If you’re an avid Instagram user you’re going to be more than familiar with the ability to only use one link in your bio. But of course, you’ll also be wise to the fact that there is a range of link tools available to help you get around this.

I’m here to tell you not to use them. But why? Well, allow me to explain...

No matter how much you use Instagram, the likelihood is that you’re used to seeing the phrase “link in bio”. Users mention it in lengthy captions, at the end of their carousels and even in their Instagram Stories. But how are these links displayed? Are they worth your time? And what are the pros and cons?

The usual fight, Linktree or Linkin.bio

Often, the “which link tool should I use for Instagram” argument is between Linktree and Linkin.bio. I’ll admit, I was fooled into thinking this was the only way, too.

Linktree VS Linkin.bio

Although there are pros and cons to both, some of it does come down to personal preference.

Linktree, as one of the first link tools ever created, boasts users such as Selena Gomez, The Guardian and Gary Vee, so it has to be worth something right? With free and paid plans available, it may depend on how serious you want to get about your branding.

Once you’ve made an account, setting up is pretty easy. The main differences between free and paid versions are the opportunities to customise your link’s landing page.

Here’s a breakdown of the features:

Pros:

• Connect Google Analytics and Facebook Pixels (paid)

• Amazon Influencer Program integration (free)

• Temporarily send visitors to one link with “Leap Links” (paid)

• Highlight your most important links with subtle animations that are attention-grabbing (paid)

• Simple, intuitive interface

Cons:

• No Shopify integration

• Doesn’t link directly to Instagram posts (like Linkin.bio)

• Limited customization options with the free version

• Basic analytics on free plan

• Not a branded link (e.g. yourdomain.com/link)

Linkin.bio is a part of Later, a great social media scheduling/publishing tool. It’s pretty handy to keep your social content and links in the same place too. 

Although it’s the same concept - ish - as Linktree, Linkin.bio presents your “links” a little differently in that it looks just like your Instagram grid. If you’re already the king or queen of repurposing, you’ll be familiar with posting a repurposed IG carousel of your latest blog - so, ensuring you have a link right to it is pretty damn important.

Linkin.bio allows you to create a clickable, optimised landing page - making it easy for users to find the exact link they’re seeking.

With tiered pricing, it totally depends on how many accounts you plan on managing. However, Linkin.bio Lite is available for free! Their pro plan gives you even more possibilities - including extra analytics capabilities, the full suite of scheduling and more.

Pros:

• View Linkin.bio analytics for the last 3 months

• Add a dedicated link to a url with a customizable CTA

• Google Analytics integration

• UTM tracking in Google Analytics 

• All of Later’s other scheduling capabilities

• Add multiple links per post (paid)

• Shopify integration (paid)

Cons:

• No real chance to add additional branding

• Can’t change the order of posts 

• Can’t customize the blocks of links

The thing is, you may think these tools work wonderfully. They allow you to use multiple links in one place, and that’s the aim of the game, right? True. But why would you want to give another tool all your link traffic?

Hold up! There’s another way. Your own links page.

Before you follow suit with a Linkin.bio or Linktree link, it’s worth considering a landing page on your own website.

But why? Well, because why send traffic elsewhere when you can send it to your own website?

Landing pages are nothing new. And while these link tools can be the easy way to create one of your own, there are limitations as we’ve just covered.

If you’re frequently changing your bio link, I can see why Linktree or Linkin.bio may be your first consideration. But it’s worth considering a landing page of your own that gives you total control. 

But of course… We’re going to take a look at the pros and cons!

Pros and cons of your own links page

Pros:

• Driving traffic to your own domain and the ability to track those clicks

• Full control over the layout (if you’re able to navigate your site’s design or have someone who can for you)

• Complete branding control - No need to pay for tools that give you branding editing capabilities

• Opportunities to send users to any part of your website

• It can be as minimalist or elaborate as you like

Cons:

• Changing/building a landing page may be tricky if you didn’t build your website yourself

• May be slower than other tools to populate with new links

• If you don’t have your own website, this is all a little redundant (sorry!)

Considering your own landing page?

Have I convinced you yet? There are many pros and cons for each tool, but I’m definitely biased towards your own landing page!

Design it as you please, track clicks and brand it up! If you need help creating a landing page that works for your brand, get in touch.