=== URL Short tool by Shorterm – Simple, Fast & Private ===
Contributors: dimitrisevis
Donate link: https://shorterm.eu/
Tags: url shortener, short url, affiliate links, redirect, custom slug
Requires at least: 5.0
Tested up to: 6.9
Stable tag: 1.1.1
Requires PHP: 7.4
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Lightweight WordPress URL Shortener. Create custom slugs, cloak affiliate links & track clicks without slowing down your site.

== Description ==

**Looking for a reliable URL Shortener?**

**URL Shortener by Shorterm** is the lightweight solution to create, manage, and track short URLs directly from your WordPress dashboard.

Unlike complex plugins, Shorterm focuses on speed and privacy. It allows you to use your own domain for short links (e.g., `yoursite.com/my-link`), giving you 100% control and ownership.

### ✨ Why is this the best URL Shortener?
*   **Performance:** Zero bloat. It won't slow down your website.
*   **Privacy:** Your data stays on your server. No third-party dependencies.
*   **Customization:** Create branded links with your own slugs for free.

### 🟢 Free Features (Included)
*   **Custom Slugs:** Create branded links like `yoursite.com/my-promo`.
*   **Instant URL Shortener:** Generate random or custom short links instantly.
*   **Link Manager:** View and delete all your short URLs in one clean dashboard.
*   **Affiliate Cloaking:** Mask long affiliate links to look professional.
*   **SEO Redirects:** Uses 301 redirects to protect your ranking.
*   **Click Counter:** See total clicks for every link.

### 🚀 Shorterm PRO (Advanced Features)
Upgrade to **[Shorterm Pro](https://shorterm.eu/)** for powerful marketing tools:

*   **Advanced Analytics:** Track Referrers, Browsers, Locations, and Devices.
*   **Excel Export:** Download click data for analysis.
*   **Password Protection:** Secure access to specific links.
*   **Link Expiration:** Auto-expire links after a date or click limit.
*   **Advanced Filtering:** Search and filter links by date or performance.

> **View the Live Demo:** [Try Shorterm Pro](https://shorterm.eu/)

### 💡 Use Cases
*   **Affiliates:** Turn `amazon.com/ref=12345` into `yoursite.com/amazon`.
*   **Social Media:** Share clean, trackable links in your bio.
*   **Marketing:** Track how many people click your email offers.

== Installation ==

1.  Upload the `shorterm` folder to the `/wp-content/plugins/` directory via FTP, or upload the zip file through the WordPress plugins screen.
2.  Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress.
3.  Go to the "Shorterm" menu in your sidebar to create your first link!

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Why use a WordPress URL Shortener? =
Using your own domain for short links builds trust with your audience. It also ensures your links never break if a third-party service (like Bitly) goes down or changes its pricing.

= Does it affect site speed? =
No. Shorterm is optimized to be extremely lightweight. It uses WordPress Object Cache and Transients to ensure zero impact on performance.

= Can I customize the short URL text? =
Yes! Unlike many other plugins, Shorterm allows you to create **Custom Slugs** (e.g., `yoursite.com/winter-sale`) in the free version.

= Is it compatible with Elementor/WooCommerce? =
Yes, it works perfectly alongside all major WordPress plugins and themes.

== Screenshots ==

1.  **Dashboard:** The cleanest URL Shortener interface in WordPress.
2.  **Add New:** Create a short link with a custom slug instantly.
3.  **Pro Stats:** Advanced analytics for marketing pros.

== Changelog ==

= 1.1.1 =
*   Feature: Added Custom Slug support to the free version.
*   Fix: Improved SQL security and WordPress Repository compatibility.
*   Performance: Added WordPress Object Cache support.

= 1.0.7 =
*   Update: WP Fixed after 6.x Update.

= 1.0.5 =
*   Update: Improved SEO title and description.

= 1.0.0 =
*   Initial Release.
