Maximizing Your Instagram Bio Link

As veterinary practices start to rely more heavily on Instagram, the limitations of its single link option become even more noticeable.  Because Instagram only allows ONE clickable website link (hosted in your bio, not on each post), practices are forced to either a) choose a single link like their practice website or b) constantly swap links out every time you have a post that references a different site. 

Plus, we know that not all of our clients on Instagram behave the same - new clients may want to check out the practice’s main website while existing clients may want to take action on booking an appointment or ordering a refill from their online store. 

I never want a client to be inspired or prompted to take action….only to be deterred. It’s asking a lot to ask a client to see a post then close their Instagram app, open their browser app, Google your practice, get to the website and THEN get to the specific page for which your post promised them they’d find more information. 

So what’s the solution? Using an Instagram bio tool. Instead of only providing a single clickable link, an Instagram bio tool will expand into multiple - so your practice can link to a variety of helpful resources for your clients, such as your website, appointment booking portal, blog, online pharmacy, and more! You can edit these at any time and add relevant links (e.g., the voting site for a community award, an event page, etc). Best of all, many of these tools provide additional analytics on what your clients are clicking and how Instagram may be helping your practice. 

Which tool to use? There are a few ways to maximize your bio link. Here are my top three favorites: 

1. Add a page to your website that’s hidden in the menu. This way it’s all within your own website, you don’t have to worry about paying for a third-party option, and you can customize it exactly as you’d like. Check out this one designed by a client by Simply Done Tech Solutions for an example (access it from a mobile device): https://www.bloomvet.com/link-tree/.
2. Use a third-party tool like Linktree or Linkin.bio (the latter is great for Later users). I’ve used Linktree for years and have been very happy with it - the free version will suffice, but I often choose to upgrade for our clients to allow for removal of the Linktree logo and more customization of the backgrounds and appearance (not too shabby at just $6/month). 
3. Create your own using Canva. I know, you’re stunned that I am using Canva for yet another thing, but it works! If you’re Canva savvy, I’ve got a template for you and how-to-notes included! 
   
   

Now that you’ve created a robust, multi-link Instagram bio link, be sure to add the phrase “Link In bio” to your posts so clients know what - and where - to find your online information.

Happy linking!
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Caitlin DeWilde, DVM

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