Many of us who use microblogging platforms, like Twitter, are familiar with services that shorten our URLs, so we can maximize the use of our limited characters.

What you may not know, however, is URL-shortening services offer more than just efficient links.

I chose bit.ly as my URL-shortening application, and I like it because it allows me to also track my shortened links and see how many times they’ve been clicked and from where (e.g., the U.S., Canada, Russia, etc.)

I actually have an account with bit.ly, but you don’t need an account to see details of a bit.ly link. In the address bar, simply type the shortened, bit.ly URL and add the plus (+) symbol to the end of the link. Like this:

http://bit.ly/9Z6ohk+

If you click that example, it will take you to detailed information about that particular link.

Another feature I really like with bit.ly is that I can log into my account and shorten any URL I want, even if I’m not planning to use it on a microblogging site. I don’t even have to go to bit.ly to do this if I download and install the bit.ly sidebar on my browser.

If I’m using Firefox or Google Chrome,  I can even preview the full-length links from which the shortened bit.ly link was created before I click on it.

I’ve even gotten an API key to use with other social media sites that have auto-shortening capabilities (i.e., TweetDeck and SocialOomph), so that my links will be shortened with bit.ly and not some other URL-shortening tool.

One of the best features of bit.ly is that it’s free!

To check it out, or to sign up for your own account with bit.ly, go to the bit.ly Home Page.