URL redirect = lower conversion rate?

P

PurpleLaze

Registered Member

Feb 11, 2010

66

18

• Sep 21, 2011

• #1

Assuming the referrer is blanked, would using a URL redirect generally yield a lower conversion rate? For example using bit.ly or goo.gl etc.

I'm aware that the best thing to do is to make a domain relevant (especially with the keyword) to the niche/offer you're pushing, but I've read many places that success can be made with just a shortlink, but it seems that I don't get many bites with them.

 

finerpleasures

Regular Member

Feb 17, 2009

337

100

• Sep 21, 2011

• #2

It wont matter what sort of link it is. If conversion are poor, the problem's definitely not the link.

 

artizhay

BANNED

Nov 21, 2010

1,867

1,340

• Sep 21, 2011

• #3

While I agree with the above post, I think you could fine tune conversions by split-testing short links. Have the bit.ly clicks/conversions be tracked separately from your direct link and see how they compare.

I would assume that short URLs are generally less-trusted because you can't see where you're going, so you could end up who knows where, you know?

 

Autumn

Elite Member

Nov 18, 2010

2,197

3,073

• Sep 21, 2011

• #4

Using a url redirection service won't necessarily lower your conversion ratio (which is more dependent on the sales page at the end and the process by which you got the surfer to it), but it will lower your CTR in most situations.

Except for possibly on Twitter, most people are quite wary of clicking on short urls. If there's no reason to use one (ie. character limits in Tweets) then don't use them.

Obviously if the conversion rate remains the same, less clicks is going to equal more money.

 

P

PurpleLaze

Registered Member

Feb 11, 2010

66

18

• Sep 21, 2011
• Thread Starter Thread Starter

• #5

Thanks for the responses, guys. Would love to see more feedback on this topic.

 

P

PurpleLaze

Registered Member

Feb 11, 2010

66

18

• Sep 23, 2011
• Thread Starter Thread Starter

• #6

bumping to milk more brains

 

angelas111

Elite Member

Jan 4, 2009

1,648

1,052

• Sep 23, 2011

• #7

best thing would be a split test to see. i have never paid attention to that but would be interested to find out as well.