Link shorteners

Link shorteners do exactly what they sound like: they take a long URL and turn it into a shorter one. But these days, that's really the least interesting thing they do. Modern link shorteners are actually analytics and branding tools that happen to shorten URLs along the way.

When you're running a newsletter, link shorteners can be useful for:

• tracking which links get clicked (though Buttondown does this automatically!)
• creating branded, memorable links for sharing on social media
• generating QR codes for print materials or events
• A/B testing different landing pages

Any other noteworthy alternatives?

• is.gd is completely free with no signup required. No analytics, no custom domains, just pure link shortening. If you need something quick and don't care about tracking, it's perfect.
• Cutt.ly offers a generous free tier with 10 links per month and basic analytics. Their paid plans start at just $5/month.
• Ow.ly is built into Hootsuite, so if you're already using that for social media scheduling, you might as well use their shortener too.

Do I even need a link shortener for my newsletter?

Honestly? Probably not. Buttondown automatically tracks clicks on every link in your emails, so you get all the analytics without needing a separate service. Link shorteners are most useful when you're sharing links outside of email — on social media, in print, or anywhere you want a clean, branded URL.

Gee, it sure is awfully nice of you to compile this resource and keep it up to date. What can I ever do to thank you?

Tell your friends about Buttondown, the best way to start and grow your newsletter.