Meta have started restricting the number of links Facebook pages can add to posts and comments, to only 2 links per month. This coincides with their launch of Meta One for Business paid subscriptions. What are the options for small business?
Previously tested on a small scale, Meta has expanded its trial of limiting the number of links Facebook business pages can insert into posts to only two links per month. This has coincided with the launch of Meta One for Business paid subscription packages, which include the adding of links to posts as a paid benefit. For any pest control business with a Facebook page (which should be every business) it is important to understand the new rules.
What’s the restriction?
Business pages can only include two links per month within organic posts (or comments) made on business pages.
Has the restriction been applied to all Facebook business pages?
At this stage not all Facebook business pages have been affected, but the number is increasing. It may well be applied to all Facebook business pages in the near future.
Does this change really make a difference?
Many businesses use their Facebook business page to promote their website, highlighting services and blog posts. It is not uncommon to post weekly. While these links do not directly help with SEO activities (Facebook links are ‘nofollow’ links), they can generate traffic to websites and depending on the posting strategy, they can drive local traffic to the website. For example, posts that are also posted to local community pages provides an opportunity for local exposure and driving local traffic.
However, the number of views of posts with links has continued to drop, from 9.8% of feed views in 2022 to 1.3% as of 2026 (source: Meta’s Widely Viewed Content Report 2026). So, in the big scheme of things, whilst it may seem like of ‘rip-off’ to some, it may not have a big impact on traffic and the achieving of overall marketing objectives.
What should businesses do?
- Maximise the circulation of organic posts with a link. Choose which links you want to promote and circulate those posts as widely as possible – you can post to up to three community groups per posts (if their rules allow) and there doesn’t appear to be a restriction of copying the post and re-posting to additional community groups.
- Sign up for a Meta One for Business subscription plan. Business plans start at $22.99 per month for the Essential package, but this still only allows two post links per month. You need to pay for the Advanced package ($76.99 per month) to get an allowance of eight links per month. These fees are charged per profile, so you would need separate subscriptions for both Facebook and Instagram profiles.
- Consider Facebook advertising. Of course, the other option is to use Facebook ads to guarantee circulation of posts with links. Meta would be equally happy with that!
It does seem a bit disappointing that businesses cannot freely link from their Facebook business page to their own website, but despite their highly profitable advertising platforms, social media companies are always looking at new ways to increase their revenue. Sigh…
Learn about the Meta One business subscriptions, which provide potential benefits to users on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Meta AI.
