Have you ever come across the phrase ‘link in bio’ while scrolling through Instagram or TikTok? It seems to be everywhere, from your favorite brand’s posts to that popular #CottageCore account you follow. But what exactly does ‘link in bio’ mean? Why do people use it so often? And should you be using it too? Let’s dive in and find out!
What Does “Link in Bio” Mean?
When creators on Instagram and TikTok say “link in bio,” they are referring to the URL in their bio section. It’s a way for them to tell their audience that they can find more information by clicking that URL. The link can lead to various destinations such as their website, other social media profiles, a blog, a product page, or an online shop. Some creators even have multiple links in their bio!
Interestingly, there’s a rumor that mentioning “link in bio” in your Instagram posts reduces reach and engagement. To test this theory, we conducted an experiment, and guess what? Saying “link in bio” actually increased our engagement and reach. Check out the video for all the details:
Using a link in bio is one of the easiest ways for creators on Instagram and TikTok to direct people off-platform. Previously, Instagram restricted the use of links in Stories to accounts with more than 10,000 followers, but now they’re available to everyone.
Where is the Instagram Link in Bio?
You can find the “link in bio” on Instagram in the short description at the very top of a user’s profile, right under important information like the number of posts and follower count. Even if you only have a personal account, you can still add a link to your Instagram profile. Let’s take a look at how Venture North, an organization promoting tourism in north Scotland, uses their link in bio to direct their audience to their website:
Where is the TikTok Link in Bio?
Similar to Instagram, the TikTok link in bio is located at the very top of a creator’s profile page. It’s easy to spot and access. Take a look at how The Rock uses his TikTok bio link:
How to Add a Link in Your Instagram Bio
Wondering how to add a link to your Instagram bio? It’s a simple process that involves just three steps:
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Click Edit profile at the top of your profile page.
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Enter your target URL (the link you want to promote) in the Website field.
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Click Submit at the bottom of the page.
And just like that, you’ve added a link to your Instagram bio. Quick tip: If you don’t see the link when you go back to your profile, you probably forgot to click the Submit button before navigating away from the page.
How to Add a Link in Your TikTok Bio
Adding a link to your TikTok bio is a bit different. Currently, most users need a Business account to have access to this feature. If you have a Creator account and want to add a link, you’ll need to switch to a Business account. Don’t worry, it’s easy. Just follow these steps:
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Click Edit profile on your TikTok profile page.
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Click Add your website.
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Enter the URL you want to feature on your profile.
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Click Save.
Congratulations! You now have a link in your TikTok bio.
How to Add Multiple Links to Your Link in Bio
One limitation of the bio link feature on both Instagram and TikTok is that you can only have a single link. However, there is a workaround – using a landing page. By creating a landing page, you can include multiple links in one place and direct your audience to that single link in your bio.
Creating a landing page might sound complicated, but there are various tools available to make it easy for you. Here are a few popular link in bio tools:
Hootbio
Did you know you can create a unique link in bio page for Instagram and TikTok using Hootsuite? Simply sign in to your Hootsuite account and navigate to the Create section of the dashboard. From there, select Hootbio.
Take note that Hootbio is available for Team, Business, and Enterprise plan Hootsuite users. If you’re a Professional plan user, you can upgrade your plan to access this feature.
To build your Hootbio page, start by providing basic profile information such as the profile name, description, profile picture, and your website URL. You can then add your links, rearrange them, and customize the design of your page. Once everything is set, click Update, and your Hootbio page is ready to use. Copy the displayed link and paste it into your Instagram and TikTok bios.
One-click bio
If you’re using Hootsuite Professional to manage your social media, you can create a link tree from your dashboard using oneclick.bio. This tool allows you to create simple link in bio landing pages with text-filled buttons, social media links, and an image gallery.
Linktree
Linktree is a free tool that lets you create a multi-link landing page from basic templates. It’s easy to set up and customize according to your preferences. With the free version, you can access templates and basic statistics. If you upgrade to the Pro version, you get more customization options, analytics, and the ability to remove Linktree’s logo.
Unbounce
If you prefer a highly customizable landing page, you can use a landing page builder like Unbounce. With Unbounce, you can create a branded landing page that complements your Instagram or TikTok profile. It offers a drag-and-drop builder and AI assistance for an effortless creation process.
5 Tips to Drive More Traffic with Your Link in Bio
Now that you have a link in your bio, how can you optimize it to drive more traffic to your website? Here are some tips:
1. Highlight Your Most Important Links
Avoid overwhelming your landing page with too many links. Instead, focus on highlighting the most important ones. This could include your website home page, your latest or most popular piece of content, information about a sale or promotion, links to your other social media accounts, your online storefront or top product page, and your best-performing lead magnet.
2. Match Your Links to Your Goals
Choose the links on your landing page based on your objectives. If you want to build your email list, prioritize your lead magnet and signup form. If you’re aiming for sales, focus on your online store and current promotions.
3. Offer Value, Not the Hard Sell
When someone clicks on your link in bio, they are looking for specific content or value. Make sure your landing page meets their expectations instead of bombarding them with a hard sell. Offer exclusive deals, link to your most useful content, or provide a helpful introduction to your brand.
4. Keep Your Link Short and Impactful
Since Instagram and TikTok display your full URL in your bio, you want it to be short and memorable. If possible, customize your URL to include your brand name and a clear call to action. For example: www.mybrand.ca/shopnow. Customized links are eye-catching and less likely to appear spammy. If your tool doesn’t offer customization, you can use a URL shortening tool like ow.ly for snappy links.
5. Use Emojis to Highlight Your ‘Link in Bio’
To attract more attention to your link in bio, use emojis strategically. They can draw the eye to your call-to-action phrase and make it stand out. However, be mindful not to overuse emojis. A few well-placed ones should do the trick.
With these tips in mind, you can start driving more traffic to your website from Instagram and TikTok using the power of a link in bio. If you’re looking for a comprehensive social media management tool that can help you manage all your profiles, schedule posts, engage your followers, and analyze results, why not give Hootsuite a try? Get started and see the difference it can make!
