The Linktree Alternative That’s Free
Why you shouldn’t use apps like Linktree for your Instagram link in bio, and what to do instead.
As you probably know, you can only put just one link in your Instagram bio. Problem is, for most of us, we have more than one thing to promote—newsletter signup, your online course, your services, your yoga retreat, etc.
Linktree or similar apps like Contactinbio or Linkinbio by Later seem like the way to go because everyone is using them.
While there are some benefits to using these apps, there are so many good reasons not to.
*This post contains affiliate links. I receive a commission if you click a link and purchase. Note that I only recommend software or products I use, have used, or can recommend!
The only decent reasons to use Linktree or similar apps
When you don’t have a website yet, but have multiple things to promote (for most businesses I recommend getting a website, and I would love to design one for you!)
You have a difficult to use website builder (but why would you do this to yourself!) and you’d have to pay someone to build this page for you.
Honestly, I cannot think of a good reason to not have a website when you have a business, and to not use your website for your link in bio. Spending any money on LinkTree isn’t necessary or even beneficial. Here’s why:
A completely free alternative to Linktree
The alternative I suggest to my clients is to create a page on their site specifically designed as a landing page for people coming from Instagram. I even create it for my customers who purchase my Complete Website Design Package.
It would be designed just like Linktree’s page - it would have buttons for links and serve the same exact purpose.
Below is what mine looks like. Keep reading to find out all the reasons why this is a better solution than Linktree.
So why is creating a page on your website a way better idea than using Linktree?
It’s good for SEO.
First and foremost, you’re getting traffic directly to your site. The more people who visit, the more you’re telling Google that your site is happening, it’s relevant, people are visiting. If you use LinkTree, you’re missing out on all that good SEO.
You can fully customize and brand your own site.
If you are using the free version of Linktree, then your branding is most likely not reflected in their smattering of choices. There is also the Linktree logo on the page—not exactly a branded experience. Also, the URL of the link on your profile is linktr.ee—it could be yourwebsite.com/links—so much better for branding!
It doesn’t cost $!
Why would you pay a dime when you can so easily create this page on your own website! I’ll demonstrate below exactly how to create this page on Squarespace in a matter of minutes.
You’re not relying on Linktree for uptime.
The Linktree service notoriously went down in 2018, and the links DID NOT WORK. I don’t recommend relying on a separate service to be responsible for driving traffic to your site when you can control this on your end.
There’s a risk of your Linktree link being marked as spam and not working on Instagram.
The Linktree links can be marked as spam by Instagram, which could cause your entire link to simply not work and you would have no clue.
You can remarket to your site visitors.
When people come directly to your site, you have the opportunity to capture their email address or retarget to them on Facebook. You can do this on LinkTree only if you pay $6/mo for it. Just say no!
Potential barriers to creating a Linktree-inspired page
You don’t know how to create a page on your website by yourself.
I would suggest solving for this problem in general so that you can stay nimble in your business—whether that be to hire an assistant who can manage your site, or to host your site on a platform that’s easy, such as Squarespace. You should have someone who can manage your website and be able to do simple tasks such as this!
You want to be able to track link clicks.
If that is important to you, you can create goals in Google Analytics, a site that tracks actions on your website.
In fact, while there may be analytics on Linktree to track link clicks, there is no way to track CONVERSIONS (i.e. how many people bought a product, or how many people signed up for your list), which is way more important information than clicks.
Knowing if people click links gives some idea of what is interesting to your Instagram audience, but if we don’t know if it’s turning into a paying customer, what’s the point?
How to design a Linktree-inspired page on your website
Ok, so here is how you actually design the page. I use and design exclusively on Squarespace*, but you can do this on any website platform, whether it be Weebly, Wix, Wordpress, GoDaddy, etc.
Create a new page.
You can name the slug “/links” or “/instagram” - this will be the URL people see on Instagram itself, so make sure it reflects what they will find when they click, or what it is.
Add buttons, photo and a blurb about you.
You can make this page just buttons that link to different pages on or off your site (make sure if you link to pages off your site that they open into a new tab!!!!)—OR you can add a bit of pizazz, warmth and branding (something that Linktree doesn’t let you do for free). You can add an image of yourself saying hi, welcome, here’s what I do, and here are those links you’re looking for below.
Add your the link to this page you created in your Instagram bio (or any social media network!).
Put your link in your bio and VOILA you have a free Linktree-style page, but with benefits!
Bonus tip:
For Squarespace Users
Not a Squarespace user yet but want to be? Sign up for a free 14-day trial here and use the code REBECCA10 for 10% off your first annual payment to your new website*.
If you want to make all the buttons the same width like Linktree, and you’re on a Brine template on Squarespace 7.0, you can copy and paste this Custom CSS into the custom CSS area in Site Styles, and make sure are using the small buttons option:
/* Small Button Styling */ .sqs-block-button-element--small { width: 80% !important; }
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