Looking for a Linktree Alternative? Here’s the One That Doesn’t Suck
Still using Linktree? No shame—most of us started there. But if you’re serious about your brand, it’s time for a glow-up. Because handing your traffic (and first impressions) over to someone else’s platform? That’s not the boss move you think it is.
Let’s break down why a custom "link in bio" page on your own website (yep, the one you already pay for) is hands-down the best Linktree alternative. More control, better SEO, and all the branding power you’ve been giving away for free.
What Is Linktree, Anyway?
Linktree is a free (ish) tool that helps you share multiple links through one URL—usually stuck in your Instagram bio. Instead of updating your profile every time you post something new, you create a Linktree that lists everything you want your followers to see: your latest blog post, course waitlist, Spotify playlist of witchy moon music. Whatever.
What Is Linktree Used For?
People use Linktree to create a mini landing page of links, typically to bypass the single-link limit on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. It’s used for promoting digital products, YouTube channels, events, appointment bookings, or simply to consolidate your online presence into one spot.
How Much Does Linktree Cost Per Month?
Linktree has a free plan with basic features, but the good stuff is locked behind a paywall:
Free: Basic themes, limited customization, and some basic analytics.
Starter ($5/month): Slightly better styling, more links.
Pro ($9/month): Deeper analytics, scheduling, integrations.
Premium ($24/month): Priority support, team access, custom domains (but still... it’s their platform, and options are pretty limited).
Spoiler alert: you could be putting that money toward hosting your own website. Just saying.
Is Linktree Worth It?
Only if you’re not ready for a website yet. It’s fine as a temporary bridge, but not a long-term brand strategy. It’s like living out of a suitcase—doable, but not ideal. If you're trying to grow a serious business, it's time to stop outsourcing your audience's first click to a third-party app.
Can You See Who Clicked Your Linktree?
Sort of. Linktree gives you vague analytics—number of clicks, top links, views. But no real insight into who clicked unless they opt-in somewhere after the fact. Want actual data on your audience? Host your links on your website and connect it to real analytics tools like Google Analytics or Fathom.
Who Is Linktree For?
Linktree is for beginners. Newbies. Side hustlers in phase one of their brand glow-up. If you don’t have a website yet (we need to talk, btw), it’s a decent placeholder. It gives you a simple way to connect your audience to multiple destinations: your booking page, podcast, newsletter, Etsy, whatever.
BUT—and it’s a big one—you’re also handing over your traffic, brand equity, and control to someone else’s backyard.
Why a Custom Link in Bio Page on Your Own Website Is the Best Linktree Alternative in 2025
1. Traffic Goes Where It Belongs: Your Site
Every click to your Linktree is a missed opportunity for your own SEO. Google rewards websites that get traffic and keep visitors engaged. So if you’re sending everyone to Linktree instead of your own site, you’re essentially helping them rank, not you.
2. Total Brand Control
Your brand is more than a logo and a hex code. It’s the vibe, the tone, the energy. Linktree gives you... well, templates. Slightly customizable, sure—but you’re still stuck in their sandbox. On your own site, you control everything: colors, fonts, layout, copy, sass level.
3. Better Analytics (That Actually Help You)
Linktree gives you basic stats, but if you’re serious about growing your brand, you need the good stuff. With a custom link in bio page, you can track user behavior with tools like Google Analytics, Hotjar, or whatever floats your data-loving boat. You get real insight, not just vanity metrics.
4. No Random Outages or Platform Risk
Linktree goes down? You’re toast. Their terms change? Sucks to be you. When your links live on your website, you’re the boss. No middleman. No drama.
5. SEO Goldmine
A well-optimized page with your name, keywords, and links to internal content? Yes, please. That’s called an SEO power move. Search engines crawl your site, not Linktree’s. The more value-packed pages you’ve got, the better.
Downsides of Using Linktree (aka, Why You’re Over It)
You Don’t Own It: It’s their tech, their platform, their rules.
It Looks Generic: Even with premium plans, most Linktree pages look like... Linktree pages.
Lost Brand Opportunity: You’re sending people away from your home base—the digital equivalent of inviting someone to dinner, then sending them to a food court.
Analytics Are Weak: You can’t segment, test, or analyze effectively.
Risk of Algorithmic Nonsense: Social platforms have been known to flag third-party links as spammy. Don’t risk it.
How to Set Up a Custom Link-in-Bio Page in Squarespace
Alright, ready to ditch the middleman and make something that actually looks like you? Setting up a custom link-in-bio page in Squarespace is wildly simple—especially if you're already familiar with how Squarespace works. Here's how to build one that not only looks gorgeous, but also earns its keep in your overall brand ecosystem.
Step 1: Create a "Not Linked" Page
Log into your Squarespace site, go to the Pages panel, and create a new blank page under the “Not Linked” section. Why "Not Linked"? Because we don’t want this showing up in your site navigation like an awkward extra limb. This page is for Instagram (or TikTok, or wherever), not for your main menu.
Pro tip: If you want to keep this page off Google’s radar, go into the page settings, click the SEO tab, and toggle on “Hide from Search Results.” Not mandatory, but neat if you like to keep your bio links exclusive.
Step 2: Design That Baby
Here’s where the magic (and strategy) kicks in. Use Squarespace blocks and sections to create a layout that feels like a natural extension of your brand. Keep it clean, mobile-first, and don’t overthink it.
What to include:
Branded Header – Your name, logo, or something visually “you.” Let people know they’re still in your universe.
Clickable Buttons – Use Squarespace’s built-in button blocks to link out to your top destinations (services, freebies, new blog posts, etc.)
Social Icons – Drop those in. Yes, even though they’re coming from social—people hop between platforms like frogs on espresso.
Optional Extras – Videos, images, illustrations, or a short brand intro if you’re feeling spicy.
Want to go even sleeker? In Squarespace 7.1, you can hide the header and footer for that clean, standalone-landing-page feel. Just open page settings, click Navigation, and toggle them off.
Step 3: Add the Right Links
This is the meat. Add call-to-action buttons for what actually matters—your newsletter, current offerings, shop, podcast, contact page, etc. Prioritize what’s most relevant right now. Don’t just throw in 20 links because you can.
Think of it like curating a highlight reel, not a directory.
Step 4: Connect It to Your Socials
In the page settings (under General), give your page a clear, short URL slug like /links
, /hello
, or /bio
. Copy the full link and drop it into your Instagram bio.
That’s it! You’ve just created a strategic, branded, click-happy linktree alternative that lives on your own domain. Total control. Zero monthly fees. And you didn’t even break a sweat.
Why My Squarespace Templates Include the Best Linktree Alternative Ever
Most of the templates I design come with a built-in “link in bio” page. Mobile-optimized, brand-aligned, easy to update. You get the power of your own platform without the tech headache.
It’s like Linktree, but hot.
You can style it however you want. Add booking buttons. Embed videos. Drop a freebie. Flex your magic. And it lives where it should—on your domain.
Final Word: Stop Leasing, Start Owning
Linktree served its purpose. It’s training wheels. But if you’re serious about your brand, your traffic, and your future clients, it’s time to graduate.
Build your own link in bio page. Better yet—use one of my Squarespace templates and have it done in a few clicks.
“Link in bio” but make it strategic, magnetic, and fully yours.
Ready to upgrade? Browse my templates and find the one that screams you.