We’ve all seen it. Instagram bios, TikTok captions, email signatures, it’s always the same: “link in bio.” And when you finally click? You’re staring at probably one of the most ugly (subjective) rainbow-colored list of buttons hosted on someone else’s platform. Linktree, Beacons, Campsite, the usual suspects.
And to be fair, they work. They collect your links in one place and give people quick access. But here’s the problem: every time you use one, you’re promoting their brand, not yours. Their logo sits proudly at the bottom, their domain sits in the URL, and their styling options are “minimalist chic” at best. And the worst part is you’ve got to pay to remove their logos.
For a creator, a small business, or especially a startup, that’s a branding leak you can’t afford. You’re renting digital curb space when you could own the entire block.
Let’s break down why Linktrees aren’t cutting it anymore, and how you can build a sleek, branded link hub in under 3 minutes with JDoodle.ai, no code, no hassle, just your brand front and center.
Why linktree platforms don’t work for startups
1. They dilute your brand
Every click to a linktree is a click away from your actual brand experience. Instead of landing on a page that looks and feels like you, visitors are greeted by a generic template that looks like thousands of others.
Imagine if Starbucks sent customers to a plain white menu with Arial font and a “powered by coffeehub.io” footer. Wouldn’t exactly scream premium experience, right?
2. You don’t control the real estate
When you use someone else’s platform, you play by their rules. Features change, free tiers get limited, and suddenly you’re paying $10 a month for something that doesn’t even carry your logo.
It’s like paying rent for a storage unit when you could own the whole garage.
3. You lose SEO juice
All those clicks to your linktree? They’re boosting the linktree’s domain, not yours. You’re handing over valuable traffic instead of building authority for your own site. For startups especially, that’s wasted growth.
4. They feel… impersonal
Generic templates can’t capture your brand personality. And for startups fighting for attention, personality is everything. If you sound like everyone else, you disappear into the noise.
So, What’s the Better Option?
Simple: build your own branded link hub.
Think of it as a mini landing page with your links, but fully dressed in your colors, your logo, and your tone. Instead of sending people to someone else’s brand, you keep them immersed in yours.
And here’s the kicker, it doesn’t take hours of web design, coding, or fiddling with WordPress. With JDoodle.ai, you can spin one up in about 3 minutes. Seriously.
How to Build Your Own Branded Link Hub in 3 Minutes
Here’s the step-by-step (spoiler: it’s easier than making a cup of coffee).
Step 1: Open up JDoodle.ai and type in this prompt
Build me a simple Linktree-style landing page.
Step 2: Add your branding
- Upload your logo and ask JDoodle.ai to replace the image
- Add your brand name
- Pick your brand colors
- Change the fonts to match your brand
Step 3: Add your links
Linkedin, Instagram, Medium, YouTube, email list, product page, whatever matters most goes right here. Bonus: you can prioritize important links with bigger buttons or sections.
Step 4: Add a background (to make it look fancy)
- Use a minimal light or dark theme.
- Make sure the text and buttons stand out.
Step 5: Hit publish
In less than the time it takes to reheat leftover pizza, you’ve got a branded link hub with your own URL. Share it anywhere you’d normally drop a Linktree, and suddenly, every visitor is inside your brand ecosystem, not someone else’s.
Step 6: Publish with Your Own Domain or Add It to Your Website
When you’re done, you can share your page in two easy ways:
Use your own custom link
You can publish it with your own domain (likelinks.yourbrand.com
) so the link looks clean and matches your brand.Add it to your website
Just copy the embed code and paste it into your existing site. It will work like a small section inside your current page.
Here’s an example of a link hub I made for JDoodle.ai - https://oo6hgo.jdoodle.io
What Does a Branded Link Hub Actually Do for You?
Great question. Let’s break it down:
- Boosts trust - Visitors land on a page that feels professional, not generic.
- Builds authority - Every click goes to your domain, strengthening your brand’s online presence.
- Drives conversions - With full control, you can guide people to your most important call-to-actions, signups, purchases, demos.
- Saves money- Why pay $10+ a month for “customization” when you can build it yourself in minutes for free?
- Keeps things consistent - Your site, your hub, your voice, all in one place.
The Startup Angle: Why This Matters More for You
If you’re a SaaS startup or a regular startup, everything you do either adds credibility or chips away at it. People are already skeptical, they want to know you’re legit, reliable, and not another fly-by-night idea.
A branded link hub:
- Signals professionalism (“These folks have it together”)
- Keeps potential investors, customers, and users in your world
- Makes you look bigger than you are, because consistency = authority
When you’re small, every detail counts. And yes, even your “link in bio” page speaks volumes.
What About Time? (Hint: You Have None)
Here’s the beauty of this: you don’t need to hire a designer, learn HTML, or spend weeks iterating. JDoodle.ai is built for speed. You can create a polished, professional link hub in literally 3 minutes.
Which means you can:
- Post your new instagram reels without worrying if your link hub looks like it belongs to a college club project
- Send an investor your info and have them land on something that looks thought-out
- Launch your product and have a single, branded hub for all the moving parts
Key Takeaway
Linktrees are fine if you’re just getting started. But if you really want your brand to stand out, it’s time to take the wheel yourself. A branded link hub keeps visitors in your world, builds trust, and shows you’re serious about what you’re doing. With JDoodle.ai, there’s no coding, no design headaches, and no wasted time.
Ditch the generic link page. Create your own, in your colors, with your name front and center and do it faster than it takes to decide what’s for lunch. Your brand deserves more than a Linktree. And with JDoodle.ai, “more” only takes three minutes.
FAQs
1. Why shouldn’t I just stick with third party linktree platforms?
Because it promotes their brand, not yours. Plus, you lose SEO traffic and design control.
2. How long does it really take to build a link hub with JDoodle.ai?
About three minutes, less if you type fast.
3. Can I use my own domain name?
Yes. That’s the point, visitors should see yourname.com/links instead of linktree.com/you.
4. Do I need coding or design skills?
Nope. JDoodle.ai is designed so anyone can create pro-looking pages without touching a single line of code.
5. Will my hub work on mobile?
Absolutely. JDoodle.ai pages are mobile-friendly by default, which is crucial since most bio-link clicks happen on phones.
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