Google URL Shortener

In most marketing blogs, URL shortening doesn’t get front page coverage generally, it needs to be pursued passively and is considered a secondary activity. There is an element of truth to that, but it is important to know how to use a link shortener to your benefit.

In this article, everything has been covered that you need to know about how to use the free Google URL Shortener service. 

Why a link shortener?

URLs are clunky and sometimes downright ugly. They destroy the attractiveness of everything and don’t make a lot of sense for readers. Most importantly, having a large URL doesn’t add value to anyone and anything. 

It is essential to Use a link shortener because it’s better when the URLs are smaller and take up less space. 

A big thanks to Twitter for their 140 character limit that has made it essential for us to keep using link shorteners. 

About Google URL Shortener 

A few URL shorteners are out there and one of the best happens to be from Google. Google URL Shortener is a simple service that lets you shorten your URLs and also track their clicks. 

How to start using Google URL Shortener

Here’s what you need to do:

1.    After you’ve published your article, copy the URL of the post you want to get your link short.

2.    Go to Google URL Shortener

3.    Paste your URL in the text box, confirm you aren’t a robot, and click on Shorten URL.

You’ll get a popup box with the shortened URL and details of your article with a ‘See analytics data’ option.

4.    Click Done.

Copy the shortened URL, and use it wherever you want to use... 

You’ll see a page with the following details (a mini analytics page for your article):

•     Number of clicks

•     Traffic sources

•      Platforms

Bear in mind, for a new article, you will not have any data.

All of your previous links will also be displayed that you’ve shortened that are connected to your account in the main Google URL Shortener page.

Also Read: Google’s Digital Marketing Learning Initiative for SMBs