Why You Should Stop Using Link-in-Bio Tools (and What to Do Instead)
Janis | Audience Monetize
05.12.2024
•
5 min read
Link-in-bio platforms like Linktree and Beacons have become popular among creators and coaches looking to showcase multiple links in one convenient place. However, while these tools may seem like a no-brainer, they could be doing more harm than good for your sales funnel and customer journey.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why link-in-bio tools might be killing your sales and what you can do instead. If you’re a coach, content creator, or expert selling digital products, stay tuned for actionable insights and strategies to optimize your funnel and maximize conversions.
Why Link-in-Bio Tools Are Hurting Your Sales
1. Decision Fatigue Kills Conversions
Imagine coming home on a rainy Sunday night, turning on Netflix, and being overwhelmed by countless options. Instead of relaxing with your favorite show, you spend 20 minutes deciding what to watch. This is called decision fatigue - a cognitive phenomenon where too many choices overwhelm people, leading them to take no action at all.
The same thing happens when your audience lands on your link-in-bio page and sees multiple options. Should they visit your free community, download your e-book, or check out your high-ticket coaching program? Each "unclicked" link represents lost revenue because your potential customer either gets confused or decides to leave without taking action.
For example, I recently came across a fitness creator’s Linktree. They had over 30,000 followers, but their link-in-bio had several links listed, including their TikTok and X, with the high-ticket program buried at the bottom. This setup is a classic example of decision fatigue in action - leading to a lower conversion rate.
2. You’re Sending Traffic Away
When someone clicks on your link-in-bio, they’re leaving the platform where you initially caught their attention. Worse, if they’re redirected to another social media platform, like TikTok or YouTube, you’ve essentially lost them to endless scrolling and distractions.
Link-in-bio tools often prioritize ease of access to all your platforms, but this comes at the cost of losing control over the customer journey. Instead of directing them toward a clear next step, you risk sending them down a rabbit hole that benefits other platforms - not your creator business.
3. Lack of Personalization
Every link-in-bio page looks generic. Whether it’s Linktree, Beacons, or another platform, the templates are built to serve everyone, making it nearly impossible to inject your unique brand personality into the experience.
Without the ability to customize these pages effectively, you lose the opportunity to create an emotional connection with your audience. When every link-in-bio looks the same, it doesn’t feel personal or tailored, reducing the likelihood of engagement and sales.
What to Do Instead: 3 Alternatives to Link-in-Bio Tools
1. Build a High-Converting Funnel
The most effective way to drive sales is to replace your link-in-bio page with a direct, high-converting funnel. This means having one link, one call to action, and one offer.
Take inspiration from coaches like Insta Coach Mike, who promotes his one-on-one coaching program with a single link in his Instagram bio. Clicking on that link leads directly to a landing page where potential clients can book a strategy call.
For high-ticket offers, ensure your funnel includes:
A compelling video sales letter (VSL) to increase conversions by up to 20%.
A clear landing page that highlights the transformation your product offers.
A simple booking system to schedule calls or consultations.
This focused approach eliminates distractions, reduces decision fatigue, and drives more qualified leads into your funnel.
2. Engage Directly in the DMs
Direct messaging on platforms like Instagram is a powerful, underutilized tool for converting followers into customers. Instead of relying on link-in-bio pages, implement DM automations using platforms like ManyChat to engage your audience.
Here’s how it works:
Add a keyword-based CTA to your bio (e.g., “DM ‘MENTOR’ to learn about my mentorship program”).
Automate responses that qualify leads and provide tailored information about your offers.
Collect email addresses and guide them through a seamless process without leaving the platform.
For example, one coach uses the keyword “MENTOR” in their Instagram bio. When users DM the keyword, they’re immediately introduced to the mentorship program within Instagram, reducing friction and keeping the customer journey streamlined.
3. Leverage Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories are a goldmine for creators and coaches looking to promote digital products. Instead of relying on link-in-bio tools, use stories to build excitement and drive direct engagement.
Here’s how to structure your Instagram Stories for maximum impact:
Start with a hook: Grab attention immediately with a bold statement or question.
Pitch your offer: Clearly explain what you’re offering and why it’s valuable.
Show testimonials or transformations: Highlight the results clients have achieved through your program or product.
Add a clear CTA: Encourage viewers to DM you, swipe up, or click a link leading directly to a dedicated landing page.
For extra engagement, use polls to qualify leads. For instance, ask, “Are you ready to transform your fitness journey?” Those who respond positively can be directly messaged and guided toward your offer.
Why You Need to Make the Switch
Link-in-bio tools were revolutionary when they launched, solving the problem of Instagram’s single-link limitation. But nowadays, they fall short for creators and coaches who want to build sustainable, high-income businesses.
By focusing on high-converting funnels, direct engagement, and personalized Instagram Stories, you can:
Reduce decision fatigue.
Keep your audience engaged.
Drive more qualified leads into your sales funnel.
Are you an online coach or content creator?
If you’re a creator or coach looking to add $15K–$25K per month in revenue, it’s time to ditch link-in-bio tools and implement a better strategy.
Claim your free funnel strategy today and schedule a 1:1 call. Together, we’ll dissect your funnel, identify areas for improvement, and map out a tailored strategy to grow your business - whether you’re selling a $49 digital product or a $15,000 coaching program.
