Chucking links in your captions is killing your Facebook reach

You’ve got better things to do than write Facebook posts for them to reach 200 people. You’re not alone — every small business owner I know is trying to squeeze more out of their socials without throwing money at ads every five seconds.

If your Facebook reach is stuck in the low hundreds, and you’re posting links straight in your captions, you’ve just found your first fix.

Grab a cuppa and save this one — it’s a quick change that works wonders if you’re tired of seeing your posts vanish into the void.

Why your posts keep flopping

Facebook wants people hanging around, scrolling, liking, commenting, tagging their mum. If you stick a link in your caption, you’re basically holding the door open and saying, “Off you pop, go read my blog now!”

Facebook hates that. Less scrolling time means Facebook earns less ad money. So it buries your post quietly, like a dog hiding a bone.

If you want your Facebook reach to grow, stop handing people the exit before they’ve even liked your post.

Would you normally add a link to your caption? (Be honest!)

• Yep. I definitely did!
• Nope! I never use links

We all do it — but it’s time to stop

It makes sense on paper. Got a new blog, a fresh offer or a product to show off? Whack the link in the caption, press post, job done.

But here’s the kicker. Links in captions pull people off Facebook. So the algorithm goes, “No thanks,” and shows your post to barely anyone.

More time on Facebook = more reach.

Less time on Facebook = your post gets ghosted.

How to fix your Facebook reach (the easy way)

Here’s the switch:

1. Write your post without your link.

2. Publish it.

3. Add your link in the first comment.

4. Pin the comment if it’s important for people to find fast.

   
   

That’s it. No new apps. No fancy hacks. Just a different spot for your link.

Your caption stays link-free, Facebook stays happy, your post stays visible. More people see it, more people click your link anyway. Win win.

What happens when you do this

I’ve seen clients double or even triple their reach when they stop pasting links into captions. They get more likes, more shares, more people tagging their friends, and the link in the comments still does its job.

Plus, it makes your caption cleaner and easier to read. No messy long links breaking up your story or promo.

Want even more people to see your stuff?

Alright, while you’re here, here are three more quick tweaks to help lift your Facebook reach, especially if you’re running a one-person show:

1. Write like you speak

No one wants a lecture. Keep your posts sounding like you’d say it in real life. Short sentences. No jargon. Little bit of cheek if that’s your style (which it is, if you’re reading this).

2. Add a question at the end

Posts that get comments get shown to more people. End your caption with something easy to answer. It doesn’t need to be deep. Example: “Which one would you pick?” or “Seen this happen too?”

3. Reply to comments quickly

Every reply counts as more engagement. It tells Facebook your post is worth showing to a bigger crowd. Don’t ghost your comments — jump in and chat back.

Stop making Facebook harder than it has to be

Most small business owners don’t want to turn into social media experts. You just want your posts to reach real people who might actually buy something one day. Fair enough.

This link tweak is the easiest way to help that along. No cost, no tech headaches. Just start adding your links in the comments instead of the caption and watch what happens over the next few posts.

Try it this week and watch what happens

Your Facebook reach doesn’t have to stay stuck in the sad zone. This quick switch — putting your link in the comments instead of the caption — gives your posts a fighting chance to reach real people who actually care about what you do.

Test it out on your next post. Keep an eye on your reach. And if you want to skip the guesswork and get a plan that actually works?

👉 Book a free Discovery Call with me.

We’ll chat about what’s working, what’s not, and how to get your socials ticking along nicely — so you can get back to doing your real job without wondering what to post next.

Final word — don’t let this stuff drain your time

You didn’t start your business to become a full-time content machine. Use quick wins like this one to boost your reach for free, save your sanity, and get back to looking after your customers.

I’m here if you need a hand. Grab that free call if you want to pick my brain — it’s what I’m here for.

I Need Help!