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Get great Instagram traffic to your blog for free

Get Instagram Traffic To Your BlogThere are many ways to get Instagram traffic to your blog.

For bloggers, one of the best methods is to add what I call “blog post captions.”

I’ll tell you what I mean by that in a minute.

But first, let’s talk about some Instagram basics.

Instagram for your personal blog

Okay, first of all… Instagram is not just for visual blogs.

But it helps.

If your niche is visual… like fashion, travel, photography and the like… then Instagram is a natural fit.

That’s because you can easily find or create images that show people what you want to talk about.

A little black dress, a trip to an exotic island or your latest nature trail photo shoot… these things are easy to picture, right?

But what about more abstract things like effective copywriting… not so easy to put a picture to that is it?

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So think about how you can visualize your niche.

Then start collecting the best images you can muster to “show” people what your blog posts are about.

Instagram for your business blog

If your blog is a company or business blog, then you will have the same challenges.

How can you visualize what you are offering to prospects?

If you have a line of children’s clothes, for instance, it should be a snap to keep posting photos of different styles you want to feature.

But if you are trying to promote your law firm on Instagram, it’s not so easy to come up with visual material.

Now, any business can theoretically take advantage of Instagram.

Instagram for business

Click the image above to read Lisa’s article, Instagram for business on Inspire to Thrive.

And, while you’re there, make sure to check out the information about her course…

Instagram for beginners

But it’s obviously going to be a lot easier if you can show people things, instead of just talk about them.

So that will be your challenge.

To picture what you do and sell.

And this is one of the reasons I strongly encourage businesses to have a blog.

With a business blog, you don’t have to show things you sell or market.

You can simply get people’s attention with a good image, and then send them along to your blog.

That’s where they’ll really get the lowdown on what you do, and how it can benefit them.

How to promote a blog post on Instagram

This is one of the things that all bloggers immediately think about.

They keep writing blog posts, but they want them to get more exposure.

So they wonder if Instagram can help.

Well, sure it can, if you can post images that draw people to the subject matter of your blog posts.

But just how do you promote each blog post on Instagram?

Use your blog post images

Each time you write a blog post, you should be using images.

You have a featured image, of course.

That is the one that people see when they click on your blog post.

But then you have other images that show people things you are talking about within your articles.

Or at least you should.

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One of the nice things about choosing to promote your blog posts on Instagram, is that it keeps you working at adding great images to your blog.

And that’s a good thing.

Not just because it gives you Instagram shots, but because those images will help keep your blog visitors engaged, too.

Link to your blog

Now, here comes the tough part.

How do you link to your blog?

Well, you can put the URL to it in your captions, but the link won’t be clickable.

You can even put the URL on your image itself, but again, it won’t be clickable.

Instagram links

So, you have to tell people to copy/paste or even type your link into their address browsers.

Or, you can just tell them to go to your profile link, which should be the main link to your blog.

The trouble with that is that they won’t go directly to the blog post related to your image.

They will just go to your main URL.

To get Instagram traffic to your blog, this works.

But to get it to a specific blog post is not a simple matter of inserting a clickable link.

That’s one of the big reasons I suggest using “blog post captions.”

How to use Instagram captions

Most people think that writing an Instagram caption is all about saying something catchy and clever to accompany your image.

That’s true.

But there’s an even more powerful way to use captions to get Instagram traffic to your blog.

It’s writing extended captions.

Long-form captions.

Captions that summarize, or lead into your blog post.

This is really a form of microblogging.

Microblogging Promises Massive Results To Smart Bloggers

Bloggers rarely take good advantage of this on Instagram.

But you can!

Here’s why.

Instagram actually allows you to post up to 2200 characters.

Instagram character limit

Did you know that?

Most bloggers don’t.

Now I fooled around with that a bit.

I found that using basic words, nothing unusual, 2200 characters converts into about 400 words.

That’s like a short-form blog post!

Example of Instagram blog post caption

So why not write a shortened version of your latest blog post, or a summary, and use it as an Instagram blog post caption?

It could look something like this…

Instagram Jenna Farmer

Here’s the full text of the microblog that Jenna wrote for that Instagram “caption.”

1- Instagram blog by Jenna Farmer2- Instagram blog by Jenna Farmer

And here’s the hashtags she used…

Instagram hashtags

So, you see, Jenna has actually written a blog post, hasn’t she?

But she wrote it as an Instagram caption.

That’s a great way to get Instagram traffic to your blog.

It’s sort of like “teaser” content that can lead into your longer, more thoroughly written blog posts.

And remember, it’s free!

So maybe it’s time to start your own “Instagram blog.”

How to add a link to your Instagram blog post caption

The big problem bloggers have with Instagram is that you cannot put links in your captions.

Instagram only allows one single link on your profile.

The idea is, if people are interested in the subject matter of your photos and images, they could go to your profile and click on the link you provide to see what you’re all about.