Link-in-bio platforms like Linktree and Beacons have become popular among creators and coaches looking to showcase multiple links in one convenient place. However, while these tools may seem like a no-brainer, they could be doing more harm than good for your sales funnel and customer journey.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why link-in-bio tools might be killing your sales and what you can do instead. If you’re a coach, content creator, or expert selling digital products, stay tuned for actionable insights and strategies to optimize your funnel and maximize conversions.
Why Link-in-Bio Tools Are Hurting Your Sales
1. Decision Fatigue Kills Conversions
Imagine coming home on a rainy Sunday night, turning on Netflix, and being overwhelmed by countless options. Instead of relaxing with your favorite show, you spend 20 minutes deciding what to watch. This is called decision fatigue - a cognitive phenomenon where too many choices overwhelm people, leading them to take no action at all.
The same thing happens when your audience lands on your link-in-bio page and sees multiple options. Should they visit your free community, download your e-book, or check out your high-ticket coaching program? Each "unclicked" link represents lost revenue because your potential customer either gets confused or decides to leave without taking action.
For example, I recently came across a fitness creator’s Linktree. They had over 30,000 followers, but their link-in-bio had several links listed, including their TikTok and X, with the high-ticket program buried at the bottom. This setup is a classic example of decision fatigue in action - leading to a lower conversion rate.
2. You’re Sending Traffic Away
When someone clicks on your link-in-bio, they’re leaving the platform where you initially caught their attention. Worse, if they’re redirected to another social media platform, like TikTok or YouTube, you’ve essentially lost them to endless scrolling and distractions.
Link-in-bio tools often prioritize ease of access to all your platforms, but this comes at the cost of losing control over the customer journey. Instead of directing them toward a clear next step, you risk sending them down a rabbit hole that benefits other platforms - not your creator business.
3. Lack of Personalization
Every link-in-bio page looks generic. Whether it’s Linktree, Beacons, or another platform, the templates are built to serve everyone, making it nearly impossible to inject your unique brand personality into the experience.
Without the ability to customize these pages effectively, you lose the opportunity to create an emotional connection with your audience. When every link-in-bio looks the same, it doesn’t feel personal or tailored, reducing the likelihood of engagement and sales.
What to Do Instead: 3 Alternatives to Link-in-Bio Tools
1. Build a High-Converting Funnel
The most effective way to drive sales is to replace your link-in-bio page with a direct, high-converting funnel. This means having one link, one call to action, and one offer.
Take inspiration from coaches like Insta Coach Mike, who promotes his one-on-one coaching program with a single link in his Instagram bio. Clicking on that link leads directly to a landing page where potential clients can book a strategy call.
For high-ticket offers, ensure your funnel includes:
A compelling video sales letter (VSL) to increase conversions by up to 20%.
A clear landing page that highlights the transformation your product offers.
A simple booking system to schedule calls or consultations.
This focused approach eliminates distractions, reduces decision fatigue, and drives more qualified leads into your funnel.
2. Engage Directly in the DMs
Direct messaging on platforms like Instagram is a powerful, underutilized tool for converting followers into customers. Instead of relying on link-in-bio pages, implement DM automations using platforms like ManyChat to engage your audience.
Here’s how it works:
Add a keyword-based CTA to your bio (e.g., “DM ‘MENTOR’ to learn about my mentorship program”).
Automate responses that qualify leads and provide tailored information about your offers.
Collect email addresses and guide them through a seamless process without leaving the platform.
For example, one coach uses the keyword “MENTOR” in their Instagram bio. When users DM the keyword, they’re immediately introduced to the mentorship program within Instagram, reducing friction and keeping the customer journey streamlined.
3. Leverage Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories are a goldmine for creators and coaches looking to promote digital products. Instead of relying on link-in-bio tools, use stories to build excitement and drive direct engagement.
Here’s how to structure your Instagram Stories for maximum impact:
Start with a hook: Grab attention immediately with a bold statement or question.
Pitch your offer: Clearly explain what you’re offering and why it’s valuable.
Show testimonials or transformations: Highlight the results clients have achieved through your program or product.
Add a clear CTA: Encourage viewers to DM you, swipe up, or click a link leading directly to a dedicated landing page.
For extra engagement, use polls to qualify leads. For instance, ask, “Are you ready to transform your fitness journey?” Those who respond positively can be directly messaged and guided toward your offer.
Why You Need to Make the Switch
Link-in-bio tools were revolutionary when they launched, solving the problem of Instagram’s single-link limitation. But nowadays, they fall short for creators and coaches who want to build sustainable, high-income businesses.
By focusing on high-converting funnels, direct engagement, and personalized Instagram Stories, you can:
Reduce decision fatigue.
Keep your audience engaged.
Drive more qualified leads into your sales funnel.
Are you an online coach or content creator?
If you’re a creator or coach looking to add $15K–$25K per month in revenue, it’s time to ditch link-in-bio tools and implement a better strategy.
Claim your free funnel strategy today and schedule a 1:1 call. Together, we’ll dissect your funnel, identify areas for improvement, and map out a tailored strategy to grow your business - whether you’re selling a $49 digital product or a $15,000 coaching program.