We’ve all experienced the frustration of copying a long, messy link and thinking, “This looks terrible.” We’ve been there too—more times than we’d like to admit! That’s why URL shorteners exist—to simplify and streamline your link management needs, making links more user-friendly and professional.
URL shorteners are the perfect solution. They take those unwieldy, unattractive URLs and transform them into concise, clean links that are easier to share.
The benefits of URL shorteners go far beyond aesthetics. This blog has everything, from what URL shorteners are to the benefits of URL shorteners you should know about. Let’s dig into it.
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A short dive into URL shorteners
Before we dive into the benefits of URL shorteners, let’s take a quick and short drive into what a URL shortener is. It’s exactly what its name implies. It’s a tool that shortens long and complex web addresses into concise, user-friendly links.
To shorten a URL, simply copy the long URL you want to shorten, paste it into a URL shortening tool such as Replug, and click the “Shorten” button. The tool will generate a shorter, more manageable link that you can then copy and use as needed.
In easier terms: the destination is the same, you’re just taking a clean shortcut.
Related: How to Shorten a Link using a URL shortener?
The growing importance of link shorteners
We use URLs all the time, and let’s be real—nobody wants to deal with a link that looks like a random mess of characters and numbers. With the internet and social media constantly evolving, link shorteners have become essential.
According to Cognitive Market Research, the global URL Shortener market will be USD XX billion in 2023 and expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20% from 2023 to 2030.
Whether you’re trying to fit a URL into Twitter’s (X) character limit or share a long e-commerce link, shorteners make everything easier. You’ve likely used or seen a URL shortener before, or are planning to use one now—that’s why you’re here, right?
You may also like: Best URL Shorteners For 2024
5 benefits of URL shorteners
There are many benefits of URL shorteners. From making your links look clean to tracking link analytics, URL shorteners are slowly becoming a must-have tool for anyone looking to enhance their online presence and optimize their digital strategy.
Here’s our list of the top 5 powerful benefits of URL shorteners that you should know:
1. Aesthetic appeal
A short URL is like a crisp, well-edited photograph, while a long URL is like a blurry, poorly taken snapshot. The edited photograph (short URL) is clear and appealing, whereas the blurry snapshot (long URL) can look messy and unrefined.
Now, let’s make a comparison. Which one looks better?
Long URL:
Short URL:
Clearly, short links have an edge in appearance.
Related: How URL Shortener Works: A Quick Guide
2. Easier sharing across platforms
Let’s face it, long URLs can be a real pain to share. That’s where link shorteners come in – they’re a total lifesaver! Not only do they fit perfectly on platforms with character limits like Twitter (X) and SMS, but they also make it super easy to copy, paste, and share.
For example, imagine you’re trying to share a link to a funny cat video on Twitter (X). The original URL is a whopping 120 characters long, but with a tool like Replug URL shortener, you can share it in just 20 characters!
By using shortened links, you’ll make it easier for others to engage with your content, and who knows, you might just get more likes, shares, and even a few laughs!
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3. In-depth analytics and link tracking
Being able to monitor link performance is one of the most valuable benefits of URL shorteners. They can be used to track analytics, giving you insights into who’s clicking, when, and how often, as well as where your traffic is coming from, geographic locations, and even devices used.
For instance, let’s say you launch a promotion with shortened links and find that your “funny cat meme” campaign gets the most clicks from a region known for its cat lovers. Plus, you find that mobile users are way more engaged than desktop ones.
With this info, you might double down on those cat memes and create a special mobile offer, turning your marketing into a cat-themed hit.
You may also like: Replug click analytics: The prime solution for turning clicks into conversions
4. Branded short URLs
Don’t settle for generic links. Create your own branded short URLs and make a lasting impression. Your brand deserves it!
Branded short URLs are the ultimate game-changer. They’re not just a shortened link, but a powerful way to leave a lasting impression, build trust, and make your brand unforgettable.
For example, instead of sharing a generic short URL like:
You can share a branded one like:
Related: Branded Link Management: Your Key to Online Success
5. Retargeting opportunities
Did you know that up to 88% of online users won’t return to a site after a bad experience and the average website has a bounce rate of 37%? URL shorteners can help you re-engage your audience and breathe new life into lost connections.
