Instagram Stories help companies strike up a conversation with their followers. Here are the four reasons why they should be part of your strategy.
In 2016, we got Instagram Stories. Some folks said, “It’s just a Snapchat rip-off.” They doubted Instagram could catch up with Snapchat which introduced Stories first. Fast-forward five years, Instagram’s getting ahead through innovation and new features that pull in users.
Why should firms even consider Instagram Stories?
First, Instagram Stories is simple to use, allowing instant interaction with users and followers. According to a study by Microsoft, humans now have an attention span of 8 seconds, down from 12. This fall is pinned on the rise of technology. The short attention span today makes it perfect for Instagram Stories. Plus, they’re perfectly at home on mobile tech, letting you post at any time and from anywhere. This is crucial if you’re on the move a lot.
Stories are for vertical viewing, unlike Instagram’s usual square posts. Another perk? They vanish after 24 hours, so don’t stress over them clashing with your overarching aesthetic. Just let them be.
So, why should companies today consider using Instagram Stores? Here are four key benefits why;
Instagram enables diverse content publishing
Instagram Stories unlocks the ability to share varied types of content. You can post anything, unhindered by concerns about the “uniformity” or “visual appeal” of your posts. Launching a new product or service? Giving a sneak peek at your workplace? Featuring an employee’s story? Revealing a competition’s winner? Whether it’s promotional images, flicks, light-hearted content, or a steady stream of unique material, you can liven up your Instagram Stories and boost your brand. Make content that keeps your audience returning!
Instagram aids businesses in expanding their audience
As a business owner, always search for novel ways to grow your audience. When pondering over the right social media platform for your company, remember Instagram’s proficiency at enhancing brand visibility. Over the years, Instagram has rolled out many features aimed at helping businesses and brands reach their target audience.
Put in place location tags. They helps your company or product stand out on Instagram Stories, both near and far. You can tag your city, country, or even a specific spot. Different age groups might see your tag based on where you tag yourself.
Add hashtags! They’re tools on Instagram Stories to help people find you. In the same way, you use them in posts and comments, put them in your stories too.
ALSO READ: HOW TO GROW YOUR INSTAGRAM BUSINESS ACCOUNT
Instagram Stories: A routine way for companies to chat with their viewers
Most Instagram users are millennials. Holding their attention takes work, understanding, and time. Figuring out how to talk to them on social media is key. Instagram has new options for their Stories feature, including:
Poll creation. Polls in Instagram Stories engage viewers. They are a tool for finding out what your audience likes (or dislikes) through their response.
Ask questions or get questions. ‘Ask me questions’ in Instagram Stories helps you connect with followers. Whether you pose a question or let them ask, it’s a win-win. They understand more about you and your brand. In turn, you get to know them better too!
People get labels. You can tag others in your Instagram Stories, like in posts. When you tag firms, entrepreneurs, or influencers, your brand gets more noticeable. When tagged in your stories, people can share it, hiking up your exposure.
Instagram boosts website traffic
Instagram Stories can grow your business by promoting site-traffic content. If you sell products online, you can guide your followers to shop on your site. A Facebook study showed one-third of Instagram users are more interested in a brand or item after viewing it in stories. Instagram unveiled a shopping feature in stories this year. Aimed at bolstering e-commerce, it allows firms to:
Try out shopping bag alerts. Users can tap on indicated items in stories and buy them on your site. Instagram’s product tags enable instant, integrated access to product info.
Add the “Swipe Up” option. If you aim to boost site visits, Instagram Stories’ “Swipe Up” feature helps. Including effective, interactive Calls to Action (CTAs) guides your buzzoid likes to your blog, landing pages, and more.
ALSO READ: INSTAGRAM NOW LETS USERS BUY PRODUCTS VIA DIRECT MESSAGES (DMs)
Understanding Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories is a handy tool for social media marketing, once you grasp its full potential. Here are some common questions answered about this feature and its exciting capabilities.
- Can I see who viewed my Instagram Stories?
Yeah, that’s easy! Instagram Stories lets you see who has been checking out your posts. Just click on the story then swipe up. An eye icon will appear, and Instagram will display a count of viewers and their IDs. Only you get to see this!
