[Feedback Wanted] Short URL Service with Tasks – Is It Useful? What Tasks Would You Prefer?

[Ikit]

Hi everyone,
We’re a small team working on a new type of short URL service with a twist: before users are redirected to the destination link, they’ll need to complete a small task.

We're currently in the idea and feedback phase, and would love your thoughts!

Main Concept: Users click a shortened link.
Before reaching the final destination, they complete a simple task (like a quick poll, redirection to affiliate link, asking to subscribe to YouTube channel, ad interaction, etc) You will be able to configure what tasks user should complete, before allow them go to destination.
Once tasks completed, users are redirected.


we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Do you think this concept has value (for affiliates, marketers, or link sharers)?
Would you use it?
What types of tasks would you like to have?

Any concerns, red flags, or improvements you’d suggest?


Your feedback really important for us. Thanks in advance!

 

[azgold]

Sounds like incentive marketing to me, which some affiliates already use for promoting their offers from networks.

Re whether or not I would use it, I'm retired so I don't really need one anymore. Feedback from people still in the game can probably give you some more info, though.

 

[Graybeard]

WELCOME ABOARD ...

━━━●──────────────


First of all, I never have used a URL shortner to redirect.
I simply redirect on my own servers.
I have short domain names for that.
That's said, I can't see why anybody would want to use a redirect that would slow down the redirect to monetize your service.

Logic says there is going to be a drop off rate where people are not going to want to go through your survey form, close the window, and whoever sent you the traffic gets nothing you to get it all. FAIL!

The right way to do it is open a pop under and redirect the user to your client's URL.
If the user wants to complete your survey when they see the pop under fine, that way people may want to do business with you.
Otherwise it's just going to be a waste of time and money I think.

 

[Ikit]

Sounds like incentive marketing to me, which some affiliates already use for promoting their offers from networks.

Re whether or not I would use it, I'm retired so I don't really need one anymore. Feedback from people still in the game can probably give you some more info, though.

The idea is to extract additional value from a single link. While it’s understandable that some users may drop off halfway, theoretically, it can help attract new subscribers on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and others. This could lead to building long-term connections with users and ultimately provide an opportunity to monetize a broader audience.

Thank you for your feedback — we appreciate your thoughts and opinions!

 

[Ikit]

WELCOME ABOARD ...

━━━●──────────────


First of all, I never have used a URL shortner to redirect.
I simply redirect on my own servers.
I have short domain names for that.
That's said, I can't see why anybody would want to use a redirect that would slow down the redirect to monetize your service.

Logic says there is going to be a drop off rate where people are not going to want to go through your survey form, close the window, and whoever sent you the traffic gets nothing you to get it all. FAIL!

The right way to do it is open a pop under and redirect the user to your client's URL.
If the user wants to complete your survey when they see the pop under fine, that way people may want to do business with you.
Otherwise it's just going to be a waste of time and money I think.

We believe that using URL redirects has several advantages: tracking clicks and analytics, and the ability to change the destination URL in case the original affiliate link stops working.

We also want to add the possibility of gaining new subscribers on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, etc. This could help us build long-term relationships with users and grow our audience.

Opening another page in the background also sounds like a good idea — thank you for the suggestion. We've noticed that some ad providers offer "smart links," which theoretically could be opened in the background to generate extra revenue. However, since these providers typically pay only a few dollars per 1,000 users, we're unsure if it’s worth implementing.

Could you share why you use links hosted on your own server? What benefits have you experienced from doing so?

 

[Graybeard]

OK, it’s a Nginx server—you can't scrape, record, or manipulate my "links" in any way.

I can log them, and I know they’re correct, with all the header data I need.
I've been running servers for 25 years—an advanced user.

Believe what you want to believe, but put your money on the table and try it out. I think Plan B should be a pop-under or a push ad. However, push ads get complicated because the browser requires permission. Still, you’d have a push client to work with for monetization.

Again, Me, Me, Me thinking, that's why I would never use a 'link shortener.' It’s my earned or paid-for traffic—buy your own.

People do this as hobbyists in social media, etc. But savvy people doing CPA know better.

 

[Ikit]

OK, it’s a Nginx server—you can't scrape, record, or manipulate my "links" in any way.

I can log them, and I know they’re correct, with all the header data I need.
I've been running servers for 25 years—an advanced user.

Believe what you want to believe, but put your money on the table and try it out. I think Plan B should be a pop-under or a push ad. However, push ads get complicated because the browser requires permission. Still, you’d have a push client to work with for monetization.

Again, Me, Me, Me thinking, that's why I would never use a 'link shortener.' It’s my earned or paid-for traffic—buy your own.

People do this as hobbyists in social media, etc. But savvy people doing CPA know better.

Thanks for your thoughts

 

[azgold]

Opening another page in the background also sounds like a good idea

If it comes from Graybeard, it is a good idea! He's a pro.