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Create Your Own Link in Bio Page (That You Actually Control)

Koen Gees
Koen Gees
7 min read AI-drafted, expert reviewed
link-in-bio creators social-media
Create Your Own Link in Bio Page (That You Actually Control)

How to Create a Link in Bio Page

If you're a creator, influencer, small business owner, or really anyone with a social media presence, you've probably hit the frustrating limitation: most platforms only let you have one clickable link in your bio.

The standard solution is using services like Linktree, which work fine but come with limitations, branding that's not yours, features locked behind paywalls, and the fact that you're building on someone else's platform.

Here's a better idea: create your own link in bio page. One that you own, control, and can customize however you want. And no, you don't need to know how to code.

Why Make Your Own vs. Using Linktree

Don't get me wrong, services like Linktree are useful and have their place. But making your own link in bio page has some real advantages:

You own it. It's your URL, your page, your control. If Linktree changes their pricing or features tomorrow, you're not affected.

No branding but yours. Linktree pages have their logo and branding. Your custom page doesn't, unless you want it to.

Full customization. Want to change colors, fonts, or layout? On your own page, you can do whatever you want.

No feature paywalls. Want to track clicks? Add custom colors? Include more links? These features often cost money on link-in-bio services, but are free on your own page.

Better for your brand. Having your own domain (yourname.com) looks more professional than a third-party service URL.

Works as a mini-website. Your link page can include more context than just buttons, add a photo, a bio, even your newsletter signup.

The trade-off is it takes a bit more effort to set up initially (we're talking maybe an hour), but after that, it's just as easy to maintain as a Linktree page.

What to Include on Your Link in Bio Page

The core of any link in bio page is simple: a collection of buttons or links to your different online presences and offers. Here's what to typically include:

These are the primary destinations you want people to visit:

  • Your YouTube channel, podcast, or main content platform
  • Your online shop or Etsy store
  • Your newsletter signup
  • Your latest project, product, or video
  • Your other social media profiles
  • Your email (as a "mailto" link)

A Photo and Short Bio

Unlike Linktree, where space is limited, your own page can include:

  • A profile photo (doesn't need to be professional, just clear and friendly)
  • A short 2-3 sentence bio
  • Maybe your location if relevant

This context helps people understand who you are before they click anything.

Optional Extras

Depending on what you do, you might add:

  • A featured video or content piece
  • Upcoming events or dates
  • A newsletter signup form
  • Your latest post or update
  • Testimonials or reviews

But start simple. You can always add more later.

Building Your Own Link in Bio Page

Here's the step-by-step process to create your page. This is easier than it sounds.

Step 1: Choose a Website Builder

You need a platform to build your page. Good options include:

Carrd - Specifically designed for simple one-page sites. Super affordable (free plan available, paid is $19/year for multiple sites). This is my top recommendation for link pages.

Wix or Squarespace - More robust website builders that can definitely do this, though they're more than you need and cost a bit more monthly.

Notion - If you already use Notion, you can create a public page with links. Not as polished but totally functional.

Beacons - Specifically for creators, sits between DIY and services like Linktree.

For most people, I'd suggest Carrd. It's designed exactly for this use case and is extremely affordable.

Step 2: Design Your Layout

Most builders will have templates you can start from. For a link page, you want something simple:

  • Your photo at the top
  • Your name and short bio
  • A series of buttons for your links
  • That's it

Avoid complicated layouts. The whole point is simplicity, people should immediately see your links and be able to click what they want.

Step 3: Add Your Content

Now fill it in:

Your photo - Upload a clear profile photo. It should be recognizable as you and preferably similar to your social media profile photos.

Your bio - Write 2-3 sentences. Who are you and what do you do? "I'm a fitness coach sharing home workout tips on YouTube and Instagram" or "Plant-based recipe creator and cookbook author."

Your buttons/links - Add a button for each destination. Make the button text clear about where it goes:

  • "Subscribe to my YouTube"
  • "Shop my store"
  • "Latest video"
  • "Join my newsletter"
  • "Follow on Instagram"

Don't be vague with button text like "Click here" or "Check this out." Say exactly what the link is for.

Step 4: Customize the Design

Make it feel like yours:

Colors - Use colors that match your brand or just colors you like. Keep it simple, usually one main color for buttons and a simple background.

Fonts - One or two fonts maximum. Readability matters more than style.

Background - A solid color or subtle gradient works well. Avoid busy background images that make text hard to read.

Button style - Rounded corners, square edges, filled or outlined, pick what you like and keep it consistent.

Remember: simple and clean almost always looks better than trying to add a lot of visual effects.

