Why Linktree Doesn’t Matter Anymore And What To Use Instead

I’m always on the lookout for new Instagram tools. So, as someone who creates a lot of online content on a daily basis, I was very intrigued when I first learned about Linktree. Linktree is a free tool that you can use to create a landing page of links to your most recent content. Instagram only allows one link in your profile’s bio section. So, I often find myself struggling to decide which link I want to promote: Should I post a link to my latest blog post or link my audience to my YouTube channel?

With this application, all you have to do is create a Linktree page and add links to your most recent content. From there, you can add your Linktree URL to your Instagram bio. When people click on this link, it takes them to a landing page filled with links to your online content.

This is a very useful concept if you’re a blogger, YouTuber, or other content creator who markets themselves via Instagram. However, it’s possible that this platform is not really necessary. In this article, we’ll give you the rundown on this tool. We’ll fill you in on its key features, pricing options, and its pros and cons. You’ll also learn about a few better alternatives to using Linktree.

Why You Should Use Bio.fm Instead of Linktree

If you don’t have your own website, or you’re not comfortable with creating your own landing page, Bio.fm is a great alternative to Linktree. With Bio.fm, you can share more with your bio.

This platform allows you to share links to your YouTube videos, Twitter feed, blog, or other online content with one link.  I like to use Linktree to share my latest blog posts with my Instagram audience.

Bio.fm is a completely free service that offers a better design and similar features. However, if you want additional features like unlimited blocks and the ability to customize your Bio.fm page with your own branding, you can try out the Premium Plan for $10 a month.

Bio.fm’s landing pages are easy to customize. With this tool, you’ll have access to dozens of blocks and styles. It’s easy to capture your brand’s unique style with Bio.fm. You can rearrange your content links by dragging and dropping the blocks. With this function, you can customize your Bio.fm profile, and put your most important content near the top.

Overall, Bio.fm is easy to use and easy to set up. My favorite Bio.fm feature is “display latest media” setting. When you choose this option, your latest content will be magically updated to your Bio,fm page.

Whether you choose to create your own landing page using your website or to give Bio.fm a try, you’ll enjoy an easier and more cost-efficient alternative to using Linktree.

If you want to learn how to set up your Bio.fm page in three easy steps, click here.

Other Linktree Alternatives

If your brand has its own website, then you already have everything you need to create your own “Linktree” without paying for this service. You see, Linktree is nothing more than a landing page. It’s relatively simple to create your own Instagram landing page hosted directly on your website.

In order to do this, you need to first make sure that your website is mobile-friendly. Then, you can create a blank page that isn’t linked on your website. Finally, you can create a design for your landing page and add your links. It’s a good idea to keep your design simple and easy to navigate. When you’re done creating your landing page, you can add the link to your Instagram bio!

If you’re already paying for a registered domain and website hosting, then you can create this landing page at no additional charge.

The Downsides of Linktree

With so many positive aspects to mention regarding this tool, it can be difficult to understand why you don’t need it. However, there are several downsides and better alternatives to using this tool. Here are some things you should consider before making a Linktree account.

Branding

While Linktree’s Pro Plan gives you a few options for customization, if you want to stick to the Free Plan you won’t have these options. One of the biggest complaints that people have about this tool is the lack of variety amongst the backgrounds. If you have a certain color or image that better represents your brand, you won’t be able to use it with the Free Plan.

Another issue with Linktree’s Free Plan is the fact that their brand’s name and logo will be present on your profile. If maintaining a consistent brand across all of your platforms is important to you, then you’ll have to purchase Linktree’s Pro Plan. With Linktree, you also give up the opportunity to showcase your domain name in your bio. Because there are several alternatives to using Linktree, it doesn’t make sense to sacrifice your branding.

If you purchase the Pro Plan, then you won’t have to deal with as many branding issues. But, I’d suggest checking out a few free alternatives before investing in Linktree.

Reliability

Like with any third party Instagram tool, issues with reliability and longevity can raise a few concerns. At one point in 2018, Linktree abruptly stopped working. For those who relied on Linktree to generate traffic for their content, this was a huge inconvenience. Many users feared that Instagram was banning or blocking the tool.

The good news is that Linktree was back up and running within a short period of time. However, this outage reminded many Linktree users that Instagram has the power to block or ban this application at any moment.

Lost Website Traffic

Another downside to using Linktree is the chance that it could cost you some of your website traffic. It’s no secret that Internet users tend to have a short attention span. When a user clicks on your Linktree URL, there’s no guarantee that they will follow through and visit your website. In those instances, Linktree gains website traffic, but your own website doesn’t.

You can also lose website traffic if your Linktree link doesn’t work (this happens often!). And, because Internet users tend to have a short attention span, they will likely lose interest if the first link provided doesn’t work.

Creating a landing page filled with links from your own domain is relatively easy to do. You can include this link in your Instagram bio and have the traffic come directly to your domain. This way, you’d gain website traffic whether they click through to your content or not. Getting more traffic to your domain will improve your website’s SEO and help you to gain more organic traffic over time.

Analytics and Lead Tracking

If you’re a marketing professional who relies on data from analytics and lead tracking, Linktree can throw off your numbers. When deciding on which channels are bringing in the most traffic, it’s important to know exactly where your website’s traffic is coming from.

Using Linktree causes a break in your analytics. With Linktree’s Pro Plan, traffic from your Linktree can be filed under “Social” in Google Analytics. However, with the Free Plan, this traffic will be listed under “Other.” In this case, you won’t be able to tell how much traffic is coming from your Instagram audience. This information is very important if you need to know how well your ads are performing across the web.

With Linktree’s Free Plan, the only information you’re given is the number of clicks that each link on your tree receives. The Paid Plan offers a variety of additional options for accurate lead tracking, but, in my opinion, it’s not worth it. You’re better off using a free alternative that provides more detailed analytics or a landing page on your website.

The Final Verdict: Linktree Doesn’t Matter Anymore

After reading this article, I hope you have a better understanding of why Linktree doesn’t matter anymore. When this tool first came onto the scene, it was the first of its kind. While Linktree served a great purpose in its prime, most of us began to notice that Linktree is nothing more than a landing page.

With easy website builders like Wix and Squarespace, it’s relatively simple to create your own landing page. Creating your own Instagram landing page gives you complete control over the branding and traffic.

If you insist on using an online service for your Instagram landing page, there are better options than Linktree. I gave you an example of my personal favorite, but there are a few other good platforms available.

Linktree itself isn’t a bad tool, but I would stick with the free plan, especially if you’re already paying for your own domain. With so many free options available, there’s really no need to pay for a service of this type.