What Is Linktree + 8 Steps to Set It Up

Still confused? Hold tight. You’ll find out more as I walk you through setting up Linktree.

Should You Use Linktree for Marketing?

Here are the features I appreciate the most when I use Linktree.

Free Linktree Features

When you’re running a marketing campaign, you need to move quickly. Linktree lets you do that; as you’ll see soon, there are no roadblocks to setting up Linktree. Even a free account lets you easily add all your links to a customizable, branded Linktree page.

Sure, the free version doesn’t allow you to change the button and font styles or hide the Linktree logo. In my opinion, that doesn’t matter, especially for a freebie.

Paid Linktree Features

Milkshake

With Milkshake, you use an app to create a custom website that houses your links. Personally, I prefer to use my trusty laptop more often (I find phones too awkward for the task), so the app isn’t a huge draw for me. That being said, I like Milkshake’s Cards feature: Users can flip through links just as you would with an Instagram Story.

Bear in mind that I haven’t noticed any Linktree alternatives actually popping up on people’s social channels.

I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention the less obvious alternative to Linktree. Erica Hartwick, CEO of Big Cat Creative, had this to say: “In all fairness, it’s just a landing page with a bunch of links on it; surely we could easily create our own.”

When you have your own website, there’s nothing particularly special about what Linktree is. Sure, it does have some extra perks, but I don’t see the point in getting them from Linktree if you use other marketing tools.

And I think you’ll agree. It’s easier to capitalize on traffic to your own landing page compared to a Linktree one.

These steps are pretty straightforward, but I’m sticking around to help you plant your first Linktree.

Here’s a more detailed walkthrough with screenshots.

I did this on my laptop, but they have an app, too. I recommend choosing a username that’s memorable and reads well as a link; your username will be your Linktree URL.

2. Give Linktree information about your account category.

I chose Fashion & Beauty here, but you have the option to select Entertainment, Business, or even Other. Hit “Continue” when you’ve chosen.

3. Select your plan type.

I don’t even mind that Linktree automatically recommends the Pro plan instead of Free or Starter. Pro is packed with features and a good bang for your buck.

4. Choose your page’s appearance (or put it off till later).

On the Free plan, Linktree lets me upload a profile image and choose from about eight themes. Of these basic themes, nothing really stood out to me — but hey, did I mention it’s free?

5. Add your first new link.

I added the HubSpot Blog link here to show you how it’s done.

6. Add a title, header, and thumbnail (optional).

7. Add as many links as you want, then see what your Linktree looks like.

I added one link here for visual reference, but I strongly recommend you add multiple. Otherwise, there’s not much point in creating a Linktree, as it’s meant to condense several links.

8. Copy your Linktree URL or directly share it to your social media account.

It’s pretty easy for me to copy my Linktree URL and add it wherever I like. Linktree has other options that streamline the sharing process if you feel inclined. You also get a snazzy QR code.

Linktree Tips to Thrive

Choose relevant names for your links. I recommend being concise and descriptive when choosing your link title. For the above example, I used “HubSpot Blog” (original, right?). Most importantly, stay consistent with capitalization to create a clean, professional look.

“People forget that [Linktree is] supposed to act as a stepping stone to your main links. You want to keep it within three to five links so people don’t feel overwhelmed and ultimately don’t go where you want them to.”

Continually monitor your Linktree. Occasionally revisit your page to ensure you don’t have old, irrelevant, or broken links in there. Even if you plan to show the same links all the time, I recommend you change the order up occasionally. That way, the lonely links lower down the list get some love.

Great Linktree Examples

My first example is a Brooklyn, New York-based dessert company called Patsy’s. The business, which makes Caribbean rum cakes from high-quality ingredients, has a Linktree in their Instagram bio.

What I like: Patsy’s Linktree is short but sweet (pun intended). It includes a button for ordering, a contact page, and a link to stockists. It also links to a Brooklyn Magazine article the company is featured in.