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How to Automate Branded Links and QR Codes with SimpleURL + Make.com

· 7 min read
SimpleURL Team
Product & Engineering

If you're looking for a way to put your link management on autopilot, the Make.com integration page for SimpleURL has you covered. By connecting SimpleURL to over 2,000 apps via Make.com's visual scenario builder, you can effortlessly generate branded links and QR codes without writing a single line of code.

TL;DR

Verified Make.com App: SimpleURL is an officially verified integration on the Make.com platform. → Visual Automation: Use Make.com's visual canvas to connect SimpleURL to over 2,000+ business applications. → Advanced Logic: Leverage Make.com's Iterators and Routers for bulk creation and complex branching. → Four Core Modules: Create short links, generate QR codes from existing URLs, create both simultaneously, or set up branded domains. → Cost Effective: Maximize your ROI with Make.com's generous free tier and per-operation pricing structure.


What is the SimpleURL Make.com integration?

The SimpleURL integration on Make.com bridges the gap between your URL management platform and your broader technology stack. As a verified app on the Make.com ecosystem, SimpleURL allows you to visually map out workflows—known as scenarios—that trigger actions based on events from over 2,000 supported applications.

Whether you need to generate a new branded link when a row is added to Google Sheets or create a QR code for a new product on Shopify, the visual scenario builder makes it intuitive. You simply drag, drop, and connect nodes to define exactly how your data should flow into and out of SimpleURL.

Pro tip: You can find the official SimpleURL app listed directly on the Make.com app page.

Available modules

The SimpleURL app on Make.com currently provides four primary action modules designed to cover the core functionality of your URL shortening and QR code generation needs.

Module NameDescriptionBest For
Create Short URLInstantly generate a shortened link using your default or custom domain.Automated social media posting and SMS campaigns.
Create Short URL with QR CodeGenerate a short link and simultaneously receive a downloadable QR code image link.Event registration pipelines and print marketing.
Create QR Code for Existing URLPass an existing long URL to generate a dynamic QR code generator output.Retrofitting legacy links for physical displays.
Create Branded DomainProgrammatically register new branded domains within your SimpleURL account.Agency white-labeling and multi-tenant setups.

If you are evaluating integration platforms, you might wonder how Make.com compares to Zapier (which we cover in our Zapier integration blog post). While both are excellent tools, Make.com excels in scenarios requiring complex logic and visual oversight.

Make.com's visual canvas allows you to see the entire flow of your data at a glance. It also includes powerful native tools like Routers (for creating multiple conditional paths in a single workflow) and Iterators (for splitting arrays of data into individual bundles—perfect for batch processing).

Furthermore, Make.com offers a highly generous free plan that includes 1,000 operations per month (compared to Zapier's 100 tasks). When you do need to scale, Make.com's per-operation pricing structure often proves more economical for high-volume automated link creation.

Top 8 automation use cases

Here are the most impactful ways you can leverage SimpleURL and Make.com to streamline your workflows.

Need to process a massive spreadsheet of long URLs? Connect a Google Sheets or CSV module to a Make.com Iterator. The Iterator will loop through the rows, passing each long URL to the SimpleURL module to generate branded links in bulk, which can then be written back to the spreadsheet.

Multi-channel content distribution

When a new blog post is published (e.g., via an RSS feed), use a Make.com Router to split the workflow. You can generate a single short link in SimpleURL, and then simultaneously push that link out to Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, ensuring your short link analytics capture traffic from all sources under one roof.

Every time you add a new product to your Shopify store, automatically trigger a scenario that creates a branded short link and a corresponding QR code using SimpleURL. The scenario can then update your Shopify catalog or product description with the newly generated assets.

Smart lead scoring with branching

Using a webhook module, listen for clicks on your SimpleURL short links. When a click occurs, route the data to your CRM (like HubSpot or Salesforce). Use conditional logic to check if the lead exists, and if so, update their lead score based on the specific campaign link they clicked.

QR code pipeline for events

For webinar or event signups, trigger a Make.com scenario when a user submits an Eventbrite or Typeform registration. Automatically create a unique short URL and QR code for their ticket, and append it to their confirmation email using an email module.

Scheduled analytics digest

Set up a time-based trigger (cron job) to run every Friday at 5 PM. Use Make.com to fetch your latest short link analytics via SimpleURL's API, aggregate the data, format it into an HTML table, and send a weekly performance digest to your marketing team via Slack or email.

Pass long URLs through an OpenAI module in Make.com to automatically summarize the page content or extract keywords. Then, feed those AI-generated keywords into SimpleURL as auto-tags, keeping your link repository perfectly organized without manual data entry.

Zero-touch UTM attribution

When a new landing page is published, automatically append the correct UTM parameters using Make.com's text parser or data transformation tools. Pass the finalized, UTM-heavy URL to SimpleURL to create a clean, shareable branded link ready for ad campaigns.

