Hootsuite Provides Bar and Non-bar URL Shortener Options

Users logging into Hootsuite today may see a new popup asking them to choose between two URL shortener options. The well-known ow.ly shortener will now be provided without the share bar that it is known for. Ow.ly links will simply forward you directly to the destination with no iframe or clutter. You can also choose to opt for the Ht.ly shortener, which allows you to keep the bar interface. The social bar allows visitors to easily share and rate your links, but many users have probably opted out and iframe toolbars don’t really have a good reputation and are viewed as invasive by many.

Choice is a good thing in just about any situation, and like ice cream, one flavor doesn’t fit everyone on the web so now HootSuite users can now choose between two flavors of links — one with a social bar and one without.

Once you’ve made your selection between Ow.ly and Ht.ly, it will remain your default for all further interactions with Hootsuite. This includes the one-click Hootlet tool as well as shortening links within the Hootsuite interface. No matter which you choose, you will still have access to Hootsuite’s deep click-through statistics. These include a regional breakdown, custom date ranges, and bot/spider filtering. Both will also allow you to  export reports and add custom URL parameters for more detailed analysis.

In addition to providing these two new shortening options, Hootsuite will also be launching Ow.ly Pro. This will provide custom url-shortening services for companies and brands who have custom URL’s. Think goo.gl, amzn.com, fb.me, and wp.me. You can get on the list to be notified of the official launch here.

This is a pretty significant development for Hootsuite and their URL shortening service. It’s also something that Bit.ly should be paying attention to. As a Hootsuite user, I have still avoided the ow.ly shortener and used Bit.ly because of the stigma attached to framed links (they get on my nerves). With the option to get rid of the toolbar entirely, I will probably start using ow.ly over bit.ly. In addition, the stats interface provided by Hootsuite is just a bit nicer to look at.

Do you find these toolbars invasive? Will this update change the way you shorten your links?

About the Author
Rahsheen has been a certified geek since before it was the thing to do. He started programming and tinkering in the 4th grade. Now, Rahsheen mostly writes on various sites about technology trends in social media and mobile. . He is also a musician, singer, rapper, writer, and producer. @rahsheen - +Rahsheen Porter - coachrah.com
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