How to Switch from Bitly to SimpleURL (30-Minute Migration Guide)
If you have been using Bitly to manage your short links, QR codes, and branded domains, the thought of switching platforms probably feels overwhelming. You might be worried about breaking thousands of existing links, losing critical historical data, or enduring a painful cutover process that disrupts your ongoing marketing campaigns. The fear of "switching costs" is the number one reason teams stick with expensive platforms long after they've outgrown them. But here is the good news: moving away from Bitly is not a traditional software migration. In fact, it is entirely risk-free, requires zero downtime, and can be completed by a single team member in under 30 minutes.
TL;DR
- Zero Downtime: Your old
bit․lylinks will continue to work indefinitely. Nothing breaks. - No Risky Cutover: Both platforms can operate in parallel while you switch over at your own pace.
- Seamless Domain Setup: SimpleURL's AI handles your DNS configuration automatically.
- Rapid Automation Updates: Zapier and Make.com workflows can be updated in just 5 minutes.
- Massive Savings: Save hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year without sacrificing features.
The honest truth about switching
Switching from Bitly to SimpleURL is not a traditional migration. There is no massive data export, no complex bulk import, and no nail-biting "cutover day" where everything has to work perfectly.
Here is what actually happens when you make the switch:
- Old Bitly links keep working. Every
bit․ly/xyzlink you have ever created continues to redirect through Bitly just like it always has. Nothing breaks, and your existing printed materials or sent emails remain completely unaffected. - New links go through SimpleURL. You start creating new branded short links on your domain using SimpleURL going forward. Your marketing campaigns continue without missing a beat.
- Your branded domain moves. If you use a custom domain (e.g.,
links․company․com) on Bitly, you simply update 1-2 DNS records to point to SimpleURL instead. Our AI walks you through it in 60 seconds.
That is the entire migration process. By running both systems in parallel temporarily, you eliminate the risk and friction typically associated with changing software providers.
30-minute switching checklist
We have designed SimpleURL to be incredibly intuitive, meaning you can get up and running during your lunch break. Follow this step-by-step checklist to complete your migration in 30 minutes or less.
Step 1: Create your SimpleURL account (2 minutes)
Getting started is completely frictionless.
- Sign up at simpleurl.tech/signup.
- No credit card is required to begin your 7-day trial.
- All premium features are unlocked immediately during the trial, so you can test everything out.
Step 2: Connect your branded domain (5-15 minutes)
This is often the most intimidating step, but we have made it completely foolproof.
- Go to your SimpleURL dashboard and navigate to Branded Domains.
- Enter your existing custom domain (e.g.,
links․company․com). - SimpleURL's AI will instantly detect your DNS provider (whether it is Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap, Route 53, or another host) and generate the exact records you need to add.
- Copy-paste the records into your DNS provider's dashboard.
- DNS propagation typically takes 5-15 minutes.
Note: If your custom domain is currently pointing to Bitly, the exact moment you update your DNS records, any new visits to that domain will route cleanly through SimpleURL. Your old
bit․ly/links are entirely unaffected because they rely on Bitly's domain, not yours.
Step 3: Update Zapier/Make automations (5 minutes per workflow)
If you automate your link creation, updating your workflows is incredibly straightforward.
- Open each Zap or Make scenario that currently uses the Bitly integration.
- Swap the Bitly module for the SimpleURL module.
- Set up your SimpleURL triggers (e.g., New Short URL Created, New QR Code Enabled) or actions (e.g., Create Short URL, Create QR Code, Add Branded Domain).
- Run a quick test on each workflow to ensure data is passing through correctly. The data structures are remarkably similar, making mapping fields a breeze.
Step 4: Start creating new links (immediate)
Once your domain is connected, you are ready to roll.
- Create your first branded short link on SimpleURL.
- Generate a dynamic QR code customized with your brand colors and logo.
- Click your new link and check the analytics dashboard to confirm that tracking is actively recording the visit.
Step 5: Update link creation habits (ongoing)
Make the transition permanent for your team.
- Bookmark the SimpleURL dashboard in your browser.
- Update any internal documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), or marketing playbooks that reference Bitly.
- If you are on the Team plan, invite your team members and share the new dashboard URL.
What you do NOT need to do
When migrating software, it is just as important to know what you can skip. Here are the common misconceptions about switching away from Bitly.
| Concern | Reality |
|---|---|
| "I need to migrate my old short links" | No. Old bit․ly/ links keep redirecting forever. Leave them exactly as they are. |
| "My printed QR codes will break" | No. QR codes pointing to bit․ly/ URLs still work through Bitly. Just ensure new QR codes go through SimpleURL. |
| "I'll lose my click history" | Bitly does not export granular click data anyway. Your Bitly dashboard stays accessible. New analytics start fresh on SimpleURL with up to 3-year retention. |
| "I need to update links in old emails" | No. Sent emails with bit․ly/ links continue working. Only update templates for future sends. |
| "There's a risky cutover moment" | No. Both platforms work in parallel seamlessly. There is no high-stress switchover day. |
What you gain
Beyond a smoother, faster interface, SimpleURL provides significantly more value for your money. Here is how our plans stack up against Bitly's standard offerings.
| Feature | Bitly Growth ($29/mo) | Bitly Premium ($199/mo) | SimpleURL Pro ($19.49/mo) | SimpleURL Team ($39.49/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Branded domains | 1 | 1 | 3 | 10 |
| Click analytics | Country only | City level | City level | City level + export |
| Data retention | 4 months | 1 year | 2 years (customizable) | Custom |
| Dynamic QR codes | Basic | Advanced | Full customization | Full customization |
| Link-in-bio pages | — | — | 5 | 50 |
| API access | Paid add-on | Included | Included | Included |
| Zapier + Make | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AI domain setup | — | — | Yes | Yes |
| Annual cost | $348/yr | $2,388/yr | $234/yr | $474/yr |
| You save | — | — | $114/yr vs Growth | $1,914/yr vs Premium |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will my existing Bitly links break?
No. Your bit․ly short links continue redirecting through Bitly indefinitely. You do not need to migrate them, touch them, or worry about them. They are completely safe.
2. How long does the switch actually take?
Most teams are fully running on SimpleURL within 30 minutes. The longest step is typically DNS propagation, which takes roughly 5-15 minutes depending on your provider.
3. Can I keep my current branded domain?
Yes. You own your domain, not Bitly. You simply update the DNS records to point to SimpleURL instead of Bitly. Our built-in AI will automatically generate the exact records you need for your specific DNS provider.
4. What about my Zapier or Make.com automations?
You will just need to swap the Bitly module for the SimpleURL module in each Zap or Scenario. The triggers and actions are very similar, so this usually takes about 5 minutes per workflow.
5. Do I lose my Bitly analytics history?
Bitly does not export granular click data, so you cannot import it into SimpleURL. However, your Bitly dashboard remains accessible as long as your account exists, so you can always reference historical data. Your new, highly detailed analytics on SimpleURL will start tracking from day one.
6. Can I test without committing?
Absolutely. The 7-day trial requires no credit card, meaning you can run both platforms side by side. If you decide SimpleURL is not the right fit for your team, nothing changes on your Bitly side and you have lost nothing.
*Ready to make the switch? Start your free trial at simpleurl.tech/signup