Are Shortened URL Redirects like Bit.ly and Goo.gl SEO Friendly ?

SEO or Search Engine Optimization is the handy web tool that you have heard about so often that helps webmasters pinpoint the best keywords for heading search engine traffic to their sites. Page rank increasing with the number of active links present, it stands to reason that there may be a co-relation formula possible for SEO as well, in the event there are any active links.

Another feature of any website that increases its traffic potential is its connection capacities to any of the social networks such as Facebook, Yahoo Buzz, Google Buzz and so on.

Shortened URLs are sought by Google search engines identically to regular length URLs as long as these sites are using 301 redirect. There is absolutely no problem or chance of getting cut out of the search results. URL shortening services like bit.ly, goo.gl, is.gd, snurl (aka snipurl), tinyurl.com etc. use 301 redirects where there are some that don’t (for example hex.io ).

A 301 redirect means that the files or pages involved have been permanently moved, therefore the search engine will include it in the search results presented.

Create your own tiny URL or URLs by going to goo.gl or bit.ly. You should be able to just type either goo.gl or bit.ly into your address bar at the top of your browser. Be sure to create an account with Google (unless you already have one) and bit.ly before you begin so you don’t lose the new tiny URL. Into the provided text entering box place your long “url.” Underneath this box will appear your “shortened url” address.

However, I suggest that you use shortened urls or tiny urls like bit.ly when it is absolutely necessary. Remember long urls have one big advantage over tiny urls – they have the keywords in them – http://www.yourmainkeyword.com/another-long-tail-keyword.html is definitely what you would want to use if you can. But here we are discussing if shortened urls are seo friendly al all. the answer is they are but as I said you won’t get the advantage of having the keywords in your url obviously.

To check if your website is using the redirect required you can visit the page at http://www.webconfs.com/redirect-check.php and submit the website in question in the provided text box and you will be told if your website is search engine friendly.

Finally, let’s see what Googler Matt Cutts has to say about shortened url redirections. This video will pretty much clear the air and next time you use an url shortening service like bit.ly you won’t be wondering if it is seo friendly.

My Favorite URL Shortening Services are Goo.gl and Bit.ly
What are your favorites ?

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.