You know this too: You want to add your website link to your Instagram profile, but it would also be helpful for your visitors to have a direct link to your contact form. And then there’s your imprint, which is legally required to be included on Instagram as well. You have to choose because you can’t add everything. Instagram only allows you to place one single clickable link — in your bio. But sometimes one link just isn’t enough. Sometimes you need more. And that’s exactly where a linktree comes into play.
A linktree is basically just a landing page where visitors find a clear collection of several URLs. This means you only need space for one URL — the one that leads to your landing page with the link list. There are many (free) tools that help you create such a link collection. But beware: link collections can quickly become a stumbling block.
Many companies, freelancers, and bloggers swear by Linktr.ee — it’s the most well-known tool among them. Not me. In fact, I strongly advise against using it.
Why Linktr.ee Does More Harm Than Good
With Linktr.ee, you can easily and intuitively create a single page that links to as many other pages as you want. At first glance, it’s a quick and easy solution to the space problem described above. Great idea, right? Unfortunately, the implementation is flawed.
It starts with the design. Linktr.ee offers a few free templates. If you want more variety, you have to pay around €5 ($6). But that’s not all:
You’re sending your traffic everywhere — just not to yourself!
Instagram wants to keep its users on the platform as long as possible, which is partly why you’re only allowed one clickable link. By using Linktr.ee, however, you’re sending potential customers elsewhere first, creating another hurdle before they finally reach your website. Experience shows that many visitors drop off at Linktr.ee and are lost (keep reading for tips on how to reduce high bounce rates). Also important from an SEO perspective: the more traffic your website generates, the more “important” Google considers it, and the higher it ranks in search results.
But the main reason I strongly advise against this tool and why you shouldn’t use Linktr.ee: its use is not GDPR-compliant and can lead to legal warnings! Linktr.ee tracks all page views and clicks as soon as the page is opened and sets cookies. It tracks users immediately and WITHOUT any notice or consent, as it doesn’t use a cookie banner and doesn’t allow you to integrate your own consent tool (another GDPR violation). Furthermore, the unlawfully collected data is transmitted to servers in the USA. You might think: So what? Google Analytics also uses US servers and tracks users. That’s true, but unlike Linktr.ee, Google processes European data within Europe and provides a data processing agreement (which is mandatory under GDPR when using Analytics). You see, you should avoid Linktr.ee.
But you can still use a link list — there are alternatives!
Popular Linktree Alternative: Canva’s Bio Link Website
An alternative to the well-known provider is Canva. Yes, Canva is also US-based but processes European users’ data according to European laws and regulations. According to their privacy policy, they comply with GDPR.
The landing page is hosted by Canva, which means you can use it even if you don’t have your own website. Pretty cool, right?
Want to create your own overview page for your links in Canva? I’ll show you how! Just swipe through the gallery for a step-by-step guide.
To make it easier for you, I’m giving away a template if you sign up for our newsletter. Sign up now to download it immediately. You can use the Canva template as is or easily customize it to your individual needs with just a few clicks.
Link list template
More Links for Instagram: Your Own Landing Page
As promised, here are some tips on how to design your linktree so that as many visitors as possible “take the next step” and click on a link. In other words: these simple tips will help you minimize the “hurdle” for your potential customers and guide more people to your URLs.
If You Use a Linktree, Do It Right!
The best, easiest, and most elegant way to collect your URLs clearly is your own landing page on your website. If you already have a website, you can add a new subpage in just a few minutes. It’s even easier if you use a website builder. For example, we use Elementor* to create new pages super easily. Make sure your link collection doesn’t appear in your main menu and is optimized for mobile use. The advantages of your own landing page: it’s super quick to create, free, and you direct your visitors straight to your own website — the place where you sell your products/services. No detours. Plus, this increases your traffic, which sends a positive signal to Google.
