To optimize the length of URLs and track the performance of a page, you can use free link shortening options with tools available online.
This feature allows you to share links on social networks, emails and messages with a shorter and friendlier version of the desired address.
6 link shortener options
Some of the online link shortening tools have additional features to customize URLs, opt for click tracking, and even integrate with other platforms like social media managers and workflow apps.
Check out a list of link shorteners that can be used for free on the internet.
1. Bitly
Bitly is one of the most popular and trusted link shorteners that allows you to optimize links in just a few clicks. The free version allows you to shorten up to 10 links per month.
Paid plans increase this limit and offer extra options for customizing URLs, tracking real-time clicks, and integrating with other tools like Google Analytics.
- Go to bitly.com
- Price: Free with paid plan starting at $8
2. TinyURL
TinyURL features a simple and easy-to-use interface and has no link shortener usage limit in the free version. The paid version, on the other hand, includes resources for monitoring and analyzing links, among other options for customizing shared URLs.
- Go to tinyurl.com
- Price: Free with paid plan starting at $9.99
3. Rebrandly
Rebrandly is a link shortener that stands out for customizing URLs with the user’s brand to give a unique identity to the shortened links.
The free plan allows you to create 25 shortened links per month for one domain. There are paid versions to expand these limits and with extra resources for managing and monitoring the links.
- Go to rebrandly.com
- Price: Free with paid plan starting at $13
4. Ow.ly
Ow.ly is a link shortener developed by Hootsuite, a social media management platform. With Ow.ly you can shorten links directly from the Hootsuite dashboard and track the performance of your links shared on social media.
The tool can be tested for free for 30 days and is best suited for companies that manage multiple social media accounts.
- Go to ow,ly
- Price: Free with paid plan starting at $99 (with Hootsuite)
5. Short.io
Short.io allows unlimited redirects in its free version, upon registration. You can also use five custom domains and up to 1,000 private label links at no cost.
Paid plans are intended for professional use, with extra features like URL customization, click tracking, and geo-targeting. Plus, it integrates with other tools like Slack and Zapier for easy automation and link sharing.
- Go to short.io
- Price: Free with paid plan starting at $27
6. Tiny.cc
Tiny.cc offers a free plan that allows you to shorten unlimited links without registering. While not mandatory, creating a Tiny.cc account offers additional benefits such as click tracking and link management.
The tool also offers a paid plan, called Tiny.cc Pro, which provides advanced features such as URL customization, geo-targeting options, in-depth analytics, and integration with other platforms.
- Go to tinycc.com
- Price: Free with paid plan starting at $5
Benefits of using link shortener
Link shorteners can be used for both personal and professional purposes in order to simplify URLs and provide a friendlier and more inviting link to share on the internet.
Among the benefits of these tools are:
- Space saving: Long URLs can take up a lot of space in text messages, social media posts, emails or documents. Shorteners let you reduce the size of your link so that it takes up less space and is easier to share.
- Presentation: Long URLs can appear confusing or unattractive, especially when they contain a complex combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Link shorteners provide a cleaner and more visually pleasing version of the URL.
- Tracking: Some link shorteners offer tracking features, allowing users to track the number of clicks and traffic generated by the shared link. This information is useful for evaluating the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, sharing content, or measuring audience engagement.
- Redirection: In addition to URL shortening, link shorteners also function as redirection services. This feature can be used to optimize advertising campaigns by directing users to specific landing pages according to the traffic source, such as social media ads, email marketing or other channels.
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