Why You Shouldn’t Use Linktree + Easy Steps to Create Instagram Landing Pages Without a Service
Since Instagram still limits outgoing links, there are Instagram landing page services like Linktree that make it easier to promote your content.
Although it’s easy to use these services to build a quick page, I’ll tell you why you shouldn’t use Linktree or another landing page service.
Then, I’ll show you easy steps on how to create your own Instagram landing page without a service.
What is an Instagram Landing Page?
An Instagram landing page is a simple, stand-alone page accessed by a link located in the link in bio or a promoted post. Instagrammers account owners use it to take customers and potential leads to a site to learn more or take the next step in the user journey.
Since most users of Instagram are on mobile devices, creating a mobile-friendly page is important.
Instagram landing pages can include
- More content
- Graphics
- Links to blog posts or pages for more information or details
- Product promotion
- Email marketing / list building
- Affiliate links
- Special deals
- Testimonials
- Videos
Why You Shouldn’t Use Linktree (or LinkinBio, etc.)
1. You’re Linking to a Site That Isn’t Yours
The purpose of putting a link in bio is to bring people to your site. If you use a service, you’re adding an extra step.
If you run ads on your site, you’re not getting the benefit of those pageviews, the service is.
And, you’re giving them good SEO juice by sending traffic to them from a high domain authority site.
So, you’re missing out on SEO and pixel data too for ad optimization.
2. It Crashes
Another reason why link in bio services are bad is that there are many complaints about LinkTree glitches and being down for several hours, even days.
3. You Don’t Have Control
Not only are there frequent crashes and glitches, you have no control over a site that isn’t yours. There have been reports of Instagram flagging Linktree as spam. That can cause the link in your bio to become blocked, without notification. So, you shouldn’t use Linktree because your Instagram link in bio could stop working and you wouldn’t know it.
4. It’s Not on Brand
Unless you pay for the pro version, LinkTree has limited color and font options. You’ve worked hard on your branded colors and designs. Branding is important and you want a cohesive look and feel no matter where you are.
5. It’s Not Free
Well, yes, there is free version, but to be on brand and look professional, you’ll have to pay $24/month for full access to data, analytics, support, and more.
How to Create Your Own Instagram Landing Page
Now, let’s talk about how to create a custom Instagram landing page hosted on your own website.
If you already have a website, jump down to the next section. For those without a website, you can set up a free one (with limitations) on Blogger.com. I recommend using WordPress, the highly flexible, free, open-source platform. For the most flexibility, you’ll want a self-hosted site, but you can get cheap, good hosting for around $40/month from Big Scoots.
It’s super easy to make your own Instagram landing page with your branding, made precisely the way you want it. Just make sure you have a mobile-friendly theme. I like Restored316 affordable and beautiful website themes.
Create a New Page
Create a new page on your website to include buttons and links for promoting products, content, email marketing campaigns, and more. Your landing page can include not only links but content or graphics too.
When you set up your page, remember to optimize it for mobile devices, since most Instagram users are on mobile devices.
Choose a good name/URL for your new page, keeping in mind your audience will see the URL in your Instagram profile. You could use “Instagram”, “Social Media”, “Welcome”, or simply, “Hello”.
Be sure to no-index and turn off SEO for this page. Also, do not link to your landing page from your other pages. You don’t want people arriving from Google or other places within your site.
Here are 10 Things You Could Include in an Instagram Landing Page.
- Latest blog posts
- Newsletter sign up
- A freebie download
- Your portfolio
- Links to your services
- Price guide
- Link to book a service
- Contact information
- Images
- Videos
Good Examples of Instagram Landing Pages Not on Linktree
Running on Real Food
This Instagram landing page from Running on Real Food is on brand and includes helpful information and beautiful photos to enhance the experience. Not only is she sending her audience directly to her site, but she’s also able to take advantage of ad revenue.
Midwest Foodie
This landing page design includes from Midwest Foodie also stays consistent with her brand. She includes her logo, bio, and a newsletter sign-up call to action. And, she can also generate ad revenue from pageviews.
Short Girl Tall Order
This Instagram landing page from Short Girl Tall Order has the looks of a Linktree page with a simple, functional design. But, she’s able to incorporate her own branding, have unlimited control of her content, and also run ads on her landing page.
If you have an example of another blogger with an amazing Instagram landing page, please let me know and I’ll add it to the list.
Rachel K. Belkin, M.Ed is an Austin, Texas writer, creator, educator, speaker, and entrepreneur. Bylines include MSN, HuffPost, Medium, and Hometalk. After selling a 13-year blogging business in 2021, she now writes and teaches bloggers, brands, and business owners the strategies that helped build a business on part-time hours, through motherhood, chronic illness, travel, and a breast cancer diagnosis. She has been featured on KXAN, Studio 512, Fox 7 Austin, CBS Austin, and other news and media outlets.
