If you’re still skeptical about posting without links, let’s talk about real-world results.
🚨 In our tests, posts that include a link get, on average, only 10% of the reach, engagement, likes, comments, and shares compared to those without a link. 🚨
This isn’t a guess—it’s been tested multiple times across Twitter (X), Facebook, Threads, and LinkedIn.
💡 Think about it: Platforms want users to stay on their site, not leave. When you post a link, the algorithm sees it as an “exit sign” and suppresses your post.
🔍 What This Means for You:
- If your normal post reaches 1,000 people, a link-heavy post will likely reach just 100.
- Less reach = fewer likes, comments, and shares.
- Fewer interactions = the algorithm pushes your content even less over time.
📌 The Fix? Flip Your Strategy.
Instead of leading with a link, use these tactics:
✔️ Post natively—keep people on the platform.
✔️ If you must include a link, drop it in the first comment.
✔️ Drive engagement first, then direct people to your offer.
🏗 12. Build an Engagement-First Strategy (Then Funnel Traffic Smartly)
Now that you know why native content performs better, here’s a step-by-step game plan to make it work for your business.
Step 1: Create a High-Engagement Content Plan
Stop thinking about “What can I post to get clicks?” and start thinking,
👉 “What can I post that will get people talking, sharing, and saving?”
🔹 Types of Posts That Perform Best (Without Links):
✅ Storytelling posts (personal experiences, lessons learned)
✅ Actionable tips & “how-to” posts
✅ Industry insights & trends (that spark discussions)
✅ Hot takes & contrarian opinions (that make people think)
✅ Polls, questions, and debates (to drive comments)
Once people engage with your content, you can introduce them to your offers in a natural way.
Step 2: Use a Soft-Traffic Strategy
🚨 DON’T: Drop links in every post and watch your reach die.
✅ DO: Use these traffic-friendly tactics:
✔️ The “Comment for Link” Method
- Instead of posting a link, say:
“I put together a full guide on this. Want it? Comment ‘send it’ and I’ll DM you!” - This skyrockets engagement AND drives website visits.
✔️ The “First Comment” Strategy
- Post your content without a link and say:
“I’ll drop the full guide in the first comment.” - The post itself gets full reach, and those interested will find the link.
✔️ The “Bio/Story Link” Approach
- Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter make bio links powerful—direct people there.
- On Instagram & Facebook, use Stories to share links (since Stories don’t get penalized).
🚀 These small tweaks let you keep engagement high AND still send traffic where you need it.
🎯 Step 3: Convert Engaged Followers Into Customers
If your goal is sales and leads, here’s how to make engagement work for your bottom line:
🔥 1. Warm Your Audience First
Think of engagement as warming up your audience before asking them to buy.
- Post high-value educational content first.
- Engage in DMs and comments (people buy from those they trust).
- Use content to build authority before making an offer.
Once people trust you, conversions happen easily.
🔥 2. Make Offers Without Relying on Links
Not every sale requires a direct link. Try these methods:
✅ “DM me if you’re interested” → Leads to private conversations.
✅ “Comment below for more details” → Boosts reach and gets leads.
✅ Exclusive posts in a free group/community → Pulls people into your ecosystem first.
The key? Don’t chase clicks—chase relationships.
🚀 Final Takeaway: Play the Long Game & Beat the Algorithm
If you’re still stuck on the old “link in post” strategy, you’re leaving reach, engagement, and sales on the table.
🔹 Posts with links get 10% of the engagement.
🔹 High-engagement posts build brand trust.
🔹 Engagement-first content leads to more inbound traffic (without algorithm penalties).
💡 If you shift your focus from “traffic” to “influence,” your business will grow faster than ever.
✅ Engagement first.
✅ Traffic second.
✅ Revenue will follow.