Hubspot Guide to Google URL Shortener Alternatives
The retirement of Google URL Shortener changed how many Hubspot marketers manage links, track clicks, and share clean URLs across campaigns. Understanding the best alternatives helps you keep analytics accurate and your marketing links professional.
This guide shows you how to choose, set up, and use modern URL shorteners based strictly on the options and tips covered in Google’s own migration recommendations.
Why Google URL Shortener Ended and What It Means for Hubspot Users
Google URL Shortener (goo.gl) was introduced to make long links easier to share and track. Over time, user needs shifted toward richer platforms that support QR codes, deep links, and better analytics. Google responded by focusing on Firebase Dynamic Links and officially shut down goo.gl.
For Hubspot users, this means:
- Existing short links continue to redirect but can no longer be created from the original interface.
- You must pick a replacement to keep shortening and tracking new links.
- Campaign reports in tools like Hubspot and Google Analytics depend on stable, trackable URLs going forward.
Core Features to Look For in a Hubspot-Friendly Shortener
Before choosing an alternative, review the features that matter most to a Hubspot workflow.
1. Reliable click tracking
You want detailed but easy-to-read click analytics, including:
- Total clicks per link
- Referring channels (email, social, ads)
- Geographic data where available
These stats help you compare performance with data stored in your Hubspot dashboards.
2. QR code support
Modern URL shorteners often generate QR codes automatically from shortened links. This is useful when you connect offline campaigns to online tracking, for example:
- Event flyers and posters
- Printed direct mail offers
- In-store signage redirecting to Hubspot landing pages
3. Link management at scale
If your team runs many campaigns, you need:
- Searchable link lists
- Tagging or grouping options
- Bulk creation and editing
These capabilities keep your URL library manageable as Hubspot contact lists and campaigns grow.
Top Google URL Shortener Alternatives for Hubspot Marketers
Google recommended several options when it announced the closure of goo.gl. The tools below are among the most popular, each with strengths that align with typical Hubspot use cases.
Bitly: A powerful choice for most teams
Bitly is one of the best-known URL shorteners and supports a broad set of marketing needs.
Key strengths include:
- Simple dashboard for creating and managing links
- Robust click analytics with charts and trends
- Custom branded domains so your links match your brand
For Hubspot users, Bitly works well when you want consistent branded links in email campaigns, social posts, and ad creatives while preserving detailed click data.
Rebrandly: Branded links at the center
Rebrandly specializes in custom domains, letting you use branded short URLs across channels.
Main capabilities:
- Branded domains for higher trust and better click-through rates
- Workspaces to separate client or product groups
- Team collaboration tools for agencies and larger marketing departments
If your Hubspot strategy relies heavily on brand perception, Rebrandly helps your short links look consistent with your site and email domains.
Ow.ly: Integrated inside Hootsuite
Ow.ly, offered through Hootsuite, is designed for social media scheduling workflows.
Advantages:
- Shortening built directly into Hootsuite
- Automatic tracking of clicks from scheduled posts
- Reporting aligned with social media performance
When your Hubspot strategy is tightly connected to social channels, Ow.ly can help consolidate social metrics while you sync high-level results back to your CRM and reporting tools.
Step-by-Step: How to Migrate from goo.gl for Hubspot Campaigns
Even though goo.gl is retired, many teams still rely on old links. Use the following steps to transition smoothly while keeping your Hubspot reporting intact.
Step 1: Export your existing goo.gl links
- Sign in to the Google account previously used with goo.gl.
- Locate the archive or export options documented on the official announcement page at Google URL Shortener Alternatives.
- Download your list of short URLs and their long URL destinations.
Keep this file safe; it becomes your reference for any link cleanup inside Hubspot content, emails, and workflows.
Step 2: Choose the right replacement platform
Compare platforms like Bitly, Rebrandly, and Ow.ly based on:
- Number of links you create per month
- Need for branded domains
- Team size and collaboration requirements
- Budget and long-term scalability
Align the tool’s tracking capabilities with the type of campaign data you already review in Hubspot.
Step 3: Rebuild key links and organize them
- Create a new account with your chosen service.
- Recreate your most-used links first, especially those that appear in:
- Hubspot email templates
- High-traffic blog posts and landing pages
- Ongoing paid ad campaigns
- Tag or label links by campaign, channel, or product line.
This structure mirrors the way you segment lists and campaigns in Hubspot, making performance analysis easier later.
Step 4: Update live assets connected to Hubspot
Once the new short links are ready, replace old goo.gl URLs wherever possible:
- Edit Hubspot email templates and sequences.
- Update CTAs on landing pages and blog posts.
- Swap links in social media bios, pinned posts, and evergreen ads.
Prioritize pages and assets that still receive significant traffic so your new analytics start accumulating quickly.
Best Practices for Tracking Links Alongside Hubspot Data
To keep analytics consistent and actionable, follow these practices as you adopt any URL shortener.
Use clear naming and tagging
Name each link in a way that matches your Hubspot campaign or asset. For example:
- “hs-blog-email-april-2026”
- “hs-demo-request-linkedin-ads”
This makes it easier to reconcile reports across platforms.
Standardize UTM parameters
Append UTM parameters before shortening links so you can measure performance inside both Google Analytics and Hubspot dashboards. Keep a shared document listing:
- Standard campaign names
- Source and medium naming conventions
- Examples for email, social, and paid media
Monitor for broken or outdated links
Set a schedule, such as quarterly, to review your URL shortener dashboard and:
- Retire links pointing to outdated pages
- Update redirects when you refresh offers or Hubspot landing pages
- Identify underperforming campaigns for optimization
Connecting URL Shorteners with Broader Hubspot Strategy
Short links are only one piece of your marketing stack. To make them fully effective, you should align them with your overall CRM and funnel strategy.
Consider working with optimization specialists familiar with Hubspot, conversion tracking, and analytics alignment. For deeper strategic help, you can explore consulting partners such as Consultevo, which focus on digital performance and data-driven improvements.
When your short links, landing pages, and CRM records are aligned, every click tells a clear story about lead quality, content effectiveness, and revenue impact.
Next Steps for Hubspot Teams After Google URL Shortener
Although Google URL Shortener is no longer active for new links, its retirement is an opportunity to upgrade how you track and optimize campaigns around Hubspot.
To move forward:
- Audit where goo.gl links still appear across your assets.
- Select a modern shortener such as Bitly, Rebrandly, or Ow.ly.
- Rebuild and organize your most important URLs.
- Align naming, UTM conventions, and tracking with your Hubspot reports.
By following these steps, your marketing stack will be better prepared for future changes while maintaining clean, trackable, and branded links across every channel you use.
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