How to Create Bitly Links and QR Codes

✅ Desired Outcome

• Bitly links are properly created, branded (if applicable), and trackable

• QR codes generate correctly and link to the intended destination

• Links and QR codes are consistent with marketing campaigns

• Links are easy to share and scan across platforms

• Tracking analytics are functional for performance monitoring

🚫 Unacceptable Actions

• Using incorrect URLs when creating Bitly links or QR codes

• Generating QR codes without testing the scan functionality

• Sharing unverified or broken links

• Forgetting to label or document links for campaigns

• Overwriting existing links without tracking history

Step-by-Step Process: Creating a Bitly Link

1. Open a web browser and go to Bitly (https://bitly.com).

2. Log in to your Bitly account.

3. Click Create (usually a button on the top right).

4. Paste the original URL you want to shorten.

5. Optional: Customize the back-half of the link to make it memorable (e.g., bit.ly/April2026Freemium).

6. Click Copy to save the Bitly link.

7. Test the link by opening it in a new browser tab to ensure it redirects correctly.

8. Document the link in your Marketing Calendar or tracking sheet.

Step-by-Step Process: Creating a QR Code in Bitly

1. Open a web browser and go to a QR code generator (https://bitly.com).

2. Navigate to the Bitly link you want to generate a QR code for.

3. Click the “QR Code” icon next to the Bitly link

4. Customize the QR code if needed (color, style, or logo).

5. Click Download to save the QR code in your preferred format (PNG, SVG, PDF).
   

6. Test the QR code by scanning it with a mobile device to ensure it redirects to the correct URL.

7. Save the QR code file 

8. Document the QR code link and usage in your Marketing Calendar or campaign sheet if necessary.

✅ Tip: Always generate the QR code from the Bitly link, to ensure click and scan tracking is consolidated in one place.