Snip-n-Tag
In April I launched version 1 of Snip-n-Tag, which is a firefox sidebar add-on that makes it easy to shorten links, while also adding campaign tracking tags for Google Analytics. Currently Snip-n-Tag supports 5 popular URL shortening services, and more are in the works.
You can install the add-on from here: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/11492
To use Snip-n-Tag after installing, click View->Sidebar->Snip-n-Tag.
Feel free to leave comments below, or at the official add-on page. Alternatively, email feedback to snipntag – at – tysonkirksey.com, or find me on twitter at www.twitter.com/tysonkirksey
**Update**
Version 1.5 is released and available at the URL above. New features include support for bit.ly, improved UI design and user account support for tr.im and bit.ly. Various bug fixes were also included in the 1.5 release.
**Update**
Version 1.7.2 is release and available at the URL above. I’ve finally added support for all five Google Analytics campaigns variables, as well as support for the goo.gl shortener.
We love snip n tag! Thank you so much for developing! We’re tagging all of our campaign links on a daily basis, so this is a real time saver.
Love this add-on! It’s great!
With version 1.5, I get ‘ERROR’ when I try to snip-n-tag on bit.ly (with our without my account info entered). Works great on Tr.im with account info entered though.
Thanks Dave, I’ll look into that situation. Thanks for the bug report.
Is there some instructions on how to use it? I installed it, but the only options that show up are to add a bit.ly account or a tr.im acct. How does one actually shorten URLs or add tracking codes? I don’t see an option to turn on the extension or see it in any sidebar.
Hi Jill,
Click on View->Sidebar->Snip-n-Tag and it will appear.
Thanks for trying, and please post back with your thoughts!
Tyson
{ “errorCode”: 203, “errorMessage”: “You must be authenticated to access shorten”, “statusCode”: “ERROR” }
I get this when trying to use bit.ly. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Hi Sean,
I can’t seem to replicate this error – please provide some more details so I can investigate. Are you using your own Bit.ly username and API key? Did this happen immediately after installing, or did it just recently start showing errors?
Thanks,
Tyson
I think I found what was wrong… I’ve had the same issue
When you paste the API Key, if there is a trailing space, the authentication fails!
I removed the space and it works.
Kindly, Alban
–
PS: I think it is a great tool to increase productivity Tyson, thank you very much!!!
Hi Tyson,
Snip-n-Tag is a wonderful application.
But don’t you think that the utm_content parameter is necessary?
Luca
Hi Luca,
Thanks for the feedback! I think the utm_content parameter will make an appearance shortly, in the next update. I have received this feedback from other users as well. Please let me know if you have any other additions you would like to see!
Best,
Tyson
Good!
thank you.
I don’t have other suggestions.
Now I wait impatiently the next release
Luca
Hi,
I used bit.ly with snip n’ tag. The posts are getting retweeted but since I started using snip n’tag, they’re not showing up. Do I got to a different place to find the number of people that clicked on them?
Thanks!
Hi Barbara,
No, you should use the same reports as always with Bit.ly. Did you enter your bit.ly account information into the Snip-n-Tag options?
Thanks,
Tyson
Good job Tyson!
Thank you for the Snip-n-tag update!
Luca
Hi,
we use Gpoogle Analytics for analizing our web-activity. I installed Snip-n-Tag with a side-bar. I can see the link-shorteting feature and I would like to track tags from our corporate Twitter. How should I use it?
Hi Lidiya,
Before you shorten a URL, input some GA variables like source and medium. They can be anything you want, but for Twitter I like to put twitter in the source box and social in the medium box. Then when users come to your site via those links, you can track them in Google Analytics.
Thanks for using Snip-n-Tag, and let me know if you have other questions!
Hi Tyson,
First of all this plug-in rocks. I love it. I’m actually going to write a blog about it telling my followers how wonderful it is.
Question though, what are the new “keyword” and “content” features for? Does that utilize a keyword in the link at all, or is it strictly for tracking purposes.
Jerry,
Thanks for your kind words. The keyword and content fields are additional Google Analytics campaign variables. Snip-n-Tag now supports all five GA campaign variables, since several people had that feature request. You can use as many or as few fields as you like – they are simply there as options.
Thanks,
Tyson
Hello Tyson,
I still believe you have a great tool (as I commented 2 years ago ;p )but have moved away from Firefox most of the time now.
Would you have motivation for Snip-n-tag for Google Chrome?
Kindly, Alban