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CreatorsBrandingTips

The Creator's Guide to Link Trees: Why Custom Short URLs Win

Jordan Ellis •

If you’re a content creator, you probably use a link tree service. They’re convenient—one link to rule them all. But here’s what nobody tells you: link trees might be hurting your brand more than helping it.

When someone clicks your bio link and lands on linktr.ee/yourname, several things happen:

  1. Brand dilution: They see Linktr.ee’s branding before yours
  2. Extra friction: Another click to reach your actual content
  3. Lost data: Analytics are limited and owned by the platform
  4. Standardized look: You look like everyone else

The Custom Short URL Alternative

Imagine instead: doin.cc/jordan redirects to your personal hub, or you create multiple memorable links:

  • doin.cc/podcast → Your latest episode
  • doin.cc/merch → Your store
  • doin.cc/free → Your lead magnet
  • doin.cc/work → Collaboration inquiries

Why Top Creators Are Switching

Complete Brand Control

Your audience sees YOUR domain, YOUR message. No third-party branding competing for attention.

Better Analytics

Track exactly which content types drive the most clicks. Is it merch? Podcasts? Newsletter signups? Real data, real insights.

Faster Load Times

Direct redirects are faster than loading a third-party page with images, widgets, and tracking scripts. Speed matters for mobile users.

Platform Independence

Link tree services come and go. Companies get acquired, terms of service change, prices increase. Your short links are yours.

Step 1: Define Your Key Destinations

List the 5-7 most important places you want to send your audience:

  • Main content platform
  • Newsletter signup
  • Shop/Merchandise
  • Sponsorship/Collaboration info
  • Latest project
  • Community (Discord, etc.)

Each destination gets a clean, memorable short URL. Use words that make sense to your audience.

Step 3: Promote Strategically

Different platforms can use different links:

  • YouTube descriptions: doin.cc/yourname
  • Instagram bio: doin.cc/insta
  • Newsletter: doin.cc/latest

Step 4: Monitor and Adapt

Check your click data weekly. Double down on what works.

The Professional Edge

When brands evaluate creators for partnerships, small details matter. A creator with polished, branded links signals professionalism and attention to detail—qualities sponsors value highly.

Making the Switch

You don’t have to abandon link trees entirely. Many creators use a hybrid approach:

  • Short links for primary destinations
  • A simple personal website as a central hub
  • Link tree as a backup for platforms that need it

The key is taking control of your digital presence rather than outsourcing it to a template everyone else uses.

Your links are part of your brand. Make them count.