So, you want to shorten URLs in Salesforce. The first question you'll need to ask is...
Which Salesforce?
Salesforce is a CRM platform with a large ecosystem of products and apps. There are also two different interfaces: Lightning Experience and Classic. Which version you use will affect how you integrate and function with outside services like Bitly.
The first step in integrating Bitly with a Salesforce product is understanding which products and features you are using, and if those products include a built-in connection to Bitly. Sometimes, this isn't easy to sort out.
How do I connect Salesforce products to Bitly?
Your best bet is to work with your Salesforce consultant or representative to understand your available options and how to set them up. We'll also provide you with publicly available information, which we summarize in articles like Can I integrate Bitly with Social Studio? and Can I integrate Bitly with Salesforce Account Engagement?
The following information can get you started down the right path.
API Integrations
Regardless of which versions or products you use, you can always build an integration using Bitly's API and a Salesforce API. Creating your own API integration gives you the most control over shortening links and utilizing click metrics with your Salesforce data.
For an API integration with Bitly, you'll need someone with technical knowledge and experience. With the right technical resources, any Salesforce product can be connected to Bitly.
Planning an API Integration
For best results, clearly communicate your needs with your developer:
- Identify how you'd like your Salesforce product and Bitly to work together.
We'd like to send individualized short links to regional customers via SMS messages. - Document the data you'll need from each product.
Customer mobile phone number. URL for the customer's order page. Shortened link from Bitly. - Describe the process you envision.
When a rep creates a queue of customer messages, include a short link to each customer's orders.
With this information, your developer should be able to compare your requirements to what's available through the APIs and begin the process of planning and building the API integration.
Enable Built-in Integrations
Some products, like Marketing Cloud Account Engagement (formerly Pardot), also have built-in connectors that add a link-shortening option right into your workflow when creating messages. These integrations can be enabled by your Salesforce administrator through their Salesforce admin settings.
Most built-in integrations will shorten a link as a user creates a message or writes a post. The API is generally used when link shortening is required in bulk.
Use Both Options
You might also want to use both a built-in connector and an API connection for a single product.
For example, with Account Engagement, the built-in connector lets marketers shorten a link when writing an individual email in the app, but an API connection can create personalized links for many customers and send them in bulk through email.
Integration Services
Another option is a service like Zapier, which provides a way to connect Bitly to other products. Check the availability of your products there. You just might find something that fits your needs.