bit.ly allows users to shorten, share, and track links (URLs). Reducing the URL length makes sharing easier. bit.ly can be accessed through our website, bookmarklets and a robust and open API. bit.ly is also integrated into several popular third-party tools such as Tweetdeck. A more full list of third party tools can be found on the bit.ly blog. Unique user-level and aggregate links are created, allowing users to view complete, real-time traffic and referrer data, as well as location and metadata. Tracking stats are available after users shorten their long links with bit.ly by clicking on the “Info+” link on bit.ly, or just adding a “+” sign to the end of any bit.ly link (for example, http://bit.ly/n0og+).

Image: bit.ly

When I decided to take bit.ly for a spin and integrate it into the social media plan for my business, I received a wonderful surprise. Below are some of the things that I noticed about bit.ly,

• Real-time statistics: you can watch in the statistics page for any of your shortened URLs and see what’s happening with the number of clicks and who from where.
• Automatic integration: with Twitter & other 3rd-party applications such as TweetDeck.
• Tweet or retweet to Twitter: when shortening any of your URLs, you have the option to send the shortened URL to Twitter and later you can resend it at your leisure.
• Browser Bookmarklet: allows you to create a bit.ly shortened URL when visiting a webpage that you want to share with other.

There are so many other things that you can do with bit.ly and I feel that you should hope on over to their website and check it out.

Post from: EveryJoe

Technology Tip: Bit.ly for Twitter Users