Link in Bio vs. Custom Website: Which Should I Choose?
1. Introduction
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are designed around a "flow-based" content structure, where posts constantly move forward in time. This makes it challenging to organize and present comprehensive information in a structured way. While it's now possible to add multiple links on some platforms, there's still a clear limitation when it comes to creating a centralized hub for persistent, organized content.
This is where tools like Link in Bio come in. These platforms allow anyone to quickly create a hub page that consolidates various links and key updates—ideal for sharing from a profile page.
At the same time, some users may wonder: "Would it be better to build my own site?" This article compares Link in Bio vs. a custom website or landing page, and offers guidance based on different goals and user types.
2. Comparison Axes
We’ll compare both options across the following five dimensions:
- Design Flexibility
- Expandability & Features
- Speed of Creation & Updates
- Cost of Operation (Time & Budget)
- Operational Readiness
3. Feature Comparison Table
| Criteria | Link in Bio | Custom Website |
|---|---|---|
| Design Flexibility | Template-based. Customizable colors, images, layout. Mobile-first, well-matched to modern SNS UX. | Fully customizable. Complete control over layout, branding, and desktop optimization. |
| Expandability & Features | Basic features like multiple links, SNS integration, simple analytics. | Unlimited potential: forms, SEO configs, A/B testing, etc. |
| Speed | Ready to use immediately. Publishable within minutes. | Requires production, testing, and deployment. Takes days to weeks. |
| Cost | Often free or very affordable (a few dollars/month). | Includes production costs, hosting, and maintenance fees. |
| Operational Readiness | Easy to update with minimal effort. | Typically requires a dedicated, skilled operator. |
4. Recommendations by Use Case
4.1 Independent Creators
- Goal: Aggregate portfolio and SNS links under one profile
- Recommended: Link in Bio
- Why: Easy to maintain and quick to update.
4.2 Small Online Shops / Local Businesses
- Goal: Direct traffic to multiple products or campaigns
- Recommended: Start with Link in Bio, later upgrade to a custom site
- Why: Ideal for fast, early-stage deployment and iterative growth.
4.3 Influencers / Streamers
- Goal: Guide fans to merchandise, tipping, other SNS channels
- Recommended: Link in Bio as core + some custom pages
- Why: Enables quick social redirection, while allowing deeper info elsewhere.
4.4 Companies / Brand Organizations
- Goal: Present corporate info, services, hiring channels
- Recommended: Custom site with Link in Bio as a secondary tool
- Why: Customization and functionality requirements tend to be higher.
4.5 Temporary Events or Campaigns
- Goal: Present limited-time info quickly
- Recommended: Link in Bio alone is often sufficient
- Why: Avoids the cost and overhead of full site production.
5. Operational & Technical Comparison
5.1 Link Update Flexibility
- Link in Bio: Update instantly via dashboard. No tech skills required.
- Custom Website: CMS support helps, but often needs developer involvement.
5.2 Analytics
- Link in Bio: Built-in click tracking and source analysis.
- Custom Website: Requires setting up tools like Google Analytics.
5.3 SEO & Search Discovery
- Link in Bio: Limited indexing and SEO potential.
- Custom Website: Search traffic possible depending on structure.
6. Quick Decision Flow
- Just need to route multiple links from SNS? → Use Link in Bio
- Need brand control or SEO impact? → Build a custom site
- Need both? → Start with Link in Bio and link out to your site
7. Tips: When Hybrid Use Works Best
You can place links within your Link in Bio page that lead to your own site:
- “See Exclusive Campaign” → special event page
- “Brand Story” → company intro
- “Join Our Team” → recruitment page
8. Summary
- Choose Link in Bio for speed and simplicity.
- Choose a custom site for scalability and control.
- For short campaigns or lean launches, Link in Bio may be all you need.
Ultimately, your decision should reflect your stage and communication goals.
At Arounds, we've focused on addressing traditional Link in Bio shortcomings—delivering SEO-ready, visually elegant pages that look beautiful on both mobile and desktop, offering a seamless visitor experience.
