How did I configure URL Shortener Service on Crunchify.com? Bitly, Domain and WordPress Setup Steps

Updated with Bitly’s new DNS A records

Since last couple of days I have been thinking of having URL Shortener Service for Crunchify.com. A custom short domain is a great way to brand your content across the web! Finally I’ve created “crunchify.me” for the same.

Perform below steps to setup URL Shortener server correctly for your WordPress blog

Step-1

Get your short domain. I got my new Domain crunchify.me using Google Domains Service.

• Click on your short domain
• Click on Configure DNS
• Choose Google Domains name servers

Step-2

Scroll down little bit on the same page and look for Custom resource records option.

Update your DNS A Records to point to 67.199.248.12 and 67.199.248.13

NOTE: If you your domain name registrar are GoDaddy, NameCheap, etc then you need to go to your admin panel or cPanel to make above changes. It should be fairly simple in each case.

Step-3

• Login to bitly.com site
• Click on Settings tab – click on right-top corner hamburget menu icon.
• Click on Advanced Settings option
• Add your short domain and click Add. Provide

Step-4

Click on Validate button to verify your short domain is pointed to correct DNS A records.

At this point you are all done setting up Domains and Bitly options. Now let’s perform next task at WordPress admin panel side.

Step-5

• Install Plugin WP Bitly. Reason why I use WP Bitly WordPress Plugin.
• After activation – go to Settings -> Writing
• Provide OAuth token and click Save Changes

And you are all set. Let’s verify.

Step-6

Open any post’s edit panel and click on Get ShortLink.

If you are a developer then can call wp_get_shortlink();  anywhere and it should return Short URL. Ref: http://codex.wordpress.org/Function_Reference/wp_get_shortlink

Last but not least, post short URL’s to your social media site and rejoice.

Live Tweet:

Looking 4 URL Shortening #WordPress #Plugin? Use WP @Bitly with Custom #Domain crunchify.mehttps://t.co/pDTnbM6Ink pic.twitter.com/c7Pg837j3r

— Crunchify, LLC. (@Crunchify) June 6, 2016

Would love to know what you think. Chime in and share it as a comment. Don’t forget to share this guide!