Coming Soon" link:

Using Expiration Date & Schedule Availability together

You can actually use both at once to create a specific "Window of Opportunity." For example, you could schedule a link to become active on Friday morning and set it to expire Sunday at midnight.

Step 7 - Create Link

Click "Create Link" to create your link. Now you can do the following:

  • Copy the link in the top right corner and share it in whatever channels you wish

  • Download the QR code by clicking the QR icon in the bottom left

  • Click on link itself (i.e., urlsy.io/sports-camp) to see a preview of the page

  • Edit the link by clicking the "edit" button

How to Organize Links

Folders are the best way to group your links by project, client, or date.

1. How to Create a Folder

There are two ways to do this from your current screen:

  • The Main Button: Click the large blue New Folder button in the center of the page if you haven't created any folders yet.

  • The Plus Icon: Click the blue "+" circle in the top right corner of the screen.

Once you click either, a pop-up will appear asking you to Name your folder (e.g., "Social Media Ads" or "Client X"). Hit "Create" and your folder will appear on the dashboard.

2. How to Move Links into the Folder

To move links, you’ll need to head back to your Links dashboard. Here is the standard process:

  • Find the link you want to move and click the Move icon next to it.

  • Select the folder from the list of folders

On the Links page, the folders will show as clickable tabs at the top.

Analytics

The Analytics page serves as your command center for tracking how your links are performing in the real world. Based on your current view, here is a breakdown of how it works:

1. High-Level Overview

The main dashboard shows individual cards for each link you've created, such as your Sports Camp and Open Enrollment links. Each card displays:

  • Click Count: The large number (e.g., 3 clicks) shows the total engagement since the link was created.

  • Timestamp: The date and time the link was last generated or modified.

  • Short URL: The exact link you shared with your audience.

  • Stats Button: Access more granular data.

2. Deep-Dive Statistics

By clicking the Stats button on any specific link card, you can access more granular data. This includes the following sections:

Performance Overview

At the top, you'll see four key metrics that summarize the link's health:

  • Total Clicks: The absolute number of times the link has been clicked.

  • Avg Daily: Your average engagement over time.

  • Peak Day: The highest number of clicks received in a single day.

  • Active Days: How many unique days the link has received at least one click.

2. Clicks Over Time (Last 30 Days)

This bar chart provides a chronological view of your traffic.

  • The x-axis lists the days of the month (e.g., March 1 through March 30).

  • The blue bars indicate activity.

3. Traffic by Device

This circular "donut" chart tells you what hardware your audience is using. This is crucial for knowing if your destination page needs to be mobile-optimized:

  • Mobile: Users clicking from phones.

  • Desktop: Users using computers.

  • Tablet: Users accessing the link from a tablet

4. Link Info

The bottom-right corner acts as a reference panel, showing you the Short URL (urlsy.io/sports-camp), the exact date and time it was Created, and the Original URL (the long Enrollsy link) it points to.

The original URL is also shown at the bottom of this page.

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