Skip to main content

Shortening a URL

What is URL shortening?

A URL is a Unique resource locator. On the internet, that is the web URL that goes in the internet bar.

A URL could be quite long, such as the URL for this blog which is 40 characters...
www.socialmediaiseasy.blogger.com

When shortened on www.tinyurl.com, it looks like this...
http://tinyurl.com/962rvbv

Why shorten a URL?

There are several reasons for shortening a URL. It could be easy to share if it is shorter. Also, changing the URL to something shorter could help it not to be identifiable, for example in affiliate marketing. One of the most important reasons for shortening a URL is to be able to track the statistics.

How do I shorten a URL?

The easiest way to shorten a URL is to use www.tinyurl.com. However, if you want to track the statistics of your click through rate, I recommend www.bitly.com. 

The Bitly Pufferfish!


If you use Hootsuite for social media, Hootsuite automatically shortens web addresses or URLs when posting on Twitter. They become owly links, and Hootsuite can then generate a report based on the clicks from your tweets.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Facebook Graph Search is here!

What is Facebook Graph Search? Facebook graph search is now in beta stages, and will soon be rolled out for public use. Graph search will allow you to find very specific information about your friends on facebook based on profiles and interactions. For example, it will allow you to search for 'friends who have been to New York' or 'friends who like Italian food and live in Manchester' for example.  This image shows the example of a Facebook graph search for photos before 1980.   How will Facebook Graph Search effect the way that Business market their brand through Facebook? This will also have many positive effects on Facebook use for business. Of course, it will enable businesses that have a Facebook page to be more easily searchable, leading to a quality fan base. There is also talk already on Graph Search Optimisation - GSO as opposed to SEO!  To find out more about Facebook Graph Search, click here .
Post a Comment
Read more

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Twitter Marketing

Advantages of Twitter Marketing Using Twitter is like sending a text message to the world! It offers the facility to ‘tweet’ a generic message to everyone following, @mention – send a direct tweet to someone, and to send a direct message. Twitter can be great for sharing links and asking people’s opinion on topics and products. You can make your tweet more searchable by using the #hashtag as a social bookmark. For example, using #socialmedia would mean that anyone searching for #socialmedia would be likely to stumble upon this tweet. Twitter marketing is also great for research and finding new connections. If you use the search bar, you can find people interested in similar things to you by searching for tweets on a particular topic. You can get a pretty good reach if you have a lot of followers who retweet you. Don't be afraid to ask for the RT (retweet), but don't ask too often - this might be seen as cheeky!  By sharing useful, unique and relevant content, you will find ...
2 comments
Read more

New Google+ Communities

What are Google+ Communities? Early this month, Google+ rolled out Google communities, to allow people to join discussion groups about their personal interests. Google + communities can be created as private or public, depending on who you want to join, and they work in a similar way to Facebook groups. Google +, however, offers the facility to virtually 'hang out' with people in your community. This means that you can have a video conference with them on your screen.  For example, if you love Greenday and join the Greenday Community , you can Google 'hangout' with other members of the community to discuss their new releases! Three key ways to use Google+ Communities 1. Gather people together -  It could be for for your family, your local club or people around the world who share your interests.  Google+ communities allows you together people together in an online group.   2. Have rich and focussed conversations - You can post photos and videos ...
Post a Comment
Read more