How would one monetize a simple URL shortner?

[JamesDavid]

If this is in the wrong section please move..

If I wanted to put together a "local" URL shortner, how would one go about monetizing the site? Is that even possible or is it more just a free service....

NOW I DONT mean charging people to use it, I mean more ads? etc...


Ideas/suggestions or experience is GREATLY appreciated!

 

[DU]

People will pay for analytics associated with the service if you provide a specific market reason to use it i.e. "local".

Beyond that? I have no idea.

 

[JamesDavid]

Juanny,

Thanks for the thoughts... Problem is I have a CC.biz where the CC is a VERY VERY common abbreviate for the area... I thought it would make a GREAT URL shortener for local businesses/events as everytime they saw CC.biz/2837 they would know its a local event..

I just don't want to waste the domain on it IF it wont at least pay for itself...

 

[johname]

There are no advertiser paying for "url shortener" so you would have to do something ceative like Juanny said. Or hope to divert to associated things like domain name registration, hosting, website development. Doesnt sound $ wise worth it.

 

[DU]

If you could enforce local rules and local links you could do something. Tracking clicks for advertising.

Bitly already allows customized shortening. For example someone set up IBM.com sites to shorten to IBM.co so that would be able to work with Zero coding effort - or it is competition that you can't fight

Careful planning could make something work. Being A local shortener could provide benefits if you can pick up a specific platform with constant volume of traffic: like the classified section of the paper or craigslist, even something as simple as a popular facebook page.

A pure shortener is of no value IMHO .. But it could provide value attached to another offering.