What is a blog without readers? Increasing traffic to a blog’s website is a daily challenge all writers must face. Although it might seem nonsensical to use a photo app to acquire new blog viewers, Instagram is a huge network of potential viewers! As of 2016, Instagram boasts approximately 600 million followers. In addition to a large audience pool, it has several perfect features for marketing your site. By using the right tools and strategies, an Instagram account can boost your readership exponentially. Here are a few tactics to help you succeed:
1) Add the site link to your Instagram Bio
Thankfully, Instagram is a beautiful app. With the swipe and tap of your fingers, you can maneuver your way across the platform and easily access photos. To prevent spam, Instagram doesn’t allow you to add a hyperlink in the caption of your photos. However, Instagram allows you to add a hyperlink to your website inside of your bio, which appears at the top of your page. Upon clicking the link, Instagram redirects a user to your blog without even exiting the app. This increases viewership of your blog prevents upsetting users by forcing them to abandon the app. Whenever you publish a new blog post, add a relevant photo on Instagram and include in the caption “link in bio” so users know where to look.
2) Post often and post smart to attract followers
The more Instagram followers who see your photo, the more people are exposed to your blog link. Use Instagram to your benefit by posting often and posting strategically. Use popular hashtags like #instagood, #love, #photooftheday, and other high traffic tags that offer maximum visibility. Hashtags might seem silly, but they’re one of the best tools for increasing followers and likes on your pictures. Additionally, studies show that posting at certain times helps increase likes, such as 5pm when Instagrammers are most active. Finally, avoid posting photos that could be mistaken for spam.
3) Reach out to other Instagrammers
Are you wondering how someone gains followers? Keeping to yourself isn’t the answer. Follow, like, and comment. Performing these three actions on other people’s post will increase your following. Develop the habit of regularly reaching out to other users for consistent personal gains. Business blogger Neil Patel found that for every 100 “likes” he gave other followers, he gained about 6.7 followers and 21.7 more likes. In addition to liking posts, taking the time to comment on photos further increases your follower count. Users see that you’re interested and feel compelled to return the favor.
4) Use Instagram Business
Instagram has a really cool feature that enables you to turn your account into a “Business Profile”. A business account gives users access to analytical tools showing which posts performed the best. These statistics are important for determining which posting tactics proved to have the highest levels of performance, including reach and impressions. Also, this type of profile comes with a “contact” button positioned in the Bio area, encouraging other users to easily contact you. If you’re wanting to take things a step further, you can also produce ads which promote your post.
Instagram, a social platform dominated by pictures might not seem like the best place drive new blog viewership. However, knowing how to utilize the program to your advantage will open the door to success. With an estimated 600 million users, Instagram is a treasure chest waiting for you to discover its potential.