Short links have long been an essential part of digital interaction. They are actively used in marketing, social media, and even offline advertising. However, not every shortened link is user-friendly and easy to understand. The UX/UI design of short URLs is crucial for perception and trust. In this article, we will explore what makes short links easy to read, remember, and use.
1. Transparency and Recognizability: Users don't really like unpleasant surprises.
Studies show that users are more likely to click on a link if its content is clear. According to research by the Nielsen Norman Group, predictable and understandable URLs increase CTR of it by 25%. Therefore, a good short link should convey the essence of where it leads.
Example:
+ User-friendly link: surl.li/guide-ux
- Poor choice: surl.li/xYz12
2. Minimal Length Without Compromising Readability: Our studies indicate that the average user prefers links up to 15 characters long. Longer URLs are harder to process and remember. However, excessive shortening that removes meaning makes links less useful. Best approach is to balance length and readability. Avoid links containing random characters.
Example:
+ Optimal: surl.li/product
- Poor: surl.li/X3a92T
3. Using Separators and Proper Case: Short links should be readable even without copying them. This is especially important if a URL is shared verbally or appears in an offline setting (on a business card, billboard, etc.). Hyphens (-) are more readable than underscores (_), as the latter often gets hidden in hyperlink displays.
Example:
+ Good: surl.li/best-tools
- Poor: surl.li/best_tools
4. Branded Links Increase Trust: Short URLs without a clear brand can raise suspicion, especially if users don’t know where the link leads. According to research, branded short links receive 39% more clicks than generic ones.
5. Testing and Verifying Links: A UX/UI approach requires not only creating user-friendly links but also testing them. Check how they appear on different devices, whether they break, and if they are easy to copy.
Creating user-friendly short links is not just a technical task but a vital aspect of UX/UI design. Well-designed URLs should be transparent, concise, structured, and branded. Applying these principles will enhance user trust and improve interaction with content.