Create a URL shortener with Netlify
After hearing of a few people doing the same, I set up a mostly-free URL shortener with Netlify: smcp.dev. Here’s the steps I followed to get it done.
1. Register a domain
Go to your favorite registrar and buy a new domain. Aim for something short and
memorable, and consider the .link TLD. I heard a recommendation for
Hover, which seems pretty cool, but I went with Google
Domains for smcp.dev.
This is the only step that costs money, and the amount will depend on the
domain/TLD that you choose. .dev TLDs on Google Domains cost $12/year.
2. Create a repo
I modelled my repo off of
cassidoo/cass.run, which seems to be
based off of
kentcdodds/netlify-shortener-example.
In order of importance, you have:
- a
_redirectfile that maps short urls to destinations, - a
package.jsonwith a single (optional) dependency for adding links, - a
README.md, - and some git stuff.
3. Add your project to Netlify
Login to Netlify (or create an account) and add a new project from git. Select your repository, and enter the following:
- Build command: Nothing
- Publish directory: Nothing
4. Setup your custom domain
In the main project view on Netlify, select “
You’ll need to update the DNS settings with your registrar to point to Netlify’s servers:
dns1.p05.nsone.net
dns2.p05.nsone.net
dns3.p05.nsone.net
dns4.p05.nsone.net
5. Wait
Depending on how quickly you went through steps 1-4, you may have to wait a few hours for everything to get setup from registrar and the DNS. For me, this took about thirty minutes, but your mileage may vary.
6. Enjoy
With all that in place, you should be able to use your URL shortener:
smcp.dev/yt! To add a new URL, you can add a new line to
the _redirect file manually or use the
shorten script(if you
added it)
Happy shortening!