So, you’ve got amazing content just waiting to be shared! Why not post them on social media platforms like Instagram?
With nearly two billion active users, Instagram offers huge potential. With the right approach, you can turn views into valuable clicks to your site and meaningful connections that can grow your brand. However, the platform’s link limitations can sometimes make it tricky to drive traffic and boost engagement.
The good news? This guide will show you exactly how to share a link on Instagram effectively. You’ll discover simple ways to use IG Stories, posts, and your bio to reach more people, spark engagement, and create real impact.
Ready to dive in and make each link-sharing effort count? Let’s get started!
Why linking on Instagram is important
Sharing links on Instagram is a powerful way to connect with your audience and expand your brand’s reach. Whether through Instagram Stories, bio links, or Instagram posts, these links help direct users to your website or main content.
While clickable links aren’t available in post captions, there are still effective tools and strategies to make links accessible and engaging.
Let’s explore how Instagram links can benefit your business.
Increased engagement
Links on Instagram can be a game changer to get people to interact with your post. Think about it. When you make it easy for visitors to explore, they’re more likely to take action.
Taking this approach will bring your visitors closer and spark genuine interest. Whether it’s a link in your Instagram Story, Instagram bio, or even a little “link in bio” message in post captions, each link is like an open door from the Instagram app to what you have to offer beyond your social content.
SEO benefits
Inserting links on Instagram doesn’t just help you connect with your audience; it also gives an SEO boost. Each time you add links to your Instagram bio or Stories, you drive traffic to your website.
Not to mention, bringing more people to your site improves your rankings over time. It also makes it easier for anyone to find you online. So, by sharing links on Instagram, you’re engaging followers and improving your brand’s position in search results.
Enhanced brand credibility
Links on Instagram don’t just drive traffic; they build trust. When people can easily access your website, products, or helpful content, they feel more confident about your brand. Building this trust encourages visitors to become loyal customers.
Key methods to share a link on Instagram
Sharing a link to your Instagram post isn’t always straightforward, but there are clever ways to make it work.
Let’s uncover the most successful strategies for targeted link-sharing that connect with your audience.
Instagram Stories
Connecting with your audience directly to your content is easy through Instagram Stories. By using the link stickers, you can easily add links or clickable URLs to your Instagram Story . Users can tap the link to visit your website or product web page.
Here’s how you can add a link sticker to your Instagram story and make it even more engaging.
Step 1: Open your Instagram app and create an Instagram Story. Tap the “+” icon and select “Story.”
Step 2: Add your media content. Upload photos, videos, or any visuals you want to include in your Instagram Story.
Step 3: Access the stickers menu. Tap the sticker icon found at the top of your screen.
Step 4: Choose the “Link” sticker. Select it to insert your link.
Step 5: Enter your clickable URL. Type on the website or product link you want to share.
Step 6: Add an engaging call to action (CTA). Use phrases like “Click to shop” or “Tap to learn more.” You can also add GIFs, emojis, or design elements around the link sticker to make it stand out in your Story.
Step 7: Adjust the sticker. Resize, move, and change the sticker’s color to fit your Story design.
Step 8: Share your Story. Once you’re happy with the setup, add it to your Instagram Story. Your followers can now click the link directly.
Direct linking in Instagram posts using external tools
Since Instagram doesn’t allow clickable links in post captions, there are creative solutions that get around the platform’s limitations. You can still guide followers to the desired link or content you mention in your post caption using tools that let you add links in your Instagram profile or set up a clickable photo grid.
Let’s look at tools that help connect followers to what you’re sharing links to.
Custom-branded URL shorteners
URL shorteners, like Bitly, shorten links to make them easy to share. When you add a link in your Instagram profile bio section or mention it in an Instagram post, a shorter URL like bit.ly/mybrand is simpler for followers to remember and use. This way, your post or bio won’t have long unintelligible links; a quick and easy way to keep your content tidy.
You can also customize your shortened links, so they don’t like suspicious spam links. When you customize your shortened URL, it can from bit.ly/2KEOXNx to bit.ly/mybrand. Bitly also lets you track clicks which gives Instagram business profiles insights to how many people engage with their content.
Pros
- Custom-branded short links can increase trust by making the source of your Instagram link recognizable.
- Shortened URLs look clean and professional, making posts more visually appealing.
Cons
- Shortened links can look suspicious to users and may reduce click-through rates if not customized to include your domain name.
- Your links may stop working if the link shortener service goes offline or updates its policies.
Interactive photo grids
Interactive photo grids help users find specific content. These tools create a clickable grid that mirrors your Instagram feed. When someone taps a photo, they go straight to the link you’ve set, like a blog or product page. This approach simplifies sharing more content with your audience.
Pros
- Interactive grids encourage deeper engagement by allowing users to click on specific images within Instagram posts to learn more.
- Grids help users navigate Instagram links more intuitively by creating a visually cohesive way of sharing content.
Cons
- Posting multiple parts of a grid at once can overwhelm followers, which may lead to lower engagement per individual post.
