URL Shortening Services

You may have heard of URL shortening services. These are web pages that allow you type in a long website link (eg http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8537616.stm) and to receive in return a short link (such as, in this case bit.ly/99EmKX).

There are many around but we tend to use bit.ly which adds value to the service by allowing you see the number of clicks that your link has received. As this information is provided in realtime it makes it ideal for using with fast moving social media such as Twitter; post your link, and switch to bit.ly in order to see how many people found it of interest.

Of course you can use the link anywhere you want; e-newsletters, links to customers and even on your own website. Some people even argue that it provides a clearer picture of traffic than larger dedicated systems such as Google Analytics.

Next time your evaluating your online marketing activities keep in mind bit.ly for tracking visitors.