Make shorter URLs for link tracking
I suggest you make shorter URLs for link tracking, With mod_rewrite and an good algorithm you are able to make it look something like: http://www.mysite.com/12all/l/7ibwk/document.pdf
Where you can yourself modify the end of link (document.pdf). But it will suggest the last folder or file as default. The code with five numbers or character gives about 50 millions different combination.
Kim Slotte
shared this idea
2 comments
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Stephan Hovnanian
commented
@microalps - the problem with bit.ly and other shortener services is their reliability. You could argue that bit.ly provides tracking data, but then again, so does this software.
The algorithm to create your own URL shortener is pretty easy (or you could "be inspired by" open-source ones out there, like Get Shorty). DB overhead would be minimal - an extra column in the link table, or a small relational table that just has the shortened URL and the link ID.
Your idea and rationale -- especially on the issue of long URL's in text emails -- makes the best case for this.
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microalps
commented
This is especially important when using text / mime email blasts. Users should not have to type long urls or even see long urls. I think a good option is to automatically trim with bit.ly (optionally using user's apikey)