- Is my Instagram Stories available to everyone?
You decide this! We have privacy controls. If your account’s private, only your approved followers see your story. If it’s public, it’s visible to all. If using Instagram for business, a public account might be best. But you can change this as needed.
- How do I put music in my Instagram story?
You can add music to your story in two ways. First, when you add a sticker, you can also add a music icon. This opens a music library. Choose a song that sets your post’s mood. Second, select music before recording a video. It plays in the background during your shoot.
- Want to put a link in your Instagram story?
No sweat! Just go left to start your story, then hit ‘Insert Link’ at the top. Next, click ‘URL’ or put in a link, select ‘Done’ and share away.
- Can you find old Instagram Stories?
Think an Instagram Story vanishes after a day? Not quite. Instagram has a feature for you to see, download or reshare old stories. Just tap on the ‘Clock’ icon top right of your profile and voila! Old stories at your fingertips.
- Why can’t I reply to Instagram Stories?
Cannot reply? It’s the user’s settings. They can either block all replies or let followers reply.
- Do Instagram Stories appear in order?
Ever wonder how Instagram ranks stories? It puzzled many! But tech folk dug it out. For 50 views or less, it’s first come, first serve. More than 50 views? The algorithm kicks in weighing comments, Direct Messages, and the like.
- How do I save an Instagram story video?
You’ve got options! Download Instagram videos using a special app. Or save them right on Instagram. Look for the clock icon we talked about. This lets you save individual stories to your phone or in your Highlights.
ALSO READ: HOW TO DOWNLOAD INSTAGRAM VIDEOS AND REELS
Extra ways brands can amp up Stories
Instagram Stories give brands lots of fun ways to connect with people. Here’s a list of ideas to get your fans chatting with you.
- Make a quiz
Instagram added a cool feature to their polls. Now users can pick from different answers in their stories. The Polls sticker is up at the top right of your camera screen. Add your question and answers, then post your story just like usual.
- Show off deals and items
Instagram has tons of ways to get your products in front of people. Use the countdown tool to hype up special events like product launches. You can also use the Highlights section to teach people about your products. Plus, try Q; sessions and sales promotions.
- Recycle
Instagram Stories only last 24 hours, but you can make them live longer. Share your Stories across your social media platforms. If you link Instagram and Facebook, you can share a post to Facebook automatically. Or do it yourself if you prefer. You can also download and save your Instagram Stories to share on Pinterest or TikTok.
Apps for share-worthy content creation
Want to jazz up your Instagram Stories? Numerous apps can help. Let’s look at some:
Try Adobe Spark
Adobe Spark, an online and mobile design app, makes creating eye-catching social graphics a breeze. You can swiftly add text, create images, or design graphics. Tweaking filters, applying color themes, or juggling with typography styles is easy.
Consider InShot
InShot makes video and photo editing simple. Interesting features like adding music or text, altering video speed, rotating text, and applying filters make it a hit. With its user-friendly interface and remarkable results, it draws lots of users. But the free version carries watermarks. For a watermark-free experience, a $2.99 subscription is required. But if you’re heavily into video making, InShot offers value for your money.
Look at Unfold
Another gem, Unfold, aims to assist in crafting outstanding social media content. It enables story creation that pops in your Canadian followers‘ feeds. Apart from Instagram, it works on other social platforms too. It lets you create a centralized hub for all your accounts, making content customization a cakewalk. The free version comes loaded with story creation, customization, and sharing options, alongside templates, fonts, and stickers. One-time purchases or subscriptions can unlock more.
Canva
Canva is a tool for design. It can add graphics, layouts, and logos to your videos and pictures. Many apps do this, making them great for all users. But, Canva shines when it comes to design. Business cards and brand images can be made with this app.
Over / GoDaddy Studio
Over is also called GoDaddy Studio. This mobile photo editing app is brilliant. You can create awesome brand content. There are various options including, text, color, font, and background.
Placeit
Placeit gives you tons of ready-to-use templates for your videos or images. It is so easy to use. Perfect for making Instagram posts fast. It has a vast template library to make designs swiftly, but seasoned designers may find it basic.
These tricks can help in your business’s Instagram stories. Stories are a key part of your social media strategy, especially likes on Instagram.