So, as a blogger, you probably would put your blog’s homepage link in your profile in order to get Instagram traffic to your blog.

That’s fine.

But remember this.

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When you post an image with a caption, like in the above example, people won’t go to any specific blog post your wrote.

They’ll just go to your blog’s home page when they click the blog link on your profile.

Third-party Instagram apps

Now, this problem has been “solved” by many third-party Instagram apps.

IGLI.me

Like one called Igli.me…

IgliYou can see what’s happening here.

People click your “igli” link and get redirected to a page that has multiple links.

Those links can be redirect them to different blog posts, or to a service you provide… even affiliate links.

That’s cool.

A similar one is Link Tree.

Link My Photos

Another interesting one is Link My Photos…

Link My Photos

With this app, you could use your own Link My Photos site as your profile link.

Then, people could see your images, such as a featured blog post image, and click it to go to that blog post.

Link My Photos, like most third-party apps, has both a free and paid version.

Link My Photos pricing

Create your own Instagram landing page

As cool as the third-party apps are, they have a big down-side.

They often violate Instagram’s Terms of Service.

And there are other reasons for not using third-party apps.

You see, Instagram wants you to use your own landing pages, not an app tool.

And it’s actually better branding for your personal or business blog, so hey, why not just do that?

Mel Judson did.

Here’s how that works.

Instagram Bio page

She simply linked to her private landing page instead of a third-party one.

Instagram profile sample

It looks great, too.

You can see her actual Instagram landing page here.

And how about her branding?

All the links she wants to showcase are right on her own blog.

She simply created a page (a landing page) called “Get Started” on her blog and stylized it the way she wanted.

Anytime she wants to add, delete or change a link or topic or service or affiliate offer, she just has to edit that page!

Pretty simple, especially on WordPress.

Get great Instagram traffic to your blog for free

You can truly get some great Instagram traffic to your blog for free.

Now you see how easy it can be.

Sure, it takes work and consistent posting.

Like anything, right?

And you want to take steps to make sure to protect your Instagram account from hackers.

But that’s it, really.

Top Tier Coaching

What do you think?

Are you ready to implement some of these strategies?

Which ones appeal to you most?

Isn’t it time you started getting some Instagram traffic to your blog?

-Donna

PS: I’d love it if you share this article on your social sites 🙂

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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22 Responses to Get great Instagram traffic to your blog for free

  1. Mintage Markcomm February 20, 2021 at 3:00 am #

    The content of this blog is really amazing. It has drawn all my attention to read each and every step. I got much knowledge about blogging and also getting traffic organically.

  2. Anna November 16, 2020 at 4:05 am #

    I am glad that you give updates on Instagram’s platform. It was a much-needed post. Thankyou so much for sharing this.

  3. Donna Merrill
    Twitter:
    November 8, 2020 at 1:26 pm #

    Hi Neha
    Good to know you found this information I’ve shared was a help to you.

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted..How Pinterest grows your blogging audienceMy Profile

  4. Moss Clement
    Twitter:
    November 4, 2020 at 11:18 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I’m glad I didn’t miss this informative post. Instagram is one of the best social networking sites every marketer should be using. However, depending it you have an audience on the site, which is likely.

    As the fastest growing social media site, it makes sense to use it as a mini-blogging platform to scale your blogging business. I like the caption example you presented. It shows that I have not been doing it right.

    Why? I do create interesting captions, but I’ve never got that length, which is a fine way to offer value that will attract clicks to your blog.

    The third-party tools look ideal as well, and I’m geared to trying them out.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Moss Clement recently posted..How to Convert Blog Readers to Leads in 11 Easy Ways

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      November 4, 2020 at 12:24 pm #

      Hi Moss,

      I am loving Instagram these days. It sure is the fastest growing social media site. Yes, using it as a mini-blogging platform is great. I like to take a paragraph from a blog post I’ve written and re-write it to post on Instagram. Getting nice results.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Pinterest grows your blogging audienceMy Profile

  5. Hussain Omar
    Twitter:
    November 2, 2020 at 1:50 am #

    Hi Donna,
    What a nice post!

    Indeed, visualizing your posts on Instagram is a real challenge especially for service providers, as products can be easily visualized.

    Loved the tip for promoting the exact post link. Thanks for sharing!

    Regards
    Hussain
    Hussain Omar recently posted..5 Best Ways to Charge a Chromebook Without a ChargerMy Profile

  6. sara October 30, 2020 at 3:58 pm #

    This is a helpful post because I dove back into Instagram a few weeks ago, again.

    The network seems to have the most niched crowd and strategies in many ways because it is instant, quick, simple, and demands better knowledge for creative ways to link, target and share.

    Slowly but surely, I am getting it. I love the idea of using captions because I noted how writing more text with posts boosts engagement through both Likes and comments.

