7 things to look for in a URL snipping ServiceBy Charles H Smith
URL snipping services are becoming commonplace today. Surfers use them to mask affiliate URLs, shorten very long URL's, even to hide email addresses from spammers and automatic email harvesters. Ther are several URL snipping services that are no longer active. These inculde: shortlink.us, quickones.org, smlnk.com, and smurl.it. Hopefully, you didn't lose any carefully crafted and well planned email link campaigns as these services closed.
As you look to snip your URL's using a free service, there are several items to investgate.
First, do
links expire? If they expire, you may want to look to another service.
Second, is there a direct redirect? If, upon selecting short URL, you are sent to a transition or intersitial page, this page may change in future to display an advertisment of free service. The preferable redirection is a direct link to your short URL.
Third, service should check URL and determine is is valid. Everyone makes typos, this simply check for valid URL format.
Fourth, how long has service been in business? Longevity and reliability are crucial when you are snipping hundreds of affiliate links.
Fifth, is there any Terms of Service that you do not agree with? If there are, look for another service.
Sixth, can you use URL snipping service to hide email addresses from spammers? Try to snip mailto:youremailaddress@yourdomain.com. If resulting snipped URL opens your default email program, then you may hide your email address from spammers.
