Maintaining a good social media presence is a crucial part of online marketing. Instagram has become much more than just a cozy place for viewing pictures and texting your friends. Business owners took the opportunity to turn casual Instagram users into customers.
What Is “Link in Bio” on Instagram
When someone says “link in bio” in an Instagram post, it is a call to action for the customer. It invites you to visit their profile and check out their biography, which contains a URL that leads you to an external website.
Instagram has a specific policy on posting links that can lead users away from their website or app. Even though you can post links in your regular posts, users will not be able to click on the URL.
In other words, they will have to copy and paste the link or open another window in their browser and type out the entire thing. Since the advertising space on Instagram is free, it makes sense that they decided to limit it.
The link in your bio is the only clickable one.
How to Use your Instagram Bio Link
Since there is only room for one clickable URL on your bio, you should make the best of it. Once you have the customers’ attention, you should try to build loyalty so they will return.
Here are some ideas for your bio link:
- Add a link to your best product. If a product is already popular, it makes sense to put the website in your bio. Choose something that will get people hooked, and then your customers will be inspired to browse through other stuff you offer. Then, design your website, so users enjoy exploring your other products or services.
- Make a promotion for a new product or a big sale. Use the social media hype to boost your sales. Remember to mention the discounts and maybe give out promo codes.
- Give people free samples of your product, or host a giveaway. Free stuff always attracts more customers, especially if there’s a time limit involved.
- Let your followers know who you are. You can set the link to your about page and bring them closer to you.
- Invite people to watch your video, read your blog, or listen to your podcast. You can use any of these formats to connect with your audience genuinely. Remember that nobody likes blatant and generic ads, but people enjoy discovering quality content.
Do Bio Links Drive Traffic?
If you’re looking for Instagram analytics, you’ll have to switch to a business account. Analytics will show you how many people engage with your posts, stories, and profile. While it doesn’t show you WHO is visiting, it can give you insight into whether your marketing tactics are working.
Your website host should also provide you with information about traffic to your website, but it may not show you where that traffic is coming from.
Linking Restrictions
Instagram is very “Big Brother” when it comes to posting links. As stated previously, even those with Business accounts need 10,000 followers before they’re allowed to post links in their Instagram stories.
If you’re wondering why this is, you only need to know one word for an explanation – Spammers.
Thanks to the nefarious actions of spammers, scammers, and even trolls, the social media giant has cracked down on content that floods newsfeeds and ruins the user experience. It’s actually kind of nice for those who use the app to scroll and discover.
For others, like those trying to become an Influencer or using the platform to promote their homemade items or freelance work, it’s a different story entirely. Posting a link in a Bio is a workaround for every user.