Yes, Facebook allows users to include links to external websites in posts and comments. Here are some quick answers about linking to websites from Facebook:
Adding Links in Posts
When creating a new post, you can include a link by typing or pasting the URL into the post text. Facebook will automatically convert the URL into a clickable link.
You can also highlight text in your post and click the “link” icon to turn it into a clickable link.
Adding Links in Comments
Adding a link in a Facebook comment works the same way as in posts. Type or paste the URL directly into your comment and Facebook will format it as a clickable link.
Supported Link Types
You can include links to:
- Websites
- Specific webpages
- Other Facebook posts or pages
- Photos, videos and other media
- Documents like PDFs
Previewing Links
When you add a link to a post or comment, Facebook automatically displays a preview of the website below the text. This allows users to see where the link goes before clicking on it.
Tracking Link Clicks
Facebook provides page admins with analytics about links shared from their Facebook Page. You can see total clicks on your links within the Facebook Insights tab.
If you want more detailed analytics, you can use campaign tracking URLs from Google Analytics or other web analytics platforms.
Blocked Links
Facebook blocks certain types of links from being shared on their platform. This includes links to:
- Copyright-infringing content
- Spam or malware
- Misleading content
If you try to post a blocked link, Facebook will show an error describing why the link cannot be shared.
Conclusion
Posting links is a simple yet powerful way to grow your reach, referral traffic and engagement on Facebook. By linking out to interesting content, you can provide value for your audience while also exposing new users to your brand and website.
Just be sure to follow Facebook’s guidelines and avoid linking to questionable or unsafe content. With the proper strategy, adding links can become an integral part of your Facebook presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link to my website or blog on Facebook?
Yes, you can include links to your own website or blog posts on your Facebook page or in groups and comments. This allows you to drive traffic, social shares and engagement from Facebook back to your own content.
Do all links on Facebook work the same?
Links included in posts, comments and Facebook ads all function the same – routing users to the target webpage when clicked. However, ads and promoted posts receive higher visibility in the News Feed.
Are there any restrictions on linking on Facebook?
Facebook prohibits links to malicious content such as malware, phishing pages, or copyright-infringing material. They may block posts or disable accounts that repeatedly share prohibited links.
Can I see clicks on the links I share?
Yes, Page admins can view insights showing how many clicks their links are getting. You can view this under “Posts” in the Facebook Insights tab.
Do links count toward the character limits for posts?
No, the actual text of links is not counted against Facebook’s character limits for posts or comments. However, any accompanying text is counted.
Tips for Using Links on Facebook
Choose descriptive anchor text
Using descriptive, engaging anchor text can make your links stand out more in the News Feed and get more clicks. Avoid generic text like “click here”.
Shorten lengthy URLs
If your URLs are long and messy, use a link shortening tool like bit.ly to clean them up before posting.
Use UTM campaign tracking
Add UTM parameters to your links so you can better track traffic and analytics from Facebook by campaign, ad group, etc.
Include relevant hashtags
Adding hashtags to your post text can help surface it – and your link – in front of more interested users who follow those hashtags.
Post at optimal times
Pay attention to when your audience is most active on Facebook and post your links during those high traffic time periods.
Experiment with different placements
Try posting links in your cover photo, “pinned” posts, image captions, and video descriptions to see what gets the most clicks.
Promote high-value content
Prioritize linking to your most useful, educational and entertaining content to satisfy users, keep them engaged, and earn return visits.
Leverage video content
Posts with embedded videos often see very high reach and engagement. Include your links creatively in the video captions or descriptions.
Request shares and clicks
Directly asking your audience to click your link or share it with friends can help increase its visibility in the News Feed.
Link Best Practices for Different Facebook Objectives
Driving Website Traffic
- Place links prominently in text
- Use anchor text with keywords
- Shorten links for easy clicking
- Include power words like “Read now”
Promoting Blog Content
- Share new posts within first 24 hours
- Engage fans in the comments
- Ask followers to share the article
- Post multiple times per day
Lead Generation
- Drive clicks to landing pages and forms
- Offer discounts or exclusive resources
- Retarget visitors with Facebook ads
- Publish lead gen content consistently
Social Sharing
- Use eye-catching images and headlines
- Leverage emotions like humor or surprise
- Post at times when engagement is high
- Explicitly ask followers to share
Brand Awareness
- Link to pages that communicate your brand story
- Share links to positive press and reviews
- Use links to showcase products or services
- Include links in Facebook ads
Example Facebook Link Posts
Website Traffic Link
Check out our updated monthly product catalog! Browse 100+ items ???? Click below for direct access: [link]
Blog Content Promotion
We just published a new blog post: “10 Tips for First-Time [Your Product] Buyers.” Lots of great insights! ???? Read here: [link]
Lead Generation Link
Want to receive special discounts and early access to our newest products? Join our VIP list today! [link]
Social Sharing Link
This video is too funny! ???? Who do you know that really needs to see this today? Share with friends! [link]
Brand Awareness Link
Did you see the news? [Publication] included us in their “Top 10 [Your Industry] Leaders” list! Read more: [link]
Link Sharing Do’s and Don’ts on Facebook
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Shorten long URLs | Use generic “click here” anchor text |
| Include links to quality resources | Share links with no relevant content |
| Use brief, descriptive anchor text | Disguise links with misleading text |
| Share links to your latest content | Link to suspicious or questionable sites |
| Use UTM tags for tracking | Post the same links over and over |
| Check links for errors before posting | Include too many links in one post |
Link Formatting Examples
Here are some examples of properly formatted HTML links on Facebook:
Basic Website Link
Visit our website:
https://www.example.com
Anchor Text Link
Read this interesting blog post about Facebook marketing.
Formatted Link with Title Attribute
Download our free guide to get started.
Link to PDF Document
Here’s the Q2 sales report for review.
Link to External Website
Check out this great article on Social Media Examiner.
Facebook Link Post Templates
Here are some pre-written Facebook post templates you can easily customize with your own links:
Blog Post Share
New blog post alert! Check out our tips for [your topic] in the latest article: [link]
Industry Article Share
Some interesting trends! [Source] put together a report on the top [your industry] strategies for [year]. Read more: [link]
Free Download
Free resource! Download our complete [ebook/checklist/guide] with tips to [achieve goal]. Get it here: [link]
Promotional Offer
[Special offer]! For a limited time, get [discount/free trial/free shipping] when you purchase [product/service] using this link: [link]
Website Traffic
Come explore [number] [content type] on [key topic] over on our website! See them all here: [website link]
Social Share
Too good not to share! [Funny/adorable/inspiring] . Tag someone who needs this today! [link]