Let’s be honest—Linktree has kinda become the go-to when someone says, “Just drop the link in your bio.” And sure, it’s popular for a reason. It’s quick, easy, and gets the job done… especially when you’re just starting out.
But if you’re running a service-based business and starting to take your online presence seriously—and want more control over how people experience your brand—it might be time to upgrade.
That’s why a lot of my clients start looking for Linktree alternatives. Maybe you want better branding, more features, or to send people to your own website instead of some third-party tool.
So in this post, we’re walking through:
- Why not all link-in-bio tools are created equal
- What features actually matter for service-based businesses
- A little hot take: why creating your own link page on your website is the best move
- Plus mistakes to avoid and how to know if your setup is actually working
Let’s make that one little link in your bio work a lot harder for you.
The biggest myth: all Linktree alternatives are created equal
A lot of people assume, “Whatever, they all do the same thing.” But that’s just… not true.
Different platforms offer totally different experiences. Some give you deep analytics. Some let you customize every little thing. Some are super stripped down. Some are bloated with features you’ll never use.
For example:
- Milkshake is cute and mobile-friendly but lacks detailed tracking.
- Taplink offers better integrations (like payment forms or appointment booking).
- Later’s Linkin.bio connects individual IG posts to URLs—great for content-heavy brands.
- Carrd is super flexible if you’re a little tech-savvy.
I’ve worked with clients who started on free Linktree, then quickly felt boxed in—no ability to match their branding, no insights into what links were getting clicks, and a weird sense that they didn’t “own” that page.
Features to look for in a Linktree alternative
When you’re running a business built on appointments, relationships, and repeat clients, your link-in-bio setup needs to pull more weight.
Branding comes first. A page that looks like you—with your logo, fonts, and colors—immediately builds credibility. It signals that you’re professional and trustworthy.
Next, booking and payment integrations. Imagine a client tapping your Instagram bio and scheduling a session in two clicks instead of six. That’s what these alternatives can do.
Finally, analytics matter more than you think. It’s not just about knowing how many people clicked. You want to see which links perform best, so you can adjust your strategy and focus on what actually converts.
Also worth checking:
- Is it free forever or just a free trial?
- Does it have weird platform branding you can’t remove?
- Will it grow with you as your offers evolve?
Which free alternatives work best?
Not ready to invest just yet? Free options can get you started.
Canva now lets you build simple websites for free. They’re basic, but they look clean and can easily double as a link-in-bio page. Carrd’s free tier is another solid option—fast to set up and easy to use. And Taplink’s free plan is surprisingly generous, letting you add scheduling links right out of the gate.
Just know that free plans often come with limits like platform branding, fewer integrations, or restricted analytics. As your business grows, you’ll probably want to upgrade.
In plain English: Free tools are fine for testing, but serious businesses should plan to invest in paid features eventually.
Is it better to build my own link-in-bio page on my website?
Here’s my favorite solution (and what I recommend to most of my clients): Just build a simple “links” page on your own website.
It’s literally one page that looks like a Linktree but lives on your domain—like yourwebsite.com/links.
Here’s why this rocks:
- Branding control – Use your fonts, your layout, your voice, your vibe.
- Better analytics – You can track everything using Google Analytics or tools like Hotjar.
- SEO value – All traffic goes to your own site, which helps boost your domain authority.
- Cross-promotion – It’s easier to link to your blog, services, lead magnet, etc. in one place.
- Professionalism – Let’s be real—it just looks more polished.
And the best part? If you’re on WordPress, Squarespace, or Showit, it’s super easy to create. You’re just building a new page and adding buttons. No special tech required.
If you’re ready to build your own link-in-bio page, keep it simple and on-brand. Start with a short intro or your tagline to set the tone, then add clear buttons that lead to your key offers—think your lead magnet, booking page, most popular service, blog or podcast, and anything else you’re currently promoting. Make sure the design matches the rest of your website so it feels cohesive, and if you want to add a little personality, including a photo of yourself or your logo can make the page feel more inviting.
Common mistakes when choosing or creating a bio link page
A few things to avoid (either when picking a platform or DIYing your own):
- Using a generic tool that doesn’t reflect your brand
- Forgetting to track clicks (you won’t know what’s working!)
- Making it hard to navigate or cluttered with too many links
- Ignoring mobile formatting—test it on your phone!
- Using vague buttons like “click here” instead of “Book your free consult” or “Grab the free meal guide”
I once had a client whose link page included 14 buttons. Nobody clicked anything because it was just… overwhelming. Less is more.
FAQ about Linktree alternatives & DIY options
What’s the easiest way to create a bio link page on my website?
If you’re on Squarespace or WordPress, just create a new page, add buttons or text links, and publish it. You can style it however you like.
Will building my own page hurt or help my SEO?
Help! You’re driving traffic to your own site (which Google loves), and you have full control over optimizing it.
Can I track clicks and conversions from my own link page?
Yes! Use Google Analytics or tools like Pretty Links or MonsterInsights on WordPress. Bonus: no relying on third-party platforms for your data.
Final thoughts
If you’ve been using Linktree or something similar without really thinking about it… now’s the time to get intentional.
Creating your own “link in bio” page gives you more control, better branding, and long-term benefits for your business. Whether you DIY it or hire a pro (hey 👋 I’m here for that), it’s a small shift with big impact.
