How to Add Links to Instagram Stories and Use Them to Grow Your Business
- Vera Bajado
- Jun 27
- 7 min read
If you're not adding links to your Instagram Stories yet, you're missing out on one of the platform's easiest ways to drive traffic to your products, services, or sign-up pages.
Whether you’re a solopreneur selling products or offering services, Stories let you engage viewers in real time and move them toward action. Thanks to the Link Sticker, you no longer need 10K followers or a verified badge to do it.
Here’s exactly how to add links to your Instagram Stories and how to make them worth tapping.
Key Takeaways
Every Instagram user can now add links to Stories using the Link Sticker.
You can customize sticker text to make your CTA stronger.
Tap-throughs increase when paired with a CTA, strong visuals, and lead-in context.
Alkai helps you plan, write, and design Story content that converts in minutes.
What is the Link Sticker on Instagram?
Instagram’s Link Sticker is a tappable sticker you can place on a Story. When selected, it directs you to a specific URL, which could lead to a detailed product page showcasing the latest offerings, an enticing lead magnet, a convenient booking form for scheduling appointments, or an engaging blog post filled with valuable insights.
It replaced the old "swipe up" feature and is now available to all accounts, no matter your follower count.
The Link Sticker lives alongside other interactive tools like Polls, Questions, and Music, but this one drives results outside the app.
Step-by-Step: How to Add a Link to Your Instagram Story
Create a Story
Record or upload a photo/video.
Tip: Design it ahead of time using templates, or auto-generate branded content with Alkai.
Tap the Sticker Icon
It looks like a square smiley at the top of your Story editor.
Select the “Link” Sticker
Paste your URL in the box that appears; this could be your website, an eBook, a product page, or even a lead form.
Customize the Sticker Text (Optional, but powerful)
Instead of displaying the raw URL, write something direct like “Download the Freebie” or “Get the Guide.”
Drag the Sticker Into Place
The bottom third of the screen tends to perform best.
Add arrows, circles, or animated GIFs pointing to the sticker.
Post Your Story
Done! Anyone watching can tap your link immediately.
📝 Bonus: Add your link-based Stories to a highlight called “Resources” or “Shop” for ongoing traffic. Not sure how? Here’s how to create and optimize Instagram Highlights for maximum visibility.
How to Get More Taps on Your Link Sticker
Simply providing a link isn’t sufficient on its own. You need to craft your Story in a way that entices and engages your audience or followers, giving them compelling reasons to tap and take action, whether that’s downloading, booking, or shopping.
Build Curiosity First
Start with a teaser, not the link. Share something that sets up the value of your link:
“You asked for it — here’s my full skincare routine with my Skincare Line 🧴👇”
“Want to be lean on Instagram without strong cardio? Here’s how.”
“This template saves me 3 hours a week. Get yours!”
⚠️ Common Mistake: Jumping straight to the link without context. Always give people a compelling reason to care about what they’re about to see, and you’ll spark their interest and make them much more likely to click through.
Use Clear, Direct CTAs
Your link sticker should convey the value of tapping it by answering the question: What enticing benefit or intriguing information will I gain by clicking here?
Here are some strong CTA examples:
“Tap to download your free checklist.”
“Shop the full collection.”
“Book your free discovery call.”
💡 Pro Tip: Use Alkai’s Caption Generator to write high-converting CTAs based on your business type and link goal.
Keep Visuals Simple & On Brand
Make sure your link stands out and does not get lost in a cluttered background! Keep it bold and notice-worthy. Use:
Solid color overlays
High-contrast sticker placement
Arrows or stickers to draw attention
🎨 With Alkai’s professionally designed templates, you can generate scroll-stopping visuals that match your brand kit. No Canva needed.
Use It Consistently
Many small business owners only use Story links during product launches, but Story links can boost traffic and generate leads every single week when used as part of your regular content plan.
Here’s what you can link to regularly:
Your latest blog post
A lead magnet or freebie
A featured product
A waitlist or pre-sale
Your newest Instagram post (yes, really)
💡 Pro Tip: Level up your click-tracking game with UTM codes or catchy short links like Bitly. It’s a simple way to see what content clicks with your audience and track engagement at the same time.
Real Examples: Link Sticker Used by Small Business Owners
🕯️ Candle Seller → “Favorite scent of the moment - Wood Wick Candle - Basil Boscr Pear 🍐”
🎨 Template Designer → “The Dream Feed is your next power move. ✨ Glow up your content ✨”
📚 Fitness Instructor → "Strength & Structure - Free Mini Guide”
🧴 Skincare Brand → “Don't be shy, click here”
📍 Aesthetics Clinic → Reposted a Reel video with "Schedule a Free Consultation”
✨ Need more ideas? Alkai suggests tailored Story content types weekly that perfectly align with your small biz and offers. You can also use the “Add Yours” sticker to spark quick replies and make your Story more interactive.
