Quick Answer
It is acceptable to link your Instagram account on your LinkedIn profile, but you should be strategic about how you do it. LinkedIn is primarily a professional networking platform, so your Instagram presence should align with that purpose. Post professional, industry-relevant content on Instagram and only link it if it adds value for your LinkedIn connections. Be selective about which Instagram posts you share on LinkedIn to keep your feed focused. Overall, use Instagram to share visual content that tells the story of your professional brand and industry expertise.
Should You Link Instagram to LinkedIn?
Here are some key considerations when deciding whether to link your Instagram account on your LinkedIn profile:
The Purpose of Each Platform
LinkedIn is a professional networking site to connect with colleagues, clients, and industry partners. Instagram is a platform to share photos and videos, often with a more personal focus. If your Instagram presence aligns with your professional brand, linking the two can make sense. But if your Instagram is purely personal, it may not be the right fit.
Your Target Audience
Determine if your LinkedIn connections would find value in your Instagram content. For example, if you post industry news and behind-the-scenes workplace photos on Instagram, that may provide insight for LinkedIn connections interested in your work. But if your Instagram is unrelated travel photos, it may not resonate.
Content Alignment
Ideally, your Instagram presence should reinforce the professional brand image you want to convey on LinkedIn. If the visual style and messaging are cohesive across both platforms, linking them can strengthen your brand. But conflicting content could confuse your audience.
Instagram Post Quality
Only link Instagram posts on LinkedIn that are relevant and add value for your professional network. Maintain a high bar for the quality and message of the Instagram content you share. Low-value posts may detract from your LinkedIn brand presence.
Best Practices for Linking Instagram and LinkedIn
If you determine linking Instagram is right for your LinkedIn goals, here are some best practices:
Be Selective in What You Share on LinkedIn
Avoid sharing every Instagram post. Only share standout content that would interest your LinkedIn audience, such as event photos, awards, media features, and industry news relevant to your work.
Ensure Your Instagram Presence is Professional
Curate your Instagram feed to focus on professional themes related to your industry, company, skills, and interests. Avoid overly personal content.
Use Relevant Hashtags
Leverage targeted hashtags on Instagram, such as your company name, industry terms, and professional skills. This allows relevant followers to discover you.
Post Consistently
Maintain an active presence on Instagram to keep content fresh and engaging for your LinkedIn audience. Post new content at least a few times a week.
Use High-Quality Visuals
Invest in professional, eye-catching photos and videos that look polished for Instagram. This represents your brand well when shared on LinkedIn.
Engage With Your Instagram Followers
Reply to Instagram comments, like posts, and interact with followers. Being responsive helps build relationships with your LinkedIn network.
Link Your Instagram Handle in Your LinkedIn Profile
Add your Instagram handle in the contact info section of your LinkedIn profile. This makes it easy for connections to find and follow you.
What Type of Content to Post
Here are some examples of professional Instagram content worth sharing on LinkedIn:
Industry Conferences and Events
Share Instagram photos from professional events you attend and speak at. This shows your industry participation.
Company Culture and Work Projects
Give a behind-the-scenes look at your company culture and work through Instagram. This provides professional personality and context.
Awards and Career Achievements
Post Instagram photos of professional awards and milestones like promotions to highlight your career achievements.
Community and Industry Outreach
Use Instagram to showcase any CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiatives or involvement with professional associations.
Expertise and Thought Leadership Content
Share short educational Instagram videos or graphics that provide tips related to your professional skills and industry.
Content to Avoid
Steer clear of these types of Instagram posts to maintain a professional presence:
Personal Photos
Keep photos centered on family, friends, and travel for your personal Instagram only. Don’t share these on a professional LinkedIn account.
Controversial Topics
Avoid politically-charged Instagram posts unless directly relevant to your professional industry. Keep the focus on your career.
Over-Promotional Content
Refrain from overly sales-y or self-promotional Instagram posts. Focus on useful industry info instead.
Inappropriate or Offensive Content
Any insensitive Instagram posts are unprofessional and could damage your brand reputation if shared on LinkedIn.
Incorrect Hashtags
Don’t use irrelevant hashtags simply to gain more visibility. Make sure tags are directly related to your content.
Too Much Personal Branding
Occasional posts showing professional achievements are fine, but avoid self-promotion flooding your Instagram feed.
Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile
To maximize the impact of linking your Instagram to LinkedIn, optimize your LinkedIn profile:
Strong LinkedIn Headline
Summarize your value proposition clearly in your LinkedIn headline so your profile is compelling.
Keywords in LinkedIn Profile
Incorporate relevant keywords in your profile content to boost visibility in LinkedIn search results.
Industry Focus
Emphasize your professional industry, interests, skills, experience, and education in your LinkedIn profile.
Calls-to-Action in Your Summary
Add CTAs inviting viewers to connect with you, visit your website, or follow your social media accounts.
Media Content
Upload any presentations, videos, or documents you created to showcase professional content.
Recommendations
Request LinkedIn recommendations from colleagues, clients, and business partners to build credibility.
Groups
Join active LinkedIn Groups related to your industry niches to expand your reach and engage with relevant professionals.
Activity
Be active regularly posting, commenting, and liking content on LinkedIn to increase your visibility.
Measuring Results
Here are some analytics to track the impact of your Instagram and LinkedIn integration:
LinkedIn Profile Views
Monitor if sharing Instagram posts drives more profile views and engagement on LinkedIn over time.
LinkedIn Post Reach
Assess if your Instagram posts see higher impression volume, likes, comments, and shares when cross-posted on LinkedIn.
Instagram Follower Growth
Track follower growth on Instagram to see if cross-promoting on LinkedIn helps increase your audience.
Instagram Engagement
Calculate engagement rates on Instagram to determine if sharing posts on LinkedIn boosts interaction.
Website Traffic
Use LinkedIn and Instagram campaign tracking URLs to evaluate if your integration strategy drives website visitors.
Lead Generation
If your goals include lead gen, note if cross-platform promotion results in increased form fills, emails, or sales inquiries.
Relevant Hashtag Performance
Identify hashtags resonating best with your LinkedIn and Instagram audience and generate the most reach.
Conclusion
Integrating Instagram and LinkedIn can be an effective cross-promotion strategy to expand your professional audience and highlight your industry expertise. But be intentional about maintaining a cohesive brand image across both platforms. Only share high-quality Instagram content on LinkedIn that provides value for your professional connections. With a strategic approach, linking your Instagram account on your LinkedIn profile can accelerate your reach and impact.