What Is Pretty Links Used For: Features, Reviews & Alternatives
WordPress link management plugin.
Editorially updated Oct 5, 2025
Pretty Links
prettylinks.com
The overview
What Pretty Links is for
1Core Capabilitie
- Customizable URL slug creation
- 301, 302, and 307 redirect type selection
- Automated nofollow/sponsored attribute application
- Real-time click count dashboard
2Specialized Workflow
- Keyword auto-linking configuration
- Link category and tag management
- Bulk link import/export utility
- Hit detail logging (IP, timestamp, referrer)
Who it helps
Useful ways to use Pretty Links
A practical path
Install and Activate the Plugin
From your WordPress dashboard, navigate to 'Plugins' > 'Add New'. Search for " ," click 'Install Now,' and then 'Activate.' This integrates the link management interface directly into your WordPress admin menu
External signals
Reviews & reputation
Aggregated review score
Users frequently praise Pretty Links for its straightforward interface and robust link cloaking capabilities, which are essential for affiliate marketers. The ability to create branded, trackable links directly within WordPress is a significant advantage. While core functionality is highly rated, some advanced users occasionally seek more granular reporting options or deeper integration with external analytics platforms.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
1Does Pretty Links work with all WordPress themes and page builders?⌄
Yes, Pretty Links is designed to be theme-agnostic and integrates directly with the standard WordPress editor. It functions by managing redirects at the server level (via WordPress's rewrite rules) and inserting links into content, so it generally works seamlessly with popular page builders like Elementor, Divi, and Beaver Builder, as well as any well-coded WordPress theme.
2Can I use Pretty Links to cloak links from any affiliate network?⌄
Absolutely. Pretty Links is platform-independent regarding the target URL. You can cloak links from Amazon Associates, ShareASale, Commission Junction, Impact Radius, or any other affiliate program. The plugin simply takes your long, raw affiliate URL and redirects it through your chosen "pretty" URL.
3What happens to my pretty links if I deactivate or uninstall the plugin?⌄
If you deactivate Pretty Links, the custom redirects it created will cease to function, and visitors clicking those links will likely encounter a 404 error. If you uninstall the plugin, all associated link data and settings will be removed from your database unless you specifically choose to retain them during the uninstallation process. It's crucial to reactivate or reinstall if you want your links to work again.
4Does using Pretty Links affect my site's SEO or page load speed?⌄
Properly configured pretty links (especially with 301 redirects and nofollow/sponsored attributes) are generally SEO-friendly. The plugin itself is lightweight and processes redirects efficiently, so it has a negligible impact on page load speed. The primary benefit for SEO comes from presenting clean, branded URLs instead of long, parameter-filled affiliate links, which can improve user experience and perceived trustworthiness.
5Can I track individual clicks, including IP addresses or referrer information?⌄
Yes, Pretty Links offers detailed hit tracking. For each click, it records the timestamp, the IP address of the visitor, the referring URL (where the click originated), and the browser/OS user agent. This data is accessible within the plugin's click reports, providing granular insights into your link performance and traffic sources.
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