What is Bit.ly?
Bit.ly is a url shortener that allows users to shorten a long web page address into a short manageable
One of the biggest advantages of using Bit.ly as opposed to alternate url shorteners is the its customized shortcode feature. Framework purchased the domain frwk.org and set-up bit.ly so that all shortened links moving forward will start with 'frwk.org'.
Finally, Bit.ly provides analytics such as where users can find out where links are being clicked from.
What challenge are we trying to solve?
1. Sharing information under social networking character limits
2. Finding a way to brand the information we share
3. Finding away to track our click-throughs
What were we looking for?
We are looking for a tool with the following features:
1. Shortens URLs: We are looking for a tool that will shorten website addresses quickly and easily
2. Custom shortcodes: Part of the Framework branding strategy includes creating a branded experience online
3. Analytics: It is important to be able to measure output so we are looking for a tool that enables us to track the number of people that click on our links
4. FREE or for a very low cost.
Challenges:
1. Most 2 and 3 letter domain names have already been purchased so we ended up purchasing frwk.org
2. Analytics: although bit.ly does provide link analytics, tools such as http://visibli.com/ provide better analytics.