In recent times, Honey, a digital tool offering optimal coupon codes, owned by PayPal, became the focal point of debate when accused of covertly earning affiliate profits by modifying product link attributes posted by creators. Steven Tey, former Vercel employee, believes that his creation – the open-source URL shortener and link tracker service Dub.co – can address this issue by abolishing the necessity for coupon codes and incorporating them directly into the link.
Dub.co develops an attribution and affiliate product that creators can utilize to form their distinct links. Thus, users can only avail a discount through the use of this specific link. With this, Dub.co is acting towards making attribution more transparent, avoiding instances akin to the Honey scandal, where attribution could be effortlessly stolen.
Born as an open-source URL shortener during Tey’s tenure at Vercel, Dub.co gradually evolved into a full-service SaaS service, instrumental in understanding Vercel’s products. Identifying the complexity and obsolescence of the affiliate space post-launch, Tey realized the URL tracking space’s potential extended beyond mere URL shortening services.
Presently, Dub.co, while primarily funded by businesses, also provides a free platform for individuals to shorten and track their links. Its services extend to reputed companies like Twilio and governmental bodies like the Malaysian government. Recently, Dub.co launched ‘Conversions,’ an innovative product aiding in real-time marketing click tracking, conversion to signups and sales, thereby facilitating companies in tracking detailed metrics to comprehend the returns on their marketing strategies.
While AI features are available on Dub.co, the emphasis remains on the core products. Users utilizing AI can generate custom reports and receive title and description suggestions for various links.
Dub.co’s open-source nature and superior user experience and design have given it a competitive edge, as noted by Joseph Jacks, OSS Capital’s founder.
Original source: Read the full article on TechCrunch
