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How to Post Links on a Facebook Story: The Definitive Guide

So, you want to spice up your Facebook stories with links? Smart move! Driving traffic, sharing resources, and promoting content has never been easier thanks to this powerful feature. Let’s cut to the chase: you can directly post clickable links on your Facebook stories using the link sticker feature. This sticker is available to verified pages and profiles with a certain number of followers (typically over 5,000-10,000, but this can vary). If you don’t meet the requirements for the link sticker, there are a few creative workarounds we’ll delve into.

The Link Sticker: Your Golden Ticket

The link sticker is your primary tool for sharing clickable URLs on Facebook Stories. Here’s how you wield it:

Create your Story: Open the Facebook app and tap on “Add to Story” or “Create Story” at the top of your News Feed. Choose your photo or video from your gallery or capture one directly within the app.
Access the Stickers: Once you have your visual content, tap on the “Sticker” icon. It usually looks like a square with a smiley face inside.
Find the Link Sticker: Scroll through the sticker options until you find the “Link” sticker. In some versions of the app, it might just say “Link”.
Paste Your URL: Tap on the “Link” sticker, and a text box will appear. Paste the URL you want to share in this box. Make sure the URL is accurate!
Customize the Sticker: You can customize the text displayed on the sticker (e.g., “Visit Our Website,” “Shop Now,” “Read More”). You can also change the sticker’s color, size, and placement by tapping on it and dragging it around the screen.
Post Your Story: Once you are satisfied with the placement and appearance of your link sticker, tap the “Share to Story” button. Your story, complete with the clickable link, will now be visible to your followers.

Alternative Methods: Getting Creative Without the Sticker

What if you aren’t a verified page or don’t have enough followers for the link sticker? Don’t despair! Here are a few effective workaround strategies:

Mentioning Your Page & Encouraging Profile Visits

This is a classic, low-tech solution. In your story, mention your Facebook page by using the “@” symbol followed by your page name. Then, explicitly instruct viewers to visit your page to find the link in your bio or in a recent post. For example, you could say something like, “New blog post! Check out the link on our Facebook page: @YourPageName.” This relies on users taking an extra step, but it can still be effective, especially if you create compelling content in your story that generates curiosity.

Using a Link Shortener in Your Story’s Text

While users cannot directly click on text written in a story, you can include a shortened link using services like Bitly or TinyURL. These services take long, complex URLs and condense them into something more manageable. Include the shortened link in the text of your story and verbally instruct viewers to manually type the link into their browser. This method requires more effort from viewers, so use it sparingly and only when the linked content is genuinely valuable. Also, clearly state “Type this URL in your browser” to avoid confusion.

Promoting a Post with a Link on Your Page

Create a regular Facebook post on your page that includes the link you want to share. Then, in your story, create a visually appealing teaser about the content and direct viewers to check out the post on your page for the full information and the link. This leverages the visibility of your story to drive engagement on your page itself.

Running Facebook Ads with a Story Placement

This is a paid option, but it can be highly effective. You can create a Facebook ad specifically designed to run as a story placement. This allows you to include a call-to-action button (like “Learn More” or “Shop Now”) that leads directly to your desired URL, even if you don’t have the link sticker organically. Facebook ads offer precise targeting options, allowing you to reach a specific audience with your link.

Maximizing Link Clicks: Best Practices

No matter which method you use, here are a few best practices to maximize your click-through rate:

Create visually appealing stories: Use high-quality images or videos that grab attention.
Craft compelling copy: Use concise and engaging text that clearly explains what the link leads to and why viewers should click.
Use clear calls to action: Tell viewers exactly what you want them to do (“Swipe Up,” “Visit Our Website,” “Learn More”).
Keep your stories concise: People have short attention spans. Get to the point quickly.
Test different approaches: Experiment with different visuals, copy, and calls to action to see what resonates best with your audience.
Analyze your results: Pay attention to the number of clicks you receive on your links (if available through the sticker or ad platform). This data will help you refine your strategy over time.
Make sure the linked page is mobile-friendly: A clunky, desktop-optimized page will frustrate users on their phones and cause them to bounce.
Consider adding urgency or scarcity: Phrases like “Limited time offer” or “While supplies last” can motivate viewers to click.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions that provide extra clarity on adding links to Facebook Stories.

1. Why can’t I find the link sticker on my Facebook Story?

The link sticker is primarily available to verified pages and profiles with a substantial number of followers. If you don’t meet these criteria, it won’t appear in your sticker options. Use one of the alternative methods described above.

2. How many followers do I need to get the link sticker?

While Facebook doesn’t publicly disclose the exact number, most users report needing between 5,000 and 10,000 followers to access the link sticker. However, other factors, such as verification status, might also play a role.

3. Can I add a link to a Facebook Story if I don’t have a Facebook page?

Yes, you can still use the alternative methods mentioned earlier, such as including a shortened link in the text of your story or directing users to your personal profile to find a link in your bio or latest post.

4. Can I track how many people click on the link in my Facebook Story?

If you’re using the link sticker, Facebook provides basic analytics that show the number of taps on the sticker. For Facebook ads, you can track more detailed metrics within the Ads Manager. Using link shorteners also often allows you to track the number of clicks the link received.

5. What happens if I post a broken link in my Facebook Story?

If users click on a broken link, they’ll be taken to an error page. This can be frustrating and damage your credibility. Always double-check your links before posting them!

6. Can I use affiliate links in my Facebook Stories?

Yes, you can use affiliate links in your Facebook Stories, but it’s essential to comply with Facebook’s advertising policies and any affiliate program requirements regarding disclosure. It is best practice to clearly disclose that the link is an affiliate link.

7. Can I add multiple links to one Facebook Story?

No, you can only add one link sticker per story frame. However, you can create a series of story frames, each with a different link.

8. Can I edit a link on a Facebook Story after it’s been posted?

No, you cannot edit a link on a Facebook Story after it has been posted. If you made a mistake, you’ll need to delete the story and create a new one with the correct link.

9. Can I add a link to someone else’s Facebook post in my story?

You can’t directly link to another person’s post using the link sticker. However, you can share the post to your story, which will include a preview and a link back to the original post. To do this, click share on the post, and select “Add to story”.

10. Does the link sticker work on all types of Facebook Stories (e.g., text-only, polls)?

Yes, the link sticker can be added to any type of Facebook Story, including those with photos, videos, text, polls, or quizzes.

11. Are there any restrictions on the types of links I can share on Facebook Stories?

Facebook prohibits sharing links that violate its community standards, including those that are misleading, deceptive, or promote illegal activities. Be sure your links comply with Facebook’s advertising policies.

12. Will the link sticker always be a permanent feature on Facebook Stories?

Facebook regularly updates its features, and there’s always a possibility that features could change or be removed. However, given the popularity and usefulness of the link sticker, it’s likely to remain a core feature for the foreseeable future. However, stay updated on the latest changes to the platform to remain current on all of the changes.