Google Shut Down Its URL Shortener: What Happened and How to Find a Better Alternative
If you’re familiar with Google’s URL shortener, you may be curious why the service has been discontinued. While the platform was convenient and free, it does not have all the features that business users need. Fortunately, there are many alternatives available that will allow you to continue using the tools that you rely on.
URL shorteners are tools that enable users to generate a shorter link that redirects to the original destination. This allows users to save space on social media posts, email signatures, and other promotional materials. They are also useful for creating links that can be used to track clicks and other engagement data. This information can be invaluable in determining which types of content are most effective for driving traffic and boosting sales.
There are several reasons why people use a url shortener, including branding, marketing, and accessibility. For example, shortened links are more recognizable and visually appealing, making them easier to share verbally or in print. They can also be more easily incorporated into QR codes and other visual promotional materials. Additionally, shortened links can improve user experience by simplifying the access process and increasing trustworthiness.
Despite these benefits, the use of a url shortener can be dangerous. They can be used to hide phishing and malware links, which could cause the victim’s computer to download malicious code. The goal of these attacks is to steal personal information and passwords, and the malware can also be used to take control of the victim’s device. For this reason, it is important to know how to identify a malicious link so that you can protect yourself from it.
There are a number of different url shortener services available, some of which offer more advanced features than others. For instance, Bitly offers a limited account for free that includes some basic link tracking data. It also has a number of paid plans that provide more advanced options. Rebrandly is another popular option that provides a variety of custom branded links and tracking capabilities.
Aside from providing a variety of features, most url shortener services also include a mobile application to make it easy for users to manage their links on the go. This can be especially helpful for businesses that need to share their links frequently, such as social media managers or email marketers. In addition, some of these apps can integrate with other tools, such as Google Sheets and Zapier, to automate workflows. For example, a Google Sheets integration can automatically create a new short link every time you upload a post or product to your website, allowing you to quickly and easily distribute your links. This way, you can spend more time on other tasks and focus on building your business.google url shortener