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From Free to $420/year: Why Bitly’s Price Hike is Forcing Users to Seek Better Alternatives to Bit.ly

  • Jomar Hilario Jomar Hilario

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.

From Free to $420/year: Why Bitly's Price Hike is Forcing Users to Seek Better Alternatives to Bit.ly

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?

kid sitting beside round cake close-up photography
From Free to $420/Year: Why Bitly’s Price Hike is Forcing Users to Seek Better Alternatives

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:

ServiceOld PriceNew PriceReaction
BitlyFree$420/YearWHAT??!!!
From Free to $420: Why Bitly’s Price Hike is Forcing Users to Seek Better Alternatives to Bit.ly

Why This Matters

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 TypeAnnual CostMonthly 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 PlanOriginal Monthly CostDiscounted 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:

  1. Thirsty Affiliates Basic Plan: $7/month
  2. 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

FeatureBitlyThirsty Affiliates + WP
Monthly Cost$45$22
Link CloakingYesYes
AnalyticsLimitedComprehensive
Custom BrandingLimitedFull Control
User ControlLowHigh

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!

From Free to $420: Why Bitly's Price Hike is Forcing Users to Seek Better Alternatives
From Free to $420: Why Bitly’s Price Hike is Forcing Users to Seek Better Alternatives

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/

What’s the best firmness for a side-sleeper?

  • Jomar Hilario Jomar Hilario

One day, I decided it was time to upgrade my mattress. I’d been waking up with a stiff shoulder, and my back started feeling sore. I knew it was because I mostly sleep on my side, and my current mattress was too firm. But with so many options out there, I felt lost. I wanted to find a mattress that would let me sleep comfortably on my side, without sinking too much or being too hard. So, I began my search.

For side sleepers like me, the best mattress firmness is usually on the softer side. Side sleepers need a mattress that can cradle their hips and shoulders, allowing the spine to stay aligned. If it’s too firm, it can cause pressure on those points, leading to discomfort and pain. If it’s too soft, though, your body may sink too much, causing your spine to curve unnaturally, which can also lead to pain.

What's the best firmness for a side-sleeper?
What’s the best firmness for a side-sleeper?

Here are some factors that can affect mattress choice for side sleepers:

  1. Firmness: A medium-soft mattress is usually best (rated around 4 to 6 out of 10).
  2. Pressure Relief: The mattress should cradle hips and shoulders to maintain spinal alignment.
  3. Weight: Heavier people need firmer mattresses; lighter people can go softer.

It’s not just about softness, though. Your weight plays a big role in deciding how firm your mattress should be. Heavier people tend to sink more into their mattress, so they need something a bit firmer to keep their body supported. For lighter people, a softer mattress is usually best since they don’t sink as much.

I remember reading a post where someone said they found a latex foam bed perfect for side sleeping. They had tried memory foam, but it was too hot, and over time it caused back pain. Latex foam was cooler and had the right amount of sink without being too soft.

Others shared their experiences too. One person mentioned they bought a medium-firm mattress and found it good for both side and back sleeping. They liked that it wasn’t too soft for their back, but still provided enough give for their shoulders when they slept on their side. They were around my height and weight, which made me think this might be a good option for me too.

Another person talked about how they tried a mattress that was rated 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, but found it too firm for side sleeping. They ended up adding a foam topper to make it softer.

Tips for adjusting a too-firm mattress:

  1. Foam Topper: Adds extra cushioning without buying a new mattress.
  2. Pillow Adjustment: Using a softer pillow can help with neck and spine alignment.

Some side sleepers found that a firmness level of 4 to 6 out of 10 worked best for them. This is considered medium-soft, providing enough cushion for the shoulders and hips, but still supporting the spine. If the mattress is too firm, it’s like sleeping on a board, and if it’s too soft, it’s like sinking into quicksand – neither of which is ideal.

When I went to check out mattresses in person, I tried a few that were too firm, like one person said in a review. They compared it to camping on the hard ground, having to roll over every couple of hours just to get comfortable. I knew I didn’t want that. But I also didn’t want to sink so much that I’d feel stuck in the mattress.

After testing a few options, I realized a medium-firm mattress with a soft top layer felt right for me. It provided enough support for my back when I shifted positions but was soft enough to relieve pressure when I lay on my side. That combination felt like the best of both worlds.

What's the best firmness for a side-sleeper?
What’s the best firmness for a side-sleeper?

In the end, I went with a hybrid mattress that had both foam and coils. It gave me the support I needed but still had that soft, cushioned feel. And as someone who sometimes rolls over in the middle of the night, it was a great fit because it worked for both side and back sleeping.

Now, every morning I wake up refreshed, without the aches and pains I used to have. If you’re a side sleeper, I’d recommend looking for something on the softer side, maybe around a 5 or 6 out of 10 in firmness. But remember, it all depends on your weight and personal preference. What feels perfect to one person might not work for another. So take your time, test out different options, and find the right fit for you.

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