You can share your content on social media and other digital channels and drive more traffic to you platform. All elements in a social media post have an impact on its performance. This includes the structure and length, which is something that all experienced publishers are well aware of. The more complicated the link, the less likely users will click on it.
URL shorteners are here to help.
These platforms will allow you to convert your app and site links into simple URLs that encourage users to visit your content. There are many URL shorteners that you can choose from. Each one has its own unique capabilities and features. This will help you make the right choice.
This article will discuss the definition of link shrinker, and our top picks for URL shorteners that affiliates can use for 2022 and beyond.
What are URL shorteners?
Let’s first define URL shorteners before we move on.
URLs (also known as links) are used to identify the exact location of a webpage and how it can easily be retrieved. Because links allow us to share pages via a variety of channels, they play an important role in the web. However, the link’s appearance can have an impact on whether or not it is engaging, as we mentioned.
URL shorteners are websites that reduce links’ length to make them look better. This not only increases engagement but also allows publishers to take advantage of the small space available on platforms such as Twitter.
Conventional vs. Custom URL Shorteners
It is important to know that custom URL shorteners are different from conventional link shorteners. A custom URL shortener, as the name implies, allows you to include your branding in the shortened URL.
Instead of creating a random URL that might discourage some users, create a URL that is short and tailored to your platform.
The Top 10 URL Shorteners for 2022 and Beyond
Numerous URL shorteners are available to help you modify your links and make them more easily shareable.
However, not all of them can be used for large-scale publishing or business use. We’ve compiled a list with our top 10 URL shorteners in 2022 and beyond.
We have limited our top 10 list to standalone link shorteners. This means that we exclude tools that integrate into other platforms, such as Ow.ly by Hootsuite.
Here are the top 10 URL shorteners.
1. Bitly
Bitly is an easy-to use, reliable URL shortener that works for almost all users. You don’t have to share your links as often as you would like, so you can just drop by Bitly and have a URL shortened on-demand.
Bitly’s true power is only for business users. The Bitly dashboard is a great tool for business users. It provides 20 metrics such as organic shares, visitors and location. You can also use the campaign-style tracking feature to track click-through rates and conduct campaign-style monitoring.
It’s great that users can get many of these benefits simply by opening a business account. The platform also offers paid subscriptions to publishers who need it to provide more features and a higher volume.
2. Rebrand
Rebrandly is our first custom URL shortener. The platform specializes in this field because its founders believe in branding’s power. Rebrandly lets you customize URLs and add branding elements to the shrunken domain, regardless of whether it’s for a company or a product.
Rebrandly’s best feature is its short links. They don’t feel or look random. The links look and feel like regular URLs, but they include highly relevant terms that users immediately recognize.
For example, a publisher could change the URL of the page www.example.com/blog/how-to-conduct-a-full-blown-system-reboot to example.com/conduct-reboot by opting for the platform’s paid subscription.
Not only that, but there are a number of pre-defined integrations built into the platform to increase user efficiency.
3. TinyURL
TinyURL was founded in 2002. It is one of the most popular shorteners. TinyURL started as a free service to shorten URLs. It has grown to be one of the most popular providers on the market. The platform currently offers both a free plan and two paid subscriptions. These include features such as URL branding, campaign tracking and a comprehensive dashboard.
Although casual users do not need to create an account, URL shorteners-using publishers often have the option to create a free account to access their shrunken links history and avoid paying a fee. The free plan includes links that don’t expire as well as basic monitoring.
4. BL.INK
BL.INK is a URL shortener that tracks business usage. This has earned it a strong reputation. The platform lets you customize your URLs, lifetime links and integrate with top platforms such as Zapier and Sprinklr.
BL.INK customers can expect excellent customer service. This includes access to a knowledgebase, as well as support via live chat and email. You can view click totals, unique clicking, location, type of browser and much more information through the platform’s tracking tools.
It is important to note that BL.INK also has variable passing. However, we will be discussing the importance and definition of this feature later in this article.
5. Clickmeter
Clickmeter is a simple link shortener with over 100 amazing features. You can set up redirects based on the user’s country, language and device type. The platform allows users to track clicks and view information such as IP addresses, timestamps. device type, source data, keywords, as well as keyword information.
Clickmeter was established over 15 years ago. It has servers that are online for more than 99.99% of all times. Clickmeter also offers affiliate-friendly features such as variable passing and comprehensive reports.
6. Short.io
URL shorteners are often able to give data such as the user’s location and details about their devices. Short.io is a different approach. It allows publishers to modify the destination URL based upon the user’s device or location. This effectively acts as a smart redirection link.
Short.io excels at everything else. It allows publishers to use their domains in new URLs and provides targeted links. The platform already has multiple integrations and provides detailed statistics, as well as expiration links to help manage time-sensitive materials.
7. Linkly
Linkly’s identity revolves around beautiful, functional links. Linkly offers excellent link tracking capabilities as well as brand URLs that can include advanced redirects. Linkly makes use of pixel technology to display the data in detailed reports that can be accessed via the dashboard.
Linkly collects demographic data such as device type and the name of the internet provider. It also records data such as the destination page, referring domain, and the URL. The platform can detect bot traffic and trigger ReCaptcha checks in order to prevent click fraud.
8. Sniply
Sniply not only shrinks links but also offers a simple way to monetize traffic. The platform allows you to add a small call to action (CTA) at the bottom of your destination page.
This final CTA’s goal is to increase conversions and build your email list. Both of these have positive effects on your bottom line. You have the option to edit the CTA and the wording or remove it. Additionally, you can choose from a variety of forms and buttons. Sniply is a premium alternative, but it is expensive. This means that top-level publishers should only use it.
9. SmartURL
SmartURL is a powerful link shrinking tool for large publishers and enterprises. The platform lets users set up redirect links that will take web visitors to a number of different parameters. If the user is not located in the specified area, you can set up a default URL.
The platform’s general features are simple. It allows publishers to choose a tailored link, pass on variable data, and set-up basic retargeting campaigns.
10. PixelMe
PixelMe is trusted by many affiliates who have been using shortened links for years. This platform embeds a Pixel Tracker in every shortened URL it generates. This allows publishers to track each user who clicks on the PixelMe shortened links.
PixelMe does not offer a free plan but has four pricing tiers at the time of writing. You can get unlimited branding links, fully customized domains and micro landing pages depending on which plan you choose.
Are URL shorteners possible for affiliate links?
You’re not the only one who has ever considered using shortened links. Although technically it is possible, publishers should be cautious when shortening affiliate link. Publishers must ensure that advertisers allow the use of shortened links. To ensure you don’t violate the terms of service, reach out to your network and advertiser.
You must also ensure that variable information is passed on to the shortener. Variable information is simply the data that each user provides to verify and attribute affiliate conversions. The publisher will not be credited for any conversions generated if the shortening tool does not pass variable information.
Are you looking for the best affiliate resources? Contact lemonads Today
While shortening links can be a great way of increasing the performance and quality of your content, there are many other elements that go into a successful affiliate program. Lemonads will help you find the best affiliate programs.
