Beginner’s Guide: Pretty Links on WordPress (Setup, Slugs, Tracking)

A quick, clean walkthrough to create branded affiliate redirects like /go/product—plus click tracking and best practices.

Disclosure: This site may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. This helps support the site at no extra cost to you.

Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate link examples for demonstration purposes.

If you’re running an affiliate site like NovaTechTools, Pretty Links on WordPress is essential. It turns long affiliate URLs into clean, trackable links like /go/product-name, improves trust, and centralizes link management.

Why Pretty Links Matters

  • Cleaner URLs increase click trust
  • Central link management (update once, change everywhere)
  • Built‑in click tracking
  • Easier reporting for affiliate optimization

Step 1 — Install & Configure

  1. Go to Plugins → Add New
  2. Search Pretty Links
  3. Install & activate
  4. Go to Pretty Links → Options
  5. Confirm base slug = /go/
  6. Enable nofollow + sponsored by default

Step 2 — Create a Proper Affiliate Redirect

  1. Pretty Links → Add New
  2. Redirection type: 307 (Temporary)
  3. Paste full affiliate URL
  4. Create readable slug (example: /go/mx-master-3s)

Slug Best Practices

  • Keep slugs short and descriptive
  • Avoid random strings
  • Use product or brand names
  • Maintain naming consistency across the site

How to Use Pretty Links for Optimization

  • Track which posts generate the most clicks
  • Move high‑performing links higher in content
  • Replace underperforming offers quickly
  • Create category‑based slugs (e.g., /go/vpn/, /go/mouse/)

Internal Linking Strategy

Use Pretty Links inside high‑intent posts such as:

FAQ

Should affiliate links be nofollow?

Yes. Use rel=”sponsored nofollow” for compliance and SEO best practice.

Is 301 better than 307?

For affiliate links, 307 temporary redirects are typically recommended.

Final Tip

Maintain a master spreadsheet of all Pretty Links. This prevents broken monetization and improves long‑term control.