When posted into an email or message board, long URLs are likely to break, thus rendering them useless. However, by using a free online service to shorten a URL, this problem disappears.
Instructions
1. Use a site such as Tinyurl.com that specializes in shortening URLs. Many reputable sites, like Tinyurl, advertise that their shortened URLs never expire, which is important should someone need to repeatedly visit the shorted version of the URL.
2. Register for the site you choose if required. Some services want you to sign up before taking advantage of their URL shortening ability. Others will allow you to do so without giving any personal information or email address. Browse various sites to find out what you are most comfortable with.
3. Choose the URL extension if you are using a site that allows for that, like Doiop. Use a keyword that keeps the web address short, but gives it a personalized touch if you want people to remember it easily.
4. Copy and paste the long URL into the indicated field on the website. In the case of Tinyurl, the box is near the center of the page and resembles the address bar at the top of Internet Explorer, Firefox and other web browsers.
5. Click "Make Tinyurl" and the site will automatically produce a significantly shortened web address for use in emails, in message boards, or any other forum that requires a limited number of characters to constitute a usable URL.