How to set up SimpleURL + Make.com

Getting started takes only a few minutes. Here is how to build your first automated link scenario.

  1. Create a Make account: If you don't have one, sign up for a free account at Make.com.
  2. Create a new scenario: From your Make dashboard, click "Create a new scenario" to open the visual builder.
  3. Add the SimpleURL module: Click the large plus icon and search for "SimpleURL". Select the specific action you want to perform (e.g., "Create Short URL").
  4. Configure your connection: You will be prompted to add a connection. Enter your SimpleURL API key, which you can find in your account settings.
  5. Map data and activate: Connect your trigger app (like Google Sheets), map the dynamic data fields into the SimpleURL module, and turn your scenario "ON" to start automating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is SimpleURL a verified app on Make.com?

Yes, SimpleURL is an officially verified application on Make.com. You can find us in the public app directory and add us to your scenarios instantly without needing manual API configuration.

2. Do I need a paid Make.com plan?

Not necessarily. Make.com offers a robust free plan that includes 1,000 operations per month, which is more than enough to handle light to moderate link automation tasks.

3. Can I use Make.com to create QR codes with SimpleURL?

Absolutely. The integration includes specific modules for generating QR codes. You can either create a short link with a QR code simultaneously, or generate a QR code for an existing URL.

Make.com provides a more visual interface, allowing you to see complex data flows. It also includes advanced built-in tools like Iterators and Routers for free, and offers a higher volume of operations on its free tier compared to Zapier.

Yes. By using Make.com's Iterator module, you can process arrays of data—such as multiple rows from a CSV or Google Sheet—and loop them through the SimpleURL module for bulk link creation.

6. Does the integration support branded domains?

Yes, you can specify which of your registered branded domains you want to use when creating short links, and even automate the creation of new branded domains entirely.


Ready to build your first scenario? Connect SimpleURL on Make.com or start your free trial — no credit card needed.

How to Automate Branded Short Links and QR Codes with SimpleURL + Zapier

· 8 min read
SimpleURL Team
Product & Engineering

Tired of manually creating short links every time you publish a blog post, send an SMS, or generate a lead? With the new SimpleURL integration on Zapier, you can now connect your link management workflows to over 6,000 of your favorite apps, completely automating the creation of branded links and QR codes.

TL;DR

Zero Coding Required: Connect SimpleURL to 6,000+ apps using Zapier's visual builder. → Automate Link Creation: Instantly generate branded short links when new content is published or CRM records are created. → Auto-generate QR Codes: Automatically create and distribute QR codes for events, products, or offline marketing. → Enhance Your Workflows: Sync link analytics and events with Slack, Google Sheets, or your favorite CRM. → Available Now: The verified SimpleURL Zapier app is live and ready for your automation workflows.


What is the SimpleURL Zapier Integration?

The SimpleURL Zapier integration is a bridge that connects your link management platform to the rest of your tech stack. As a verified app on the Zapier marketplace, SimpleURL allows you to automatically trigger actions based on events happening in other applications, or vice versa.

Whether you're looking to streamline your social media publishing, scale your SMS marketing, or simply save time on manual data entry, Zapier makes it possible to weave branded domains and trackable links into the fabric of your daily operations. You can explore our Zapier integration page for more details.

What Can You Automate?

Our Zapier app comes equipped with both triggers (events that start a Zap) and actions (events that SimpleURL performs when a Zap runs). Here's a breakdown of what's currently available:

TypeNameDescription
TriggerNew Short URL CreatedTriggers when a new short link is successfully created in your workspace.
TriggerNew QR Code EnabledTriggers when a QR code is generated or enabled for an existing link.
ActionCreate Short URLAutomatically creates a new short link, allowing you to specify the destination URL, custom alias, and domain.
ActionCreate QR CodeGenerates a customizable QR code generator image for any link.
ActionAdd Branded DomainProgrammatically registers a new custom domain to your workspace for link branding.

Pro tip: You can chain multiple actions together! For example, when a new row is added in Google Sheets, you can use SimpleURL to create a short link, and then use a second Zapier action to send that link via SMS or email.

Top 8 Automation Use Cases

Ready to put automation to work? Here are the top eight ways businesses are using SimpleURL and Zapier to save time and increase engagement.

Need to generate hundreds of unique tracking links for an upcoming affiliate campaign? Connect Google Sheets to SimpleURL. Whenever you add a new row containing a long destination URL and campaign name, Zapier will instruct SimpleURL to generate a branded short link and automatically paste the result back into your spreadsheet.

2. WordPress/Blog → Auto-Shorten + Social Share

Stop copying and pasting links every time you publish an article. Set up a Zap that triggers when a new WordPress post goes live. The workflow can instantly create a branded short link for the post and automatically share it across your social media channels like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, complete with UTM parameters for accurate short link analytics.

