Are You Using Instagram Stories to Their Fullest Potential?
If you’re looking for a new way to elevate your visual content strategy and increase follower engagement - and you’re not already using it - Instagram Stories are the next strategic puzzle piece to consider incorporating in your marketing plans.
Instagram has integrated the best features within Stories to really get to know your audience more than you would by just reading their comments on posts. You give your followers an opportunity to share their ideas, feelings, and thoughts on your brand by letting them vote, rate, and collaborate in Stories.
So, What are Instagram Stories?
Instagram stories are a feed of photos and videos that will disappear from your profile about twenty-four hours after they were originally posted, and they’re different from a post or a “reel” (an Instagram Reel is the latest video feature that is stored in a different section of your profile) in that they appear at the top of your newsfeed when your profile picture lights up when there’s something new. You can also “Highlight” these stories so they are attached to your profile permanently.
Instagram Stories are viewed in a slideshow, with each picture appearing on the screen for just seven seconds before moving on to the next. Videos can last up to fifteen seconds.
Why You Should Be Using Stories
Instagram Stories are an easy way to show your followers new and fresh content right at the center of their feeds. Stories are scientifically addicting: they’re easy to tap through, and offer an behind the scenes look in an informal, spur-of-the-moment way.
→ Next Page Insight: Did you know that the average number of feed posts published by influencers has declined every year since the introduction of Stories?
Stories are also a great way for you to practice off-the-cuff content that builds trust with your audience. Authenticity is paramount in the world of social media.
Posting Your First Story is as Easy as 1, 2, 3
Open the Instagram application and select the camera swipe to the left. A camera will open for you.
Tap the white circle at the bottom of the screen to take a picture. Press and hold the button to record a video. Swipe up to use pictures or videos saved on your phone.
After posting, check to see who’s viewed your Story by clicking your profile picture in your newsfeed and looking at the view count in the bottom right corner. Swipe up to see who is watching!
Getting Fancy
There’s a lot of cool features you can use to enhance your Instagram Story.
Use Stickers: Tap the “Sticker Icon” at the top of the screen (the square that’s smiling with a folded corner) and select your sticker of choice! These allow you to engage with your followers or dress up your Story.
→ Next Page Insight: If you’re new to Stories, here’s a helpful hint when it comes to decorating your visuals: less is more.
Add Text: Simply click the screen after adding your visual and type away!
Use Hashtags: Using a hashtag sticker or including a hashtag in your text will make your Story discoverable with a broader audience.
Take a Poll: Ask followers a question and allow them to answer with two pre-set options. This is an awesome tool for engagement!
Ask a Question: Let followers ask YOU questions with this question box. Answer the questions with video responses for extra engagement!
Highlight Stories: If you want to keep a Story on your profile permanently, click the “Highlight” icon in the corner of your Story as it’s running. Create a new highlight or add it to one you’ve made previously on your profile!
Go “Live”: Going live on Instagram will happen through Stories - it allows you to stream a live broadcast to your followers in real-time and answer questions in-the-moment. You can even invite a friend to join your live feed to increase your audience reach!
→ Next Page Insight: While there’s nothing wrong with images, videos are inherently more engaging and can bring in more consistent followers. The more casual (think having a conversation with a friend - NOT a rehearsed speech) the better!
In the end, there’s one thing you need to remember: consistency matters. Posting new content on a regular basis will keep your content top-of-mind, establish trust, and build a stronger following altogether.
Oh, and don’t forget to have fun with it!
When in doubt, call the Next Page Branding Strategies team to help! Contact us to get started, today.