Step 5: Set Up Your Domain

The free option is to use a URL like "yourname.carrd.co" which works fine to start. But for maximum professionalism, get your own domain:

  • yourname.com (if available)
  • yourname.co
  • yourbrand.com

Domains cost about $10-15 per year. Most website builders make connecting a domain very easy, usually just a few clicks.

Having your own domain means your link never changes, even if you switch platforms later.

The order of your buttons matters. Put the most important links first:

Top priority - What do you most want people to click? Your YouTube channel? Your shop? This goes first.

Secondary links - Your other content or social profiles.

Tertiary - Contact or other miscellaneous links.

Most people's attention is focused on the first 2-3 links, so make those count.

Also, you don't need to include everything. If you have 15 different social profiles but only actively post on three, only link to those three. Quality over quantity.

Making Your Page Stand Out

Since you own this page, you can do things that aren't possible with standard link-in-bio services:

Add personality - Use colors, fonts, and language that reflect your actual personality or brand.

Include context - Add a line about your current project: "Currently: Launching my new digital course" or "Now: Training for my first marathon."

Feature something specific - Instead of just generic links, have a section for your latest video, product, or project with a thumbnail and description.

Add social proof - Include a quick testimonial or your subscriber/follower count if impressive.

Create urgency - "New video every Tuesday" or "Shop: 20% off this week only."

One advantage of Linktree is built-in analytics. When you make your own page, you can still track clicks, you just need to set it up:

Use UTM parameters - Add tracking codes to your links so Google Analytics can track where traffic comes from.

URL shorteners with analytics - Use Bitly or similar services for your links, which provide click tracking.

Website builder analytics - Many builders include basic analytics showing page views.

Social platform insights - Check your Instagram or TikTok insights to see how many people click your bio link.

You don't need enterprise-level analytics. Just basic tracking to see what people are clicking.

Updating Your Page

The beauty of your own page is you can update it whenever you want:

New video or content? Update the "Latest" link.

Seasonal promotion? Add a new button temporarily.

New platform? Add it to your list.

Something no longer relevant? Remove it.

Most website builders have easy editing,log in, make your changes, save. Takes a minute or two.

Mobile Optimization

Most people will access your link page from their phone (they're clicking from Instagram or TikTok, after all), so make sure it looks good mobile:

  • Use readable font sizes (not tiny)
  • Make buttons big enough to tap easily
  • Test on your actual phone before publishing
  • Keep loading fast (don't use huge images)

Most modern website builders automatically make pages mobile-friendly, but always preview and test on your actual device.

Creative Examples

Your link page doesn't have to be boring. Here are some ideas:

Tiered approach - Group links by category: "Watch" (YouTube, TikTok), "Shop" (Store, Amazon), "Connect" (Email, Instagram)

Current focus - Have one big featured link at the top that changes based on what you're promoting, with evergreen links below.

Personality-driven - Use fun button text that matches your voice. Instead of "YouTube," maybe "Watch my awkward videos" if that fits your brand.

Minimal - Just your photo, name, and 3-4 carefully chosen links. Sometimes less really is more.

Content hub - Include thumbnails of your latest few posts or videos with links to each.

Cost Breakdown

Let's talk money. Here's what you're looking at:

Free option:

  • Free website builder account (Carrd, Beacons, etc.)
  • Platform-provided URL (yourname.platform.com)
  • Total: $0

Professional option:

  • Website builder: $0-10/month
  • Your own domain: $10-15/year
  • Total: About $10-25 per year

Compare this to Linktree Pro at $9/month ($108/year) for features like removing branding and custom domains. Your own page is often cheaper and gives you more control.

Making the Switch from Linktree

Already using Linktree and want to switch? Here's how:

  1. Build your new page with all the same links
  2. Get your custom domain set up and working
  3. Update your social media bios with the new URL
  4. Keep your Linktree active for a week or two as a backup
  5. Eventually close your Linktree account if you're paying for it

The transition is seamless from your audience's perspective,they just click your bio link like always, it just goes to your page now instead.

The biggest advantage of making your own link in bio page isn't the customization or the cost savings, though those are great. It's ownership.

You own the URL. You own the design. You own the data. You own the relationship with your audience. If any platform changes their rules or pricing tomorrow, your link page keeps working exactly as it always has.

In a digital world where platforms can change or disappear, having something you truly own and control is valuable.

And the best part? It takes maybe an hour to set up, looks just as good (if not better) than paid services, and gives you complete freedom to make it exactly what you need.

Your link in bio doesn't have to be someone else's service with their limitations. Make it yours.

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