  7. Marquita Herald
    Twitter:
    October 30, 2020 at 1:40 pm #

    Great tips as always Donna! I’m feeling a bit put off with Instagram at the moment. I made a pretty good start a few months ago and then suddenly they shut me down – no explanation. I followed up but couldn’t get a response from them, so I talked to “experts” and the only clue I could get was that my images may have violated their rules about having the right to use them. But I only use images I either create or have the full right to use – I even keep the free license verifications – which did me no good because I couldn’t get anyone to respond!

    Someone I know who had the same thing happen to him told me about a workaround to manipulate the system. Not my style – so I gave up, but I am determined, so I’ve started over.

    On the positive side, for some reason this time I was able to get the name I wanted – Emotionally Resilient Living – so there’s that. Anyway, I’m reworking my images and will definitely take advantage of your tips!
    Marquita Herald recently posted..Hope For the Weary HeartMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 30, 2020 at 3:54 pm #

      Wow Marquita,
      That stinks! You of all people… You play by the rules all the time and you create great images that are yours. When it comes to images and the licenses, it gets so darn confusing. Some say it is OK to use, but for a certain amount of time. There always seems to be the “fine print” when it comes to images.
      I like to take my own pictures and upload them to Canva to put titles on. I find that I don’t have to worry about all the knit-picking of images, but more than that, they seem to stick out.
      Ever scroll FB and see those lovely images, then someone has a make-shift one and it sticks out? I do believe that’s what we need to do to keep it safe.
      Thanks so much for sharing what happened to you. Me and my readers will take heed of this and be extra careful when posting.
      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Get great Instagram traffic to your blog for freeMy Profile

  8. lata104 October 30, 2020 at 5:45 am #

    Thanks for sharing your valuable information and today’s youth use social platform where everyone is connected and instagram is the tool which is not only entertain us but also provide us a chance to get income. today youth want to start their own business so these information will guide them.

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 30, 2020 at 3:56 pm #

      Hi and welcome to my blog.

      When using Instagram to market, we have to first make a plan, then post up images that coincide with what we have to offer. I know many that have been on Instagram a long time and have done well with marketing.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Get great Instagram traffic to your blog for freeMy Profile

  9. Ryan K Biddulph
    Twitter:
    October 29, 2020 at 6:28 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    This is a helpful post because I dove back into Instagram a few weeks ago, again. The network seems to have the most niched crowd and strategies in many ways because it is instant, quick, simple, and demands better knowledge for creative ways to link, target and share. Slowly but surely, I am getting it. I love the idea of using captions because I noted how writing more text with posts boosts engagement through both Likes and comments.

    Ryan

    Ryan Biddulph recently posted.. What Rude Awakening Meets Desperate or Greedy Bloggers?

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 30, 2020 at 4:03 pm #

      Hi Ryan,

      I’m finding Instagram fun to use. Indeed, there are many niche specific peeps on that platform. I’m making tons of friends pretty quickly. I have two Instagram accounts. One for DMT. and the other for my niche side hustle. I do more marketing on my niche one and had a few clients already to join my opportunity. I’m just having a blast with it all.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How to get high quality traffic to your blog with LinkedInMy Profile

  10. Abduljabbar Ramadhan Ali October 28, 2020 at 5:17 pm #

    Wow
    Thanks so much for your comprehensive information..
    I really had no idea how to do this
    But from your article
    I have managed to grab plenty of knowledge…

    You are a life saver

    Thanks..

  11. Lisa Sicard
    Twitter:
    October 28, 2020 at 4:52 pm #

    Hi Donna, I love the long-form on Instagram – I’ve used it from time to time but you know it’s another BIG step! LOL. I do get traffic and business from Instagram. It’s another great way to connect with others.
    I like to change my link in the bio as I have new posts and new items to promote. I don’t link LinkTree because if people are seeing too many choices, they don’t choose anything. They go away!
    Instagram is changing so fast, it really is crazy. I just updated my class on Udemy yesterday with the sizes and timing of videos for various parts of Instagram (stories, reels, IGTV, etc ), and today they came out with LIVE vide for 4 hours!
    So back to the course I go to write up that latest piece! That’s the beauty of my course, I do update it regularly!
    Thanks so much for sharing my info in this post Donna.
    I see you are doing great things over there now on Instagram and are more active – yay!
    Have a great rest of the day and stay warm!
    Lisa Sicard recently posted..How Does Your Posture Affect Your Day as a Blogger or Biz Owner?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 29, 2020 at 10:46 am #

      Hi Lisa,

      The beauty of your course is that you updated. Instagram sure is changing quickly. Your knowledge of how to use it in your course is amazing. I do hope that people who read this will click your link so you can help others. You are doing such a great job my friend.
      This is why I just had to mention you in this blog post so people can gain further knowledge on this topic.
      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Get great Instagram traffic to your blog for freeMy Profile

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