Google URL Shortener Alternative

Finding the Best Google URL Shortener Alternative as the platform shuts down

In March 2018, Google URL Shortener (Goo.gl) announced that it would be winding down its services and eventually shutting the platform down. Immediately, the use of the platform was cut off for any new or anonymous users, while current users were given the year to migrate their links to another link management system. As of April 2019, Google URL Shortener was fully decommissioned, meaning users are no longer be able to create new links.

Use Rebrandly as Your Google URL Shortener Replacement

Rebrandly stands out as the epitome of comprehensive and dependable link management platforms available today. By seamlessly integrating custom domain functionality, advanced link customization options, and detailed link tracking capabilities, Rebrandly empowers users to create, measure, and manage short URLs with unparalleled ease and efficiency.

Are you a former Google URL Shortener user looking for a replacement link management tool?

Key Differentiators Between Google URL Shortener and Rebrandly

First, let's highlight the key differences you can expect between the two services. 

With the old Google URL Shortener you can NOT:

1. Use a custom domain to create short links
2. Change the destination URL
3. Use a Custom URL slug
4. Make your links private
5. Easily and automatically add UTM parameters
6. Delete your links

And the list goes on...

Out of these limitations, we created Rebrandly.

We want you to have full control over every link that you share. Rebrandly offers the above features and more. 

Easily Switch From Goo.gl to Rebrandly

The fastest way to shorten links

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Many speculate that the reason Goo.gl is shutting down its services is because of the association between generic short URLs (like the ones Google URL shortener provides) and spam. Generic URL shorteners are often used by spammers to disguise links that lead to malicious sites. Even if you're not a spammer, if you're using the same generic URL shortener (in this case Goo.gl) your link can be banned by certain sites and email servers. 

This spamming issue goes even further than Goo.gl. It's a problem in the entire generic short URL industry. As services and sites continue to blacklist these generic links, the solution is to switch to using branded links when shortening URLs. 

Leveraging Branded Links for Business Success

Here are some of the ways creating branded links with Rebrandly can help your business maximize each and every link.
  

1. Brand and Customize

Incorporate your brand and relevant keywords into every link to:

1. Boost link trust and credibility
2. Elevate click-through rates by up to 39%
3. Enhance brand visibility across channels
4. Transform links into compelling calls to action
5. Ensure a consistent brand experience for your audience
6. Improve SEO rankings through branded link usage

Have a look at these examples from a few Rebrandly customers:

- Lamborghini chose a cool domain that mimics their brand name: lam.bo

- Jaguar Australia uses jaguarau.click to prompt click-throughs on social media

- Panda Express recreates their brand's name using a TLD: pandaex.press

- Harvard University uses multiple domains for specific departments such as hvrdalum.me for its alumni network and hrvd.me for broader communications

2. Centralized Link Management

With Rebrandly it’s possible to list and control all of an organization’s links in one place. Users can:

• Create different workspaces
• Allow co-workers, partners, and clients to access branded links
• Manage different access levels using SSO and 2FA
• Edit destination URLs after the links have been shared Optimize traffic routing
• Retarget visitors who click on the links
• Manage 404 errors (page not found)
• Stop or re-route out-of-date links or even ones that are harmful to the organization Enforce compliance standards for security, communications, and branding
• Control which members of the organization can share with certain domains 
  
  

3. Seamless Integration Across Workflows

When choosing any new tool, it’s paramount that it works seamlessly with the tools you’ve already got. At Rebrandly we created tools, integrations, browser extensions and desktop/mobile apps to allow for easily incorporating link management into your current workflow. Rebrandly is already integrated with over 100 of the most popular apps, including...

4. Data-Driven Decision Making

Harness the power of detailed click tracking provided by Rebrandly to:

• Identify high-performing communication channels and campaigns
• Understand the quality and composition of incoming traffic
• Optimize marketing strategies across various channels for maximum impact and engagement

Easily Switch From Goo.gl to Rebrandly

The fastest way to shorten your links

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This article is about:

• Alternative to Goo.gl
• Alternative URL shorteners
• Google vs Rebrandly
• Google URL Shortener Alternative

See also:

• Moving from the Google URL shortener: What you need to know
• The 6 best URL Shorteners and How to Choose the Right One
• Bitly vs Google
• What is Rebrandly?