The answer? Firebase Dynamic Links, or FDL, which replaced Goo.gl back in 2019. As browsing habits changed and it became more common for people to access the web through mobile devices or apps, Google realized the tool just wasn’t flexible enough to stay competitive. Why did Google shut down Goo.gl, though? Put simply, Goo.gl wasn’t designed for anything other than desktop browsing. All you had to do was input your long URL and Goo.gl generated a smaller URL without lines of extra characters: Goo.gl offered a simple means to create shorter, more readable URLs. However, Google made the tool available to the public in 2010, which made it simpler for all website owners to access and use. Google’s own URL shortening tool, Goo.gl, launched back in 2009.Īt first, it only worked with Google applications, meaning you could only shorten URLs for the Google toolbar. If you need help figuring out which links to shorten and which ones to leave alone, check out my consulting services. For example, if you’re just linking from one page on your website to another, there’s no need to shorten the link. To be clear, it’s not always worth shortening URLs. Since great marketing is all about creating a great experience for your customers and building awareness, short URLs are a crucial tool. You can also create branded links with URL shorteners to reinforce your brand message at the same time. They’re easier to read and make your content more user-friendly.

Shortening URLs and focusing on content makes it easier to engage your followers.įinally, short URLs are more attractive. It’s also ideal for socia l media posts, where you might have a limited number of characters to convey your message. From a marketing perspective, link shorteners are invaluable. You can track who clicked your link to calculate the success of ad campaigns or content marketing strategies you’re running. In most cases, URL shortener tools also track how many people click your links. OK, so that’s how link shortening works, but is it worth your time? Here’s a bit more detail. Why Should You Use a Link Shortening Tool? Which one do you think looks more attractive on a website or social media post? Which one would you be more likely to click on?Ĭhances are, it’s the first option, and the reality is, your potential customers feel the same way. The original “longer” link looks like this:

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