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Short Links

Short links (ti ti-link) are exactly what they sound like: simple, user‑friendly links that replace long, messy URLs. But don’t let their size fool you. These links handle a lot behind the scenes, from tracking engagement with analytics and capturing helpful marketing data. You can even schedule these links to redirect automatically when you need to update or change their destination.

To start, click the ti ti-link button in the Admin Toolbar to display the Shortened Link window.

  1. Site - This is where you choose which site you want to use for the short link. Only sites that have the Enabled for Shortening option checked will appear in the options. The Enabled for Shortening option is located in the site's Site Detail screen. See Creating A New Site for more information.
  2. URL - This is the URL to which the short link will redirect individuals. The default is the URL of the current page, but you can change it to any valid URL.
  3. Category - Pick the category that best fits your Short Link to organize it by use. For details on creating categories, see below.
  4. Token - The token is a unique, random value at least seven characters long that is used to identify the page in a short link. Rock generates a default token for you, but you can also provide your own. Remember, the token must be unique and at least seven characters long.
  5. Short Link Preview - This is the generated Short Link, based on the Site, URL and Token fields. It updates automatically as those values change. Use the ti ti-clipboard button to copy it.
  6. Pinned - Select this for your most important Short Links, those you will use often. Links you pin will be displayed at the top of your Short Links list.
  7. Advanced Settings - Advanced configuration such as setting an Urchin Tracking Module (UTM) for your link. More on this below.
  8. Save - The short link will not work until you click Save. Clicking Save will also automatically copy the short link to your clipboard.

Tip

Managing Your Short Links:
It's wise to start organizing your links early by pinning or categorizing them. Someday you may have thousands of Short Links, especially if they're automatically created through workflows or integrations. Good organization makes it much easier to quickly check analytics and maintain clarity as your list grows.

To add a new category, make sure it uses the EntityType of PageShortLink. Only categories with this type are eligible for use with Short Links. You can set this in the Admin Tools > Settings > Category Manager.

For example, you might create a Children's Ministry category to keep all related Short Links organized. You can also configure security so only Children's Ministry staff can access or manage those links.

As you create short links, they can be viewed and managed in the Short Links page found at Admin Tools > CMS Configuration > Short Links.

As your list of Short Links grows, you can keep things manageable with built-in filtering and sorting. Press ti ti-adjustmentsmentsments-horizontal ti-fw for global options, or hover over a column and select ti ti-filter to narrow the results.

Click any Short Link in the list to view or edit its details and see where it has been used. To copy a link, click the ti ti-clipboard button. To filter by creator, select the ti ti-settings icon.

Tip

Create Short Link Workflow Action
You can also create short links as part of a workflow. For more information see Create Short Link, located in the Utility section of the Workflow Action Documentation.  

When it comes to short links, there's more than meets the eye. With Advanced Settings, you can tack on UTM codes to track where your traffic’s coming from—perfect for tracking marketing campaigns and collecting valuable data.

When editing or adding a new Short Link from the Short Links List block, you will notice that the detail screen looks a little different, and has some new features.

  1. UTM Source - Who sent the traffic. (e.g., Facebook, Newsletter)
  2. UTM Medium - How the link was shared. (e.g., email, SMS, social)
  3. UTM Campaign - Under what campaign was the link shared (e.g., SpringGroups, Launch2025)
  4. UTM Term - What keyword triggered the link (mainly for ads)
  5. UTM Content - Which version of the link was clicked (great for A/B testing)

Once you have started collecting data with UTM parameters, you can track performance similar to other analytics platforms like Google Analytics.

Tip

Streamlining UTM Parameters
The UTM Source, UTM Medium and UTM Campaign fields use a list that preserves the values you use. This process ensures consistency and easy retrieval of UTM values you have used before. Under the hood, these values are being saved as Defined Values.  

Note

Using UTM Parameters Manually
You don’t have to use the UTM fields in the interface. You can manually add them to the end of a URL when sharing a link. The Advanced Settings are simply provided for convenience.  

By utilizing Scheduled Redirects, links can dynamically re-route clicks during a specified time period.

Here is an example of the power Scheduled Redirects brings:

You might place this URL in a QR code or an NFC token located in your auditorium. The link could change depending on the event. On weekends, it might direct to a giving page, while during weekday events, it could point to your event schedule.

If you toggle Enable Scheduled Redirects on when editing a Short Link, then click the ti ti-plus, you can create a new Scheduled Redirect.

  1. Schedule Type -
    1. Custom Schedule - When using a Custom Schedule you can determine a one-time or recurring schedule for when this link will redirect those who click.
    2. Named Schedule - When using a Named Schedule you can select a pre-configured schedule. Create a new one under Admin Tools > Settings > General > Schedules.
  2. URL - This is the URL to which the short link will redirect individuals.
  3. Purpose Key - Optional parameter used to describe what the specified URL represents. (e.g.: event_registration)
  4. Advanced Settings - UTM settings can be individually configured for each redirect link. See Advanced Short Links for more information.

Make sure to click OK when you are done.

Tip

Using UTM Campaigns With Scheduled Redirects
Imagine your 'Church Information' link is scheduled to redirect to a Small Groups page during weekdays. Setting up a new campaign for that link will allow you to collect more targeted data on who is searching for your church throughout the week versus searching on the weekends.

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