Understand Your Buyer > How to connect with your buyer > Micro Domains
What is it?
A micro domain is a short, custom domain used to create branded, easy-to-share links. Big platforms like Facebook (fb.me
) and YouTube (youtu.be
) use micro domains to shorten long URLs while keeping them recognisable and on-brand. These domains usually redirect to the full version of a page or video and are commonly used in social media, SMS, and print where space is limited.
Why does it work?
Micro domains work because they make links cleaner, more memorable, and more trusted than generic link shorteners like bit.ly. When someone sees a short link from a domain they recognise – like fb.me/yourpage
– they’re more likely to click it. It also helps with brand consistency and allows companies to track link performance without relying on third-party shorteners.
How can you use it?
You can register your own micro domain – ideally something short, memorable, and connected to your brand (like csm.to
for Clear Sales Message). Then use a link shortening tool (such as Bitly with a custom domain, or a plugin like Pretty Links) to create branded redirects. These are perfect for podcasts, SMS campaigns, QR codes, or anywhere you need a trusted, short URL that still represents your brand.
Example
Facebook uses fb.me as a shortened domain name for URL shortening purposes. Here’s why:
- Shorter Links for Sharing – A long Facebook URL (e.g., a post, profile, or event) can be shortened using fb.me, making it easier to share on social media, SMS, or printed materials.
- Brand Recognition – The “fb” is instantly recognizable as Facebook, making it a natural and trusted link shortener.
- Mobile Optimization – Shortened URLs using fb.me can be optimized to open in the Facebook app, improving user experience on mobile devices.
- Link Tracking & Analytics – Facebook can track link clicks, engagement, and other metrics using these shortened links.
- Avoiding Third-Party Shorteners – Instead of relying on external services like Bit.ly, Facebook controls its own link shortening to ensure security and reliability.
Essentially, fb.me is just a branded URL shortener that keeps links neat, trackable, and user-friendly.
Simplifying touch points
Making it easy for people to interact with you and buy from you is a crucial factor but so easy to miss. Here are 9 ways you can make it easier for people to contact you:
- Catchall email – Never miss an email by ensuring that [email protected] gets delivered.
- Memorable phone number – If you want people to call you, make it easy for them to remember your number.
- Simple Email Address – Make it easy for people to email you by having “obvious” email addresses.
- Freephone / Freepost– If you want people to call or write to you, then making it free ensures there are no barriers.
- Simplified URL – Using a domain that’s easy to read, write, speak, spell and remember makes life easier for your buyer.
- Start here domain – Make it easy for new buyers and clients to know how to interact with you.
- Misspelt domain – If there is a common misspelling of your name then it makes sense to own the .com domain.
- DM Word – Make it easy for people to direct message (DM) you by giving them a keyword to use.
- QR Codes – Make it easy for people in the real world to find you online.
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