In the digital world, links are everywhere. From emails to social media, we use links to share information, products, and services. A URL shortener, like Google’s URL Shortener, made these long and complicated links easier to share. But now, Google has decided to discontinue its URL shortener service. For marketers who relied on this tool, this change may raise some important questions. In this blog post, we will explain what this means for marketers, and what options are available for creating short URLs. 

What is Google’s URL Shortener? 

Google’s URL Shortener, also known as goo.gl, was a service that allowed users to shorten long URLs into smaller, more manageable links. For example, a link like https://munshify.com/products/url-shortener?utm_source=organic&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=How+to+Craft+Effective+Short+Links+for+Survey+Engagement+&utm_term=&utm_content= could be shortened into something like goo.gl/urlshortener 

This tool was especially popular because of its ease of use, the ability to track clicks, and its integration with Google Analytics. Marketers, in particular, used it to monitor how well their links performed across different channels like social media, email, and advertisements. 

Why Did Google Discontinue Its URL Shortener? 

In March 2018, Google announced the end of its URL shortener service. This decision was part of Google’s ongoing efforts to streamline its products and focus on new technologies. The company made it clear that they were discontinuing the service, but users could continue using existing short links. However, no new links could be created through the goo.gl platform. 

While the exact reasons for discontinuing Google’s URL Shortener aren’t completely clear, it’s likely due to the rise of other URL shortening services and the increasing need for more advanced features like analytics, security, and customization. Google’s decision encouraged marketers and users to find alternatives that offer more advanced functionalities. 

How Does This Affect Marketers? 

Marketers who used Google’s URL Shortener for tracking and sharing links might face some challenges. Here’s how this change affects them: 

• Loss of Click-Tracking Data: One of the most important features of Google’s URL Shortener was the ability to track how many clicks a shortened link received. With the discontinuation of the service, marketers lose access to this valuable data unless they switch to another service. 

• Branding Opportunities: Google’s goo.gl short links were not customizable. Many marketers prefer branded links that match their company name or product. This is not possible with goo.gl, and finding another service that allows branded URLs is now a priority. 

• Reliability Concerns: Some marketers are worried about whether their old links, created through Google’s URL Shortener, will still work. As of now, existing links continue to work, but there’s no guarantee about their future availability. 

What Are the Alternatives to Google’s URL Shortener? 

Now that Google’s URL Shortener is no longer available, marketers need to find other services to shorten their links. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. Here are some of the most popular options: 

1. Bitly: One of the most well-known alternatives to Google’s URL Shortener, Bitly allows users to create short links and track their performance. Bitly also offers a custom domain option, making it perfect for brands that want to maintain a consistent image. 
 

2. TinyURL: TinyURL is another simple and free tool that allows users to shorten links without any account sign-up. It also offers a browser extension to make shortening links even easier. 
 

3. Rebrandly: If you’re looking for more control over your links, Rebrandly is a great option. It allows you to create branded links with your own custom domain, which can be essential for building brand awareness. 
 

4. BL.INK: For businesses that need more sophisticated link management, BL.INK is an enterprise-level solution. It offers advanced analytics, link management, and customizable features. 
 

5. T2M: T2M is another URL shortening tool that provides features like unlimited redirection and custom branded domains, making it a great choice for marketers. 
 

6. Munshify URL Shortener: Munshify URL Shortener is a cost-effective solution to create unlimited short links for just $2 a month. It allows for customization, including the use of custom domains and parameters, making it a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly yet powerful URL shortening tool. 
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q1: Why did Google stop its URL shortener service? 
Google decided to discontinue its URL shortener to focus on other products and technologies. This change pushed users to explore more advanced tools that offer analytics, security, and custom branding. 

Q2: Can I still use the links created with Google’s URL Shortener? 
Yes, existing links created with Google’s URL Shortener will continue to work, but no new short links can be created. 

Q3: What are the best alternatives to Google’s URL Shortener? 
Some of the best alternatives include Bitly, TinyURL, Rebrandly, BL.INK, and T2M, each offering different features to suit various needs. 

Q4: How can I track clicks on my shortened URLs now? 
Services like Bitly and Rebrandly offer tracking and analytics features that allow you to monitor the performance of your links. 

Q5: Is there a way to create branded short links? 
Yes, services like Rebrandly and Bitly allow you to create branded short links with custom domains, which helps improve brand recognition. 

By understanding the impact of the end of Google’s URL Shortener and exploring the alternatives available, marketers can continue to manage their online presence effectively. 
 
The end of Google’s URL Shortener may be a setback for marketers who were comfortable with its simple features. However, with the right tools, marketers can still achieve the same, if not better, results. The alternatives available today offer more customization options, enhanced tracking features, and improved security, making them great substitutes. The important thing is to embrace change and explore these new tools to continue growing your online presence effectively. 

With the wide variety of alternatives to choose from, the future of URL shortening looks bright. Marketers must stay ahead of the curve and adopt solutions that better suit their needs in today’s digital landscape.