Why you shouldn’t use a Linktree (and SHOULD build your own links page)
One of the most used phrases in social media is probably “link in bio.” And for many social media platforms, you can only post one link, which is why companies like Linktree have cornered the market for landing pages where you can add multiple links to your little internet library.
Using a Linktree makes sense… however, as a brand or small business, you shouldn’t use it. In this post, I’m going to break down what is Linktree (and similar sites), why you shouldn’t used one, and what you SHOULD be doing instead.
Let me spill the tea… 🐸☕️
First of all, what even is a Linktree?
Linktree is a link-sharing tool that allows you to have all of your links in one place, so that you only need one link in bio. Other similar platforms include Milkshake App, Link in Bio by Later, and companies like Canva (graphic design tool) and Flodesk (email marketing platform) have even launched similar landing page tools to host all your links.
Great idea, right? And it is for newer small business owners and content creators who don’t yet have their own websites, and want to get started at the low, low price of free (or very cheap).
BUT… I would still largely advise against using a third-party link-sharing platform.
Reasons not to use Linktree (or other similar sites)
1. You’re not getting the direct traffic yourself
The first—and most important—reason why you shouldn’t use Linktree as your link hosting platform is to do with SEO.
When using a third party like Linktree (or Milkshake, LinkInBio, Flodesk Landing Pages, etc.), you’re sending all of your juicy, JUICY social media traffic to Linktree, rather than your own website 💻
“But Ella,” I hear you cry, “what difference does it make if I use a Linktree? Surely people will end up on my website either way?”
Sure, but by using a middleman, it means all of your referrals are actually coming from Linktree, rather than Instagram itself.
Social media traffic is SUPER important to website data, as it tells search engines that your site is a hot commodity 🔥📈
And if you want your brand or business to rank higher on Google, you need that sweet, sweet DIRECT traffic to your website.
By using a Linktree, you’re just driving traffic to Linktree. They’re the ones gaining from all that good, good SEO, that YOU should be getting on your website 😤
2. It adds an extra step
A link sharing platform like LinkedIn just adds an extra step, taking people away from IG, onto a third party, then eventually to your website.
Just cut out the middleman altogether!
3. Not fully customisable to your brand
When using the free version of Linktree, or any other link sharing tool, you have limited options when it comes to changing colours, fonts, adding images, or any other customisations. You either have to use the basic features—or pay extra.
Brand recognition is super important, so if you have branded colours and design elements on your social media, but your Linktree doesn’t match, it can be quite jarring for the viewer.
If you already have a website, meaning that you pay for it to stay on the web, there’s no point in paying extra money to Linktree to make your branding customisations.
4. You’re not in control
No one likes to click on a link and be met with a broken page. But, like many other sites, Linktree is prone to crashes and outages.
When you have a Linktree (or any other link in bio tool), you can’t go in and troubleshoot it yourself—you just have to wait and hope that it gets resolved soon.
There have also been increasing reports that Instagram is starting to flag Linktrees, and other similar link in bio tools, as spam.
Sooo… what do I use instead of Linktree?
Drumroll please… your own website!
If you have a website, there really is no excuse to build your own links page, especially on easy drag-and-drop website builders like Squarespace.
You can customise it exactly to your brand’s identity, edit the links as you wish, and troubleshoot should anything go awry.
Not to mention, your website analytics will show you just how much traffic is coming from social media (and exactly which ones if you post your link on multiple) as Linktree won’t be the only catch-all referal.
Linktree is great for new businesses and content creators who don’t have your own website set up yet. But once you do…
Do yourself a favour and set up a links page on your own website 😌🔗
