Tips for Using bit.ly Shortcuts and QR Codes
What is bit.ly and how does it work?
bit.ly is a website service that shortens long URLs into short URLs. It also tracks the usage of that shortened URL. For example, rather than using this long link in an email or Facebook message:
One could use this short link:
What is the bit.ly shortcut for my state’s online donor registry?
Please see the toolkit document titled “Donor Registry Bitly Shortcuts and QR Codes”. Shortcuts are listed alphabetically by state name, with the Donate Life America shortcut listed first.
When should I use a bit.ly shortcut?
Use it as often as you can! It’s a helpful tool for determining how many people who see your message are taking action on it. As part of the Donate Life Champion and FanForLife campaign we will be tracking the success of online donor registry promotions, in part through the use of bit.ly shortcut metrics.
bit.ly shortcuts are especially useful in Twitter messages, because of their 140 character limit.
How do I get the metrics on bit.ly usage for my state donor registry?
To see how many times that bit.ly link has been clicked on and other metrics, just append a plus sign to the end of the bit.ly URL:
I’ve got more questions about bit.ly!
bit.ly FAQs can be found here:
What is a QR code?
QR codes (“Quick Response” codes) are one-dimensional square bar codes that can be scanned with a smartphone camera. Apps to read QR codes are readily available and free. Most QR codes, once scanned, will take the user to a specific webpage.
bit.ly enables users to create a QR code for every bit.ly URL address for free. Other companies offer similar services.
How can QR codes be used to encourage donor registration?
QR codes can be added to flyers, posters, brochures, business cards and even Powerpoint presentations. The QR code needs to be big enough for a smartphone camera to scan (.75 inches on each side in print for bit.ly QR codes). When a large QR code is displayed on a projector screen in an auditorium, even people in the back row can usually scan it effectively.
Whenever you encourage supporters to join a state’s donor registry in print or electronic media you should consider adding a QR code (that links to your online donor registry) to your message. Using a QR code makes joining a state donor registry easy (or at least easier) for anyone with a smartphone, and encourages immediate action.
How do I make a QR code?
To generate a QR code, simply append .qrcode to the end of any bit.ly link. For example:
QR codes for every state’s online donor registry (as directed by the donatelife.net website) have already been created and are available in the toolkit document titled “Donor Registry Bitly Shortcuts and QR Codes”.
How do I resize a QR code?
QR codes can be made bigger or smaller. The bit.ly QR codes should be no smaller than .75 inches on each side for print pieces, in order to be properly read by low-end smartphones (with 1 megapixel cameras).
To adjust the size to specific pixel requirements, just add an ‘s’ and an ‘=’ sign followed by the desired pixel size to any QR code’s bit.ly URL. For example:
or to create a small QR code: