(This story was originally published on later.com and was edited for content and style.)
Driving traffic from Instagram is one of the best marketing tactics for your brand. With the right strategy, you can send clicks to your website, product pages or latest blog posts. While Instagram posts and Reels aren’t exactly clickable, there are still plenty of ways to move users in the right direction!
We’re sharing eight strategic ways to drive traffic from Instagram:
Tip #1: Use a Link in Bio tool to create a mini landing page for your profile
The link in your Instagram bio is the most effective way to drive traffic outside of Instagram and for good reason! It’s available to everyone, regardless of follower count and can be a one-stop-shop for sending followers to a blog post, web page or YouTube video.
To capitalize on this feature, we recommend using a link in bio tool that lets you share multiple links from one easy-to-navigate landing page. With Linkin.bio by Later, you can build a fully customizable landing page with your important links, as well as a clickable version of your Instagram feed. When followers click the link in your bio, they’ll be able to tap on any button or image and be directed straight to the links you’ve added.
Whether you’re looking to drive traffic to an article or website, Linkin.bio’s buttons, featured media and linked posts are there to highlight your top content.
Tip #2: Use Instagram stories link stickers
Instagram stories link stickers are a major tactic when it comes to driving traffic.
If you have a business or creator account, you can share links to any destination straight from your Instagram stories. It’s a great way to see a boost in clicks and get more eyes on your content. By using an Instagram stories scheduler like Later, you can sit down at your computer, batch content and plan out an entire week’s worth of Instagram stories in one dedicated session.
Tip #3: Package your most clicked stories in a permanent highlight
Instagram stories may disappear after 24 hours, but with an effective strategy, they can live on your profile page forever. Enter: Instagram stories highlights.
They’re the best way to extend the shelf life of your stories, giving them greater reach, more visibility and a boost in traffic. Through highlights, users spotlight their top stories by organizing them into clear categories and topics—letting their audience quickly find the content that’s of interest to them.
Make sure to keep your highlights up to date (and at the start of your story queue) to help visitors discover what you’re all about.
Tip #4: Add verbal and written call-to-actions (CTAs) to Instagram reels
It’s no secret, Instagram reels are a one-way ticket to growth, but they can also be massive traffic-drivers with a clear CTA that encourages people to head to your link in bio. This could be with on-screen text placement, a verbal call-out, in your video caption, or all of the above.
Directing users to your link in bio is a great way to get more value from your profile and it only takes a few minutes to set up.
Tip #5: Partner with influencers (and ask them to use link stickers on stories or a Link in Bio)
You know what they say, two is better than one. And no truer are those words than when a brand or business partners with an influencer on Instagram.
It’s an excellent way to leverage another community and with the right brand ambassador, you can reach a new audience on the platform.
The result? Sponsored posts that feel genuine and tap into your audience for those much-wanted clicks.
Tip #6: Set up an Instagram shop
Setting up an Instagram shop is a game-changer when it comes to reaching new customers and driving traffic.
With the feature, brands can curate a list of shoppable products that are directly accessible through the “View Shop” button on their Instagram profile page. Even better, brands with an Instagram shop can also be featured on the Instagram shop tab, making their products even more discoverable by users on the app.
Tip #7: Invest in Instagram ads
If you’re looking for a fast-pass route to drive more traffic from Instagram, create an Instagram ad. Instagram ads are a guaranteed way to reach more users and with the right strategy, they can be a huge advantage for your brand.
To make your Instagram ads as successful as possible, carefully consider your end goals. To drive traffic, focus on a strong CTA that encourages clicks.
Having a clear idea of your goals will help define your target audience, creative requirements and budget—making the whole process more targeted and efficient.
Use UTM tags to gain a deeper understanding of what content converts into sales.
Tip #8: Add action buttons to your Instagram profile
One of the easiest tactics to maximize your traffic opportunities on Instagram is to take advantage of your profile’s buttons. It’s a simple way that brands and businesses can connect on the platform, through action.
Whether you’re a nail salon, cafe, or fitness studio, adding an action button to your profile page is an interactive way to engage with your audience. The feature both drives conversions and traffic on the platform, directly.
To add your own action buttons:
- Head to Edit Profile and tap Action Buttons
- Select an action button: Order Food, Book Now or Reserve.
- Tap one of Instagram’s partners including Atom Tickets, Booksy, Eventbrite, GrubHub, Resy, etc.
- Tap Done
NOTE: This feature is only available for Business accounts.
With the right tools and strategy, Instagram can be a huge traffic driver for your brand or business. Equipped with the above tips and tricks you’ll soon be able to engage with your audience and convert followers into clicks and conversions, elsewhere.