Guides for links that work harder.

Learn how to shorten a link in seconds on the web, with one API call or by asking your AI assistant, plus custom endings and tips for short links people trust.

Public goo.gl link creation ended in 2019 and inactive links were switched off in 2025. See the verified timeline, what still works and how to replace your links.

What is a URL shortener? Learn how short links redirect (301 vs 302), why people use them, the risks, the privacy questions and how to choose a shortener you trust.

Make a QR code for a link that scans reliably: shorten the URL first, pick the right error correction, size and quiet zone, test before printing, and choose SVG or PNG.

UTM parameters tell your analytics which campaign sent each visit. Learn the five tags, naming conventions, examples for email, social and ads, and common mistakes.

Use the Blinkhop URL shortener API without a key: create zou.sh links with curl, Python or JavaScript, shorten 100 URLs at once, and handle errors and rate limits.

Connect Blinkhop's MCP server to Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, VS Code or Windsurf with one URL, then ask your assistant to shorten and check links. No account or key.

Check where a short link goes before you click: the + preview on zou.sh, tricks for other shorteners, a free link expander, phishing red flags and what to do next.