Shortened links are relevant when you need to make a long, unreadable URL shorter and more attractive to the user. Such a short link is easy to post on social networks, copy and even remember. Therefore, long links are often shortened. Link shortening services also provide additional statistics on user transitions and geography, so they are quite useful for marketing companies. But is there any alternative to shortened links, and can they be replaced?
One of the popular alternatives to short links today is QR codes. The user scans the code using a smartphone and follows the link. Such a link does not need to be entered manually, and the browser offers a preview. And this is an additional level of protection against scammers who love to use link shortening to steal data. The main disadvantage of a QR code is that not all users know how to scan it and use it correctly. QR codes are more convenient for use in printed materials.
Dynamic redirects using Smart Links technology can also be an alternative to shortened links. Special services can change the URL depending on the device, geolocation or time of day. Such services are also often used in various marketing campaigns. Of the minuses, it is paid and not always fast, because the services process user data, and this requires additional time.
Web3 domains based on blockchain technology can also be an alternative to short link services. Although not all browsers currently support them, and to get started you need to have a cryptocurrency wallet. The service creates unique addresses that can be used as short links.
If your product is designed for voice search, then an alternative to a short link is voice commands. This is quick access for smartphone users. But this option is not suitable in all search situations, it requires some integration with voice assistants.
Despite the fact that alternatives to shortened links exist, they will be popular in their field for a long time. After all, this is first of all a convenient and simple way to turn a long link into a short and attractive one for the user. Anyone can do this quickly and easily without additional steps and for free. The main thing is to choose a stable service for shortening links to be sure that the short url will work for a long time. Therefore, when choosing, consider the reviews of other users and the operating period of the selected service.