How to use Terminus as a Shortener Only Service?

Sometimes you don't need the complexity of UTM tracking; you just need a fast and reliable way to shorten long URLs. The standard Terminus project, with its focus on campaigns and sources, can feel like more than you need for this simple task.

The solution is to create a dedicated "shortener-only" project. By disabling the tracking parameter features, you can transform Terminus into a clean, streamlined interface focused exclusively on creating short links for your brand. 🎯

1. How to Configure a Shortener-Only Project

This simple, one-time setup creates the perfect workspace for your shortening needs.

1. Create a New Project: From the main navigation, go to Projects > Create a new project.

2. Name Your Project: Give it a clear, descriptive name that reflects its purpose, such as General Short Links or Brand Link Shortener.
3. Disable UTM Parameters: This is the most important step. Scroll down and locate the checkbox for Enable UTM parameters and uncheck it.
   • Why this is key: Disabling this option removes all the UTM fields (utm_campaign, utm_source, etc.) from the URL Builder, creating the clean, simplified interface you need.
4. Save the Project: You can ignore the other settings. Click Save to create your new project.

2. How to Shorten a URL

With your project set up, creating a short link is incredibly fast.

1. Go to the URL Builder: From within your new project, navigate to URLs > Build Tracking URL.

2. Enter Your Destination URL: In the Destination URL/s field, paste the long URL you want to shorten. This can be any valid web address.
3. Save: You can add optional Labels or Notes if you wish, but they are not required. Click Save.

That's it! Your long URL will be saved, and its corresponding short URL will be generated and displayed instantly. You can now copy and use this short link.

3. (Optional) Using a Custom Domain

By default, your links will be shortened using the ter.li domain. For better branding and increased trust, you can use your own domain (e.g., your.brand/link).

1. Navigate to Shortener Settings: From within your project, go to Settings > Shorteners.
2. Select Your Domain: From the dropdown menu, you can select a pre-configured custom domain or connect your own Bitly account.

Before you can select a custom domain here, it must first be set up in your main account settings. You can learn how in our guide, How to Configure a Custom Domain for Shortening.

Best Practices

• Keep It Separate: Maintain a dedicated project for your shortened-only links. This keeps them separate from your marketing campaigns that use full UTM tracking, ensuring both workspaces remain clean and organized.
• Use Labels for Organization: Even without UTMs, Labels are a great way to group your links. Use labels like Social profiles, Blog resources, or Support docs to easily filter and find your links later.
• Customize the Back-Half: For more memorable and readable links, you can edit the back-half (the part after the slash) of any short URL you create. This is perfect for custom links like your.brand/contact-us.

Conclusion

Terminus is a flexible tool that can be tailored to your specific needs. By creating a dedicated project with UTMs disabled, you can easily use it as a powerful, brandable, and fast URL shortening service, separate from your detailed campaign tracking.