How to request a vanity URL

We're happy to help! Before submitting your request, please ensure that you have the following information ready:

1. Any particular vanity URLs you have in mind
2. The destination page’s URL 
   • Destination page is published (even if not complete) 
3. The campaign timeline 
   • Campaign start 
   • Campaign end (if applicable) 
4. Campaign objectives 
5. Target audiences 
6. How it will be used (Print, radio, word of mouth, etc.) 
7. How it will support the CTA

What is a vanity URL?

• A custom short URL to support print and other offline campaigns 
  • Example: uab.ca/ggday to support Green and Gold Day 
• Aligns with institutional branding 
• University Digital Strategy (UDS) puts tracking in place to help measure usage and interaction 
• Frequently used vanity URLs include bit.ly, goo.gl, t.co, and fb.com 

Best practices

• A vanity URL should be easy to remember, use, & share 
• Short and to the point maximizes usage 
  • Consider ease-of-use for mobile devices 
• Should have context to support the marketing campaign 
  • Example: uab.ca/aw2015 to support Alumni Weekend 2015 
• Should not be so generic that others could request the same 
• The vanity URL supports a Call-To-Action (CTA) and is not by itself the CTA 
• The destination page should be mobile and tablet friendly 
• The destination page should be a campaign-specific page - not a site homepage