E-commerce brands thrive on SMS marketing. When a new product is added to your Shopify store, use Zapier to automatically generate a trackable SimpleURL link. You can then route this link directly into your SMS marketing platform (like Klaviyo or Twilio) to notify your VIP customers about the new drop with a clean, trustworthy branded link.

Sales teams need to know when prospects engage with their content. When a new deal or contact is created in HubSpot, automatically generate personalized, trackable links to your sales decks or calendar. When the prospect clicks, you'll gather valuable analytics that can help you time your follow-up perfectly.

5. Form Submissions → QR Code Delivery

Hosting an event or offering a downloadable resource? When a user submits a Typeform, Google Form, or Jotform, trigger SimpleURL to create a unique QR code. Zapier can then automatically email that QR code directly to the respondent, providing a seamless digital-to-physical experience.

Keep your team in the loop without leaving your chat app. Set up a trigger so that whenever a specific high-value short link is created or a new QR code is enabled in your SimpleURL workspace, a customized notification is instantly posted to a dedicated Slack channel.

7. Email Campaigns → Auto-Shorten URLs

Long, messy URLs in plain-text emails look unprofessional and can hurt your deliverability. Connect your email marketing tool (like Mailchimp or ActiveCampaign) to automatically convert any lengthy URLs in your broadcast drafts into clean, branded SimpleURL links before the campaign is sent out.

Make it incredibly easy for attendees to join your webinars or offline events. When a new event is scheduled in Google Calendar or Calendly, Zapier can command SimpleURL to generate both a short link and a QR code for the meeting room. These can be automatically embedded into the calendar invite or confirmation email.

How to Set Up SimpleURL + Zapier

Getting started takes less than five minutes. Follow these simple steps to build your first automation:

  1. Sign up for both platforms: Ensure you have an active SimpleURL account and a Zapier account.
  2. Get your API Key: Log in to your SimpleURL dashboard, navigate to Settings > API & Integrations, and generate your secure API key.
  3. Connect on Zapier: Go to the Zapier app page for SimpleURL. Click "Connect", and paste your API key when prompted to authenticate your account.
  4. Choose your Trigger and Action: Build your Zap by selecting a starting event (e.g., a new Mailchimp subscriber) and choosing SimpleURL as the action (e.g., Create Short URL). Map the necessary data fields.
  5. Test and Activate: Run a test to ensure the data flows correctly. Once everything looks good, turn on your Zap and let it run in the background!

SimpleURL vs Other URL Shorteners on Zapier

Not all URL shorteners are created equal when it comes to automation. Here is how the SimpleURL Zapier integration compares to other popular options on the market.

FeatureSimpleURLBitlyRebrandlyZapier Native
Branded domains✅ Yes, unlimited on paid plans❌ Limited, very expensive✅ Yes❌ No
QR codes✅ Native generation via Zapier✅ Yes (paid only)❌ No❌ No
Analytics✅ Advanced tracking✅ Yes✅ Yes❌ No tracking
Free plan limits✅ Generous (Great for testing)❌ Very restrictive❌ Restrictive✅ Included in Zapier
Pricing✅ Startup-friendly❌ Enterprise-focused❌ Expensive✅ Free (but no features)

SimpleURL offers the best balance of powerful features, like native QR code generation and extensive pricing flexibility, making it the ideal choice for businesses looking to scale their automated workflows without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a paid Zapier plan?

You can use the SimpleURL integration on Zapier's free plan for basic, two-step Zaps. However, if you want to build multi-step Zaps or use premium Zapier apps, you will need a paid Zapier subscription. SimpleURL does not charge extra for Zapier access.

2. Can I use my branded domain in Zaps?

Absolutely. When you set up a "Create Short URL" action in Zapier, you can specify exactly which of your connected branded domains you want to use for that specific link.

3. How fast do Zaps trigger?

The speed depends on your Zapier plan. Free plans typically poll for new data every 15 minutes, while higher-tier paid plans trigger much faster, often within 1 to 2 minutes.

4. Can I create QR codes through Zapier?

Yes! SimpleURL has a dedicated "Create QR Code" action in Zapier. You can automate the generation of QR codes for any URL and pass the resulting image file or URL to other apps, like Gmail or Slack.

Your automated links count towards your standard SimpleURL plan limits. For example, if your plan allows for 5,000 new links per month, you can generate up to 5,000 links via Zapier, manually, or via API combined.

6. What's the difference between SimpleURL's Zapier and Make.com integrations?

Both integrations allow for powerful automation. Zapier is generally considered easier for beginners with its linear, step-by-step builder and massive app ecosystem (6,000+). Make.com (formerly Integromat) offers a more visual, complex scenario builder that is great for advanced logic and routing. Check out our Make.com integration blog post to learn more.


Ready to automate your links? Connect SimpleURL to Zapier or start your free trial — no credit card needed.