Google [GOOG] has added a new service to its ever-expanding range of online services with the launch of a URL shortening service called goo.gl.
The goo.gl service is slightly different from some of the popular URL shortening services already available. Instead of being a standalone service that lets you shrink a URL by going to the site, it is built into Google’s Toolbar and its Feedburner RSS service. This integration makes it more convenient for users who are already utilizing Google’s suite of tools, allowing them to shorten URLs without needing to visit a separate website.
Enhanced Functionality with Google Toolbar
Google has also updated its toolbar to add a new share function. This feature lets users share whatever page they are on with a range of social media sites and services like Twitter and Gmail. The share function is designed to streamline the process of disseminating information across multiple platforms, making it easier for users to engage with their social networks and professional contacts.
For example, if you are reading an interesting article and want to share it with your followers on Twitter, you can simply click the share button on the Google Toolbar. The URL will be automatically shortened using goo.gl, and you can add your own commentary before posting it. This eliminates the need to copy and paste URLs into a separate URL shortening service, saving time and effort.
Integration with Feedburner
In addition to the toolbar update, Google has also added Twitter integration to Feedburner. This new feature allows website publishers to automatically update their Twitter feed from their Feedburner RSS feed. The integration uses the new goo.gl URL shortening service, ensuring that links shared on Twitter are concise and manageable.
This is particularly beneficial for bloggers and content creators who rely on Feedburner to distribute their content. By automating the process of sharing new posts on Twitter, publishers can ensure that their followers are always up-to-date with the latest content without having to manually tweet each new post. This can lead to increased engagement and traffic, as followers are more likely to click on shortened URLs that are easy to read and share.
Moreover, the goo.gl service offers additional benefits such as analytics. Users can track the performance of their shortened URLs, gaining insights into how many clicks a link has received, where the traffic is coming from, and other valuable metrics. This data can be used to refine social media strategies and improve content distribution efforts.
Overall, the launch of goo.gl represents another step in Google’s mission to provide comprehensive, user-friendly tools that enhance the online experience. By integrating URL shortening into its existing services, Google is making it easier for users to share content and engage with their audiences. Whether you are a casual internet user or a professional content creator, the goo.gl service offers a convenient and efficient way to manage and share URLs.
via Cnet
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