After 10+ years of loyalty and enjoying the free services of Bitly, I was shocked to receive an email announcing that their prices would skyrocket to $420 per year. This sudden change feels less like a reward for my loyalty and more like a betrayal.
Here’s the letter from Bit.ly rewarding Loyalty by making the Free Tier essentially useless to those with Custom Domains – and pretty useless for making QR Codes (only 2 a month!?). Heavy users also can only create 10 links a month! This is a very rude dismissal letter.
Hi there,
As of today, your free account has been updated to reflect our current free plan. This means your monthly limit is now 10 links and 2 QR Codes per month.
As we first shared with you 5 weeks ago, we are rebalancing our account tiers. This will allow us to better serve your needs and continue investing in adding features and functionality that empower your growth.
You will continue to have access to amazing features like QR Codes and a Bitly Page within your free account.
Have questions? See more details on our FAQ page.
To increase your monthly link limit or add tracking to your links and QR Codes, you can change your plan at any time.
We truly appreciate you as a loyal Bitly customer, and we hope you’ll continue to find great value in Bitly for years to come.
Best,
The Bitly team
Here’s what Bit.Ly wants free users to buy… (Pricing Chart)
Annual – $420/Year just to use the Bit.Ly Custom Domain feature
Monthly – $42/Month just to use the Bit.Ly Custom Domain Feature
As a result, I am now exploring alternatives, particularly using Thirsty Affiliates and WordPress hosting to manage my links effectively. I already have WordPress so why not just add Thirsty Affiliates?
The Bitly Price Increase: A Shocking Shift
Bitly has been a reliable link cloaker for many users, especially those in affiliate marketing. However, transitioning from a free service to a hefty monthly fee raises questions about value and necessity. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
| Service | Old Price | New Price | Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitly | Free | $420/Year | WHAT??!!! |
Why This Matters
- Loyalty Betrayed: After a decade of building my presence with Bitly, this price hike feels like a slap in the face. Many users are left wondering if they should continue investing in a service that no longer feels accessible.
- Value for Money: With the new pricing structure, users must evaluate whether the features provided justify the cost. For many, the answer may be no.
- Exploring Alternatives: With Bitly’s price increase, it’s time to look for other solutions that offer better value without breaking the bank.
Enter Thirsty Affiliates and WordPress Hosting
Instead of sticking with Bitly, I am turning to two powerful alternatives: Thirsty Affiliates and WordPress hosting. Here’s why they are worth considering:
Thirsty Affiliates
Thirsty Affiliates is a fantastic WordPress Plugin tool for managing affiliate links on your WordPress site. Here are some benefits:
- Link Management: Easily cloak and manage all your affiliate links in one place.
- Tracking & Analytics: Get insights into how your links are performing.
- Customizable Links: Create branded links that resonate with your audience.
- Low yearly fee
- You can start free!
For more information on Thirsty Affiliates, check out their website here.
WordPress Hosting
Using WordPress as your platform gives you control over your content and marketing strategies. Here’s why it’s beneficial:
- Cost-Effective: Many hosting providers offer affordable plans.
- Customization Options: Tailor your site to meet your needs with various plugins and themes.
- SEO Friendly: WordPress is designed to be search engine friendly, helping you rank better.
If you’re looking for a great deal on WordPress hosting, consider getting started here. There’s currently a limited-time promotion of up to 75% off!
Pricing Breakdown
Thirsty Affiliates Pricing
Here’s the pricing for Thirsty Affiliates Pro Add-On:
| Plan Type | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost (After 50% Discount) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (1 site) | $159 | $7 |
| Plus (5 sites) | $259 | $11 |
| Advanced (10 sites) | $399 | $17 |
WordPress Hosting Pricing with NEXCESS
With NEXCESS WordPress offering up to 75% off, here’s how the pricing might look:
| Hosting Plan | Original Monthly Cost | Discounted Monthly Cost (75% Off) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | $60 | $15 |
| Standard Plan | $90 | $22.50 |
| Premium Plan | $120 | $30 |
Total Monthly Cost Calculation
To find out the total monthly cost when using both services:
- Thirsty Affiliates Basic Plan: $7/month
- NEXCESS Basic Hosting Plan: $15/month
Total Monthly Cost = Thirsty Affiliates + NEXCESS Hosting
Total Monthly Cost = $7 + $15 = $22/month
Comparison Table: Bitly vs. Thirsty Affiliates + WordPress
| Feature | Bitly | Thirsty Affiliates + WP |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $45 | $22 |
| Link Cloaking | Yes | Yes |
| Analytics | Limited | Comprehensive |
| Custom Branding | Limited | Full Control |
| User Control | Low | High |
Here’s what you should do next!
The price increase from Bitly has forced many loyal users to reconsider their options. Instead of continuing with a service that no longer meets my needs or budget, I am excited to transition to using Thirsty Affiliates combined with hosted WordPress. This combination not only saves money but also offers greater control and flexibility over my affiliate marketing efforts.
FREE TECH SUPPORT OFFER
If you decide to use my links in this essay, send me a receipt, and I will provide FREE tech support to help you set up your WordPress site and Thirsty Affiliates!
Stop using Bitly NOW; embrace the power of WordPress and Thirsty Affiliates today!
Citations:
[1] https://earlystagemarketing.com/thirsty-affiliates-review/
[2] https://ultimateblocks.com/thirstyaffiliates-review/
[3] https://www.isitwp.com/wordpress-plugins/thirstyaffiliates/
[4] https://thirstyaffiliates.com/pricing
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w3YaAQOmBA
[6] https://bitly.com/pages/pricing
[7] https://www.wpbeginner.com/plugins/how-to-add-affiliate-links-in-wordpress-with-thirstyaffiliates/
[8] https://pressable.com/solutions/managed-wordpress-hosting-for-freelancers/