Google has officially set the retirement date for its goo.gl URL shortener, marking August 25, 2025, as the end of its functionality. Since its launch in 2009, this tool has been a go-to resource for creating compact, trackable links. With its shutdown, countless redirected URLs will become obsolete, potentially disrupting websites, marketing campaigns, and online resources worldwide.
If your dental practice relies on goo.gl links for marketing materials, patient communications, or online scheduling, it is essential to act now to prevent broken links that could disrupt patient access and damage your online presence. The best dental marketing agencies have already begun assisting practices in transitioning their URLs, ensuring a smooth and seamless user experience.
How Identity Dental Marketing Prepares Your Practice for This Change
What Happens to Your Existing goo.gl Links?
- March 2019 – Google stopped allowing new goo.gl link creations.
- August 23, 2024 – Google will start displaying notifications on existing goo.gl links, warning users that these links will soon become unsupported.
- August 25, 2025 – All goo.gl links will become inactive, leading to "404 Not Found" errors.
Steps to Protect Your Dental Practice’s Online Presence
To avoid broken links and potential SEO issues, follow these steps:
- Audit Your Online Assets – Identify all marketing materials, emails, and patient resources using goo.gl links.
- Replace Links with Permanent URLs – Direct traffic to your official website rather than using shorteners that may become obsolete.
- Use a Trusted URL Shortener – If short links are necessary, switch to Bitly, TinyURL, or Rebrandly, which offer tracking and longevity.
- Update Digital and Print Materials – Ensure your website, brochures, appointment confirmations, and social media reflect the updated URLs.
- Check Your Google Business Profile – If your GBP listing contains shortened URLs, update them to ensure patients can access the correct resources.
How Identity Dental Marketing Can Help
This URL shortener shutdown is just one example of how the digital marketing landscape constantly evolves. The best dental marketing agencies, like Identity Dental Marketing, help practices stay ahead of these changes, ensuring your online visibility and patient engagement remain strong.
Additional Tips to Strengthen Your Online Presence
- Enhance Your Website’s SEO – Ensure all URLs are clean, descriptive, and optimized for Google’s latest search algorithms.
- Prioritize Google Business Profile Updates – A well-optimized GBP listing can drive local search traffic to your practice.
- Implement a Robust Online Review Strategy – Google’s guidelines on review generation evolve frequently; staying compliant prevents penalties.
- Utilize QR Codes for Easy Access – Instead of URL shorteners, use QR codes for appointment scheduling, online payments, and patient education.
- Track Performance with Google Analytics – Monitor website traffic and user behavior to ensure links drive engagement.
Why You Need Identity Dental Marketing
Dental marketing is more than just having a website. It is about maintaining an active, patient-friendly online presence. The best dental marketing agencies help practices navigate digital changes, ensuring their marketing strategies remain compliant and effective.
Identity Dental Marketing is an industry leader in:
- Custom Website Development
- Local SEO & Google Business Profile Optimization
- Social Media Branding & Engagement
- Online Reputation & Review Management
Ensure Your Practice Stays Ahead
To protect your practice from digital disruptions, work with our expert dental marketing team who understands the industry’s evolving landscape. Identity Dental Marketing is committed to keeping your practice competitive, compliant, and visible online.
Phone: 847-629-4646
Website: Identity Dental Marketing