7 Things to Know Before Using the Best Free URL Shortener

Nowadays, the world is moving at a rapid pace, and that’s why short and easily shareable URLs  are a real game-changer for businesses. Whether you are a newcomer sharing content on your social media or establishing your ad campaigns, the best free URL shortener can be a viable option for you. This tool can help make your links more engaging and shorter. However, before you start shortening every link, you should do complete research on it, and there are several pointers or valuable things that you should keep in mind. 

In this blog, we will discuss all of them as per your preferences. 

Crucial Things You Need to Consider for Using a Free Custom URL Shortener

There are a lot of things that you should keep in mind before heading towards a free custom URL shortener. Some of them are listed below:

1. A Deep Understanding of What is the Role of a URL Shortener

The foremost thing that you should keep in mind is to know the role of the best free URL shortener. It is a reliable tool that takes a long-lasting web address and turns it into a shorter, clickable and more manageable link. Rather than using a messy URL full of tracking codes or lengthy queries, you get a sleek version that is quite easy and effective to share. 

Furthermore, the fact is not every URL shortener is the same. Some simply just shorten the link whereas others offer full link management tools, tracking and analytics. If you are curious to know about marketing or branding, choosing link management tools can provide some extra functionality without any sort of price tag.

2. Take Security as Main Priority

It is very easy to assume that a free tool might cut corners when it comes to security. But that is not always the case. Some of the best free URL shorteners use HTTPS encryption to safeguard users from fraudulent sites and phishing attempts. 

Before you start shortening links, ensure the service offers

• HTTPS secure links
• Spam monitoring
• Link validation 

As a business owner, beware of services that don’t disclose their privacy policies. You should also get to know exactly how your data is handled. 

3. Take Security as Main Priority

Shortened URLS are more than simply aesthetically pleasing; they’re also effective tools for tracking interaction. Many free URL shorteners have built-in analytics, which allow you to track clicks, traffic sources, and user behaviour.

If you’re employing links for company or marketing, use a solution that provides extensive data. The ability to see click-through rates, geolocation data, and referral sources can greatly improve your strategy.

When picking a free custom URL shortener and link management service, be sure analytics are included.

4. Custom Branding Adds a Professional Touch

Have you ever seen links like xyz.com/presale? That’s custom branding in action.

Basically, custom short links not only look shorter and cleaner, but also they reinforce your brand. Likewise, many of the best free URL shortener portals permit some level of branding, even without paying it. 

Before finalizing things, ask these questions: 

• Can I use my domain name? 
• Is there a limit to the number of custom elements I can create? 
• How easy is it to set up branded links? 

The free URL shortener, powered with branding capabilities, can improve your marketing and improve trust with your audience.

5. Barriers to Using Free Plans

It has been seen that many services offer free plans, which most often come with few barriers- 

Limited number of shortened URLs per month

• Restricted data analytics
• Fewer customization options
• Shorter link expiration times

Before you completely rely on a free tool, ensure that it fulfills all your volume and functionality needs. If you have a money shortage, you might start with a free plan, but with time, you need to upgrade it. 

6. You may lose data if the service shuts down.

Unfortunately, not all URL shorteners are reliable over time. Over the years, several famous services have abruptly shut down, leaving customers with broken links and lost tracking data.

When selecting the best free URL shortener, conduct some fast research:

• How long has the service been operating?
• Is there evidence of current development and support?
• Does it include export features in case you need to migrate?

Using a reputable free custom URL shortener and link management solutions that include backups or export functions will save you a lot of trouble in the long term. 

7. Short Links Still Need More Context

Shortened URLs don’t let users where they are going. Without proper context, this can badly harm your CTR or even make a bad Impact on your audience. 

To safeguard from suspicious

• Always include a captivating CTA or short description, 
• Use preview features when possible. 

Choose the best free URL shortener that shows a preview page if the user wants to check out where the link goes. 

When branding is enabled, it becomes easier for users to trust and recognize the destination. This is another reason why using a free custom URL shortener makes such a big difference. 

Final Verdicts!

A URL shortener can be a game changer that brings big benefits, especially when we talk about sharing, tracking and managing your content online. However, choosing the right one is equally important for you. 

You may choose the greatest free URL shortener that best suits your approach by being aware of the drawbacks, dangers, and benefits of these products. Even if they are free, look for services that provide robust security, comprehensive analytics, personalized branding, and excellent support.

Although there isn’t a single solution that works for everyone, you can find the one that suits your needs if you do your homework. The correct shortener can make all the difference in your blog management, business operations, and brand promotion.

If you want a better platform that can shorten your lengthy links without any hassle, feel free to explore RECUT, a premier platform for all-scale enterprises. 

Therefore, keep these seven suggestions in mind and make an informed decision before you shorten that next link.