Short URL Service

What is this? Why Do I use it? Quite simply Studies have shown that as many as 40% of people who see an affiliate URL will bypass it, But I find it hard to believe that it is anywhere near that high. I know I have done this myself several times and I don't know why. By bypassing the affiliate link you get nothing better than what you would have gotten had you used the affiliate link.

So using a Short URL service allows you to effectively cloak your affiliate links. But even so, it can sometimes still be possible to bypass the referral link and sign up or buy without the affiliate getting credit. Usually it is not possible as on most sites once you arrive at the site, they have recorded how you got there and who reffered you.

A Short URL does significantly shorten your affiliate link. So if it is something you have to type, it is very nice to have. But most people just copy and paste links and click links.

The main thing I like about a short URL service though is that it allows me to track my advertising efforts. But what I like the most is that I very easily have a record of all the IP's who have clicked my link. This again is for tracking and I can see where I am getting my best response.

For example, I can use one affiliate link and give it MORE than one shortened URL
and use it in different places and on different sites. Also If I use a shortened URL
at a surf club, I can track the surf club and see if I am getting all the traffic for each ad they charge me for.