You’ve seen them before – those tiny, condensed short url that you can share with your friends and colleagues. But how do they work? In this blog, we’ll take a look at the process of “shortening” a URL, why it’s important, and some tips on how to get started.
What is URL Shortening?
URL shortening is the process of taking a long web address and turning it into a shorter version of itself. This makes it easier to share links on social media or via text message, as well as making them more aesthetically pleasing when displayed in print media. It also improves security by reducing the risk of malicious links being shared.
How Does URL Shortening Work?
The process of shortening a URL involves using an online service like Bitly or TinyURL which takes the original link and creates a new one that redirects users back to the original page. This new link will be much shorter than the original one (usually around 12-15 characters), making it easier to share without taking up too much space. The shortened URL also hides the true destination of the link, meaning it can be shared without revealing where it leads before someone clicks on it.
Tips for Shortening URLs
- Use services like Bitly or TinyURL which are specifically designed for URL shortening – these allow you to track clicks and other metrics from your shortened links.
- Make sure you keep track of all your shortened URLs – if you want to update or delete them later then having them all in one place will save time.
- Avoid using generic words in your shortened URLs – this makes them easier to guess and increases the likelihood that someone could access your link without clicking on it first.
- If you have multiple links to shorten, use different services for each one – this makes it harder for someone to guess what they all lead to without clicking on them first.
Conclusion:
Shortened URLs can be incredibly useful when sharing content online or via email as they make sharing links quicker and easier while also providing an extra layer of security by hiding their true destination until clicked upon. Whether you’re sharing content with colleagues or customers, taking the time to create short URLs for your content can help make sure everything runs smoothly!
