Understanding Link Types
Learn about the different types of links available in Linked.Church - regular links, headers, and social links - and when to use each type.
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
| Type | Purpose | Clickable | Icon Support | URL Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Link | Standard buttons for websites, forms, etc. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Header | Section dividers to organize links | No | Optional | No |
| Social | Social media profile links | Yes | Automatic | Yes |
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
Clear, Action-Oriented Titles
- ✅ "Watch Sunday Service"
- ❌ "Click Here for Service"
Consistent Formatting
- Use similar title lengths
- Maintain icon style consistency
- Apply descriptions uniformly
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
Keep Headers Short
- ✅ "CONNECT"
- ❌ "Ways to Connect With Our Church Community"
Use Consistent Styling
- All caps OR title case
- Similar lengths
- Matching emoji style
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
- YouTube
- Twitter/X
- TikTok
Additional Platforms
- Vimeo
- Telegram
- Discord
- Snapchat
Music/Podcast
- Spotify
- Apple Podcasts
- SoundCloud
Best Practices for Social Links
Only Active Profiles
- Link only to regularly updated accounts
- Remove inactive profiles
- Quality over quantity
Consistent Usernames
- Use same handle across platforms
- Makes church easier to find
- Builds brand recognition
Strategic Selection
- Focus on where your audience is
- Typically 3-5 platforms maximum
- Match your capacity to engage
Setting Up Social Links
- Click "Add New Link"
- Select "Social" as type
- Enter profile URL:
https://facebook.com/yourchurchhttps://instagram.com/yourchurchhttps://youtube.com/@yourchurch
- 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
- Headers: Create clear sections
- Regular Links: Provide main navigation
- 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:
Remember: The best link structure is one that serves your congregation's needs!