If you use the popular goo.gl URL shortener service from Google you’ll need to start using Bit.ly, Ow.ly or some other service to shorten (and optionally track) your URLs.
Google has just announced in a blog post that they’re planning to stop supporting the goo.gl service and transition existing users to their Firebase Dynamic Links service, starting this month.
As explained in their blog post, Google will be executing the transition in phases depending on the whether a user is new to goo.gl or already an existing user.
For those of you who might not be familiar with them, URL shortener services allow you to paste a long URL into a text box and retrieve a shortened version of the URL to use on Twitter and other places where long URLs aren’t practical.
Most services allow you to track clicks on the shortened links as well.
All existing goo.gl shortened links will continue to work after the transition has been completed, but users will not be allowed to shorten any new links.
Google will also allow users to continue accessing tracking info for their goo.gl shortened links for a limited time period.
I’ve used goo.gl some in the past and I was very happy with the service. But I’ve been using Bit.ly exclusively for the past couple of years so this change will have no real affect on me.
But that being said, I know lots of other bloggers love goo.gl and use it on a regular basis. If you’re one of them you’ll need to start using another service ASAP.
Bonus tip #1: This post explains how to enable Two-Factor Authentication on your Twitter account to prevent hackers from breaking into it.
Bonus tip #2: Want to make sure you never miss one of my tips? Click here to join my Rick’s Tech Tips Facebook Group!
If you found this post useful, would you mind helping me out by sharing it? Just click one of the handy social media sharing buttons below.