URLTO GUIDE
After shortening: destinations, expiry and private controls
A shared link stays in posts, handouts and QR codes. Decide both where it should lead and who will keep its private controls before you publish it.
URLTO editorial · Updated
Link management · series01 / 10
1. Check the destination before shortening
Open the form or product page in a new window and check that a visitor can reach the intended screen. Keep product identifiers, search terms and language settings that the page needs. Removing every query parameter can change the destination's behavior.
Enter the URL on the homepage. A custom code is optional and must be available. Even a memorable code should never contain a password or personal identifier.
2. Separate public URLs from private controls
Private URLs contain access keys. Keep them out of QR codes and public documents, and store them like other work secrets. Hand over the public link and its private controls separately when responsibility changes.
| URL | Purpose | Handling |
|---|---|---|
| Short URL | Send visitors to the destination | Publish in posts or print |
| QR image | Open its encoded URL | Check that it encodes the short URL |
| Statistics and management URLs | Review activity and control settings | Keep private |
3. Retest after changing a destination
To move an event link from registration to day-of-event information, save the new destination in management and open the original short URL again. A QR that encodes that short URL keeps opening the same short address, so scan the actual printed code after the change.
A QR created directly from the original destination keeps that address in the image. If you expect the destination to change, encode a manageable short URL from the start.
4. Decide when the link should stop
For a registration deadline, review expiry settings. Consider deactivation for a temporary pause, and review whether the link will be needed again before deleting it. Printed notices are difficult to recall; decide whether to stop the redirect or send visitors to a closing notice.
- Record the date of destination and expiry changes
- Keep the changed destination in mind when comparing click activity
- Test the public link and QR before sharing and after changes