Better ways to drive traffic than #linkinbio
Smart alternatives to traditional bio links
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Better ways to drive traffic than #linkinbio
Link In Bio - #linkinbio - has become a typical social media call-to-action. However, I feel there are better ways to drive traffic to external, out-of-platform links.
Why it matters
Entertainment platforms like Instagram and TikTok dislike it when users leave their apps. While content that retains users in the app is rewarded, content that directs users away from their apps may be penalised.
Artists promoting tickets, releases, or merchandise may require more ingenious tactics that balance platform algorithms with fan conversion.
How it works
Some effective alternatives to #linkinbio
Memorable URLs: “Buy your tickets at carlokiksen.xyz/tour”
I believe people are willing to manually open a mobile browser and type a URL as long as they can remember it easily.Use the artist's name as a simple, brandable domain name (
artistname.xyz).Branded short links: Create custom short URLs using tools like Rebrandly, Bitly, or one of the many self-hosted web apps and WordPress plug-ins (e.g.,
go.artistname.xyz/tour)
Comment activation: “Comment TOUR25 and I’ll send you a ticket link via DM”
Encourage fans to comment on specific keywords that trigger DM responses with links.Use automated chatbots, such as ManyChat or alternatives.
Manually reply to comments, sending them the URL.
Yes, but..
All alternatives have their flaws. The key is reducing friction - give fans something easy to remember and do. Also, don’t forget platform-native tools like Instagram's stickers or TikTok's website buttons.
Take action now
In their next three social posts, artists could try replacing #linkinbio with a clear call to action using their main domain (e.g., "Get tickets at artistname.xyz").
Your thoughts
Further reading
How to choose a social media handle (The Fanbase Builder)
Converting TikTok users to Spotify listeners (The Fanbase Builder)
How to leverage user intent (The Fanbase Builder)
How artists can find the one metric that matters (The Fanbase Builder)
How to use pirate metrics to set up a fan journey (The Fanbase Builder)
Full disclosure
Although I have experience with all the mentioned apps, I don’t necessarily recommend them over other options. Therefore, I didn’t include direct links to these apps.
Also, this content is not sponsored.
At the time of writing, the domain name artistname.xyz is not registered and available.