How Short Links Can Be Used in Print Ads

When you think about short links (like bit.ly/coffee2025), you probably imagine them being shared online — in social media posts, emails, or text messages.
But short links also work great in the offline world, especially in print advertisements like posters, flyers, brochures, and magazine ads.
In this guide, we’ll explain what short links are, why they’re perfect for print ads, and how you can use them to connect offline marketing with your online world.

1. What is a Short Link? A short link is simply a shortened version of a long website link. For example: Long link: https://www.bakerydelights.com/special-offer/january2025?ref=printad

Short link: bit.ly/jan-cake

The short version is easier to read, remember, and type — which is exactly why it works so well in print ads.

1. Why Use Short Links in Print Ads? Print ads don’t have clickable buttons. If you put a long, complicated link on a poster, no one will bother typing it into their browser. Short links solve this problem because: They are easy to remember (like bit.ly/free-treat).

They are quick to type into a phone or computer.

They look neat and professional on printed materials.

They can be branded (e.g., coffee.co/deal) to match your company.

1. How Short Links Bridge Offline and Online Marketing Short links help connect the offline audience (people reading your posters, flyers, or magazines) to your online content (website, shop, event registration). Example: If you’re advertising a concert in a local newspaper, you can add a short link like rockfest2025.com/tickets. Readers can type it in to buy tickets immediately — no need to search online.
2. Best Ways to Use Short Links in Print Ads Here are some practical ideas: a) For Promotions & Discounts Print a short link that takes people directly to a discount page.

Example: Flyer says “Get 20% off — Visit bit.ly/sale20.”

b) For Event Registrations
Posters can include a short link to RSVP or buy tickets.

Example: “Join our workshop: skillhub.com/join.”

c) For Product Catalogs
Instead of printing all products, give readers a short link to view the full online catalog.

Example: “See more designs: fashionco.link/new.”

d) For Feedback & Surveys
Add a short link in your brochure asking for feedback.

Example: “Tell us your thoughts: feedback.co/2025.”

e) For Extra Information
Print ads have limited space. A short link can lead readers to a detailed article, video, or photo gallery.

1. How to Make Your Short Link More Effective in Print Since people have to type your link manually, you need to make it simple, clear, and memorable. Here are some tips: Use branded links (e.g., bakery.fun/cake) instead of random letters.

Keep it short – Aim for under 15 characters after the slash.

Avoid confusing characters – Don’t use 0 (zero) or l (lowercase L) as they look like other letters/numbers.

Make it relevant – If it’s a cake offer, the link should mention “cake” or “offer.”

Use capital letters smartly – bit.ly/CakeDeal is easier to read than bit.ly/cakedeal.

1. Add a QR Code Alongside the Short Link Even though short links are easy, many people prefer scanning instead of typing. You can add a QR code next to your short link in your print ad: Those who like typing can use the short link.

Those with smartphones can scan the QR code and go directly to your page.

Example:
[ QR Code ]: Printed right next to it.

1. Tracking the Results One of the best things about short links is that you can track clicks. When you use a URL shortener like Bitly, Rebrandly, or Short.io, you can: See how many people visited from your print ad.

Learn which location worked better (e.g., flyers vs. newspaper).

Check what time people clicked the most.

This is useful because print ads are hard to measure — but short links give you real data.

1. Example: Local Bakery Campaign Let’s imagine a bakery wants to promote a new cupcake flavor. They print posters with: A photo of the cupcake.

The text: “Try it this week and get a free coffee!”

A short link: sweetbake.co/freecupcake.

A QR code for scanning.

The short link leads to:
A coupon page where customers can register.

The bakery can track how many people typed the link from the posters.
Click on this link to get more information tny.ws

After two weeks, they see 150 clicks from the short link — and they know the print campaign worked.

1. Common Mistakes to Avoid Using overly complicated short links – People won’t type them.

Making them too small in the design – Ensure they’re large and visible.

Not testing the link – Make sure it works before printing thousands of flyers.

Using generic links – A link like bit.ly/2Xy3Ab is forgettable. A link like bit.ly/CakeTreat is easier to remember.

1. Final Thoughts Short links may seem like a small detail, but in print ads, they’re a bridge between your offline and online audience. When done right, they: Make it easy for people to visit your website.

Allow you to track your campaign’s success.

Create a professional and memorable impression.

If you combine short links with clear design and possibly a QR code, your print ads can bring more people online — and more customers through your door.