Although you now have the ability to add more than one link to your Instagram bio, you may still want to add a “Link in Bio” platform so that you can direct users to more than 5 links – as well as use it on other platforms such as TikTok. But what are the Link in Bio site options, and which is the best option for SEO and user experience? We explore them all below.
What is a Link in Bio Platform?
For many years, Instagram has only allowed one link to be included in your Instagram bio, and thus Link in Bio platforms were created as a work-around. Essentially, Link in Bio platforms allow you to create a landing page on a single URL that includes all of your important links, which you can then link in your Instagram and TikTok bios to help direct traffic.
Having a Link in Bio page linked on your social profile allows you to:
- Direct users to multiple pages/areas. For example, if you run a restaurant, you could point users to the booking page, various recipe pages, locations page on your website and your other social media accounts
- Drive traffic and increase clicks to your website or blog
- Showcase best selling products or services
- Track clicks, sales and revenue
Link Page on Your Website
By far the best thing you can do is to create a parent link page on your own website. Although Link in Bio sites are convenient, you also need to be mindful of SEO and improving your brand visibility in search engine results.
One of the ways that search engines such as Google decide on ranking is by analysing links to your website. Social media platforms tend to have a high ‘ranking weight’, meaning that this link out of your Instagrambio is of high importance for SEO
What’s more, when a user clicks the link in your bio, it’s much better for them to go to your website (so that if they decide not to browse any of the links, they can at least navigate to your website home page) rather than simply clicking off – helping you to boost conversions.
As a website design agency, here at Ballyhoo we think that it’s paramount that we direct our clients and users to a number of resources that they will find helpful. We currently use LinkTree, however we are in the process of building our own links landing page on our website.
Link in Bio Platforms
However, if you don’t have the functionality or means to add a link page to your website, or you simply don’t want to, here’s a run-down of the best sites you can use instead.
LinkTree
LinkTree was one of the first Link in Bio tools to surface, and is still one of the most commonly used.
LinkTree goes one step further than just links too, by allowing your business to collect payments – which is great news for those trying to collect donations or monetise content. You can also schedule links and add thumbnail photos next to link buttons.
Price: Free plan available, paid plan from £2.60 per month
URL: linktr.ee/username
Customisation: Colours, fonts, banners and themes can all be customised
Analytics: Analytics tool tracking progress and performance of your links
Integration: Mailchimp, Google Sheets & Facebook
Later Link in Bio
Linkin.bio was created by Later – the Instagram scheduling tool that is taking the social world by storm. This is perhaps one of the most well known Link in Bio sites, with its vast capability and forward thinking features. Linkin.bio turns your Instagram link into a mini-website for your business, allowing you to track clicks to help you understand what drives traffic.
Price: Free plan available, paid plans from £18 per month
URL: linkin.bio/username
Customisation: Colours, fonts, banners and themes can all be customised
Analytics: Analytics tool tracking progress and performance of your links
Integration: Mailchimp
Carrd.co
Like Linkin.bio, Carrd.co is one of the more advanced bio makers, which is effectively a website landing page builder. It offers a range of features and customisation options – great for influencers and businesses alike.
With Carrd.co, you can add widgets and integrations. It also boasts a wide range of layouts and designs to choose from, customising your link profile as you wish.
You can also upgrade your account to get access to custom domains as well as password protecting secure pages.
Price: Free plan available, paid plan from £9 per year
URL: username.carrd.co
Customisation: Colours, fonts, banners and themes can all be customised
Analytics: Power analytics options for tracking progress and performance of your links
Integration: Zapier, Make & Stripe Checkout
Tap.bio
Tap.bio is another platform that we have heard of from many other accounts.
This platform is really easy to set up, allowing you to create branded cards with links, pictures and text, to showcase to your followers. Tap Bio also allows you to track users’ interactions.
This platform feels less detailed than others, and is much simpler than other Link in Bio sites.
Price: Free plan available, paid plan from £4 per month
URL: tap.bio/@username
Customisation: Colours, fonts, banners and themes can all be customised
Analytics: Analytics tool tracking progress and performance of your cards
Integration: Mailchimp, Google Sheets, Facebook & Zapier
InstaBio
This is on the more basic side of the Link in Bio platforms but does its job.
One limitation is that this site only allows 2 links in the free plan, and the paid plan 10 links – whereas the other platforms allow you to have unlimited.
Price: Free plan available, paid plan from £4 per month
URL: instabio.cc/username
Customisation: Colours and template can be customised, lacks advanced options
Analytics: Overview and analytics features available
Integration: Google Analytics & Mailchimp
LinkPop
LinkPop is a tool made specifically for those with a Shopify website, allowing you to link the two together.
In addition to normal links, you also have the ability to automatically pull in products from your shop, to showcase on your profile and to increase clicks. This shoppable landing page is great for e-commerce businesses.
Price: Free
URL: linkpop.com/username
Customisation: Change colour, font and button link shape
Analytics: Analytics tool tracking progress and performance of your links
Integration: Shopify
Link in Bio SEO
Most Link in Bio sites enable users to add ‘follow’ links. In the past, Google has recommended that websites allowing users to add links should add rel=”nofollow”, which tells the search engine that the website is not endorsing the link. However, this negatively impacted link weight value to the pages linked. Google has recently stated that they now will sometimes count the link weight. To stay on the side of caution, it’s good to add follow links if possible.
Website Design
It’s worth mentioning, that there’s little point optimising your Link in Bio site if it directs users to a bad or broken website – they will simply click away. Your website is the first step to growing your business, and it is paramount to have a website that reflects your business and offerings well. Contact us now to discuss your requirements and how we can help your business to flourish, grow and expand.
