Utilizing social media is a great way to grow your blog or website. I think of social media, and Instagram specifically, as an opportunity to resonate with your potential followers and readers as quickly as possible. For example, imagine someone coming across your blog via Google search or Pinterest. It would take awhile for them to view your blog in its entirety, read multiple posts, your about page, etc., to get an idea of who you are and why they would be interested in your content.
The cool thing about social media is that if someone comes across your Instagram page, they can discern whether or not your content resonates with them very quickly. In a day and age in which we scroll quickly through our home feeds, the information we’re seeking is always at our fingertips, and our minds are almost constantly stimulated by our screens, patience isn’t as present as it was many years ago.
That being said, the faster we can make an impression on our target audience, the better! Instagram allows us to make this initial impression and spark the interest of new followers. This often prompts them to visit the link in our bio (e.g. our blog, website, etc.) and learn where else they can find more of our content. In addition, we can strengthen our relationship with our audience on a regular basis through social media resulting in loyal blog readers. Long story short, social media provides us with wonderful opportunity to make an impactful introduction which converts to blog traffic.
Pin Me:
How to Use Instagram to Grow Your Blog
1. preview your blog content
A great way to entice your Instagram audience to visit your blog is by sharing bite-sized previews of your blog posts. The idea is to convey what value your blog post provides, implying why your followers should go read it.
Here’s an example of a carousel post I created promoting a blog post on summertime movies:
Carousel Slide 1: Illustrates the blog post topic
Carousel Slide 2: Preview of one of the films mentioned in the blog post
Carousel Slide 3: Preview of one of the films mentioned in the blog post
This Instagram post includes a couple previews of what readers can expect to find in the blog post. It provides enough information to convey what the blog post is about and its value while keeping the heart of the content on the blog.
2. Include your blog post Link in Bio + in Caption
When promoting blog posts, it’s helpful to include the blog post link in your Instagram bio in addition to your post caption. Although links in Instagram captions are not clickable, by including them in your post captions, your existing audience and future followers will know exactly where they can find the blog post(s) you’ve promoted on your page. So often, we change the link in our bio regularly. Including links in your post captions increases the likelihood of future blog traffic.
3. Be aware of “ME,” “MY, and “I”
Be aware of first person pronouns you use in captions promoting blog posts. It’s very easy to write something like, “On my blog today, I’m sharing how I made x that I love because it reminds me of x.”
When aiming to grow your blog, focus on the value and inspiration it provides to others. Using several first person pronouns can come across as though your blog focuses on you more than your audience. It’s of course absolutely okay to use first person pronouns, but it’s helpful to be aware of how your language could potentially be interpreted, even if just subconsciously.
4. Include a blurb about your blog in bio
When new followers arrive to your Instagram page, they will likely read your bio. Include a short blurb with your blog’s name and how it can help and inspire your target audience.
5. Create instagram Story Highlights
Create an Instagram story highlight for each topic covered on your blog. For example, if your blog includes recipes, home decor, and party ideas, create a story highlight for each one. Include your blog posts within each of these topics in each story highlight. Even if you don’t yet have the “swipe up” feature, these story highlights will create awareness and provide yet another opportunity you can make your blog known!
Do you have a blog? Share a link in the comments below!
