Having linkable Instagram stories are a great way to promote products and services on your website.
Wondering how to add a link to your Instagram Stories?
In this article, you’ll know how to add links to your Instagram stories and creative ways to use your Instagram story links in your Instagram strategy.
You might have noticed that not everyone has the option to add links to their Instagram stories.
The only way you can access this feature is :
- Your Instagram is a business account
- You have more than 10,000 followers
- Your Instagram account is verified
If you don’t have any of these features, then you won’t be able to access the “add link” option on your profile.
If you let’s begin…
Step 1: Add Your Story
Go on your profile, click the plus icon on your display image. This is where you’ll add your stories, go live and import images that last up to 24-hours.
Step 2: Add Your URL
Choose the image or video you’d like to use and then select the “chain link” icon above.
If your business profile has less than 10,000 followers, you’ll only have access to use the links from your IGTV. So you’ll see an image like the one below.
If your account is verified or has more than 10,000 followers, you’ll see the option to use the URL from your IGTV and add a URL. You should see the following image below.
If you’re adding a link, it’s always best to shorten your URL with Rebrandly or Bit.ly so you can also track your metrics and clicks. Once you’ve successfully linked the URL to your story, the “chain link” icon will appear highlighted to indicate your story has a link.
Step:3 Edit your Story.
You can continue to edit your story with text, stickers, GIF’s, and filters to your story, then upload it to your profile as you would any other story.
It’s always best to add a CTA so you capture your viewer’s attention and drive them to take action.
If you’re still a bit new to Instagram and your adding stories as a way to market yourself better you can use Instagram Beginner’s Guide with Examples to help you get off on the right foot.
Best Ways to Use Links In Your Instagram Stories
Now that you know how easy it is to add links to your Instagram story, you can start promoting your content.
You can use Links in your Instagram story in some fun and creative ways like:
Drive Traffic to Your Blog Posts
When you publish a new blog post, you can add your blog’s URL to your story and use this to drive traffic to your blog post.
You don’t always need to add a link to every story (or viewers might be less likely to swipe up).
There are exceptions to this rule like W Magazine.
Since W Magazine updates readers with hundreds of published articles a day, they try to limit which stories should have links vs. which ones shouldn’t. You can use them as an example of how to find the right balance of how and when to add links within stories.
Your Online Tutorial or DIY Stories
Use Instagram Stories to share your online tutorials or DIY tips with your followers, you can include a link to your website, guide, or video, at the end or beginning of the story. Take a look at how Brit + Co use their Instagram story to do just that with their “How to be a wedding Photographer Guide”.
Exclusive Content
Have something exciting coming soon?
Use your Instagram stories to build up anticipation around your next big project. Tease your followers with something new waiting for them if they swipe up to see more. For example announce a winner, new app, service or upcoming contest.
Buzzfeed’s Tasty Instagram story does this perfectly with behind the scenes content so viewers can swipe up to see what really happens behinds Tasty videos.
Promote Your Products or Services
It goes without saying that you can use your Instagram story to link back to product and services for your website. You can give followers access to your products through our Instagram stories just make sure that it’s used in moderation so you don’t wear down or lose interest in your stories.
When done right this can help to boost sales and boost brand awareness. Take a look at how Gary Vee uses his Instagram stories to promote his collaboration with Adidas.
Using stories is just a fraction of the power your brand can have when it comes to Instagram marketing.
But don’t worry, I’ve got 15 Powerful Instagram Marketing Secrets you can steal for yourself to start tapping into that amazing Instagram growth and sales.
Summary
Now you know how to add a link to your Instagram Story and have some great examples to inspire you along the way.
Remember to focus on sharing great content with your followers rather than focusing on shameless self-promotion and selling.
If you have any questions or want to share your Instagram Story tips, reach out to me in the comment section below.
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Victoria Taylor