- Since the links often point to third-party aggregator sites, grids may not directly benefit your website’s SEO.
Link-in-bio tools
The link in your Instagram profile is a quick way to connect your audience with your important content. Since Instagram only lets you use one link in your Instagram bio, link-in-bio tools help you make the most of it by allowing multiple links, including shopping links, in one spot.
With tools like Linktree, Shorby, and MyLinks by Web.com, you can direct users to a single landing page with all your important links. This setup makes it easy for them to explore your website, shop, blog, and more.
How to add a link in bio
- Go to your Instagram profile.
- Tap “Edit Profile.”
- Under “Edit Profile,” click “Website” or “Links.”
- Tap the plus sign (+) to add a link.
- Save, and you’re set!
Popular link-in-bio tools
- Linktree
This tool is popular for its simplicity. It lets you add multiple links that open from a single Instagram profile bio link. This allows users to navigate clickable links to your content easily. However, since Linktree is an aggregator, it may divert attention from your personal branding to the Linktree platform itself.
- Shorby
Shorby offers a customizable link page for adding links, social media, and contact options. It’s perfect for brands wanting a visual, branded experience with vibrant icons and multimedia. Just keep in mind that this aggregator provides somewhat limited features and design options.
MyLinks offers link customization and tracking. The platform helps you see how many user clicks are generated through your links. With no coding required, you can organize links into sections, helping visitors find what they’re looking for easily. However, MyLinks is only available to customers who have a site on Web.com’s platform. If you’re a current (or interested) customer, you can utilize this tool to keep your website and marketing tools in one place.
Comparison of linking methods
Each linking method on Instagram has its strengths, limitations, and ideal uses. Here’s a quick comparison table to help you choose the best method based on ease of use, engagement potential, and limitations.
| Linking method | Ease of use | Engagement potential | Limitations |
| Instagram Stories | (High) Easily add link stickers in Instagram Stories | Good for quick engagement and driving website visits | Limited to 24-hour visibility unless saved to “Highlights” |
| Direct linking (URL shorteners) | (High) Simple and clean links in captions or bio | (Moderate) A shortened link is memorable if branded | Links aren’t clickable in captions; limited SEO benefits |
| Interactive photo grids | (Moderate) Requires setup with third-party tool | (High) Encourages deeper engagement with content | Can overwhelm users if posting multiple grid parts; limited direct SEO benefits |
| Link-in-bio tools | (High) Centralized and customizable | (High) Users have easy access to all content, including shopping links synced to your Instagram profile | May direct attention to aggregator platform; rely on third-party service for functionality |
Choosing the best linking method
When selecting the best linking method, consider the size of your business, audience, and goals:
- Small businesses or creators. Link-in-bio tools are ideal for centralizing multiple resources in one spot. This makes it easy for visitors to access everything you offer.
- Content-driven Instagram account. Interactive photo grids work well for accounts that want to drive engagement by connecting specific posts to related content.
- Goal of building trust and tracking engagement. URL shorteners with custom branding provide a clickable link and offer tracking insights.
- Quick updates or promotions. Instagram Stories with link stickers are perfect for driving immediate traffic and engagement, especially for limited-time offers or announcements.
Tips for maximizing Instagram link visibility
Want more followers to click on your Instagram link? Try these simple tips to make your links easier to find and click.
Use captions with a clear CTA
Guide your audiences with a direct call-to-action (CTA) statement. Say things like “Tap the link in bio for details” or “Swipe up for a special offer.” This tells them exactly what to do next.
Make links easy to remember
Use custom or branded links when you can, like bit.ly/MyBrand or mywebsite.com/shop. When links are simple, visitors can remember and return to them more easily.
Highlight links with emojis
Emojis grab attention in a fun way. Try using arrows, stars, or pointing fingers around your CTA button to show visitors where to find the link. Just a few are enough to catch the eye.
Organize multiple links with a link aggregator or link-in bio tool
If you have several links to share, tools like Web.com’s MyLinks let you keep them all in one spot. This way, people can easily check out your website, blog, or shop from one link in your bio.
Boost your Instagram impact with smart link-sharing
Using different link types on Instagram can help you reach more people and boost engagement. Be it an Instagram Story, Instagram link, or interactive grid, each offers unique ways to connect with your audience. The right mix can drive more traffic to your main web page and profile page.
Try out different methods to see what works best for your brand. Web.com’s MyLinks can keep everything organized. Not only that, but it also makes it easy for users to explore your content. Start experimenting today and make each clickable link count!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
To copy a link to an Instagram post, follow these steps:
1. Open the Instagram app and navigate to the Instagram post you want to share.
2. Tap the three-dot icon (⋯) at the upper right section of the post.
3. Press “Copy Link” in the menu that appears.
This limitation on Instagram keeps you engaged within the app. Limiting the external link encourages you to explore more content on their platform. This also means Instagram can show you more ads, which helps them earn revenue.
Since Instagram doesn’t support clickable links in post captions, there are two options. You can add it to your bio and mention “link in bio” in your caption. Or, if eligible, add a link in Instagram Stories using the “Link” sticker.
