Driving traffic to one's portfolio is one of the most frequent problems that beginner and intermediate photographers face nowadays.

The ideal approach for customers or potential partners to get in touch with you to schedule a project is through your creative portfolio rather than a calling card. Additionally, you may use your portfolio to highlight your accomplishments and own flair. What use is a stellar portfolio, though, if no one ever views the images? What should you do if you have the skill but not the criteria listed below?

Fortunately, there is a straightforward method to increase traffic to your portfolio, and it could be easier than you think. You only require Instagram! To enhance traffic to your portfolio, log into your Instagram account if you are a beginning or an experienced photographer who needs more exposure.

Include a link to your portfolio in your bio

Instagram only permits you to publish a link that is clickable or that directs users away from the Instagram app in your profile bio. You'd be astonished to learn how many photographers overlook this simple step, even though it is the ideal spot to add a link to their portfolio! 

Therefore, click Edit Profile and provide the URL for your portfolio there. After viewing your feed and becoming inquisitive, visitors may click on the link to your portfolio to learn more.

Use IG Stories' "Swipe Up" option

IRRELEVANT - there is no swipe-up option now. You just insert a link inside the story and you don’t swipe it up to load the page but just click on it.

Using the Swipe Up feature in IG Stories is one of the best methods to promote your portfolio. According to recent data from IG Stories users, up to 15%–25% of the 500 million daily users of the app actually swipe up on a link when they see it.

Now, only those with 10,000 or more followers may use this function. Set yourself the aim of achieving this objective so that you may use the Swipe Up feature to promote your portfolio.

Let accounts about the photography spot you!

Here's another free method for using Instagram to promote your portfolio. Search for accounts that are into your style, or browse relevant hashtags. Send a DM with information and a link to your portfolio after that. You will frequently be spaced out, but you'll be amazed by how many people genuinely check you out after receiving a nice invitation.

Don't miss this chance to promote your work outside social media's public posts. Someone you meet through a DM may be your future customer!

Boost your feed with teaser material

Here's something we'd like to think you already know. Although you may use Instagram to promote your photography and get Instagram followers, your Instagram feed is not a portfolio. You need to control your impulses while uploading and sharing your hard work in a place where only the algorithm determines who sees it, when they see it, and how frequently. 

Create teaser material instead and upload it to your feed. Play around with the grid of identically tiled photographs and draw your audience in with your distinctive aesthetic approach. The objective is to grab their interest enough for them to click on the link to your portfolio and carefully examine your work.

Some photographers just share selected images or collages of various collections. To bring even more attention to your photographs, experiment with borders and text. The simplest method to accomplish this while on the move is to download a creative mobile editing tool that allows you to do more than simply change your settings. Additionally, if you truly want to be accurate with colors, shadows, and other elements, you'd better use a laptop for that.

Create a reel or series of short clips showcasing your work

According to a recent Instagram Engagement Report, videos typically receive 150 comments, while photos only receive 65. You may start publishing quick videos, no more than a minute-long, to let your audience in on the creative process. Start an IGTV channel and share bigger videos. All of these postings styles are intended to generate interest in your portfolio and attract potential customers.

Post your portfolio URL as on-screen text in the videos to increase recall. Always invite your audience to take action by directing them to the link in your profile. While it appears cliché, it has been proven to be effective.

Conclusion 

You will experience organic development if you incorporate these activities into your daily social media practice. They are all cost-free. The ideal sort of growth is organic since it comprises customers who are really engaged in what you do. What's more, your ability to convert a client or obtain a new project has nothing to do with the size of your fan base. The connection and consistency that your content offers are still what will make people take notice of you and pay you.