How to add links to your Instagram Stories

Putting out great content on Instagram is a great way to engage your audience. But you know what’s even better?

Monetizing your audience.

Instagram stories are perfect for this. In this post you’ll learn exactly how to add a links to your instagram stories so you can sit back relax and watch the $ roll in.

Why should I use Instagram Stories?

Unlike Snapchat, Instagram Stories offers users a way to share vanishing stories, but added useful features like their own filters, tagging locations and people, and adding links directly to the story.

Plus, instead of just posting photos and videos to their stories like on Snapchat, users are now able to be found through search and grow their following in a whole new way on Instagram Stories.

Why linking out is so Powerful?

Linking out from any story, especially since the only other link you can add on Instagram is in your bio gives you a brand new way to reach customers and send them directly to the product you are promoting.

Let’s imagine you are selling a product on your Sellfy store. (Like an e-book) Normally you would create an Instagram post about it, and refer the user to the link in your account bio.

Because the viewer has to back out of the post and search for the link, they are likely going to just keep scrolling.

But, if you post about your e-book on your story and include a swipe up link, all they have to do is swipe up to see your Sellfy store and product details. They can even purchase it right then and there!

I hope you can see the power in that.

How do I add a link to my Instagram Story?

Only users with 10,000 followers have access to the Instagram swipe up link in their story. If your account isn’t quite there yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t promote your products and online store in your Instagram Story.

Stick to selling via bio link by simply referring your viewers to your bio link until your social media marketing strategy helps you hit 10,000 followers.

If you have 10,000 followers and access to this feature, adding a link to your story is super simple:

How to make the most out of  your story

What people love most about Instagram Stories is its versatility. Stories are great for giving glimpses into your business, brand, and personality and the fact that they are fast-paced is perfect for giving viewers a glimpse to get them interested without taking away from potential website traffic. The stickers, gifs, tags, and filters are just an added bonus that help draw attention to your products!

There are tons of different types of stories you could use to send people flocking to your online store. The most important thing is to be true to your brand and don’t be afraid to get creative! Some of the best Instagram Stories come from trying something new to get your audience’s attention. These are some ideas on stories promoting products and online stores to get you started:

Showcase Products

The first, and most obvious, way to use Instagram Stories to promote your online store is to showcase your products! Stories is a great place to show your product in action and in real-life scenarios.

You want to your viewers to be able to picture themselves using your product so make it easy for them!

It doesn’t have to be a physical product to be able to showcase it. Take an e-book, for example. USER featured descriptions of her e-books in her story with links to purchase them then added the stories to her highlights for new followers to find in the future.

This works excellent with quotes and excerpts from your e-book, as well!

Showcasing products on Instagram Stories is especially great for launching new products and advertising new content. Get interest in your new product by giving teasers before it actually launches and make preorders enticing with all of the fun features Instagram Stories offers.

Advertise a Sale

Sales and promotions are another fantastic topic for Instagram Stories. Stories are all about being in the moment since they fade in 24 hours. Take advantage of your viewers wanting this “right here, right now” momentum and advertise your any short term promotions you offer here. A flash sale would be a great way to get your followers’ attention and will keep them glued to your Story for more chances for savings in the future. Stories is also a great place to create seasonal and topical content.

Run a Contest or Giveaway

Along the lines of sales and promotions, running a contest or giveaway through Instagram Stories will get your viewers’ attention. Create a bright and interesting graphic detail the contest rules and make sure to use the swipe up Instagram feature. As an added bonus way to get more eyes on your brand and online store, make sharing the graphic on their story a requirement for entering.

Highlight User Generated Content

If you already have customers using and sharing their experiences with your products, take advantage of that! Share their pictures, reviews, and more with your followers so they can see what they are getting if they buy your product. Stories in this category that go over real well are unboxing videos if you have a physical product, and before and after photos.

  Show People How to Use Your Product

A quick tutorial or just a simple video showing how your product can change your customers’ lives can go a long way. This is especially true if you have a product that not everyone will know how to use, such as a LUT or another kind of preset. Make a video to clarify a question with your product or teach a use for your product that no one might have thought of.

Behind the Scenes

Go behind the scenes of your business so your customers get to know the face behind the product. Show off your workspace where you come up with your great products, your stockroom where you keep your supplies, or even what inspires your to sell your products. Showing off your personality can help you make a connection with your customers and make your brand stand out even more.

Do What You Love

No matter what you sell, Instagram is a great platform for marketing to your customers. With a little bit of creativity and some awesome products, you can grow your following and increase your sales. No matter your starting point, it is possible for you to make a passive income doing what you love with just a little planning and a lot of perseverance.

If you’re ready to take the next step and make $1,000 from 1,000 followers without paying for ads, check out our guide below!