How to Add a Clickable Link to Your Instagram Story
Instagram stories are a popular way to share quick updates, behind-the-scenes snippets, and special promotions with your audience. But what if you want to direct your followers to your website, online store, or a particular blog post? Luckily, with the right tools and techniques, you can add clickable links to your Instagram story and increase engagement and traffic. Here’s a step-by-step guide and some tips to help you make the most of this feature.
Step-by-Step Guide on Adding a Clickable Link to Your Instagram Story
Before you start creating your story, make sure your Instagram account is in good standing and that you have at least 10,000 followers, or a verified badge if you want to unlock the swipe-up feature. Also, ensure that you have the latest version of the Instagram app installed on your device.
1. How to find and use the link icon
First, take a photo or video, or choose one from your camera roll, and start editing your story as usual. Then, tap the chain link icon on the top menu, represented by a little ‘link’ or ‘paper clip’ symbol. This will bring up a new screen where you can enter or paste a URL.
2. How to add the link to your story
Once you’ve entered the URL you want to promote, click on Done or press Enter. You’ll notice that the link icon will now appear in your story, usually at the top right corner, or as a “swipe up” arrow if you have unlocked the feature. You can resize, move, or rotate the icon to your liking, and add text, stickers, or emojis to encourage your followers to click on it.
3. Screenshots and clear instructions
If you’re still unsure how to add a link to your Instagram story, check out the app’s official Help Center, which provides detailed instructions and screenshots for each step. You can also find many third-party tutorials and video guides on YouTube, blogs, or social media platforms. Just make sure you trust the source and that the information is up to date and relevant to your needs.
Tips and Tricks for Getting the Most Out of Your Instagram Story Link
Now that you know how to add a clickable link to your Instagram story, here are some tips and tricks to help you optimize your results:
1. Using the swipe-up feature
If you have at least 10,000 followers or a verified badge, you can use the swipe-up feature instead of the link icon. This allows you to create a more seamless and intuitive experience for your followers, who can simply swipe up on your story to access your website, landing page, or product page. Make sure you emphasize the value they will get from clicking on your link, such as a discount, a freebie, or exclusive content.
2. Adding a call to action
To increase your click-through rate and engagement, you can include a clear call to action (CTA) in your story, such as “Swipe up to learn more”, “Get your free trial now”, or “Limited time offer”. Use strong verbs and power words that convey urgency, curiosity, or excitement. Also, experiment with different placements and formats for your CTA, such as overlays, animations, or voiceovers.
3. Making sure your link is relevant to your audience
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when promoting a link on your Instagram story is to make it irrelevant, spammy, or boring. Your followers want to see content that resonates with them, solves their problems, or entertains them. So, make sure your link aligns with your brand voice, messaging, and values, and that it provides value to your target audience. You can also segment your followers into different groups and create customized stories and links for each group.
Examples of Businesses or Creators Who Have Used Instagram Story Links Effectively
If you’re still not convinced that adding a link to your Instagram story can boost your traffic and conversions, here are some inspiring examples of businesses and creators who have done it successfully:
1. Showcasing successful campaigns
Many brands and marketers use Instagram stories to showcase their successful campaigns and case studies, and provide evidence of their ROI. For instance, Nike used an Instagram story to promote its new shoe collection and included a swipe-up CTA to purchase the shoes directly from its website. This resulted in a 10% increase in sales and a 30% increase in website traffic.
2. Conducting interviews with Instagram users who have seen a boost in their traffic
You can also leverage your Instagram story to interview other influencers, bloggers, or business owners who have seen a boost in their traffic and share their secrets and tips. This can help you create valuable content that your followers will appreciate, and increase your credibility and authority in your niche. For instance, Airbnb partnered with different Airbnb hosts to create a series of Instagram stories that showcased their unique and inspiring homes and destinations, and included a swipe-up CTA to book them.
Comparison of Different Tools and Services You Can Use to Add Links to Your Instagram Story
Of course, there are many different tools and services you can use to add a clickable link to your Instagram story, and each has its pros and cons. Here are some of the most popular options:
1. Free and paid options
Instagram’s own link icon and swipe-up feature are free and easy to use, but require you to have a certain number of followers or a verified badge. Other free options include Bitly, a URL shortener that also tracks clicks and performance, and Canva, a graphic design tool that includes Instagram story templates and link icons. Paid options include Linktree, a landing page that allows you to add multiple links to your Instagram bio, and Unfold, a story editor that offers premium templates and fonts.
2. Pros and cons of each tool or service
When choosing a tool or service to add links to your Instagram story, consider factors such as ease of use, customization options, analytics, pricing, and customer support. Some tools may be more suited for businesses or creators with smaller or larger audiences, or different niches and goals. For instance, Linktree may be a better choice for online stores or content creators who want to showcase different products or blog posts, while Canva may be more suitable for personal brands or influencers who want to add creative and visually appealing stories.
Overview of Instagram’s Policy on Including Links in Your Story
Finally, it’s important to note that Instagram has some rules and guidelines that you need to follow when including links in your story, especially for sponsored content. Here are some of the key points:
1. Rules Instagram users need to follow
You cannot include links to websites that violate Instagram’s community guidelines, such as those that contain illegal or adult content, spam, or phishing links. Also, you cannot include links to external payment gateways or donation platforms, except for approved partners or Instagram shopping tags. Moreover, you cannot use misleading or false information in your links, such as fake news, scam offers, or unproven health claims.
2. Guidelines for sponsored content
If you include links to a sponsored post or ad, you need to comply with Instagram’s branded content policies, which require you to disclose your partnership or affiliation with the brand, and use the proper tagging and hashtags. You also need to make sure that your link aligns with the brand’s values and messaging, and that it complies with the applicable laws and regulations of your country or region.
3. Avoiding spam
Last but not least, make sure you don’t use your Instagram story link to spam or harass your followers, or to manipulate the algorithm. Avoid using clickbait titles, misleading thumbnails, or excessive CTAs. Instead, focus on creating engaging, authentic, and inspiring content that provides value to your audience, and that encourages them to share, comment, and follow your brand.
Conclusion
Adding a clickable link to your Instagram story can be a powerful way to drive traffic, sales, and engagement, but it requires some planning, creativity, and compliance. By following the step-by-step guide, the tips and tricks, and the examples and comparisons provided in this article, you can optimize your chances of success and stand out from the competition. Remember to test, measure, and adjust your strategy based on your audience’s feedback, and to always prioritize quality over quantity.