How do I create a shortcut correctly with my domain and without the path "portals/portalname"?

Basically you create a shortcut with the Shortcut functionality under Tools & Administration > Portal Settings > Shortcuts. Please note that:

the desired path generally is http://www.domainname.com/shortcut.
but the standard path often is http://www.domainname.com/portals/portalname/shortcut.

Please reconstruct the following proceeding:

1. Check the correct entry in the meta data: Marketing & CRM > SEO 360 > Metadata, line "URL".
2. Test, if the shortcut http://www.domainname.com/login/ works. This shortcut goes to the login site (if it dosen't work, please contact support@siteforum.com).
3. If available, inactivate the parent directory: Marketing & CRM > SEO 360 > SEO Settings/ Main Settings, Area "Directories", selection box "Parent Directory".