7 ‘Link In Bio’ tips to boost fan engagment, sales
You may think you know what a “link in bio” is, but no two links are created equal.
by James Shotwell of Haulix
If you have ever looked at an artist on social media, the phrase “link in bio” means something. Multiple social media platforms prevent artists from adding links to posts, so musicians hoping to empower their audience must often rely on a single link found on their profile screen.
Knowing where to send your fans is a tricky business. You could point them to Spotify, but what if they prefer Apple Music? You could insist they use Instagram, but they might not even have an account. Perhaps Facebook would be…Okay, we won’t pretend Facebook is a good solution either.
Competition for the “link in bio” title has stiffened in recent years. Multiple companies now offer multilink tools, such as LinkTree or Koji, while some still prefer to pick a singular destination.
No matter which option you choose, there are several key elements to “link in bio” implementation that can mean the difference between selling tickets and gaining followers. Both are good, but one is more desirable than the other.
Your “link in bio” should:
- Convey your musical brand
- Point people to your website
- Help fans quickly find songs and videos
- Capture audience interest, thus serving as the beginning of a sales funnel
- Impress people in the industry
In many ways, your “link in bio” destination will serve as a quasi-EPK for those unfamiliar with your work. With a customized background and menu system, you will need to succinctly express your brand, news, goals, and upcoming tour dates. You need to give people everything they need without making them feel overwhelmed. It’s easier than it sounds! Just make sure your landing page includes these key elements:
1. Link to your website or newsletter
We write a lot about building on borrowed lands. If people follow the “link in bio” prompt, they most likely want to know more about your music. Point them somewhere they can gain direct access to you and your latest news.
2. Links to your music
Nobody said this list would be free of obvious information. Potential fans want to quickly and easily access your music, so make sure you include links to all leading streaming services. Mentioning Spotify and Apple Music should be considered the bare minimum! There are millions of potential fans on Amazon Music, Tidal, and Deezer, not to mention other services.
3. Recent press features
Positive coverage from press outlets can go a long way in earning you gigs and future coverage. Be sure to include links to any recent features or reviews of your work. Exchange this link with other stories as new features come online.
4. Social media
Here is one area where you can be selective. You probably have a lot of social media accounts, but if we’re being honest, do your fans need all of them? Do you need all of them? Select the apps you use the most and include them here. Don’t bother with anything you update less than three times per week.
5. Tour dates
Touring is expensive, and finding good tour listings can be difficult. Simplify the process for fans new and old by adding a direct link to your most up-to-date tour routing.
6. Merch store
Merchandise sales account for a good portion of most artists’ annual revenue. Make it easy for your fans to access your latest merch by including a link on your landing page.
7. Contact information
Not everyone who visits your “link in bio” landing page will be a potential fan. Some may be potential business partners, so you’ll want to ensure it’s easy to find your contact information.
James Shotwell is the Director of Customer Engagement at Haulix and host of the company’s podcast, Inside Music. He is also a public speaker known for promoting careers in the entertainment industry, as well as an entertainment journalist with over a decade of experience. His bylines include Rolling Stone, Alternative Press, Substream Magazine, Nu Sound, and Under The Gun Review, among other popular outlets.
