Can you hyperlink in a Facebook post?
You bet! Here are 7 ways can you post a link on Facebook.
Why so many?
Facebook experts agree that your Fan Page should vary its postings to include photos, videos, text-only updates, and links.
And if you like to drive Facebook fans to your website – now you can vary the way you post those links! See which get the most clicks.
‘Cause if you don’t post links, you won’t get clicks.
How to Hyperlink in Facebook Posts
It’s really so easy. Simply type or paste a URL in a Facebook status update or comment – on a personal profile, business page, event, or group.
That URL will become a clickable link.
Read on to learn some cleverer ways!
How do you post a link on Facebook without showing the URL?
You can hide a link in a clickable image, as explained in 1 – 3 below.
But if you want to choose your anchor text and hide your website URL, I have bad news.
You can’t hide a link to an external URL in text, whether in a Facebook post or comment. This could only be done via Facebook Notes, which supported HTML.
Unfortunately the Notes feature was removed several years ago. Maybe because users had learned they could post hidden links by copying from their Note.
So, no more anchor text.
How to post a hidden link on Facebook
However, you can @mention a Facebook Page, Group, Event, or friend and link to that page without showing any ugly URL.
Only links within Facebook allow this, not external links.
To tag on Facebook, just start typing the name, beginning with a capital letter or the @ symbol.
Once you’ve typed 5 letters, a drop down will appear with tag suggestions. Just click on the one you want.
Instant hyperlink!
7 Ways to Post a Website Link on Facebook
1 | How to share to Facebook from your website
I highly recommend that once you publish a blog post on your site, you use your site’s Facebook button to share it, and get the social proof rolling.
This method is perfect for sharing a link from another website too!
Find the site’s social share buttons. Click the Facebook “Share.”
Add a caption where you see “Say something about this.”
Try adding a conversation starter – because as your Facebook friends or followers respond, their friends will also become aware of your link post.
Use the dropdown at top left to choose where you’d like to post.
- Your Facebook personal profile Timeline, and your FB friends’ news feeds.
- Your Facebook Story.
- A Friend’s Timeline.
- A Facebook Group where posting links is allowed.
- A Facebook Event.
- A Facebook Page you manage.
Then click “Post to Facebook” to share with the link preview image.
You can check it out now by clicking the Share button at the top or bottom of this article!
2 | How to post a status update with link
You have several options when posting a link directly on your Fan Page.
Type in some text to give a little context, and add a question to stimulate engagement.
As soon as you type in the URL, Facebook will pull in available images and headline from the linked page. The URL text, images, and title will all link to the web page!
Choose to:
- Keep all the images in a carousel.
- Add more images with the + sign.
- Click images you don’t want. Be sure the blue border disappears.
- Click “Hide” to remove all images from your Facebook post.
If you prefer, click the small Share Now button with the dropdown to Schedule your Facebook post for later, Backdate, or Save Draft.
Pick your time if scheduling or backdating, and click the blue button in this popup.
Then click the large blue button at the very bottom (words will vary depending on which option you chose).
3 | Variation: Delete the URL in the text after the link preview appears, for a cleaner post.
Here’s how it looks in the news feed. Both the image and the title below are clickable links to the website.
Not getting a large clickable link image when you post with methods 1– 3?
4 | How to post a text-only status update with link
Some Fan Page admins have reported that text-only status updates have been getting more reach, so they’re posting links without any preview or image at all.
Want to test this for yourself? Try it and keep an eye on your Facebook Insights.
Simply follow the instructions under method 2 above, then above the images, “Hide” to remove all images from your Facebook post.
Of course, this also works if the article you wish to share doesn’t have an image.
5 | Variation: Some companies are integrating arrows ( –> ) into their posts. They report that using an arrow to point to their link works pretty well:
–> http://me.com/post-name.
A subtle call-to-action!
NOTE: When posting text links, be aware that studies have shown shortened URLs have a lower CTR (click-thru rate) than full URLs, as many people are hesitant to click them. Recommended: use the full URL on Facebook so users know where they’re going when they click.
6 | How to post a Facebook photo with link in caption
This is my favorite! You can commandeer more space in the news feed with an image that’s square or even tall.
Do you make Pin images for Pinterest? This is the perfect way to repurpose them.
Some Fan Page admins report that this method gets the most engagement (Likes, comments, shares), but that the previous methods get more clicks to your website. This is likely because the image is more eye-catching, but FBers aren’t used to looking for a clickable link in a photo post.
