I’ve been having my Instagram photos autopost as blog posts for awhile, but I was never thrilled with the results. Unfortunately there’s not one single plugin (that I can find) that works just as I want it to. But I’ve found a solution for my personal site (yay!)

What I want:

• All my Instagram posts automatically posted to my (self-hosted) WordPress site as individual posts.
• The caption of each image should serve as the post title.
• The content of each post should include a link back to the image on Instagram.
• The image should automatically be uploaded to my site and inserted as the featured image for the post.

This requires three tools (aside from Instagram and WordPress… )

1. IFTTT to autopost the images to WordPress.
2. The Auto Save Remote Image plugin.
3. The Auto-Hyperlink URLs plugin.

Step One: Use this IFTTT recipe to automatically send your Instagram posts to WordPress. Add your own category and tag(s).
Step Two: The Auto Save Remote Image plugin will automatically grab, upload, and set the photo as the featured image for the post. No setting required after activation.
Step Three: In the setting for Auto-Hyperlink URL I set the Hyperlink Mode/Truncation to 1, which displays only the domain for the autoposted link (resulting in “via instagram.com…“.) The IFTTT recipe posts the link to Instagram as plain text, this converts it to an active link.

Bonus

If you want to keep your Instagram photos out of your site’s RSS feed, make sure they are all sent to a category set up just for those photos. Then, to exclude that category from your RSS feed, open your theme’s functions.php file and insert the following:

// exclude instagram category from feed
function catFeedExcluder($query) {
if(is_feed()) {
$query->set( 'category__not_in', '-4' );
return $query;
}
}
add_filter('pre_get_posts', 'catFeedExcluder');

Replace ‘-4‘ with the correct category ID number (Go to Posts > Categories and click on the category name. The address bar will show the category ID number like this: “…wp/wp-admin/edit-tags.php?action=edit&taxonomy=category&tag_ID=4&post_type=post”

Adjust/play with the various settings to suit your own needs.

These are the first steps you’ll need to take when working with us to build your new WordPress site. Even if you’re going it alone, hopefully you’ll find this information helpful!

Domain and Hosting

All self-hosted WordPress sites require a web host to contain and serve the files. Many sites use what are known as “shared servers.” Your site will share space on giant servers with other similarly sized sites, which saves you loads of money. As your site grows you can easily upgrade your hosting account to suit your needs.

You also need to register your domain name. I generally recommend that you register your domain separately from your hosting account.

1. Register Your Domain: All the good domains aren’t taken! Get a little creative. Come up with a few ideas, then go to Hover and see if they’re available. If you really get stuck there are sites such as Bust a Name or Nameboy that can help. Once you find the domain of your dreams, grab it! They’re cheap!
2. Sign Up for Hosting: I highly recommend Lunarpages shared hosting. I’ve use them for over a decade and never had a complaint. Click the link above and sign up, using your shiny new domain name!
   If you want hassle-free managed WordPress hosting with full WordPress support, check out WP Engine.

Choose a Theme

Let’s be honest- you might not need a premium theme. There are some great free ones available at WordPress.org. Even the built in TwentyTwelve theme that comes with WordPress is customizable (to a point) and might be enough for your needs. I’ve used it myself for a client’s simple site recently. But you’re ready to move beyond the limits of a free blog; why choose a limiting theme? For the past couple years I find myself constantly turning to StudioPress. The StudioPress Genesis framework comes with built-in security and search engine optimization, and the support that comes with Genesis is worth so much more than the price.

1. Head over to StudioPress and read more about why it rocks! Then go choose from over 40 child theme designs, each with built-in customization options. Get both Genesis and a gorgeous child theme for as low as only $79.95! Don’t see what you want? Let Pixel Currents modify or create a perfect theme, just for you. (NOTE: if you would like Pixel Currents to design your theme please do not purchase a child theme until after consulting with us.)
2. That was easy…

Just a Couple More Things…

We like to start our clients out with a few powerful plugins. In order to make use of these plugins, we recommend that you go ahead and set up the necessary accounts ahead of time so you’re ready to go.

1. Register at WordPress.com. While you don’t need a WordPress.com account to run a self-hosted WordPress site, you do need one to take advantage of the amazing Jetpack plugin, which gives your site superpowers!
2. Register at Disqus.com. WordPress comes with a robust commenting system out of the box, but if you want your readers to be able to comment using their existing social media accounts, and keep your comment moderation headaches to a minimum, Disqus is the way to go!

Ready… Set…

You’ve got the toolkit assembled, now it’s time to build! If you’re a comfortable DIYer go for it!

If you would like Pixel Currents to install, set up, and/or customize your WordPress site, please complete the form below. When we receive it we’ll be in touch for the details and to schedule a complimentary 30 minute phone consultation!

Interesting infographic from StudioPress that shows the results of a survey by WordPress.

How Developers are Driving the Business Adoption of WordPress [Infographic].