URL Shortener: An Overview of the Benefits, Features and Examples of this Software
Overview: A URL shortener is a software that converts a long website address into a shorter, more manageable version. These shortened URLs can be used on social media platforms, emails, or any other platform where character count is limited. URL shorteners offer many benefits such as saving space, improving click-through rates, and providing enhanced tracking capabilities. This article provides an overview of URL shorteners, who uses them, their benefits, features, and examples of relevant URL shorteners.
Who Uses URL Shortener
Marketers: Marketers use URL shorteners to track the performance of their marketing campaigns. They can track how many people clicked on the shortened link and further analyze user behavior on the site.
Social media users: Social media users primarily use URL shorteners to save on character count, and avoid posting long URLs.
Benefits of URL Shortener
Improved click-through rates: URL shorteners improve click-through rates by providing a shorter and cleaner-looking URL. This saves the potential user from feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by a lengthy URL.
Advanced tracking: With URL shorteners, users can track the performance of their links, from clicks to conversions on their website. Tracking data helps users to know how many people clicked on their link, their country of origin, and the device they used.
Customizable links: URL shorteners offer customization, and users can choose their desired alias. This feature makes links more memorable and easy to share.
Features of URL Shortener
Branding: A URL shortener can provide users with the option to add branding to their links, which makes them stand out as credible sources of information.
QR codes: Some URL shorteners offer the option to generate QR codes for the link. QR codes can be used in posters, leaflets, business cards, and other offline marketing material.
API: URL shorteners come with APIs, enabling users to integrate the software with their apps and systems. The API allows users to create, share and track shortened links from within their platform.
Examples of URL Shortener
Bitly (bit.ly) – Bitly is a leading URL shortener, with over 600 million links created by users every month. Bitly offers advanced tracking, a dashboard, and the option to create custom domains. The software also provides cross-platform sharing, a browser extension, and API integration. However, users need to sign up for an account before they can begin using Bitly, and free account users can only access 500 branded links.
Google URL Shortener (goo.gl) – Google URL Shortener is a free tool that shortens URLs and provides click analytics. Google URL Shortener also offers the option of creating QR codes and detailed analytics. The tool does not require an account to use. However, the software is limited by its lack of branding options and limits on API access.
Rebrandly (rebrandly.com) – Rebrandly offers users the option to create shortened branded links, including CNAME and Custom short links. The software has a wide range of integration options and provides users with real-time tracking data. It also provides detailed analytics and an easy-to-use interface. However, Rebrandly’s free plan limits users to five custom links.
TinyURL (tinyurl.com) – TinyURL is a free URL shortener that allows users to create short links quickly and easily. It does not require an account to use, and the software is simple and easy to understand. However, TinyURL is not as feature-rich as other URL shorteners and lacks advanced tracking capabilities.
ClickMeter (clickmeter.com) – ClickMeter is a URL shortener that provides advanced tracking capabilities such as conversion tracking and click fraud detection. The software has a wide range of integration options and provides users with real-time tracking data. ClickMeter also offers the option to create branded links and QR codes. However, ClickMeter is a paid software with limited features in the free plan.
Conclusion: In conclusion, URL shorteners are beneficial in saving space, improving click-through rates, and providing advanced tracking capabilities. They are widely used by marketers and social media users. Advanced features such as branding, APIs, and QR codes differentiate URL shorteners from one another. Examples such as Google URL Shortener, Bitly, Rebrandly, ClickMeter, and TinyURL, provide users with different options for shortening URLs. It’s essential to pick the right URL shortener that meets individual needs, considering the budget as pricing varies from software to software.