A fun and innovative way to drive traffic to your website is Instagram Stories. First introduced in 2016, what makes Instagram Stories unique is that the videos and pictures disappear after 24 hours.

Appearing at the very top of an Instagram account stories are highlighted to drive viewership. Unlike the majority of internet content, these posts aren’t meant to last forever and make a unique marketing tool.

Why Use Instagram Stories To Generate Leads?

Many companies already use Instagram as part of their larger online marketing strategy. With some companies posting over a dozen stories per month it’s clear that many marketing professionals see the value in Instagram stories. Here are three reasons why.

• Versatility
  Unlike some other image sharing platforms, Instagram has a lot of options. Users can add stickers, draw on their pictures, add text, and add links. Be sure to add links as that can drive users directly to a website.
• A Good Hook
  Lead conversion requires reader interest. Instagram Stories draw high interest due to their visual content and temporary nature. People like reading them and don’t just close the post and go on to something else.
• A Growing Platform
  A higher visitor count is a good thing. Instagram is a fast-growing platform with a lot of visitors. Snapchat has seen a decrease in its daily users while Instagram continues to grow. A key part of any good marketing campaign is going where the viewers are.

Lead Generation

Instagram is a versatile platform with a lot of different ways to drive leads, pull in viewers, and generate interest. Here are some of the most useful methods.

Direct Links

While a simple concept, direct links are one of the most important parts of online marketing. If you want customers to find you they have to know where to go once you have their attention.

Now on Instagram, there are a few rules to adding links; you need a business account and at least 10,000 followers. Once a company account meets these requirements it’s all a matter of placing an easy to see call to action to tell customers to swipe up to activate the link.

Also, always make sure the photos tie into the linked webpage’s imagery and content. This consistency helps drive your leads by building around a common idea or theme.

Tags

When first starting out a smaller business is not going to have 10,000 followers. So without direct links (at first), you have to be innovative in your thinking. Tag yourself in your own posts. By adding your own username a clickable link is added that goes to a profile.

A profile is a marketing tool in its own right to add professional website links, email, and a phone number. A well-written profile will drive leads on its own and makes it easy for customers to contact you.

Instagram Stories Highlights

Are a permanent collection of your best stories. These are prominently displayed and easy for visitors to find. Consider grouping your most recent posts, seasonal groupings, promotions, discounts, or those moments telling visitors what you’re all about. Some images and moments are too good not to remember and share with others.

Influencers

An influencer is someone with a large audience that is responsive to their posts. It doesn’t matter why their famous just that they are and in turn, they have a large audience that listens to what they say.

By having your posts shared by an influencer whose audience matches your target market a lot of leads can be generated. Consider a paid partnership as Instagram recently added this option.

Instagram Ads

Like many other platforms, Instagram has ad space for sale. Introduced in March 2017 these ads can drive traffic, views, installation of mobile apps, and increase conversions.

Ads can serve as direct website links adding another lead driver. Creativity is key as customers judge ads sternly and convincing them to click the ad link is the most important part.

Getting Started

These tips should be implemented into your Instagram marketing approach if possible. Remember you don’t have to start all at once and building a successful marketing approach takes time.

You’ll see positive results and more leads but don’t be afraid to take a measured step by step approach. Careful planning will pay off in the long term.