A URL shortener is an online application that condenses a lengthy URL into a short one, making it easier to share links. URL shorteners also provide information that can be invaluable to your business—the number of clicks, insight on the people who click them, where these clicks are coming from, and more.
Default Link Shortener- Zurl
Zoho Social has a default URL shortening service, Zurl, that's free for all members. The link pasted on your New Post window will be shortened by default. To view the original link format, you can paste your original URL in the Publishing window and deselect the Link Shortening icon. The original link will then appear on the screen.
Bit.ly Link Shortener
If you have a Bit.ly account, here's how you can connect it to Zoho Social:
- Go to Publishing under Setup in your Home screen.
- Here, you'll find the option to set your Default Link Shortener under Publishing Preferences.
- Select a default shortener from the two options: Bit.ly and zurl.co
You'll see the following screen
- Click Allow to start using the Bit.ly integration in Zoho Social.
Bit.ly integration is only available to members on a paid plan.
Follow these steps to shorten any URL:
- Go to the homepage.
- Click the New Post.
- Paste your original URL in the Publishing window.
- Your shortened URL will be ready.
Follow these steps to retain the original link:
- If you'd like to retain the original link, you can deselect the Link Shortening icon from the Publishing window.
- Once you deselect the Link Shortening icon from the Publishing window, the link will not be shortened automatically the next time you create a post.
Viewing your Stats
To see your Bit.ly clicks count stats, follow these steps:
- Click the Posts tab from the home screen.
- In Published Posts, click Post Stats.
- View Clicks on Links.