Short links look clean.
They’re easier to share.
They track clicks, referrers, and conversions.
But here’s the real question: Do they serve your audience, or just your metrics?
🔍 The Benefits Everyone Talks About
- Simplifies long URLs (especially in social posts)
- Enables click tracking and A/B testing
- Some even offer branded domains (like
go.yoursite.com)
That’s helpful. But it’s not neutral.
🕵️ The Privacy Cost
Many URL shorteners act like mini surveillance devices:
- They record where people came from
- Where they’re going
- Sometimes even device/browser fingerprints
If trust is your currency, that matters.
💡 The BoredGiant Take
We use shorteners strategically. But we prioritize:
- Transparency: Custom domains, no surprise redirects
- Trust: Avoiding clickbait links or sketchy third-party data grabbers
- Clarity: Links that say where they go — no tricks, no traps
Because your link is your handshake. Don’t let it feel like a trick.
✅ Shorteners Worth Considering
- Bit.ly – Reliable, customizable, but ad-heavy on free plans
- Rebrandly – Brand-first short links
- T.LY – Lightweight and fast
- Your own domain – Best for control, trust, and brand feel
🪞 TL;DR:
Short URLs are useful — but they come with a tradeoff. Use them when they help the reader experience, not just your click report.