Test this method on your own Page and see how it works!
Go to Create Post at the top of your Fan Page and type a bit about your blog post. Do not include the URL yet, but you could include READ where you’ll add it later.
Click the Photo/Video button and upload your photo.
Now insert the URL.
Click Share Now (or choose to schedule).
Here’s how it looks! Awesome, right?
7 | Variation: Post your photo and status update, then add the link in the first comment.
The only problem with this method: unless you have a small fan base, your link comment will quickly be buried.
But worth a try – several Fan Pages recommend using this method, so it must work for them.
8 | Bonus tip
If you’re celebrating, be sure to add that in your post!
You should get lots of Likes, because people love fun holidays.
How Many Ways Will YOU Try?
I recommend trying at least of few of these, and checking your Facebook Insights to see which get the most engagement and/or clicks.
Different link posts types get more clicks for different audiences. Try a few kinds and see which your audience responds to.
Have you tried several of these, and found one that works best?
Which ways will you try to post a link on Facebook?
Phuong says
Hi Louise,
Do you know how to post a link like this?
I see the image is square, there is no link in the description as method #6 above, and the image is clickable.
Louise Myers says
I checked in to it. It’s called Vercel App and you can hire someone on fiverr to set it up for $50. If you look at that FB page though, some of the posts only get 2 likes, and the content is very click-baity. So I can’t say that it even works or won’t be shut down soon… or may even be a scam. Beware.
RObert says
Thanks for sharing such a great article with us. but when i paste my web url then it cant post. any suggestion why this happen with me.
Louise Myers says
Run your URL thru the Facebook debugger and check the warnings.
For one thing, your site seems to be missing a large enough image for a Facebook link thumbnail.
Q Bnjo says
Hi Louise ,
Is “link” can weak the organics rech for Post? And does it raise the price of promotion if i want to sponser this post?
Thanks
Louise Myers says
Yes, it can lower the organic post reach. I don’t know if ads cost more.
Tess says
Hi Louise, great post. I see people putting links in the comments section and not in posts, is this to extend organic reach? I’ve also heard that links in posts lowers the organic reach but do you still recommend trying all these various methods?
Thanks
Louise Myers says
Yes, it’s to extend organic reach. Link posts get less, but they will get more clicks! So I recommend trying a variety.
Sebastian says
Hello I appreciate this great article, Have you measured results between all this alternatives? for example in my case when using the method #3 (Sharing the post preview with a text only) has driven the most licks and traffic to my website, however when using the method #6 (Sharing an image with the READ–> call to action) creates more engagement (Likes, shares and comments) but less link clicks than method #3.
Would like to know what you think
Louise Myers says
Thanks for sharing your results!
Mine agree with yours, but no, I haven’t tested them all against one another. It’s good to have options and mix it up though.
Mian Ahsan Iftekhar says
I am following those steps but after I upload my photos I don’t see a place to insert the url. Thank you again
Louise Myers says
You put it in the caption field, there’s no dedicated space for it.
Jonathon trot says
Louise Myers, TNX for share with me your great articles. Any help would be appreciated
jahena says
These tips are genius! I especially love #1, which is something I never thought of, even though my sites have Sharing functions already there. Share directly from the website and as you say, “get the social proof rolling”. So simple– I love it.
Sandee says
Thank you so much for this great info! I just went to my website, went to my product listing used my Facebook sharing button. The image was great and clickable but my text in the post hid part of it on Facebook. Am I doing something wrong? Thank again!
Louise Myers says
Sandee, a typical FB link share (using the Share button) will always show a horizontal image with text below it.
If you want to use an image that’s not in the specific 1.91:1 proportions of a link share, you’ll need to follow the instructions in this article for posting a photo. This is method 6.
Sandee says
I am following those steps but after I upload my photos I don’t see a place to insert the url. Thank you again
Louise Myers says
That’s exactly right, there is no place to insert a URL with a photo post. You need to put it in the caption. That’s what makes it a photo post instead of a link share (which gets a dinky photo and poor reach).
Jonathon trot says
These tips are genius! I especially love #1, which is something I never thought of, even though my sites have Sharing functions already there. Share directly from the website and as you say, “get the social proof rolling”. So simple– I love it.
Louise Myers says
Glad to hear it, Jonathon!
