We are constantly experimenting internally with our site and the technology that surrounds it so that we might be able to up the user experience and community engagement when possible.
This might be major design overhauls (which we hope to do later this year), adding a responsive layout (yes, we have an explanation), or simple tweaks to the existing design to increase overall performance.
Today we’re pleased to announce a small but significant user experience update to our overall brand by using a new URL shortener, wpdai.ly – we are using the free service bit.ly to help facilitate this simple shortener.
For those interested, the process is incredibly easy:
1. Sign Up
Sign up for Bit.ly by heading over to the signup screen. Simple enough, right?
And then login.
2. Goto Settings >> Advanced
Next, head to your Settings and then the Advanced Tab:
There you can add the domain directly. Follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Add A Record in DNS Zone File
This is where it might get a little tricky, but you’ll have to head to wherever your master DNS zonefile sits and add an A Record with the IP address that they provide.
We’ve added both the domain and the www.
4. Verify via Bit.ly
The last step is simply heading back to Bit.ly dashboard to verify that the A Record is in place. It can take a bit of time, depending on your registrar and the general internet propagating your changes, but that should be it!
Now, you can simply rock our your new URL shortener with awesomeness.
5. BONUS: Tracking Domain
As you can see, there’s the ability to add a Tracking Domain as well, which we’ve done so you can get even better statistics on usage, etc.
Adding this is as simple as going to your DNS zone file on your tracking domain and adding a CNAME record.
Done and done.
Have you ever considered using a URL shortener for your blog and/or brand? What services do you use?
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