We all know by now that social media is one of the most effective marketing tools for businesses far and wide. But what happens when a business fails to create a clear map to their product for consumers? That is why the appearance of links online is so vital!

Links are one of the most simple and clear cut marketing tools available for businesses. Learning how to best utilize them for each platform, to increase your click-through rate (also known as CTR – the percentage of people visiting your webpage via access from a hyperlink), can help boost business, exposure, sales, and more! Get started with these expert tips here:

 

1. Ensure your link is live and correct.

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Please. This is the first step that many fail to confirm is working properly. Double-check each post by actively clicking on the link yourself to make sure that it is a live link, and brings you to the proper webpage. Users are more apt to become frustrated if they are brought to an invalid site or simply the wrong product.

 

2. Use a Trustable Link

Consumers are significantly less likely to click on a link if it is from an unknown source. Creating link shortcuts or linking to outside sites often creates confusion and a sense of worry from the average user. Copy and paste the full link to ensure that users are able to see all parts of the URL. 

 

3. Adapt your post for different platforms

One of the most important variables about links is that they differ on how they are integrated per platform. Each platform uses different previews and link shortening tools, so learning how to navigate each is your best shot at success.

 

Websites: There are two common methods for inserting links into webpages,

  1. Embedding the link into your text.

This option allows for more creativity, as well as more context into the link you are clicking. However, it is not as obvious.

  1. Sharing your idea with a link at the end – 101management.net.

This option allows for a more obvious direction. However, it is not as aesthetically pleasing and can bulk up your page. 

 

Twitter: When posting a link on Twitter, the link has to remain within the text caption in order for it to embed properly. If you want to show an image, uploading it separately will take attention away from the link.

 

Facebook: Posting your link directly on FB automatically embeds the link for you. There are few options for optimizing links for Facebook:

  1. Embedding the link into your post.
  2. Sharing your idea with a link at the end: 101management.net
  3. Post a photo with your link shared directly within the caption.
  4. Create a post, then comment the link underneath the post.

 

LinkedIn: When posting a link on LinkedIn, the link has to remain within the text caption in order for it to embed. Once LinkedIn pulls the data into the post, you are able to hide the link. If you want to show an image, uploading it separately will take attention away from the link.

 

Instagram: Instagram does not allow users to embed links into their captions or comments directly, so we have compiled a list of alternatives to creating a live and effective link on IG.

  1. Add your link to your Instagram bio, and direct users to your bio. Utilizing a linking service (such as Link Tree) can allow you to show users multiple links at once. 
  2. If your account has 10K+ fans, utilize the “swipe up” feature on IG Stories, by embedding your link into your Story post for users to access.
  3. Use link shortening services (such as Bit.ly) so the link is easy for users to remember and type into their browser.
  4. DM users the link directly. If a user is struggling, DM them the link as Instagram DMs allow for embedding. 

 

4. Place your link strategically

Making sure that your link is easy to spot is a #1 priority. In order to encourage users to click on your link, you want to guarantee they can find it easily. Utilizing fun tools like arrows, bold text, or embedding it into text can often draw users eyes to the links. But, don’t use common pull phrases like “check it out,” “click here,” “read more.” These get repetitive and users get tired of seeing them. Putting your own spin on a call to action (CTA) can really add that extra personal touch! 

 

5. Focus on the main content

What is the point of your post? Are you encouraging users to buy something? Read a blog post? Create a sweet and simple introduction for your link, to ensure that the link is the main focus. Adding extra pictures, hashtags, long text, or multiple links can confuse and deter users. 

 

6. Using the least amount of links possible

Using two or more links within a social media post can often get confusing and hectic. Condensing your links into one can increase the click-through rate, while too many linked items in a post can decrease the CTR. However, sometimes multiple links are necessary! When posting more than one link use some of these helpful tips:

  • Organize each link with a Call to Action to show what each link is. If needed, create shorter links for each to minimize clutter. For example:
    “Tickets: (link)
    Live Stream: (link)
    More Information: (link)”
  • Embed your links into text clearly showing what it is for. For example: Buy tickets here, and find your nearest theater here. 
  • Utilize the comment section. Post your main information, then create separate comments with each link.

 

Links are free; yet they are a simple, effective, and crucial key to online marketing that should be taken advantage of.  Utilizing a link to fit the post, brand, and idea is key to posting an impactful advertisement online.

 

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