If you've ever relied on goo.gl to tighten up links for you, it's time to start thinking about alternative URL shorteners. Google ended support for its Google URL Shortener at the end of March 2018 and is taking a year to fully phase out the tool.
URL shorteners make sharing written-out links more manageable. Say you want to provide a link on a business card, in an advertisement, or in an email format where hyperlinking isn't ideal. A shortened URL takes up less space and keeps your text tidy. For example, using goo.gl, you can convert https://www.blog.google/products/maps/wheres-waldo-find-him-google-maps/... to https://goo.gl/rVBBtP. It's easier to read and easier for someone to copy and paste or type.
Some URL shorteners do little more than turn long links into short ones, while others let you customize the text of the new URLs, track click-through rates, and analyze other information about who's clicking your links. Most URL shorteners have a free tier of service, but you often have to pay for added features, such as data and analysis. The five that made the cut for this list are easy to use and access, and each one stands out for one special reason, noted as "Best for" below.
Here are the best URL shortening services to replace goo.gl, followed by details of how and why Google is shutting down the service.
URL shorteners make sharing written-out links more manageable. Say you want to provide a link on a business card, in an advertisement, or in an email format where hyperlinking isn't ideal. A shortened URL takes up less space and keeps your text tidy. For example, using goo.gl, you can convert https://www.blog.google/products/maps/wheres-waldo-find-him-google-maps/... to https://goo.gl/rVBBtP. It's easier to read and easier for someone to copy and paste or type.Some URL shorteners do little more than turn long links into short ones, while others let you customize the text of the new URLs, track click-through rates, and analyze other information about who's clicking your links. Most URL shorteners have a free tier of service, but you often have to pay for added features, such as data and analysis. The five that made the cut for this list are easy to use and access, and each one stands out for one special reason, noted as "Best for" below.
Here are the best URL shortening services to replace goo.gl, followed by details of how and why Google is shutting down the service.
by Jill Duffy, Zapier | Read more:
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