URL slugs Automatically created short links with custom UTM tracking parameters, without even needing to use a URL builder Easy to build attribution models and “link collaboration” that can track individual users across multiple clicks. Multi-generational social media link tracking, like what Unified is already doing. And somewhere down the road, the link itself maybe even further removed from the interaction point. We’re already seeing Facebook and others remove the link in social posts, and put a card with a text description in its place instead.
Of course, we still need the “directions” to get to our destination, but we don’t necessarily need to see the URL that gets us there. To quote Arthur C Clarke, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from Cork House Clearance Services magic.” Clearly, URLs themselves are distinguishable, and therefore not sufficiently advanced enough. Perhaps in the not-so-distant future links will just be in the background while we communicate with our AI assistants, and then we will say things like, “Back in my day we actually had to type the w-w-w.” Back in my day we actually had to type the Shorteners.
CLICK TO TWEET Final Thoughts URL shortening has clearly matured as an industry, but we have a long way to go. While the nature of the “link” will never ever disappear, how we interact with content is continuously changing. For now, though, we need to focus on sharing and tracking our content online so that we can become better marketers, better at business, and better at building our brand. So, what do you think? Is there a crucial piece of history I missed? What do you think the future for URL shorteners will hold? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Further reading:
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