Skip to main content
In a few minutes you’ll go from a new account to your first tracked link. Follow the steps below and jump into the detailed guides when you need them.

​
Prerequisites

  • A ShortPen account with permission to create an Organization and Workspace.
  • Optional: access to your DNS provider if you plan to add a custom domain now.
  • Optional (recommended for conversions): ability to install a pixel on your site/app.

​
The 7 Essential Steps

1

Create your account & Organization | 2 minutes

Create your ShortPen account and your Organization, the top-level container for domains, workspaces, users and settings.→ Read next: How to create your ShortPen account and organization
ShortPen uses a single Organization per account. You can be a member of others if invited.
2

Create (or rename) your first Workspace | 1 minute

Your Workspace is where links, QR codes, events, and analytics live for a project/client. It’s created automatically when you create an organization.But you can always name it clearly (e.g., “Acme – Marketing”).→ Read next: How to set up your first workspace in ShortPen
Workspaces keep projects or clients separated and inherit org resources.
3

Connect a custom domain | 5 minutes (Optional)

Use a branded domain/subdomain (e.g., go.yourbrand.com) for trust and deliverability.Add the CNAME/TXT records ShortPen provides and verify.→ Read next: How to connect a custom domain to ShortPen
4

Install the ShortPen Pixel | 5 minutes (Optional)

Install the pixel to track events and conversions after the click.→ Read next: What is the ShortPen Pixel→ Or jump straight to: How to install the ShortPen pixel
Events rely on the pixel. Verify installation before testing.
5

Create your first Event | 2 minutes (Optional)

Define key actions (e.g., Signup, Purchase, Lead).→ Read next: How to create your first event in ShortPen
Only events created/enabled going forward will be logged. Past actions aren’t retroactive.
6

Create your first Link | 2 minutes

Shorten your destination URL and choose the domain + slug.Optionally add Title, Folder, Tags, UTMs), enable QR Code, and toggle Enable Tracking Events.→ Read next: How to create your first link in ShortPen
Links are flexible objects that can carry metadata, UTMs, QR, and event tracking.
7

View your first Analytics | Ongoing

As clicks and scans arrive, check link-level analytics or workspace-level analytics for an aggregate view.→ Read next: How to view analytics for your first ShortPen link

​
FAQ

No. You can use a ShortPen domain immediately and add a branded domain later. For benefits, see Why use a custom domain with ShortPen?.
No. Conversion/event tracking requires the ShortPen Pixel.
Start at the link’s Analytics panel for clicks/scans. See workspace analytics for aggregated trends.