Jennie says
Hi Louise – can you tell me how I allow visitors to post in the post section my community page – not the action section ? Trying to create conversations on the actual page where people can post their stories – and then commenting can occur. I have turned on “visitors can post to my page ” with no restrictions – with no luck. Confused – have tried everything! Is there a better page category for this? Also – my page name does not ‘link’ – stays black. Any help would be appreciated – Thanks for your great articles.
Louise Myers says
That seems very odd! I’m afraid I don’t know the answer. I don’t know much about community pages. Maybe a FB group would be better though?
SEBASTINE says
I cant paste my website link on fb , it is saying ”We can’t review this website because the content doesn’t meet our Community Standards”.
Louise Myers says
There’s been a lot of this problem on Instagram too. Something in their new AI is banning legitimate sites.
Eugene says
Great post
Facebook marketing is constantly evolving and marketers need to adjust their marketing tactics too. Facebook is constantly adding new features like I just saw today “Facebook linked publications” I guess this is for pages and will help readers find your publications easier.
If you have not started using it, please check it and try it out.
Let’s hope it benefits publishers.
Louise Myers says
That feature is a couple years old and was just a more difficult way to get your byline on your links.
Kathleen Estadt says
These tips are genius! I especially love #1, which is something I never thought of, even though my sites have Sharing functions already there. Share directly from the website and as you say, “get the social proof rolling”. So simple– I love it.
And #6 solves a technical problem for me. I don’t like the way FB arranges the format of posts most of the time and this tip gives me much greater control over the look.
Thanks!!
Louise Myers says
Awesome! So glad you liked it, Kathleen, and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
Jason E Allen says
Yes, Louise, how do I embed a link on a Facebook post so that people sharing it have to include by text and cannot just share the link only without my text. I want to make my text and the link I’m using inseparable.
Louise Myers says
Not sure this is possible, but getting link shares is always a good thing.
Arshad Ali says
really i am impressed after read your content.
Martin Satustregi says
I followed all your points in my website, thank you for the feed.
John Parker says
I tried to follow three points and I got succeeded. Now I can paste my URL on facebook. Please add more post on a regular basis so that we can get more pieces of information.
jonking says
I don’t post many photos on Facebook. I do post my url for my blog posts and I can get an image to show for that.
Louise Myers says
Two common problems are 1. image too small 2. no open graph data.
https://louisem.com/3838/facebook-link-thumbnail-image-sizes
You may need a tech person to help for the second one.
Star555 says
Very helpful post. I usually post link o my business page and i have joined serval communities I share the post there directly on my page and it is also helpful and easy.
Louise Myers says
Super 🙂
Vikash kushwaha says
I tried all way but my website url was still removed by facebook as spam
Louise Myers says
Perhaps it is?
MD JOHIR says
I copied a link and past it in fb but it removed as spame! Any solution please…
Louise Myers says
You could try the FB debugger here.
madan mohan says
nice post…helped a lot
Lasith Waqas says
Awesome Post. The Number 4 method is my favourite one because it attracts users attention.
Chie Cruz says
I hope this is helpful and effective thank you so much!
Louise Myers says
Try them out and see what works best!
Lem says
Thanks for sharing Louise, Yes, facebook can’t support HTML so I use to post a link on facebook or post a photo and paste a link.
Louise Myers says
Both work, the second seems to get a lot more reach.
Mosaddek says
Hi,
I would like to post a HTML hyperlink in to my FB Group like this “My Text” where I like to show only my “My Text” to my viewers. After post this HTML hyperlink it doesn’t work. Full HTML code goes to post. Would you please tell me what is the mistake?
Thanks
Louise Myers says
Facebook doesn’t support user HTML.
trabajo says
i don’t know why i can’t post links in groups. when i paste facebook doesn’t show any dialog box.
Louise Myers says
I wouldn’t be surprised if FB identified you as a spammer, since you also left spammy comments on my site. I don’t allow keywords as names or deep linking. Your link has been removed and your name edited.
john says
im blocked due to posting my website link on facebook dont know why there is no spam in my website its newly created may be i got 500+ visiter in 3 days coz of facebook may be thats why they want to waste my money o God help me 🙁 they blocked until 16 of may 🙁
Louise Myers says
I haven’t heard of this before, but there must be something about your website – or the way you posted – they didn’t like.
SBIHRMS says
Another way to help drive engagement is by manually adding a photo (meaning the photo would be uploaded from an offsite location), than typing in the “headline” and the
“URL” of the post in the area above the photo.
Great post.
Louise Myers says
Have you found that to be helpful? Facebook has said it will suppress this type of post in the news feed.
