Facebook is testing a limit of two organic link posts per month for non-verified professional accounts. This isn't about improving content quality but is a strategic move to drive adoption of its Meta Verified subscription service and create a new revenue stream.

To drive traffic off Facebook without paying for ads, experts recommend moving beyond links in comments or stories. The primary strategy is to use Messenger DMs, ideally triggered by comment automations. This aligns with Meta's focus on direct interaction and allows for unrestricted link sharing in a conversational context.

Meta's ecosystem is engineered for a four-step journey: content, viewership, direct message conversations, and then conversion. Marketers should align with this by using features like comment-to-DM triggers to initiate conversations, as Meta prioritizes this over external links.

Instagram's algorithm favors on-platform actions like DMs over off-platform link clicks. Asking users to reply to a Story to receive a link, rather than using a link sticker, signals high engagement to the algorithm, which can dramatically increase the story's overall views and reach.

Instead of a simple link, use Instagram Stories to ask followers to DM you a specific keyword to get access to something (like an event). This increases replies, which boosts your Story's visibility in the algorithm. You can then automate the follow-up with tools like ManyChat.

Facebook is testing limiting links for non-verified accounts to push Meta Verified subscriptions. Experts suggest this is a revenue play, and for most businesses, that money is better spent on ads. The long-standing best practice of placing links in the first comment remains the recommended approach.

Telling users "link in bio" directs them away from your post before they can like or comment. This lack of engagement signals the algorithm to limit your reach. Use DM automation CTAs (e.g., "comment 'SALE' for the link") instead to boost interaction and visibility.

Instead of using link stickers, prompt viewers to reply to an Instagram Story with a specific word via DM. This direct engagement signals relevance to the algorithm, increasing story visibility, while also creating a direct, conversational path to conversion.

Instead of directing users to a link, ask them to comment a keyword. This triggers a DM automation that delivers the link directly, boosting post engagement for the algorithm and providing a frictionless user experience.