…You should be (monitoring that little URL can pay off in big ways!)
If your social platforms are key to your business, then Instagram can – and definitely should – bolster your bank account while benefiting your brand. But, despite being the king of engagement, many struggle with the challenge of Instagram’s ability, or lack thereof, to drive traffic and increase other digital visibility. This is largely due to the limited shared link space on Instagram.
Since Instagram offers the bio link spot as its ONLY clickable one, consider this precious link as prime digital real estate. Tapping into its power will help boost your brand and business in a big way. Here are some ways to utilize the link in bio to build engagement and increase traffic. Hopefully, these tips will lead to padding both your wallet and audience.
Since Instagram offers the bio link spot as its ONLY clickable one, consider this precious link as prime digital real estate.
Biz Builder 1: Link Customization Is Key
Typically, when a follower clicks on the link in your Instagram bio, the source of traffic simply shows up in Google Analytics as direct. Instead, try adding a custom URL parameter to the link in order to tailor the results. You can do so by shortening the link, which Influencer.co enables you to do for free. You’ll be able to see more specific traffic details and even create a professional report for prospective or current clients. You’ll then be able to determine exactly just how effective these clicks are by tracking both where, and what time of day, these clicks occur.
Custom Influencer links can then be updated regularly to match with current content across all digital platforms. Watch clicks and engagement rise by changing the link in bio daily to coordinate with and/or highlight changes of a promotion or new content. For example, if promoting updated content or a giveaway, use the phrase “click link in bio” within the photo caption so followers will click through and enter their date. As the bio features the only clickable link on Instagram, this step is essential in driving traffic to your site.
Biz Builder 2: Pick Your Partners (or Products)
Choose products you feel strongly about, or you think will resonate with your Instagram crowd. Influencer.co allows you to search hundreds of thousands of available items, then create a link unique to you where purchases earn you commissions. Change it up! Don’t feel like you need to stick with one product forever. Test different things over time to see what really moves your crowd.
These types of relationships will help monetize your platforms and establish trust with readers, encouraging them to visit both parties’ websites.
You may even want to collaborate on an Instagram campaign with a major brand. Because Instagram doesn’t allow links in captions, a partnering brand would ask you to direct your followers to a “link in bio” to drive traffic, both to their site and to your own. Cross-promotions and strategic partnerships can increase marketing revenue for both parties. Align with brands that reflect your voice to maintain authentic partnerships. These types of relationships will help monetize your platforms and establish trust with readers, encouraging them to visit both parties’ websites.
Biz Builder 3: Go Beyond Hashtags
Embracing new ideas and ways of doing things is an important part of life, but it’s imperative online in the digital landscape. Be willing to try new methods of tracking, likes, shares and hashtags. This will give you more flexibility to discover the true impact of engagement.
It’s essential to create relevant, engaging and compelling captions and content. This captures the attention of your audience and allows your community to engage with all of your digital platforms, as well as boosting your business. Set yourself up for success and don’t be afraid to experiment with new things in order to find out what works best for your audience. hone in what your readers want and create content that provides them value. Establishing yourself as an authority will further encourage them to click on your bio link.
It’s essential to create relevant, engaging and compelling captions and content.
Biz Builder 4: Curate A Call-To-Action
Refer your Instagram followers or visitors to your bio link with a call to action, encouraging them to click through for currents details, promotions or access to updated content. Don’t forget to remind readers to visit the link in bio, as well as check your analytics on a regular basis – something made easy through your Influencer.co account. Don’t be too heavy-handed with your promotion. You can lose the trust of your visitors if you’re too obvious or over-bearing with it. Find that “sweet spot” that compels them to take action but doesn’t make them feel like they’re being commoditized. Then you can direct people to the shortened tracking links in your bio to nudge people toward the products you’re promoting. Treat Instagram as a vehicle to share your message; then, use it to drive traffic and encourage your audience to click over to your actual monetized website.
