When you enter a URL into a web browser, it sends an HTTP request to the web server to visit a specific website. Long URLs and short URLs are simply different starting points for internet browsers to reach the same target. Owly is a tool that lets you shorten long URLs, track traffic on those links, and measure your social return on investment. Owly shortened URLs are indexable according to best SEO practices, fully redirectable, and help build your branding strategy. However, shortening the URL makes the link opaque, which spammers like. A security risk with shortened URLs is that you won’t be able to see where you’re going before you click them, unless you use a URL checker like Link Tracker. Link Tracker checks Owly redirects against Google’s Safe Browser Blacklist to prevent malware and phishing attacks and increase your security while browsing the internet.