Instagram is still a bit uncharted territory when it comes to using it to drive traffic to your business links or blogs, but here are a few things my marketing partners and I have found are helpful. Acquiring traffic from Instagram isn't as easy as some methods, but it can be done. As a matter of fact, when used correctly, Instagram can be a decent source of traffic. Here are some strategies to make Instagram traffic work for your business, and maximize the potential to obtain highly targeted traffic. 1) Include A Profile Link It sounds self evident, but it is easy to neglect. While your profile is most likely not the number one way that customers will reach your site, it is essential to ensure that they can do so if they choose. 2) Watermark Your Images A watermark is most often used as a way of preventing photos from being utilized by unapproved sources, but one that integrates your web address is also a great way to make Instagram traffic work to promote your site. It does not have to be fancy, but it should be eye-catching. It should also be light and unobtrusive enough that it will not detract from the image it is placed on. Obviously, this is more of a long-term branding strategy. 3) Add Links Inside Your Captions Captions are great for driving traffic, but only if your web links do not look spammy. Be sure that your caption is appealing and makes sense without the link, and link to a page that is relevant to the image if possible. 4) Create and Link To Recent Content Post pictures linked with your latest post or press release, and include a concise introduction in the caption together with a link. Give people just enough info to get them interested, and make them click through for more information. 5) Link To More Photos They will probably be interested in related photos if a user is interested in one of your earlier photos. Rather than posting them all on Instagram, post a couple and include a link to a gallery on your site that they must follow if they desire to see the rest. (This can work well in getting targeted traffic to your Facebook Fanpage, or other social media site where you do business). 6) Partial Photo Posts. Post only a small portion of the photo. Use photo editing software to crop a small section of a photo and post it on Instagram-- for example, a face with a funny expression. Invite users to click a link to your site to see the entire photo and learn what was going on. Instagram's huge popularity can make it an ideal source of traffic if you know how to use it. All you need to do is put links in the correct places and find ways to pique the user's curiosity to make Instagram traffic work for your business. I hope this short article gave you some ideas. If you have had success using Instagram for your business please comment and let's start a discussion. I would love to hear other methods you have found helpful. Make it a great day! You are all awesome and incredibly talented! Don't let anything stand in your way. - Adam
I have a blackberry and RIM STILL haven't gotten onto the train yet, Instagram still not available. Besides, I thin anyone should first build a following before selling anything, otherwise he may never build a following.
Great comment Ivin. Of course, a following is certainly needed to generate traffic from Instagram. I kind of considered that to be understood when writing up this article. I do agree with you to a certain extent though. I have found, as have others who are testing this out, that you can start to generate some decent traffic, AND gain followers by mixing up your content. That means items for sale, AND personal things. If your brand is YOU, than this is the perfect medium to do that. People follow people who are similar to themselves. If your brand is a company, well...that may be a great topic for another article, although I would imagine that it would work similarly to Pins on Pinterest. I will have to look into that. Make it a great day bro! Adam
I am thinking a lot about personal branding and unifying all my projects under one banner. But it's tough. Thanks Adam!