When you produce content, it's not uncommon that you share links.
Know that there are different ways to proceed, but generally you need to shorten your links. How to do it?
To achieve this, you can rely on very useful tools: URL shorteners. Besides shortening your URLs, they provide valuable information such as the number of clicks on the links, where those clicks came from, and even the locations of the people who clicked the link.
In short, information you can use to implement your strategies.
What are the tools to shorten your URLs? Discover our selection.
Everything to know about URLs
What is a URL?
Before trying to understand why you should shorten URLs, it's worth recalling what they are. The acronym URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator. It's thanks to it that you can locate a page or file on the Internet.
Why shorten a URL?
A URL can be long, which is not an advantage. Indeed, the shorter it is, the more effective. That's why it's wise to use a link shortener.
This tool lets you use URLs especially in posts. For example, if you want to publish a link on Twitter, where posts are limited to 280 characters, the URLs need to be short!
In addition to shortening your URLs, link shorteners offer many possibilities such as creating links under your brand or company name, and also the ability to access data that will allow you to improve your advertising campaigns.
The 10 tools to shorten URLs
1. Bit.ly, the best-known tool
The link shortener bit.ly is the most popular and also the most used. It allows you to shorten a URL in just a few seconds.
To achieve this, follow these steps:
- Copy the link to shorten.
- Go to bit.ly.
- Paste the link into the designated field.
- Click “Shorten”.
- Copy your new shortened link.
- Use it!
Bit.ly is an anonymous, free link shortener. It lets you shorten 1,000 links and customize about fifty of them.
The tool also gives you access to statistics such as:
- the number of clicks,
- the geographic origin,
- top referrers.
If you need more resources, you can choose plans tailored to your needs that provide access to additional statistics.
This software is aimed at both individuals and professionals. It is easy to use and makes it simple to generate personalized QR codes. The main drawback is the requirement to register to use these services, and that it is available only in English.
The free version offers up to 100 links per month. Depending on your needs, paid versions are available—$29 per month for 1,500 links, or $199 per month for 3,000 links. The tool is accessed directly online.
Bonus: you can link your Twitter account directly to Bit.ly to more easily share the links you create. Even better, this tool can connect in the same way to most marketing platforms.
2. Rebrandly, the ideal shortener for branding
Rebrandly is more than a shortener. Designed to optimize branding, it lets you, for example, use your own domain name in your posts.
A free plan is available: it lets you shorten 500 links using up to 5 domain names. If you want more features, you need to choose the paid version.
Rebrandly is a tool for the general public. A version for large companies exists: it’s called ClickMeter and offers a multitude of additional features to meet professional needs.
3. Urlz.fr, the French link shortener
At the moment a trend is sweeping France: we want to consume 100% French.
Rest assured, there is a French URL shortener—and therefore in French! It's free but requires a bit of patience because advertising is present, though not intrusive.
Its use is extremely simple. Just enter the URL to shorten in the input field, then click the "minimize" button. A shortened link is delivered instantly. You should remember it or write it down somewhere so you can share it as often as you like.
4. Cutt.ly, the best value for money
Cutt.ly is a very attractive shortener because it is free.
In addition to providing a link shortener, it offers many features such as URL customization and access to statistics. The site is free and its features are regularly improved. Its nearly complete translation into French enhances its accessibility.
It also lets you track statistics related to the shortening of your URLs: sources and number of clicks, location, language, devices and browsers. It can also generate QR codes.
Respectful of your privacy, Cuttly does not force you to sign up for any account for basic use. Additionally, you can still access your URL shortening history for one month.
You still have the option to sign up, which gives you access to the QR code generator and the link grouping system (maximum 10 per page).
Paid plans offer additional features, such as history retained for 6 months and simultaneous analysis of 10 links for $25 per month. It can even go up to $149 per month for unlimited history retention, simultaneous analysis of 50 links, grouping of 25 links per page, and many other highly useful marketing features.
Know that you can simply support the site financially if you wish.
5. IS.GD, the simplified shortener
IS.GD is a link shortener that stands out for its practicality. Using it is very simple: you enter the URL in the indicated field and then click the “shorten” button. Thanks to the “preview” feature, you can check the performance of links.
The tool offers other features, for example it can generate QR codes. It is 100% free.
6. TinyURL, customizable URLs
URL customization—does that ring a bell? Well, this tool lets you stand out by giving you the option to be original when sharing your links. In addition to offering this option, TinyURL tests your address’s performance to warn you of its effectiveness. You can then react accordingly.
This tool is free for up to 600 links. You’ll need to pay $9.99 per month to shorten an additional 500 URLs, and up to $99 per month for 100,000 URLs. The different modules adapt to all users and budgets.
It is used directly online via any browser.
7. PixelMe, traffic generator
Thanks to a recycling system, PixelMe will shorten the URL and optimize it to generate the maximum amount of traffic across all possible distribution channels.
It is a complete solution that allows you to analyze your URLs to make them more effective. This software not only lets you personalize the link name but also modify its appearance before each share.
A one-week trial is available for free, with no payment method required. To continue beyond 7 days, you must choose from three available versions. The cheapest is $69 per month for tracking 20,000 clicks, 5 recycling pixels, customization of 5 domains and 5,000 links. This is complemented by several other basic but very interesting marketing and communication automation features.
The more advanced your needs, the higher the price, but you’ll always get value for your money!
8. URLR.me, the most accessible
Shortening a URL with URLR.me is very simple and fast. Just enter the address in the “Your address to shorten” input field and click the small scissors on the right. But just because this tool is intuitive doesn’t mean it isn’t comprehensive. On the contrary, it tracks data to provide test result statistics. You can generate QR codes. This software also offers other features such as simultaneous processing of multiple links.
Rest easy knowing your data is hosted only in France. If you have any questions, a responsive team is at your service. Effective support isn't found around every corner!
The basic plan is free and lets you shorten 200 URLs per month. The only feature not included is API access. But you can get API access, along with many other benefits, with the "professional" subscription for only €15/month. There's even a two-week free trial. So far, this is the best URL shortener deal we can recommend, with a fairly comprehensive set of services. For more options, URLR.me offers pricier, tailor-made subscriptions.
9. Bzh.me, celebrating Brittany
New on the market, Bzh.me offers all the features required for a high-performance URL shortener. Sign up and you'll have access to all services: URL analysis, a complete interface to manage your sites and marketing strategy, and other very useful functions. Your data is secured, and you can link your social networks directly to the platform.
10. Lc.cx, the fast and furious
This tool is known for the speed of its features. A free version lets you shorten URLs from 3 different domains with 600 links per domain. You can shorten links with emojis, customize them, download QR codes, and effortlessly share them on social networks.
Statistics tracking is offered for one month, but to use the dashboard and all its services for longer you must subscribe. Prices range from €10 to €199 per month depending on the options your activity requires.
Our tip
Shortening a link is essential if you use it in your posts or communications. This step improves URL effectiveness and helps maximize the number of clicks.
To boost your strategy, you can also offer quality content. The teams at Redacteur.com are available to handle your writing needs.
