URL Shortener Resources & Tutorials
Step-by-step tutorials for short links, custom domains, and click tracking. Built and maintained by the indie operator behind Glu.Onl.
URL Shortener Tutorials & Guides
Step-by-step tutorials to help you master link shortening and analytics tracking
How to Create Short Links: Complete Guide
Step 1: Sign up for a free Glu.Onl account and get 5 free short links
Step 2: Paste your long URL into the shortening tool
Step 3: Customize your short link slug (Starter+ plans)
Step 4: Add custom domains for branded links (Starter+ plans)
Step 5: Track clicks and analytics to optimize performance
Best Practices: Use descriptive slugs, set expiration dates, and monitor click data for better results.
Getting Started with Glu.Onl
Learn how to create your first short link, set up your account, and understand the basics of URL shortening.
Custom Domains (Starter+)
Learn how to set up custom domains for branded short links. Available on Starter plan and above.
Analytics & Click Tracking
Understand your link performance with basic analytics (Free/Starter) and advanced analytics (Pro+).
Link Management
Learn how to manage your links, edit them after creation, and track their performance.
QR Code Generation (Pro+)
Generate QR codes for your links. Available on Pro and Business plans for offline marketing.
Business Plan Features
Explore enterprise features like session tracking, real-time analytics, and multi-facet filtering.
URL Shortener Comparison
Compare the best URL shorteners: Glu.Onl vs Bitly vs TinyURL vs Short.io
| Feature | Glu.Onl | Bitly | TinyURL | Short.io |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free plan link cap | 5 links total | 5 links / month | Unlimited | Unlimited links |
| Cheapest paid plan | Starter $9/mo | Core $10/mo (annual) | Pro ~$13/mo | Hobby $5/mo |
| Link cap on cheapest paid | 25 links total | 100 links / month | Branded domain only | 100k clicks / mo |
| Custom domain on cheapest paid | ✓ 1 domain (Starter) | ✗ Growth $29+/mo required | ✓ Branded domains | ✓ 7 domains |
| Custom domain on free plan | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ 5 domains |
| Custom slugs on cheapest paid | ✓ Starter+ | ✓ Core+ | ✓ Pro+ | ✓ Hobby+ |
| Top tier price (monthly billing) | Business $99/mo | Premium $300/mo | Bulk ~$83/mo | Team $48/mo |
Comparisons accurate as of 2026-04-25; verify on each provider before deciding. Bitly Core does not include a custom domain — you must upgrade to Growth ($29/mo annual or $35/mo monthly) for that. Short.io counts tracked clicks, not links created.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about URL shortening and link management
What is a URL shortener?
A URL shortener converts long URLs into shorter, branded links you can share, track, and remember. Glu.Onl, Bitly, and TinyURL are common examples. Short links work well for social media, email campaigns, and any place character count or click data matters.
How do I create a short link?
Sign up for a free account, paste your long URL, optionally customize the slug, then click Create. Glu.Onl gives you 5 free links on the default domain — no card required. On Starter ($9/mo) you also get custom slugs and a custom domain.
What are the benefits of custom domains?
Custom domains let you brand short links with your own domain (e.g. yourbrand.com/sale instead of bit.ly/xyz789). Branded links increase trust, click-through rates, and recognition. On Glu.Onl, custom domains start at the Starter plan ($9/mo) and are unlimited on Pro and Business.
What analytics do URL shorteners provide?
Standard analytics cover click counts, referrers, country, device, and browser. On Glu.Onl, Pro adds advanced filters and CSV export; Business adds real-time analytics, session tracking, and multi-facet filtering. Free and Starter plans show basic click counts and referrers only.
How much do URL shorteners cost?
Pricing varies. Glu.Onl: 5 free links, paid from $9/mo (Starter), $29/mo (Pro), $99/mo (Business). Bitly free gives 5 links/month; Core is $10/mo annual but has no custom domain — Growth at $29/mo annual is the cheapest Bitly tier with one. TinyURL offers unlimited free links.
Ready to Start Link Shortening?
Free tier ships with 5 links forever. Upgrade to Starter ($9/mo) for your custom domain.
About the maker.
These tutorials are written by Theo, the solo operator who builds and maintains Glu.Onl. No marketing team, no AI-spun content farm — just one person who uses the product daily and writes about what actually works.