Why Using Link-in-Bio Services Like Linktree Could Be Hurting Your Brand (And How You Can Fix It)

If you’re running a business or trying to build your brand online, chances are you’ve come across link-in-bio services like Linktree. They’re simple, right? Throw all your important links in one place, pop that link in your Instagram or Twitter bio, and voilà, your followers can find your content easily. But as someone who’s spent years in software consulting and seen firsthand what works for brands, I’m here to tell you that relying on third-party link services could actually be holding you back. Let’s dig into why, and then I’ll share how Phantom Talks, a project we developed at Floms, handles this better.

Why Linktree and Similar Services Aren’t the Best for Your Brand

I get it — Linktree and its competitors are convenient. But here’s the thing: convenience doesn’t always mean better.

First problem? Branding. You’ve worked hard to create your brand’s unique look and feel, only to slap it on a basic template that thousands of other people are using. It doesn’t scream “I care about my brand,” does it? When users click on your link and see a plain, generic layout, you’ve already missed an opportunity to showcase your identity.

Then there’s traffic. When you’re using a third-party service, guess who gets that traffic? Not you. It’s like renting space in someone else’s mall instead of inviting people to your own store. Every click that should be adding to your site’s metrics is now just helping Linktree’s.

And control? Forget it. If Linktree changes its policies, gets bought out, or faces technical issues, your brand is directly affected. You’re left with your hands tied.

Linktree Alternatives

Looking for a linktree alternative? Look no further than your own site. Building your own link-in-bio page on your own website is a million times better than hosting a links page with a third party service.

Benefits of building your own Link-in-Bio Page

Benefits of building your own Link-in-Bio

• Enhanced Brand Identity
• Full Content Control
• Improved SEO Performance
• Increased Website Traffic

How Phantom Talks Did It Differently (and So Should You)

Let me tell you a story about Phantom Talks, a podcast we launched at Floms. We knew from the get-go that sending our traffic to a third-party link service was a non-starter. Instead, we built a custom links page on our website at phantomtalks.com/links. Here’s why that worked so well:

• Brand Consistency: Our custom page didn’t just list links; it reflected our brand—same fonts, colors, and style as the rest of our site. That kind of consistency is what builds trust and familiarity with your audience.
• Keeping Traffic In-House: Every time someone clicked that bio link, they stayed on our domain. That means better page views, lower bounce rates, and all the good stuff that boosts your SEO.
• Full Control: We could add, tweak, or redesign the page whenever we wanted. No dependency on a third party. No limits.

The SEO and Analytics Boost

Let’s not overlook the SEO advantage. Search engines love when people stay on your site and engage with it. A self-hosted links page helps with that. Plus, with our own page, we could use Google Analytics to see exactly how users were interacting with our links—data we just wouldn’t get with a third-party service.

Want to Make the Switch? Here’s How to Get Started

If you’re sold on the idea (and you should be!), creating your own links page isn’t rocket science. Here’s how to kick things off:

• Design Matters: Keep the page clean but branded. Match your site’s look, so it doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
• Optimize for Mobile: Most social media traffic is mobile, so your page should look great on any device.
• Prioritize Your Links: Put the most important stuff up top where people can find it.
• Track Performance: Use analytics tools to see which links are getting clicks and optimize accordingly.

Wrapping It Up

At Floms, we’re all about empowering brands to stand out, and Phantom Talks is proof that building a custom links page is worth it. You get a more cohesive brand experience, more traffic on your own site, and complete control over your content. It’s a simple shift that makes a big difference.

So, if you’re still relying on Linktree or something similar, think about taking that step to create a self-hosted page. Your brand—and your audience—will thank you.