Understanding Link Types

Linked.Church offers three distinct link types, each serving a specific purpose in organizing and presenting your church's information. Understanding when and how to use each type will help you create a more effective and user-friendly page.

Link Type Overview

Regular Links

Regular links are the backbone of your Linked.Church page. They appear as clickable buttons that direct visitors to specific destinations.

When to Use Regular Links

Use regular links for:

• Church website
• Live stream URLs
• Online giving platforms
• Event registration forms
• Contact forms
• Downloadable resources
• External ministry sites
• Email addresses (mailto:)
• Phone numbers (tel:)

Features of Regular Links

Full Customization

• Custom title text
• Optional description
• Choice of 100+ icons
• Custom colors (with themes)
• Thumbnail images
• Highlighting options

Flexible Destinations

• Any valid URL (http://, https://)
• Email links: mailto:info@yourchurch.com
• Phone links: tel:+1234567890
• SMS links: sms:+1234567890
• Map links to Google Maps or Apple Maps

Analytics Tracking

• Click counting
• Performance metrics
• UTM parameter support
• Conversion tracking ready

Best Practices for Regular Links

1. Clear, Action-Oriented Titles

   • ✅ "Watch Sunday Service"
   • ❌ "Click Here for Service"

2. Consistent Formatting

   • Use similar title lengths
   • Maintain icon style consistency
   • Apply descriptions uniformly

3. Strategic Ordering

   • Most important links first
   • Group related links together
   • Consider user journey flow

Examples of Effective Regular Links

🎥 Watch Live Service
   Sundays at 9am & 11am EST

💝 Give Online
   Support our ministry securely

📅 Upcoming Events
   See what's happening this month

📧 Contact Us
   We'd love to hear from you

📱 Download Our App
   Stay connected on the go

Headers

Headers are non-clickable text elements that help organize your links into logical sections. They act as visual dividers and category labels.

When to Use Headers

Headers are perfect for:

• Grouping related links
• Creating visual hierarchy
• Breaking up long link lists
• Improving navigation
• Clarifying link purposes

Features of Headers

Visual Distinction

• Larger, bold text
• Different color options
• No hover effects
• Clear section breaks

Organizational Tool

• No URL needed
• Can include icons
• Supports emojis
• Flexible positioning

Best Practices for Headers

1. Keep Headers Short

   • ✅ "CONNECT"
   • ❌ "Ways to Connect With Our Church Community"

2. Use Consistent Styling

   • All caps OR title case
   • Similar lengths
   • Matching emoji style

3. Logical Grouping

   • 3-5 links per section
   • Related content together
   • Clear categories

Effective Header Examples

🙏 WORSHIP
[Links for services, sermons, prayer]

💕 COMMUNITY  
[Links for groups, events, volunteering]

📚 RESOURCES
[Links for devotionals, classes, library]

📱 CONNECT
[Links for contact, social media, newsletter]

Social Links

Social links are specialized buttons designed specifically for social media profiles. They display as recognizable platform icons, making them instantly identifiable.

When to Use Social Links

Use social links for:

• Facebook page
• Instagram profile
• YouTube channel
• Twitter/X account
• TikTok profile
• LinkedIn page
• Pinterest boards
• Vimeo channel

Features of Social Links

Automatic Icon Detection

• Platform detected from URL
• Official brand icons used
• Consistent sizing
• Proper brand colors

Special Positioning

• Grouped at page bottom
• Horizontal layout
• Smaller than regular links
• Clean, minimal design

Simplified Setup

• Just enter profile URL
• No title needed
• Icon auto-selected
• Platform identified

Supported Platforms

Linked.Church automatically recognizes these platforms:

Major Platforms

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Twitter/X
• TikTok
• LinkedIn

Additional Platforms

• Pinterest
• Vimeo
• WhatsApp
• Telegram
• Discord
• Snapchat

Music/Podcast

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• SoundCloud

Best Practices for Social Links

1. Only Active Profiles

   • Link only to regularly updated accounts
   • Remove inactive profiles
   • Quality over quantity

2. Consistent Usernames

   • Use same handle across platforms
   • Makes church easier to find
   • Builds brand recognition

3. Strategic Selection

   • Focus on where your audience is
   • Typically 3-5 platforms maximum
   • Match your capacity to engage

Setting Up Social Links

1. Click "Add New Link"
2. Select "Social" as type
3. Enter profile URL:
   • https://facebook.com/yourchurch
   • https://instagram.com/yourchurch
   • https://youtube.com/@yourchurch
4. Save - icon appears automatically

Combining Link Types Effectively

The power of Linked.Church comes from combining all three link types strategically:

Example Page Structure

[Church Logo]
First Baptist Church
"Connecting our community to Christ"

🙏 SUNDAY SERVICES
├─ Watch Live
├─ Service Times
└─ Plan Your Visit

💕 GET INVOLVED
├─ Small Groups
├─ Volunteer
├─ Youth Ministry
└─ Children's Ministry

📚 RESOURCES
├─ Sermon Archive
├─ Bible Reading Plan
├─ Prayer Requests
└─ Give Online

📱 CONNECT
├─ Contact Us
├─ Newsletter
└─ Church App

[Social Icons: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube]

Visual Hierarchy Tips

1. Headers: Create clear sections
2. Regular Links: Provide main navigation
3. Social Links: Offer additional connection points

Advanced Tips

Mixed Content Sections

While headers typically group regular links, you can:

• Place important links above all headers
• Use headers to separate link purposes
• Create "featured" sections

Seasonal Adjustments

Christmas Season Example:

🎄 CHRISTMAS SERVICES
├─ Christmas Eve Services
├─ Advent Devotionals
└─ Holiday Concert Tickets

[Regular sections follow]

Mobile Optimization

All link types are mobile-optimized:

• Touch-friendly sizing
• Readable fonts
• Proper spacing
• Responsive layouts

Common Questions

Can I convert between link types?

Yes! Edit any link and change its type. Note that:

• Converting to header removes the URL
• Converting to social requires a valid social URL
• Regular links are the most flexible

How many of each type should I use?

Recommended balance:

• 3-5 headers for organization
• 10-20 regular links (total)
• 3-5 social links
• Adjust based on your needs

Do headers count against link limits?

No! Linked.Church offers unlimited links of all types.

Next Steps

Now that you understand link types:

• Organize links with headers
• Schedule seasonal links
• Add rich content
• Track performance

Remember: The best link structure is one that serves your congregation's needs!