Link in bio tool or a simple website: which should I use?

Short answer: If you just need to send social followers to a few links, use a link-in-bio tool. If you need to explain your business, show your work, or bring in customers from beyond social media, make a simple website.

• Choose a link-in-bio page for the fastest setup: social links, a booking button, latest content, or a few offers. It’s handy when most visitors arrive from Instagram or TikTok. Linktree, for example, is built to collect links and content on one customizable page. (linktr.ee)
• Choose a website if you want more control over your brand and room for things like a portfolio, services, FAQs, or search-friendly pages. For a basic one-page site, Carrd offers a free starting option. (carrd.com)
• Not sure? Start with a link-in-bio page. If it starts feeling cramped—or you want your own domain and a fuller home for your business—upgrade to a simple website.

A practical middle ground: make a one-page website that works like a link hub.

It depends on what the page needs to do. Here's a quick way to decide.

Choose a link-in-bio tool if:

• You only need to send followers to a few places (social profiles, a YouTube video, a newsletter signup).
• You want to be live today with no design work or cost. One source notes that you are up in minutes, the free plan does not expire for Linktree, which is the default for that reason.

Choose your own website (or a one-page site builder) if:

• You want to sell, collect emails, or be found in search. One comparison argues that personal websites with custom domains usually convert better than link-in-bio pages because they allow SEO, email capture, and full branding control.
• You want your own domain. Some popular tools don't offer one at any price. One review says Linktree is the only tool there that will not sell you a custom domain at any price, though that's one reviewer's claim and worth checking.
• You want to own your page. Carrd is one option that makes it the only tool in the category with a real export, according to one review.

A middle path: Many people start with a link-in-bio page and add a site later. One builder-focused guide suggests a hybrid tool: these tools combine the ease of use of a link-in-bio with the power and customization of a full website. Carrd, for example, is a website builder, not a link tool, but it makes a great one-page site for a few dollars a year.

Fees matter if you sell. Free plans on some link tools take a cut of sales. One comparison lists Linktree at 12% Free, 9% Starter/Pro, 0% Premium in seller fees, so check the fee schedule before you rely on it for payments.

Prices and features in this space change often, so confirm current plans before you commit.

My suggestion: if you're just starting and only need links, use a link-in-bio tool. If you plan to sell, build an audience, or be taken seriously professionally, get a custom domain and a simple website. If you tell me your platform, goal (sales, portfolio, brand deals, etc.), and budget, I can narrow it to one option.

Deciding between a "link-in-bio" tool and a simple website depends on your goals, your stage of growth, and how much time you want to invest in maintenance.

The most important takeaway is that they are not mutually exclusive. Many successful creators and businesses use a link-in-bio tool for social media traffic while maintaining a separate, more detailed website for their professional presence.

Here is how to choose the right path for you.

1. Choose a Link-in-Bio Tool If...

• You are just starting out: You need a quick, free, or low-cost way to centralize your links (e.g., your shop, latest video, and newsletter) in under an hour.
• Your traffic is primarily from social media: You want a mobile-optimized hub that acts as a quick "signpost" for followers who have short attention spans.
• You don’t have complex needs: You are not worried about SEO (Search Engine Optimization), building a portfolio, or managing a large catalog of services.
• You change content frequently: You want the ability to swap out links for limited-time promotions or new releases without needing to edit a full website.

Pros: Extremely fast setup, mobile-first design, very low maintenance.
Cons: Limited branding/design control (unless you pay for a premium plan), no SEO value, and you don’t fully "own" the platform.

2. Choose a Simple Website If...

• You are a service-based business or professional: Clients need to see depth—case studies, testimonials, pricing, and detailed service descriptions—before they commit to hiring you.
• You want to be found on Google: A website allows you to optimize for search terms (e.g., "graphic designer in Belgium") so people can find you even if they don't follow you on social media.
• You want full control: You want to own your brand’s look, feel, and data without being beholden to a third-party tool’s branding or layout constraints.
• You have a complex brand: You need multiple pages (About, Portfolio, Contact, Blog) to tell your story properly.

Pros: Full control over branding, excellent for SEO, builds long-term professional trust.
Cons: Requires more time to set up and maintain; can be more expensive (domain, hosting).

The "Best of Both Worlds" Strategy

If you find yourself stuck, many professionals adopt a hybrid approach:

1. Build a simple website: Use a user-friendly builder (like Squarespace, Wix, or even a simple Notion page) to host your core information, portfolio, and contact forms.
2. Create your own "link page" on your domain: Instead of sending people to linktr.ee/yourname, create a page on your own site—like yourwebsite.com/links.
   • This keeps visitors on your own domain (boosting your traffic stats).
   • It looks more professional.
   • It gives you the best of both worlds: the simplicity of a link list with the authority and branding of your own website.

Summary Comparison

Final Recommendation: If you are a casual creator or launching a temporary project, start with a link-in-bio tool. If you are a business owner or building a professional career, build your own website—even if it starts as a simple, one-page site—and use that as your primary link in your social media bios.

Short answer: use a link-in-bio page if you mainly need to send social followers to a handful of places. Choose a simple website if you need people to find you through search, learn more about what you do, or browse several pages.

• Link-in-bio tool: quick to set up and handy for rotating links to your latest content, shop, newsletter, or booking page. It’s a focused social-media hub, not much of a home for in-depth content. ¹¹²
• Simple website: better for a portfolio, service details, FAQs, articles, or a store—and gives you more control over your pages and domain. It takes more setup and upkeep. ³¹³

My default recommendation: if you’re just starting, make a small website with a clear home page and contact or “about” details, then use a short /links page as your bio destination. If you only need to share a few links, skip the extra site work and start with a link-in-bio tool. You can also build the bio page on your own website, so it doesn’t have to be either-or. ²⁷

Whichever you choose, put the main action first and keep the page uncluttered. ¹¹¹