affiliate link shortener-purpose?

[keatons_flat]

I have heard of something called an affiliate link shortener. Unless you are marketing via Twitter or elsewhere that limits the number of characters used, is there any substantive reason for having a short affiliate link? It isn't a domain name that people have to remember. All they have to do is click.

[Catherine]

Mostly, limit on the number of characters while posting updates or using signature is the only reason URL shortner is used. However, some of of the users may use it to attract visitors and get a few clicks on the link. For example, they may write some false information against the link which is catchy and may write, click this link for further information or something else.

[LaNino]

Yes, you get your affiliate link shortened to limit the number of characters used. The other purpose is to shorten and cloak the link to prevent someone from hijacking your affiliate ID.

[DPS Computing]

Mostly, limit on the number of characters while posting updates or using signature is the only reason URL shortner is used. However, some of of the users may use it to attract visitors and get a few clicks on the link. For example, they may write some false information against the link which is catchy and may write, click this link for further information or something else.

These are good points and its also worth remembering that on sites such as Twitter you can use an extension (I forget the name of it now) to do a "long tweet". Basically the tweet is the same as the beginning of your long tweet and then there is a link at the end for reading more (i.e. the extended version of the tweet). This way you can use the full affiliate link, however then it comes down to how many people will read the beginning of your tweet and click on the read more link - I guess this could be substantially less than if the link was just included in a normal size tweet on Twitter .

[SiteSketcher]

That Twitter link for longer tweets is TwitLonger. That's a very crucial point, though, as to how many people will click to read more. It can be a challenge on Twitter to keep your post and your affiliate link within 140 characters. Look at it as good practice for writing concisely!

[Butlersinc]

Shortening the link can also be beneficial to reassure customers. Sometimes they get nervous if the link they are clicking on has a very long URL and start thinking it is some sort of malware or virus, for some reason a lot of people think short links are more likely to be less harmful - don't ask me why but it does work.