A url shortener is a tool that converts long web links into shorter, more manageable ones. It makes sharing links on instant messaging and other platforms with limited character limits easier and faster. Moreover, it helps keep your links organized and reduces the chances of typos or lost hyperlinks. The best url shortener also provides analytics and click tracking, which is particularly important for marketing and SEO purposes.

Aesthetics
Shorter links are aesthetically cleaner than long links, and they make for a more user-friendly experience. They don’t look spammy and can save your audience the stress of clicking on a link that could lead to malware or annoying ads. This is especially important on social media, where characters are limited and your message is competing with a lot of other content.

Analytics and click tracking
Most URL shorteners offer detailed analytics that give you insight into who’s clicking your links, where they’re coming from, and what devices they’re using. This information can help you fine-tune your link strategy and maximize your return on investment.

Branded URLs
Several URL shorteners allow you to customize the second half of the short link with your domain name, creating branded links that are easy to remember and recognize. You’ll need to have some technical skills to do this, as you’ll need to set up a CNAME or ALIAS type of DNS record. Bitly, for example, has a free account that allows you to create ten short links per month, five of which can have a custom back-half, and a paid option with more data and customization for a single user. url shortener