Add Hyperlink to Instagram Post—A Complete Guide

Instagram is a popular social media app among young people, with around 1.4 billion users worldwide. It goes beyond posting aesthetic photos and reels, as marketers use it for effective marketing. They use smart strategies to direct the target customers to their stores and YouTube channels. However, how do they do it when Instagram does not allow external links?

Instagram is the best social media platform for engagement and driving traffic via clickable links. You can capitalize on it to bring conversion traffic, making your venture successful. In this guide, we’ll discuss adding hyperlinks to Instagram posts, Stories, bios, IGTV, and via DM.

How To Add Hyperlinks to Instagram Posts

Instagram posts have extensive reach. With the right hashtags, you never know how far they can go. How about sending your business along with your post? That’s what hyperlinking does. 

There are various ways of adding hyperlinks to Instagram posts. Let’s discuss the three most popular ways and see how they can boost traffic.

1. General Practice

When we generally talk about adding hyperlinks to Instagram, it’s simply adding links in captions. When users see the link, they memorize it and open it in their browsers. It does not allow them to click and reach the website. Instead, they have to walk the longer route.

We recommend using a short link if you are using this general practice. It is easier to memorize and retype—simplifying the whole process.

2. Capitalize on Sponsored Posts 

Another way to boost your website traffic with Instagram is to pay for sponsored posts. You will need a business profile for this. The feature lets you add a linked call to action in your post. This way, your target audience can click the link and reach your main website.

Sponsored posts have analytics features that can help track your ad’s performance. It’s like investing and evaluating how your money is working.

3. Checkout and Product Tags 

You can also use checkout on Instagram to add links to your posts. If you have an Instagram Shop, enabling the checkout option is very simple. Now, you can tag your posts that sell products or services. These posts carry shopping links synced with external e-commerce. They can accelerate your traffic via Instagram.

On Shoppable posts on Instagram, tap a photo and tags like ‘View Products’ appear, which are clickable. There’s also a link at the bottom of the post, usually labeled ‘View Shop,’ ‘Learn More,’ or ‘Shop Now.’ These links take you to a product catalog page where you can buy. 

To add such links to your posts, check if Instagram Shopping is available in your region. If it is, set up your business account and go ahead. 

These were the three popular ways of adding hyperlinks to posts on Instagram. Stories also play a role in bringing the traffic. Let’s see how you can add links there.

How To Add a Link to Instagram Story

After watching the views on their Instagram Stories, influencers wonder how to add a link to Instagram Stories. On Instagram, Stories are a great way to reach users and convert them into potential customers.

So, how can you leverage Stories by adding hyperlinks? Add aesthetic and appealing Stories that catch users’ attention and drive them to your store with the help of links. 

Here’s how you can add links to your Instagram Stories:

1. Open Instagram on your mobile and click the ‘+’ tab at the top right.
2. Click ‘Story’ at the bottom right.
3. Capture or upload a photo or video for your Story.
4. Tap the square smiley face sticker icon at the top.
5. Use the search bar to find the link stickers.
6. Choose ‘URL’ and enter your website link.
7. Hit ‘Done’ to share the Story with your followers.

How To Capitalize on Bio for Linking 

After the display photo, users see a bio on your Instagram profile. It should be unique, describing yourself, your business, and your passion. Adding a link to your professional website here is similar to hitting in the middle of the target.

Like Instagram Stories, it is simple to add links to your bio. Check out these quick steps below:

1. Open Instagram on your mobile and tap your profile picture at the bottom right.
2. Click ‘Edit Profile’ below your username and photo.
3. Under ‘Website,’ enter your website URL.
4. Tap the checkmark at the top right to save.
5. Add a caption directing followers to your bio for the link in future posts.

While targeting your bio, make sure it’s appealing. No one will click on the link if the content in your bio is boring. 

Using IGTV for Linking

Are you into long-format content? Instagram influencers who use IGTV can also add links to boost their businesses.

No matter how many people follow your IGTVs, you can add links and direct them to a shop or a website. However, your audience must expand the video description tab to access the link. While recording the video, you can tell them the link is in the description.

Follow these steps to use IGTV for linking:

1. Open Instagram on your mobile and tap the ‘+’ at the top right.
2. Click ‘Story’ at the bottom right.
3. Tap the ‘Link’ icon at the top.
4. Upload an IGTV video.
5. Hit ‘Done’ to add the link.

Remember, users are more likely to click on your website link if your content is interesting.

Linking via Direct Message

When interacting with followers via direct messages, hyperlinks can help increase traffic to your desired site. After the call to action, you can send the message and add the link. If the content hooks the user, they will click the link and land on your page.

We recommend assigning a specific person for this job. They should check all the messages before sending them. No customer should go un-entertained. That’s how you drive more traffic and maintain the existing one. 

While posting marketing content like Stories, Reels, and others—ask the followers to interact via direct message. Tell them the details in person and share the link to your official website. 

Note that linking via direct message only helps when you have adequate footfall in your DMs.

How Does Adding Hyperlinks on Instagram Help?

Adding hyperlinks on Instagram helps in numerous ways. Let’s get into the details and find out why you should add hyperlinks on Instagram.

• Boost Website Traffic: Sharing clickable links in Instagram posts informs followers about your website. This makes the website easily accessible, adding to your site’s traffic.
• Capture Leads: Instagram’s wide audience lets you showcase your products and services. You can convert potential customers into leads by including a link in your posts. It ultimately increases your customer base.
• Drive Sales: Attract the attention of a diverse audience on Instagram by displaying your products. Now, adding a link provides a convenient way for users to make purchases. It increases the sales for your business.
• Share In-Depth Content: Instagram primarily features photos and short post captions. However, by including links, you can direct users to blog posts and content that offers more detailed information and value.
• Offer Valuable Resources: Utilize links to reward your customers and followers for their loyalty. You can link to online courses, e-books, and downloadable materials, enhancing the user experience.

Tips for Posting Links on Instagram 

When adding hyperlinks to your Instagram content, don’t just follow the instructions like a robot. If you want good results, add emotion and engage your audience.

It’s your job to make users click the link. And they won’t do it until they find something unique and appealing. Follow these tips to make your content tempting: 

1. Short Links: If you have a long link, chop it down! Use a link shortener to make it snappy and clean. It’s easy: copy your long link, pop it into a link shortener, and voilà—a short link for your Instagram!
2. Make Links Appealing: Make your links pop with cool stickers, fun emojis, or hilarious GIFs. It’s like dressing up your link for a party! Grab these from free sites to stay on the right side of the law.
3. Develop Mobile-Friendly Sites: Most Instagrammers use the app on their phones. So, make sure your website is mobile-friendly. Think about a slick landing page—it’s like a welcome mat, leading them smoothly into the rest of your site. Keep it simple and fun!

Grow on Instagram With Path Social

Mastering the art of adding hyperlinks to your Instagram content can bring immense value and boost your follower count. Captivating posts, engaging Stories, and informative IGTV videos help users connect. You can also link with direct messages and your bio. 

By following the tips and strategies, you’re well on your way to transforming your Instagram presence. Catch the audience and drive the traffic to your website, blog, or online store with hyperlinks. 

If you need further help on how to add hyperlinks to Instagram posts, get in touch with Path Social. We support budding Instagram influencers with our unique AI algorithm. Our skilled and experienced team can help your account get maximum reach. 

Join Path Social today and watch your Instagram journey flourish.