Let’s face it. You want to share stuff with your friends like YouTube Videos, PayPal Payment Buttons, and Links to Amazon products etc.
But you get a URL from one of these services, they often are UGLY and downright long, filled with embedded codes like this PayPal Button. Share in on Facebook at your own peril, you just may get a comment;
“Dude, your URL is UGLY!”
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=PGBX54AKDB5N2
You can share these UGLY URLS in your social media feed or you blog, just as they but there is one problem. Your URL is UGLY!
In addition, the URL you are sharing might look suspicious to some people, and they might not click on it for that reason alone.
Here Are Two Solutions To The Problem
Copy and paste your link or URL into notepad or your favorite text editor. Then, chose one of these easy to implement solutions:
The first method requires your webmaster to create a file on your server, so it might not be the fastest solution. Have him/her create a redirect link on your server that is consistent with your brand, like this example URL http://paulguyon.com/go/uglyurl/
The second method is fast and easy. Go to the popular URL shortening service, www.Bit.ly and sign up for a free account, the fastest and easiest way is to use the Facebook account signup option.
- Paste your URL into the Generate URL shortened URL box and hit submit.
- Copy and paste your shortened URL into your notepad.
- Edit the shortened URL and give it a memorable, relevant name that is easy to remember.
- Copy it back to your clipboard or text editor.
- Share your shortened, memorable URL whenever you promote instead of your UGLY link!
When To Use Each Method
Does this tip make sense? The first method is a good one because your links are consistent with your brand if you have one. The second method is great for sharing on social media where there is limited space, such as in a 140-character Tweet. I use both methods depending on the circumstances.
Which is your favorite URL shortening service?
