In 2026, the ability to drive traffic to your website using social media will be a game-changer for local businesses. Whether you run a cozy bookshop or a family-owned café, leveraging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok can dramatically increase your online visibility and bring more customers to your website—and through your doors.
Recent data shows that social media is responsible for nearly 10% of all website traffic worldwide. For small businesses, learning how to leverage social media not only boosts your brand awareness but also increases sales, bookings, and local recognition.
5 minutes
1. Optimize your social media profiles
Before you can direct customers/clients to your website, you must first optimize your social media profiles. Ensure your information is as comprehensive as possible and is consistent across platforms. Align your social profiles with your website’s branding for a seamless experience. And do not forget to place your website link in the bio or about section of your profiles. You can use tools like Linktree to share multiple website links from a single profile.
2. Craft posts that encourage clicks
To drive social media traffic over to your website, every post should feature a clear call-to-action (CTA) that inspires followers to click through to your site. When writing these posts, be sure to leverage local and industry hashtags to extend your reach to a wider, relevant audience
Summer owns a local bookstore and just got a new shipment of books to put on the shelves. If she hopes to sell these books, she will need to get the word out on her social media. Here is what that post might look like, with some hashtag suggestions she might use:
3. Use customer testimonials to build trust
Social proof is a powerful way to drive website traffic with social media. In fact, 93% of consumers say online reviews influence their decisions. Allow space in your social media calendar for authentic reviews, and use them to encourage customers to learn more on your site. Here is an example of what a customer testimonial post might look like for Summer’s bookstore:
4. Promote online ordering and special offers
If your business also has an online shop, you can leverage social media to promote sales, exclusive offers, giveaways, and discounts. These kinds of posts create urgency and drive traffic to your website by motivating your followers to act NOW.
5. Embrace stories, reels, and live video
Short-form content and live experiences are engaging ways to drive website traffic with social media.
- Stories: Use Instagram and Facebook Stories to share quick updates and direct viewers to your website link in bio.
- Reels/TikTok: Create quick tips or product teasers, always referencing your website for more.
- Live Video: Host a virtual event or Q&A and direct viewers to your site for details or sign-ups.
6. Engage with your followers
Social media is not a “set-it-and-forget-it” type of tool. It requires active engagement. If your followers are commenting on your posts, respond to them! Answer their questions, thank them for their kind words, and participate in conversations. When you engage with your customers, you build trust in your brand, and, by extension, encourage them to visit your website for more information.
7. Run social media contests to drive clicks
Another great way to drive traffic to your website via social media is by running contests and giveaways. If a customer wants to enter the contest, require them to visit a specific page on your website to do so. Communicate about the contest via your other social channels and via email, and encourage your customers to share it with their friends, to draw in as many potential entrants as possible.
8. Track, analyze, and improve
To know if your social media posts are actually driving traffic to your website, you must track your results, analyze the data, and adjust accordingly. Tools like Bitly or UTM parameters (Google’s Campaign URL Builder) can help you measure which posts drive the most traffic. You can also monitor the analytics of each social platform, and check your website’s Google Analytics to see where website traffic is coming from.
When you find a successful tactic, double down and repeat. And never be afraid to test new content types for greater impact. The worst that could happen is it flops, and you try something else!
Best practices to drive website traffic with social media
- Post consistently (aim for 3–5 times per week, depending on your industry and following)
- Use eye-catching visuals and videos
- Always include a call-to-action and website link
- Mix up content types: promotions, testimonials, events, and behind-the-scenes
- Respond promptly to audience interactions
Final thoughts
If your goal is to drive traffic to your business’s website with social media, focus on clear calls to action, community engagement, and regular analysis. By implementing these strategies, your local business can transform social followers into loyal website visitors—and devoted customers.
Start today: pick two strategies from this guide and try them this week. Watch your website traffic grow as you master the art of driving website traffic with social media.
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