By integrating URL shorteners like Replug which have powerful features like retargeting pixel, you can track user interactions, create targeted ads, and re-serve ads to interested users. This powerful combo boosts tracking and analytics, ad relevance, and ROI, while seamlessly integrating with your existing strategies.
But don’t just take our word for it! For instance, big giants like Adobe, Starbucks, Best Buy, Amazon, Coca-Cola, The New York Times, McDonald’s, and Reddit, are using link shorteners to retarget their audience.
Here’s how “Amazon” and “The New York Times” are using URL shorteners in their marketing strategy:
The next time you leave a website and get an email that says, “Hey, you forgot something in your cart!” or you see an ad pop up for that exact pair of shoes you were eyeing, that’s retargeting in action.
Related: Retargeting Hack: How to Retarget People Who Haven’t Visited Your Website
Who can benefit from URL shorteners?
These are the industries and professions that can greatly benefit from URL shorteners like Replug. Whether it’s boosting branding, tracking performance, or driving engagement, these tools offer valuable features to help you make the most of your links.
E-commerce:
Short URLs are a game-changer for e-commerce businesses. They help you create branded, memorable links that enhance your online presence and drive engagement. Key benefits include:
- Branded links: Improve visibility and recognition.
- Bio links: Create a single, clickable URL that directs to a page with multiple links.
- Retargeting: Re-engage potential customers.
- Custom CTAs: Increase conversions and guide customer actions.
Related: Retargeting made simple: A comprehensive guide for beginners
Content creators:
For content creators—such as influencers, vloggers, bloggers, and music/voice artists, short URLs streamline content management and promotion. Benefits include:
- Link preview: Customize how links appear when shared.
- Link expiry: Control the lifespan of your links.
- A/B testing: Optimize link performance through testing.
- SMS links: Easily share links via text.
- QR codes: Generate scannable codes for quick access.
Related: A Complete Guide To Use QR Code Marketing
Affiliate marketing:
Affiliate marketers can optimize their campaigns using short URLs. Essential features include:
- Link cloaking: Create clean, branded URLs.
- Deep linking: Direct users to the most relevant content for higher conversions.
- Link rotators: Promote multiple offers efficiently through a single link.
Agencies:
Agencies can leverage short URLs to enhance client services and performance. Key advantages are:
- Customized solutions: Tailor features to meet specific client needs.
- White-label options: Maintain your branding while offering advanced link management.
- Advanced tools: Drive better performance and ROI with data-driven insights.
Related: All about white label & why it can be a game changer for you!
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Closing thoughts
Whether you’re looking to clean up messy URLs, improve sharing across platforms, or dive into advanced analytics, URL shorteners are a game-changer. From boosting engagement to retargeting lost customers, there are countless benefits of URL shorteners that can take your strategy to the next level. Brands big and small are already reaping the rewards of branded short URLs and smart retargeting—and now, you can too.
Ready to give your links the upgrade they deserve? Try out Replug and see how something as simple as shortening a URL can transform your marketing efforts and help you connect with your audience in new, powerful ways!
FAQs on benefits of URL shorteners
1. What is a URL shortener?
A URL shortener is a tool that converts long, complex web addresses into concise, user-friendly links. These shorter URLs are easier to share, more visually appealing, and can often include tracking features for monitoring link performance.
2. What are the benefits of URL shorteners?
The benefits of URL shorteners include:
- Aesthetic appeal, making long URLs look clean and professional
- Easier sharing across platforms, especially those with character limits
- In-depth analytics and tracking to monitor clicks and audience behaviour
- Branded URLs for enhancing brand visibility and trust
- Retargeting opportunities for boosting conversions and customer engagement
3. How do URL shorteners help with social media sharing?
Platforms like Twitter and SMS have character limits, which make long URLs difficult to share.
4. Can URL shorteners help with tracking link performance?
Yes! One of the biggest benefits of URL shorteners is the ability to track analytics. You can see who is clicking your links, where they are coming from, and what devices they are using, allowing you to refine your marketing strategies based on real-time data.
5. What are branded short URLs, and why should I use them?
Branded short URLs are customized links that include your brand name. Instead of a generic short link you can create a branded short URL with your brand name. This boosts brand recognition and trust, making your content look more professional and personalized.
