The document discusses setting up a custom URL shortening service through Bitly Pro by choosing a top-level domain like .se, .ug, or .me, buying that domain name, and linking it to a Bitly account to create branded short links that provide analytics and build brand recognition beyond just link clicks. It provides examples of custom URLs from YouTube, The New York Times, and CSPAN and explains benefits like analytics, user confidence, and impressions from sharing branded short links.
3. CUSTOM URL EXAMPLES
• YouTube - http://youtu.be/xoGQ5iv1hjU
• New York Times - http://nyti.ms/gwi7wH
• CSPAN - http://cs.pn/giXAam
4. STEPS TO CREATING
• Get a Bit.ly Pro Account - It’s FREE
• Choose and secure custom short domain
• Get Top-Level Domain List
• Get Creative
• Buy Your Domain Name
• Add custom domain, mapping domain to your account
5. TOP LEVEL DOMAINS
• Get a list of your TLD options
• Generic
• Countries
• Brainstorm Options - My choices were:
• leeaa.se - Sweden
• sm.ug - Uganda
• leeaase.me - Generic/International
19. WHAT’S THE BENEFIT?
• Analytics on clicks to your domain from short links
• Users can click with confidence
• Brand impressions even when users don’t click your short link