Using Squarespace as a Linktree Alternative
Do you have a Linktree page? If you do, then you know that link in bio pages are a great way to share all your important links—whether it’s your latest blog post, a special offer, or your online store—through a single, easy-to-access page.
But here’s the thing — you may want to dump Linktree and start using Squarespace as an alternative. And in this blog, you’ll learn exactly how to do it (and why you should). Keep reading!
Linktree vs a Squarespace “links” page
Before we get into the guide, you might be thinking, “why waste time creating my own links page when there’s already a ton of link in bio services out there that make it so easy?”
Well, stop right there.
Sure, link in bio page services like Linktree are great for people who don’t have their own website (although, if they’re a business, they should really think about getting one), the reality is if you have a website already, you’re waaay better off hosting your own links page.
Here’s a few reasons why using Linktree instead of Squarespace for your links page may not be a good idea:
Limited design capabilities
With Linktree, your design options are pretty restricted, which means your links page might not match your brand’s unique style. This can make your page look generic or off-brand—something that’s not ideal if you’re aiming for a professional and cohesive online presence. On the other hand, Squarespace gives you complete control over the design, allowing you to fully customize your page to match your brand’s look and feel. You can adjust your fonts and colors and structure the page the way you want to create a more on-brand experience.
Limited technical capabilities
Linktree’s technical limitations can be a significant drawback. If you want to add more advanced features like a signup form, embed a video, or integrate specific tools, you’re out of luck. This restricts your ability to fully customize the page and limits how you engage with your audience. Squarespace, however, provides a wide range of built-in features and integrations. Whether you want to add a newsletter signup form, a blog highlight section, or something else, Squarespace has the tools you need to create a fully functional and interactive link in bio page.
You’re sending traffic to another website
When you use Linktree, you’re sending your valuable traffic to their platform rather than your own website. This means you lose out on keeping visitors within your site and have limited control over their experience. With Squarespace, you’re keeping all your traffic on your own site. This not only gives you full control over their experience but can help you encourage other actions on your site.
Limited access to analytics
The free version of Linktree offers basic analytics, but to unlock more detailed insights, you’ll need to pay for their premium plan. This limitation can hold you back if you’re serious about optimizing your links page or just want to see what people are most interested in. Squarespace offers robust analytics as part of its platform, allowing you to track everything from page views to conversion rates. This gives you a comprehensive understanding of how visitors interact with your content, so you can make data-driven decisions without needing to pay extra for these insights. And who wants to pay more if they don’t have to?
How to create a link in bio page in Squarespace
So, now you know the reasons you should be hosting your own link in bio page on your website. But how do you actually create one in Squarespace? By following these seven steps, that’s how!
Step 1: Create a new page
The first thing you’ll want to do to create a link in bio page in Squarespace is… create the page. Do this by going into the Pages editor in your website then clicking the + icon next to Not Linked. Then choose Blank Page. In the Page Settings, change the URL slug to /links.
Step 2: Add buttons pointing to your top 5 or 6 links
Think about the most important links you’d want your visitors to see when landing on this page. This could include your services, products, your blog, or just a link to your homepage for them to decide from there.
And while you might have a dozen pages you think are important for your visitors to see, keep it to 5 or 6 so you don’t overwhelm your visitors.
Step 3: Include a short intro
You’ll also want to include a quick, friendly intro to set the tone for your "link in bio" page. Just a sentence or two introducing your reader to your business and what you do to give visitors an immediate sense of who you are. Above the intro, add either a picture of yourself or your logo.
Step 4: Include a section highlighting your newsletter
You can definitely include a button on your newsletter sign-up page in the buttons section of your links page, but do you know what an even more effective way to encourage sign-ups is? Adding a section, not just a button, highlighting your newsletter. You can either include a lead magnet in return for their email or just a persuasive pitch to what they get from being a member of your newsletter. This might include regular tips, discounts, stories, or something else!
Step 5: Remove the header and footer
One of the reasons for having a links page is to be able to customize your visitors first experience on your website and direct them to the pages you want them to go to. Having a navigation bar as the first thing they see when hopping on your links page kind of defeats the purpose of this. So, it’s best to remove the header (and the footer while you’re at it)! To do this, go to your Page Settings, then Navigation, and uncheck Show Header and Show Footer.
Step 6: Make sure the page is on-brand
One of the benefits of hosting your own link in bio page on Squarespace is that you have complete control over the design. So, make sure it’s on brand! Use colors, colors, and buttons the that match your overall branding to reinforce your brand identity and give a proper introduction to the rest of your site.
Step 7: Make sure it looks good on mobile
Since most people will probably be checking out your "link in bio" page from their phones, make sure the page looks good on mobile screens. You’ll do this by going into your links page in Squarespace, clicking Edit, and then clicking Mobile View. Pay attention to text size, button placement, and overall readability. A smooth mobile experience will keep your visitors happy and more likely to click through to the next page!
Step 8: Add the link in bio page to your social media profiles
Finally, update your social media profiles (Instagram, Facebook, X, etc.) with your new link in bio page. Swap out any old third-party links with this one to drive people straight to your site.
Step 9: Monitor your analytics
Of course, one of the benefits of a service like Linktree is that it shows you the analytics of your page, like how many people clicked on your buttons. Well, you can get this information on Squarespace too! To get this information, go to the Analytics section of your website, then click Engagement. Under Form & Button Conversions, you’ll be able to see how many unique visitors you’re getting to your links page and which buttons are getting clicked.
Do you even need a link in bio page?
Listen, creating a link in bio page can be a lot of work. After reading this guide, you may be thinking, “Never mind, I’ll just link my social media to my homepage.” That’s not necessarily the wrong choice. But there are a few reasons why having a links page can be good for you in the long run.
First of all, a link in bio page can essentially act as a landing page on your website for visitors who know at least a little bit about you after spending time on your social media account. You can encourage them to check out the pages you think are most relevant to them.
Second, since the only people who are typically going to land on your link in bio page are people who find you through social media, and you can use your analytics to see which pages people are clicking on, your link in bio page can give more insights into your social media audience and what they are interested in. And any amount of understanding you can get of your audience is a good thing.
Finally, a link in bio page is a great option if you don’t only want to send your audience to your website. Maybe you want to include some affiliate links or links to your other social media pages. Since most social media platforms have a limit to the amount of links you can put in your bio, having a links page can be a great workaround.
So, are you ready to start using Squarespace as an alternative to Linktree?
Well then, hopefully, this guide will help you! By following these simple steps, you'll have a neat, organized page where people can quickly find everything they need—whether it's your latest blog post, social media profiles, or online shop. Plus, you get to add your personal touch to make sure it looks just right for your brand. So, go ahead and have some fun with it—your audience will appreciate the effort!
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