How Alkai Helps You Plan Story Links That Convert
Let us imagine you are a dedicated solo wellness coach preparing to launch a free eBook designed to empower individuals on their journey to better health and well-being. This eBook will not only showcase your expertise in various wellness practices but will also provide valuable insights, practical tips, and actionable strategies that readers can easily incorporate into their daily lives.
Here’s how you could use Alkai to set up a Story that drives downloads:
Generate Your Caption → Use the “Promote Lead Magnet” goal → Get options like:
“This 5-day gut reset changed my life. Now it’s yours. Tap to get the plan👇”
“Simple daily tips that boosted my health. Grab the free eBook now!”
“This free wellness guide transformed my routine. Ready for yours? Tap to download.✨”
Create a Branded Story Video → Auto-applies your logo, fonts, and brand colors
Add the Link Sticker on Instagram → Paste your URL and customize the sticker: “Download Free Plan”
Schedule the Story in Advance → Plug it into your Alkai Weekly Plan so you’re never last-minute
Simple, repeatable, and built to convert. That’s the power of pairing Instagram tools with an AI assistant made for solopreneurs. Try this game-changing approach and watch your social media presence grow.
Want to stay aligned with the platform’s latest changes? Here’s how the Instagram algorithm works in 2025, so your content has the best chance of visibility.
Start Using Story Links to Drive Real Results
Adding links to Stories isn’t just easy, it’s one of the most direct, low-effort ways to turn passive views into measurable results.
A single Story can:
Drive clicks to your offers
Grow your email list
Book out your services
Convert followers into customers
Instagram SEO also plays a role in how your Stories get discovered, especially for small businesses trying to stand out locally or within niche markets. With the right combo of visuals, CTAs, and a consistent plan, Story Links become a powerful tool for growth.
And with the right techniques, you can make those Stories last longer so they keep working even after the 24-hour mark.
Why Pair Instagram’s Link Sticker With an AI Social Media Assistant Like Alkai
Instagram gives you the tools to grow your small biz. Alkai helps you use them intentionally.
As your AI social media assistant, Alkai lets you:
✅ Generate branded Stories in minutes; no design tools needed
✅ Write high-converting CTAs based on your goal
✅ Plan link-driven Stories with weekly prompts
✅ Stay consistent without spending hours on content
Whether you're sharing a new product, growing your email list, or directing followers to book with you, Alkai helps you turn every Story into a business move, not just a moment.
Final Thoughts
The Link Sticker makes it easy to send viewers where you want them to go. Alkai helps you give them a reason to tap.
Together, Instagram Story Links and Alkai help solopreneurs:
Create content that drives action, not just views
Stay consistent and strategic with what they link to each week
Write captions and CTAs that lead to real clicks and conversions
Repurpose what they’re already offering into engaging, high-impact Stories
You don’t need a social team to grow like one. With Instagram’s tools and Alkai by your side, you’re never stuck on what to say or how to say it.
Ready to turn Stories into a sales tool for your small business? Try Alkai free and start creating Instagram Stories that drive traffic, capture leads, and grow your business, and not just disappear after 24 hours.
FAQs
Do I need a business account to use Link Stickers?
No. Link Stickers works with personal, creator, and business accounts.
Can I change the link after the Story is posted?
No. You’ll need to repost the Story to update the link.
Can I add more than one Link Sticker per Story?
Only one per slide, but you can add different Link Stickers across multiple slides.
How can I track Story link clicks?
Instagram doesn’t show clicks directly, but you can:
Use Bitly or TinyURL for click tracking
Add UTM parameters to track traffic in Google Analytics
Use tools like Linktree to manage and monitor performance
What kind of links can I use?
Anything that supports your business: product pages, freebies, booking forms, blog posts, or even another Instagram post. Curious about using ads instead of links? See what it costs to advertise on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
Should I customize the sticker text?
Yes. Phrases like “Shop Now” or “Download the Guide” convert way better than plain URLs.
How long does the link stay live?
24 hours only. But you can add it to a Highlight where it stays clickable.
How often should I use Story links?
Way more often than just during launches. Story Links are perfect for sharing new offers, lead magnets, blog posts, or quick updates. Using them at least once a week is a smart habit to build.
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