Create a branded redirect link to any website
A branded redirect link sends visitors to any website while keeping your URL in the address bar first. Here's how to build one in linkembed.
You need a branded redirect link: a URL that looks like you, then sends the visitor to a ticketing page, form, or partner site. In linkembed that is a redirect link, your address first, then the browser opens the destination you configured.
When a branded redirect link is the right choice
- Redirect: One click, visitor ends up on the external URL. Use this when embedding is blocked or unnecessary.
- Embed: The external content appears inside your linkembed page so the address bar stays on your domain. See how to embed a page on your own domain when you want the iframe experience.
You can mix both types in the same workspace.
Create the redirect link
- Open Links in your workspace and start a new link.
- Select redirect as the link type.
- Set title and slug. The slug is the path segment visitors see (after any folder segments if you nest the link).
- Enter the full destination URL (https). Save.
The public URL follows the same rules as other links: workspace subdomain by default, or a custom domain when you have one connected and selected. Custom domains are not on the Free plan; Creator includes one custom domain with yearly billing (pricing).
Put it on your own domain
- Verify a subdomain under Custom Domains (CNAME to the host linkembed shows, then verify in the UI). Step-by-step context is in custom domains.
- Set that domain as the workspace default, or assign it to the folder or this specific link.
After that, sharing https://links.yourbrand.com/your-slug sends traffic through your brand before the redirect fires.
UTM templates and campaign tracking
If you run campaigns, you can attach UTM behavior to redirect links so reporting stays consistent in analytics tools. Workspace members can manage UTM templates from the dashboard; redirect creation supports template and override options in the product UI. Combined with the Share panel, you can copy links that already include utm_source and utm_medium=social for major platforms.
Analytics (views, redirect events, UTM dimensions, device and country rollups) is available on paid plans with retention as listed on pricing.
Checklist before you publish
- Open the link in a private window and confirm it lands on the correct destination.
- If you changed slug, folder, or domain, update any printed QR codes or scheduled posts.
- For paid plans, review Analytics after a test push to confirm redirect events look right.
FAQ
Q: Will people see the final URL in the browser?
A: After the redirect, the address bar shows the destination site. Your branded URL is what they click first; it is the stable share surface for email, bios, and ads.
Q: Can I use a branded redirect and password protection together?
A: Yes. You can protect access with a password or email allow list on a link; see how to add password protection to a link and the email protection doc for the email option.
Q: Does linkembed shorten links?
A: It is not a classic shortener. You choose the slug and domain for clarity and brand, not mainly to minimize character count.
Q: What URL do I get on the Free plan?
A: Links use your workspace on linkembed.io (plus folder path if used). Custom domains require a paid plan that includes them.
Q: Where is redirect behavior documented in the product?
A: The Links overview describes redirect and embed types, URL shape, and sharing.
linkembed’s Free plan lets you publish redirect links on your linkembed.io workspace URL. Custom domains, analytics, and higher link limits are part of Creator and Pro (pricing).