Henk says
Hi Louise thanks for the Tips
Louise Myers says
Most welcome, Henk!
Meg says
Hi, I’m hoping you can help me. I absolutely, positively *cannot* force FB to post an image from my WordPress.org website (either from my blog or one of my static pages) when I try to put a preview of that webpage on my wall. I’ve tried at least two versions of Open Graph plugins, and neither made the least bit of difference, even when I entered the image URL in the space provided.
Can you help this non-techie with an *easy* way to get this done? Thanks!
Louise Myers says
Hi Meg,
There might be one of two things, which are addressed in this post: https://louisem.com/3838/facebook-link-thumbnail-image-sizes
1. your image size is too small.
2. try the Facebook debugger linked in that post.
If neither of those is the solution, you could try reaching out to the plugin makers for ideas. They’re likely more savvy than I!
Wishing you luck with it!
Louise Myers says
Here’s the link to the debugger tool: https://developers.facebook.com/tools/debug
Don’t worry about any techy suggestions given there – usually just running your link thru the debugger will fix the problem.
Sabrina says
I sometimes do a bit.ly with the text when I have a page set up to go to twitter. Great tips and variations. Thanks. Great post.
Louise Myers says
Thanks Sabrina, this post has become pretty popular!
Amanda Houghton says
Thanks Louise. I have heard that you can set up a business page on Facebook so that if you sell your business ( not the Facebook page) to can transfer the admin to the new owner. Is this correct? & do you have any info on this?
Louise Myers says
Hi Amanda!
I don’t know if Facebook has a policy on this, but it’s easy to do. Just add the new owner as an admin, and then they can delete you.
I believe you can’t sell a FB Page, but it certainly seems the page should go to the new business owner!
Liz Fletcher Brown says
Thanks Louise, I do find that pages with a variety “styles” of posts are more attractive. I appreciate the “how to” and will try some of these out.
Louise Myers says
Hi Liz, thanks for visiting! Hope you have some fun trying these out.
Liz Fletcher Brown says
Thanks Louise – I’ll let you know 🙂
Michelle Nichols says
Who would have thought that there was so many ways to post an image! Going to road test, especially 1-3. Brilliant post! By the way, a couple of times I have googled something in the past week about facebook, and one of your post’s has been number 1 a couple of times!! I’m just going straight to your blog now. 🙂
Louise Myers says
Aw, that is awesome Michelle! I’m so glad to hear that Google is givin’ me the Google love 🙂
Toni Nelson says
I don’t post many photos on Facebook. I do post my url for my blog posts and I can get an image to show for that.
Lawyer James says
Another way to help drive engagement is by manually adding a photo (meaning the photo would be uploaded from an offsite location), then typing in the “headline” and the
“URL” of the post in the area above the photo.
Great post.
Louise Myers says
Thanks James! Glad you enjoyed it.
Sue says
Thanks Louise.
One thing that works most times is if I copy/paste my blog link into Facebook. It’ll bring the picture and the preview. What I think I’ve discovered is if the picture is too big, the copy/paste will not bring the picture.
Thank you for other methods. I’m saving this 🙂
Sue
Louise Myers says
I don’t think I’ve noticed that! I don’t usually do it that way on FB, so I may be thinking of other SM platforms where it will even try to bring in a big infographic!
TE says
I tend to do the paste the URL after a message way. Or post a photo and add link in with it. Haven’t tried any others
Louise Myers says
I’ve mostly used those too, Te! In fact my favorite is with a large photo.
CynthiaAnn says
Hi….
I have asked some of my business friends… Facebook blocks me from posting my link… within the same marketing company my peers are posting their link’s and not being charged by facebook.
What links can I use to post that will not charge MA and reroute me to my link. …others in this business have sidestepped my question. ..which is a bit silly…I’m in there downline and they make money off of me…but thinking because they can see …they are also trying for my lead… do… a link that can be clicked…would be very helpful… I dI’d buy one from Google and it did reroute for 1 day, then it was,blocked… I debugged my link bit then it took me to a blog, which I would like to know how to use ..but didnt know how to reroute Mt link through the blog? ??
I hope you can understand. …buy I have tried reading up on it…and friends are not so easy to get info from!!!
Thank you Louise
Louise Myers says
I don’t understand what you’re doing or experiencing. It sounds like you may be posting some type of an affiliate or redirect link, and FB doesn’t like it. Your best bet is to contact the company as they would have the most experience with this.