What is a URL shortener?

A URL shortener is a tool that takes a long URL and shorten it into a shorter, more manageable version. The shortened version redirects to the original URL when clicked on. URL shorteners are often used to share links on social media platforms where space is limited, or to make a long, complicated URL more user-friendly. Some popular URL shortener services include Link.property254, Bitly, and TinyURL, URL shorteners are widely used for a variety of reasons, including:1.     Shortening URLs to make them fit better in a web page or to be humanly copyable by hand. When you’re sharing a long URL on social media, for example, you may find that you need to shorten it to fit within the character limits of the platform. A URL shortener can help you do this quickly and easily.2.      Hiding malicious URLs behind an anonymous shortened one. Shortened URLs can make it difficult to know where a link is going to take you, which can be a security risk. Some hackers use shortened URLs to hide the true destination of a link and trick people into clicking on it.3.      Traffic tracking to perform analysis on who visits your pages through the URL shortener. By using a URL shortener, you can track clicks on your links and get insights into who is visiting your site, where they’re coming from. This can be useful for understanding your audience, measuring the success of your marketing campaigns, and improving your website. 

How do URL shorteners work

URL shorteners work by using a process called “redirection”. When someone clicks on a shortened URL, the shortener’s server receives the request and redirects the user’s browser to the original, longer URL.

The process works as follows:

· A user creates a long URL and submits it to the shortener service.

· The shortener service assigns a unique code or identifier to the long URL and stores it in a database.

· The shortener service generates a new, shorter URL that redirects to the original long URL when clicked.

· The user shares the shortened URL, which can be used by other users to access the original long URL.

· When a user clicks on the shortened URL, the shortener’s server looks up the original long URL associated with the identifier in the database and redirects the user’s browser to the original URL.

How to use a Link shortener

1.      Choose a link shortener website such as link.property254, Bitly or TinyURL,

2.      Copy the long link want to shorten by highlighting it and right-clicking to select “Copy” or by using the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+C” (or “Cmd+C” on a Mac).

3.      Paste the long link you have chosen into the shortener website and paste the long link into the provided form or text box by right-clicking on it and selecting “Paste” or by using the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+V” (or “Cmd+V” on a Mac).

4.      Click on the “Shorten” or “Submit” button to generate the shortened version of the link.

5.      Use the shortened link to share the original link on social media platforms, messaging apps, or anywhere else you want.

6.      If the link shortener service provides the option, track the clicks, location, referral source and other metrics to analyze the performance of the links you share.

What is an example of a shortened URL?

An example of a shortened URL is one that is created using a URL shortening service like link.property254,Bitly, or TinyURL,. For example, the long URL https://property254.co.ke/what-is-a-link-shortener-and-how-is-it-used-326 can be shortened to something like https://link.property254.co.ke/BituW using a URL shortener.

When someone clicks on the shortened URL https://link.property254.co.ke/BituW, their browser will be redirected to the original, longer URL https://property254.co.ke/what-is-a-link-shortener-and-how-is-it-used-326.

 Don’t waste time typing out long URLs. Try using our link shortener today and see how much easier it makes sharing links on social media and messaging platforms.