How I Built a URL Shortener with Click Analytics, QR Codes, and Custom Short Domains

Description and use

Built a URL shortener with click analytics, QR code generation, custom short domains, and a developer API for comprehensive link management.

Problem

Developers and marketers need more than a simple short link; they require click analytics, QR code generation, custom domains, and API integration for link management.

Outcome

The platform provides a comprehensive link management tool that enables users to create, track, and brand short URLs, enhancing marketing effectiveness and developer integration.

Workflow

• Create a long URL via the web interface or API
• Generate a unique short code
• Store mapping of short code to original URL
• Redirect visitors using the short code
• Collect click data (timestamp, referrer, device, browser, OS, location)
• Generate QR code for the short URL
• Allow users to register custom short domains
• Provide API endpoints for creating and retrieving short URLs

Evidence

Developers and marketers usually need more than just: long URL → short URL

Source

For each visit, useful data can include: Timestamp, Referrer, Device type, Browser, Operating system, Location information

Source

A QR code created from a clean short URL makes printed links easier to update and manage

Source