How to Create a Linktree Alternative on Squarespace & Improve SEO
If you’re active on Instagram, you know how hard it is to choose just one link to feature in your bio (ESPECIALLY if your account is for your business.) There are TONS of links you want to promote, from your website’s landing page, to free downloads, to your latest blog post, to your email list sign-up.
So, when you can only showcase ONE link, how is an entrepreneur to choose?!
What is Linktree?
Linktree solved this problem in 2016, allowing Instagram users to feature a variety of links in their bio using one Linktree link - which leads to a page of buttons visitors can click to be directed to different places.
For a while, Linktree seemed like the PERFECT solution - until many website designers realized there was a better way to link multiple destinations in their bio using their own Squarespace website.
Benefits of Using your Website
Don’t worry - we’ll get to the hows behind creating a Linktree look-a-like page on your website. But first, let’s cover WHY you should be using your own website in your bio instead of Linktree.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
The first reason seems pretty clear off the bat, but there’s much more to it than many realize. When you use your own website’s page instead of Linktree, anyone who clicks is already on your website.
This is not only great for search engine optimization, but also means you don’t have to have a link to your website in your list of links - visitors are already on your website!
This also eliminates potential awkwardness when you create a link not only to your website, but also your blog, on Linktree. Visitors are often left wondering which they should click, leading to confusion before they even enter your website.
Adding a links page on your website itself eliminates this conflict, and allows visitors to explore your website regardless of which link they click.
View Analytics in One Place
As a business owner, one of the most important things you should be keeping track of is how many clicks each link in your bio is getting.
This helps you make important decisions regarding which links to continue to feature, how to order them, which to promote most, etc… Linktree doesn’t allow this kind of analytics tracking, but your own Squarespace website does.
With the Google Analytics integration on your website, you can track how many visits the Instagram links page of your website gets, as well as which exact links get clicked most (and when.)
This is CRUCIAL for marketing decisions, as well as simply knowing what your audience is most interested in!
If your latest blog post is getting alllll the clicks, run with that momentum and promote it like there’s no tomorrow on your Instagram! If your freebie isn’t getting any traction at all, it may be best to rethink it.
Who knew so much information could come from simple analytics tracking?! (Hint: It’s everyone using their own landing page in their bio!)
Branding
Linktree is rather limited when it comes to choosing fonts and colors for your buttons and links - as well as for the links page altogether. This is because it’s designed to house your links - not become a part of your website or brand.
The problem? This lack of branding makes it immediately clear to your audience when they visit that you’re using a third party website to host your links page, and breaks all the consistency with branding you’ve worked so hard to keep between your Instagram and website (and other social platforms.)
Think about this - if your Instagram and website are both filled with light, airy hues, soft colors, and fun fonts - but your Linktree (the middle man) is black and white - that is going to be off-putting to your audience.
They may wonder if they are on the right page, or whether your Instagram brand is actually your brand on other platforms.
Don’t let your branding investment go down the drain in the transition from Instagram to your website itself!
On your own Squarespace website, you can control the colors and fonts on your links page, and ensure the vibe matches that of the rest of your website - and, most importantly - your brand as a whole. This will give visitors confidence in your brand and a seamless, cohesive experience as they venture away from Instagram and onto your special links.
How to Create a Linktree Look-A-Like Page
Have I convinced you of the importance of creating a links page for your Instagram bio on your own website?
If so, let’s get started.
I’m going to walk you through exactly how to create a BOMB links page for your Squarespace website so you never have to rely on Linktree again.
1. Under Pages, click the “+” icon and add a regular page
Note: You can add an index page (Squarespace 7.0 version only) if you want to get more advanced.
Make sure you’re adding the page under the Not Linked section since it’s only going to be visible to people on Instagram.
2. Name the page
Squarespace will automatically default to naming the page “new page.” You can change this to something simple like “Instagram” or “Info.”
You can also click the gear icon next to the page to change the URL slug to be something enticing like “/start-here” or “/click-here” since people viewing your Instagram bio will see the link.
3. Use the insert point to add blocks and content
Click “edit” on the screen.
If you’re on Squarespace 7.0, you’ll automatically see the insert point.
If you’re on Squarespace 7.1, you’ll need to add a section to the page before the insert point becomes visible.
Not sure what the difference is? Click here to find out.
Using the insert point, you can add different content to the page. Common blocks you can add here are:
Text
Button
Line
Image
In general, you want to keep this page simple.
Remember that people are clicking to this page from a mobile device. You can add an image on the left side of the screen (which will appear on the top on mobile), but I’d suggest that you just include the button links at the top.
You can use text links, but button links stand out much more.
Optional: You can include text welcoming the person to the page like “So glad you landed here!”
Keep the links to maximum of 5 to avoid analysis paralysis. I also recommend that you include mainly links to free things like:
Consultation call
PDF download
Free webinar
Services page with packages/pricing
Of course, if you’re in launch mode and trying to sell a digital product, definitely include a link to your sales page. But it’s good to think about what you’re commonly promoting on Instagram and use that insight to figure out what links to include on this page.
You can also include a summary block showcasing your latest blog posts or podcast episodes.
4. Review the mobile version
Once you’re done, it’s time to double check that it looks good on a mobile device.
You should see a small arrow at the top of your screen (Squarespace 7.0) or in the upper right hand corner (Squarespace 7.1). If you click on the phone icon, you’ll be able to directly view how the page will appear on mobile.
5. Add it to your Instagram bio
Last, but not least, it’s time to make the page live on your Instagram account! On your desktop or through the app on your phone, click “edit” on your profile and add the new link in there.
There you have it! Now you’re ready to go.
Trust me - one mistake every Squarespace website designer hates to see is their clients’ work and investment in branding go down the drain with a poorly designed, out-of-place Linktree link in their Instagram bio.
(That’s why I personally create an Instagram links page on the website of all my clients, so they can avoid this major pitfall!)
If you currently use Linktree to host the links in your Instagram bio, I encourage you to make the change to your own website page ASAP. The sooner you switch, the sooner you will start seeing the results!
If thinking of doing anything else with your website yourself makes your head spin - whether it’s adding another page, changing up your branding, or even launching a Squarespace website in the first place - allow me to help you out!
I offer a variety of packages and services, ranging from in-depth website audits to full, done-for-you, website design packages.
If you’re considering taking the leap, this is your sign! I’ll be looking for your message in my inbox, and can’t wait to get to know you and your brand. ;) See you there!
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