A link shortener reduces a long web address to create a shorter version of it that is easier to say, remember, and share. Whether you’re a social media manager, an everyday Facebook mom, a small business owner, or even a TikTok tween, there are countless URL shorteners available to cut the length of your links at the push of a button. But how do you choose the right tool for you?
The most basic, but still important, benefit of using a link shortener is that it makes the links you post on social media platforms and in text messages more user-friendly. This can help you stay within character limits and make your posts more appealing to potential customers or clients.
When someone clicks on a shortened link, the shortener sends their browser to a database to retrieve the long URL, which then redirects them to your web page. However, the process is invisible to the user, so it appears that they’re just clicking a regular link.
Another way that a link shortener can be useful is by allowing you to track how many people click your links and where they came from. This kind of analytics is essential for businesses who want to optimize their content and make sure that they’re reaching the right audience with their online marketing efforts.
Lastly, link shorteners can be used to create personalized URLs that are unique to you and your brand. This can be useful if you’re a blogger or other type of influencer who wants to give their followers a more personal touch that helps them to feel like they’re being invited along for the ride on your blog or YouTube channel.
What are the best URL shorteners?
There are a lot of different link shorteners to choose from, so finding the right one for you can be tricky. In general, you should look for a tool that offers the most features at a reasonable price. Many of the more popular options such as Bitly and Rebrandly offer detailed analytics that can help you improve your marketing campaign.
Before you decide on a URL shortener, be sure to test it out for yourself by creating your own short link. This will give you an idea of how the tool works and what its limitations are before making a purchase. Also, be sure to check that the URL shortener you choose is safe to use. Some of them are not, and can redirect you to a malicious website that could harm your computer or steal your information. For this reason, it’s best to stick with a trusted name in the industry such as TinyURL, which has been around since 2002. This site offers free and paid plans, as well as a mobile app that allows you to shorten links on the go. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive option, Sniply is a great choice that offers custom links and analytics with their highest-level plan starting at $34 per month.
