Marketing

What Is a Link Shortener and How Is It Used?

By: Peris Gachago
January 16, 2023

A link is the address of a specific webpage or file on the internet. These addresses can sometimes be quite long and complicated, making them difficult to remember and share. This is where URL shorteners come in.

A URL shortener is a tool that takes a long URL and creates a shortened version of it. This shortened version, also known as a "short link," redirects to the original, longer URL when clicked on. The short link is typically much shorter and easier to remember than the original URL.

There are several different types of URL shorteners available. Some are provided by third-party websites, while others are built into social media platforms or messaging apps. Some popular URL shorteners include Bit.ly, TinyURL, and Rebrandly.

To use a URL shortener, you simply enter the long URL into the shortener tool and it will generate a shortened version for you. You can then share the shortened URL with others, who will be redirected to the original URL when they click on it.

URL shorteners are often used to share links on social media platforms, where space is limited. They can also be used to track clicks on a link, which can be helpful for marketing and analytics purposes. For example, a business might use a URL shortener to track clicks on a promotional link shared on social media. This can help them understand how effective their marketing efforts are and make adjustments as needed.

Overall, URL shorteners are a convenient and useful tool for making long URLs more manageable and shareable. Whether you're sharing a link on social media, via text message, or in an email, a shortened URL can make it easier for others to access the content you're sharing.

Why your Business Needs a URL Shortener

URL shorteners are an increasingly popular tool among businesses, as they provide a number of benefits that can help a company better reach and engage its target audience. Here are a few more specific ways in which a URL shortener can be beneficial for a business:

1. Easier to remember: Long, complex URLs can be difficult for people to remember, especially if they are being shared verbally or through a medium that doesn't allow for easy copying and pasting. A shortened URL, on the other hand, is much easier to remember and share, which can help a business reach a wider audience.

2. They are more portable: Long URLs can be unwieldy and difficult to share through certain channels, such as SMS or social media platforms with character limits. A shortened URL can be more easily shared through these channels, which can help a business reach a larger audience and drive more traffic to its website.

3. They enhance a company's branding: Many URL shorteners allow businesses to customize their shortened URLs with their brand name or logo. This can help a company establish its identity and make it easier for customers to recognize and remember the business. Additionally, using a custom URL shortener can help a business differentiate itself from competitors and stand out in a crowded online marketplace.

4. Provide valuable tracking and analytics: Many URL shorteners offer advanced tracking and analytics tools that can help businesses understand how their links are being shared and used. This information can be valuable for marketing and social media efforts, as it can help a business understand what is and isn't working and make adjustments accordingly. For example, a business might use tracking and analytics to see which social media platforms are driving the most traffic to its website, or to see how many people are clicking on a particular link.

summary,

URL shortener can be an extremely useful tool for businesses that are looking to improve the readability and portability of their links, enhance their branding, and track the effectiveness of their marketing efforts. By using a URL shortener, a business can reach a wider audience, drive more traffic to its website, and better understand its customers and their needs.

Don't let long, clunky URLs hold you back from sharing your content! Try using a link shortener today to create clean, easy-to-remember links. Not only will it make your posts and messages look more professional, but it will also allow you to track clicks and gain valuable insights into your audience's engagement. Sign up for our link shortening service now and start sharing your links with confidence.