Heads Up! Goo.gl Links Are Disappearing Soon

Published on August 5, 2024 | By ExpandURL

Introduction

For years, goo.gl has been a go-to tool for shortening long, unwieldy URLs into something more manageable and shareable. But times are changing. Google has announced that the goo.gl URL shortener will be shutting down on August 25, 2025. This means that any links you've created using goo.gl will eventually stop working.

Don't panic! There's still time to prepare, but it's important to act now to avoid broken links and potential disruptions. Let's dive into what you need to know and what steps you can take.

Timeline and Impact

The clock is ticking on goo.gl. Here's a breakdown of important dates and what they mean:

August 23, 2024: This is when users might start seeing warning messages when clicking on goo.gl links. It's a heads-up that the service is winding down.
August 25, 2025: This is the final curtain for goo.gl. Any links created using this service will stop working after this date.

What does this mean for you? If you have bookmarks, shared links, or marketing materials containing goo.gl links, they'll eventually become dead ends. Frustrated users and missed opportunities are the potential consequences. For businesses, this could mean lost traffic, damaged reputation, and wasted marketing efforts.

What to Do Now

Don't let the goo.gl shutdown catch you off guard. Here's what you can do to prepare:

For Individuals

Identify goo.gl links: These typically start with https://goo.gl/.
Update bookmarks: Replace any goo.gl links in your bookmarks with the full, original URL or use HG Link Shortener to shorten your original links.
Share updated links: If you've shared goo.gl links with others, let them know about the changes and provide the correct links.

For Businesses

Conduct a link audit: Thoroughly examine your website, marketing materials, and social media for any goo.gl links.
Find a new URL shortener: Popular options include HG Link Shortener, Bitly, TinyURL, and Rebrandly. Each has its own features, so choose one that best suits your needs.
Migrate analytics data: If you've been tracking clicks or other metrics on your goo.gl links, consider transferring this data to your new URL shortener for seamless analysis.

Taking these steps now will save you headaches later and ensure a smooth transition away from goo.gl.

Additional Tips

Spread the word: Share this information with your friends, family, and colleagues who might be using goo.gl links.
Google Maps exception: Note that goo.gl links generated through Google Maps will continue to work.
Learn more: For detailed information about the goo.gl shutdown, refer to Google's official announcement: https://rechargelearning.blogspot.com/2019/04/googles-googl-url-shortener-is-official.html

By staying informed and taking action, you can ensure a smooth transition away from goo.gl and maintain uninterrupted access to your online content.

Conclusion

The end of goo.gl might be bittersweet, but it's essential to prepare for this change to avoid any disruptions. By taking the time to update your links and explore alternative URL shorteners, you can ensure a seamless transition. Remember, the deadline is August 25, 2025, so don't delay!

Spread the word about the goo.gl shutdown to help others prepare as well. With a little planning, you can easily adapt to this change and continue sharing your content effectively.