=== Linkit expiration links ===
Contributors: engineeritforme
Tags: short links, link expiration, url shortener, temporary links, expiring links, timed links, redirect, limited time links, click tracking, marketing links, download manager, link redirect
Requires at least: 5.5
Tested up to: 6.8
Requires PHP: 7.4
Stable tag: 3.0.1
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Linkit is a smart link shortener and expiration plugin for WordPress. Create custom short URLs, track clicks, and control access with time- or click-based expiration.

== Description ==

**Linkit** helps you easily manage **short links** and **temporary URLs** directly from your WordPress dashboard. Whether you're running time-sensitive campaigns, controlling access to downloads, or managing private links, Linkit gives you the power to **automatically expire URLs** based on your rules.

**Perfect for marketers, developers, bloggers, and membership sites**.

**Core features include:**
- Create **short links** with customizable slugs
- Set **click limits** per link
- Display links with flexible **shortcodes**
- Customize column labels
- Customise expired link message
- Organize links with filters and status tags

**Pro version adds even more power:**
- **Time-based link expiration** (hours, days, weeks, months, years)
- **Analytics dashboard with charts and graphs**
- Export link data and statistics to CSV
- Display random or filtered lists of links on the frontend with custom styles
- Customize icon styles, column labels, and badge colors
- More **shortcodes** to display links with more control over the order of display.  

With **Linkit**, you’re in complete control of your WordPress short URLs and how long they remain valid.


== Installation ==

1. Upload the plugin folder to the `/wp-content/plugins/` directory.
2. Activate the plugin through the "Plugins" menu in WordPress.
3. Go to the **Linkit** menu in your dashboard to start creating and managing short links.

== Screenshots ==

1. Link management table with click counts
2. Settings page
3. Shortcodes page
4. Example frontend display

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Can I use custom slugs for links? =  
Yes! You can assign a custom slug to each short link for branding and clarity.

= What happens when a link expires? =  
Expired links can either redirect to a custom "link expired" page or show a message, based on your settings.

= Can I make links expire after a certain time? =  
Yes — the **Pro version** lets you set time-based rules (hours, days, months, etc.) for each link.

= Can I limit how many times a link can be clicked? =  
Absolutely. You can specify a click limit, after which the link will expire automatically.

= Does Linkit track link clicks? =  
Yes. Basic click tracking is available in the free version. The Pro version offers advanced analytics, charts, and CSV export.

= Can I show a list of links on my site? =  
Yes — you can use shortcodes to display a random or filtered list of links with your custom labels, colors, and layout.

== Pro Features ==

Upgrade to Linkit Pro and unlock:
+ **Expiration by Hours/Days/Months/Years**
+ Front end short code to display a random selection of links filtered by expiration type, with your custom column headings and badge colors.
+ Front end short code to displays a random selection of links. Customize the number and fields shown, with your custom labels and icons.
+ Customize icons, columns, and labels
+ Assign **custom badge colors** to expiration types
+ View **click analytics dashboard** with charts and graphs
+ Export stats or links to **CSV**

👉 To checkout the Pro version please visit the <a href="https://www.engineeritforme.com/wordpress-link-expiration-plugin/">Linkit Pro</a> page on our website.

== Credits ==

Built with ❤️ by Engineer it for me Ltd.

== License ==

This plugin is licensed under the GPLv2 or later.


== Changelog ==

= 3.0.1 =
* Updated readme for SEO and clarity
* Improved keyword coverage for WordPress search

= 3.0.0 = 
* Added more front end short codes
* Fixed some vulnerabilities 

= 2.0.0 =
* Added analytics

= 1.0.0 =
* Initial release


