When one thinks of URL shortener, BITLY comes to mind. While BITLY has been a reliable, mostly free service, there are limitations.
But wait. Why do you need a URL shortener?
- Long URLs doesn’t look good.
This is a no brainer. Would you like a link like http://sg.iherb.com/now-foods-essential-oils-lemon-eucalyptus-1-fl-oz-30-ml/3329?rcode=rfc074 OR https://sh.sg/iherb ?
- Stop referencing “link in bio” on Instagram
Many instagrammers make reference to “link in bio” because they can’t post a link on the post level. However, this means that the latest post will always hog the link in the bio, rendering referencing in previous posts useless. With a shortened URL, simply put the link in the post. Viewers don’t mind typing out the link in the browser if it is short enough.
- You want to hide the destination URL
Not that you have malicious intent but maybe you just want to keep the destination link a mystery until it gets clicked.
- You want to redirect users based on their country
There are times when you want to send visitors from different countries to a different link. For example, a Singapore visitor may be directed to your Singapore site and the rest will be sent to the international site. This can be done by some link shortener services.
- You want to redirect users based on their device type
Want to link to your mobile app but there’s only space for one link? Redirect users to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store based on their device type. i.e. iPhone users get automatically redirected to your app on the Apple App Store. Amazing? Try this demo link: https://sh.sg/msa
- You need a placeholder link for your email/website campaigns and have the freedom to redirect it to the final link when it is ready.
Your developer or web designer needs the actual URL for an upcoming campaign but you don’t have it ready. Give them the shortened URL with a dummy destination link and then update the destination link later! But beware, some shortener services doesn’t not allow you to amend the link unless you’re on a paid plan!
- You want to set an expiry date for a link
Set an expiry date for your shortened link so that it no longer redirects when your campaign ends. Lots of use cases for this!
- You want to add a simple password protection to the link
I wouldn’t recommend this to be the only protection for your destination link but it is useful to have this feature to avoid having people snooping on your shortened link to your home VPN / private links.
Need a recommendation? Introducing SH.SG, a Singapore based, full featured URL Shortener.
There is a free tier with limited features but the paid plans are really cheap too, starting from as low as S$1.33 / month!
Features:
Shortest domain name ?
With only 2 letters (excluding TLD), SH.SG is one of the shortest domain names you can get in Singapore.
.SG TLD ?
A Singapore based TLD provides more relevance when you are redirecting to a Singapore website.
Custom Aliases ?
Instead of https://sh.sg/AeXd4, our paying users get to choose their own custom alias e.g. https://sh.sg/iherb
Link Expiration ?
You can set an expiration date to stop redirecting users. This is useful for time-sensitive pages such as promotions and other limited offers.
Password Protection ?
Want to allow redirection only for authorised user? Want an extra layer of security? Password protection feature is available for everyone!
Geotargeting ?
This option allows you
Device Targeting ?
Set conditions so that, for example, iPhone users get redirected to a specific link and Android users, another. You can use this to send iOS users to an Apple App Store link to your app and for Android users, to your Google Play Store app.
Targeting Pixels ?
Allows you to use Facebook Pixels
Parameter Builder ?
You can add custom parameters to the link above using this tool. Choose the parameter name and then assign a value. These will be added during redirection.
Try it now >> SH.SG – Singapore URL Shortener
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