It is still incredulous to me but goodbye Bitly link shortener: farewell my old friend. As a content creator in the digital age, I've relied on Bitly for years to shorten and customise links, track performance, and enhance my blogging experience as well as online presence. However, the recent changes to Bitly's free plan have left me and many other basic users disappointed. Unfortuantely, the new "free" Bitly plan is now virtually unusable for me.
Goodbye Bitly Link Shortener
While I understand the business perspective behind this decision, it's time for me to bid farewell to Bitly and explore other alternatives. It's essential for me to find a tool that meets my needs without breaking the bank. I'll be looking into other link management platforms that offer similar features and flexibility, but with a more accommodating pricing structure. Hopefully, this transition will allow me to continue managing my online content effectively while staying within budget.
Disappointment with the New Free Plan
The changes to the free plan are significant. The removal of reporting, a crucial feature for tracking link performance, is a major setback for content creators and marketers who rely on data-driven insights to optimise their strategies. Previously, users could access comprehensive reporting on link clicks, geographic location data, and referral sources. This valuable information allowed us to gauge the effectiveness of our campaigns and make data-informed decisions. Its absence from the new free plan is a notable loss.
Moreover, the reduction in the number of links with QR codes from 100 to 10 per month and custom back-halves from 100 to 5 per month limits the flexibility and customisation options that were once available. The QR code feature, in particular, was useful for offline marketing materials and events, and its limitation hampers our ability to leverage this technology effectively.
The removal of the free link-in bio feature further restricts our ability to drive traffic from social media platforms to specific destinations, impacting our ability to direct our audience to relevant content seamlessly. Additionally, the shift from direct support contact to chatbot assistance may not adequately address complex issues that users encounter, leading to potential frustration and delays in problem resolution.
Introduction of New Expensive Paid Plans
Bitly has introduced three new plans: Core, Growth, and Premium. The Core plan, priced at US$96 annually, serves as the entry-level paid option. However, the requirement for annual payment may pose a financial hurdle for many users who prefer the flexibility of monthly billing. The Core plan's lack of availability on a monthly basis limits accessibility for those who may not be able to commit to an annual subscription.
The Growth plan, priced at US$29 monthly (if paid annually) or US$35 if paid on a monthly basis, offers an intermediate tier with additional features such as branded short domains and enhanced analytics. The Premium plan comes at a steep price of US$199 per month (if paid annually) or US$300 on a monthly basis, targeting larger enterprises with advanced customisation options and dedicated support. For more information, head over to bitly's official webpage.
Impact on Basic Users
The changes to the free plan will undoubtedly lead many basic users, myself included, to seek alternatives. The shift to an annual payment structure for the Core plan makes it unaffordable for many individuals who prefer monthly payments. This new business model may not be feasible in the long run, as it alienates a significant portion of Bitly's user base.
The lack of a more affordable monthly option for essential features such as customisation and comprehensive reporting may prompt users to explore other URL shortening and link management services that align more closely with their needs and budget. I believe many (like me) will be saying goodbye to Bitly!
My Gratitude and Farewell to Bitly
I am grateful for the years I've spent using Bitly's reliable and world-class service. It has played a crucial role in streamlining my online presence and tracking link performance. However, it's time for me to part ways with Bitly and explore other options that better cater to my needs. In fact, I have already found a new reliable link shortener which is very affordable (one-time payment).
In Conclusion
The changes to Bitly's free plan and the introduction of new paid plans have left many basic users feeling disenfranchised. While I am thankful for my time with Bitly, it's clear that the platform is moving in a direction that may not align with the needs of many users.
With that said, again, goodbye Bitly link shortener: Farewell my old friend! Heavy a heavy heart, I want to bid farewell to Bitly and look forward to discovering new tools that will support my content creation endeavours. I hope this blog post provides valuable insight and helps others navigate the recent changes to Bitly. Thank you for reading.
Images credit: Shutterstock